Almost ready for SP-350 and PT-030...

[jbichsel]

I've been chasing the digital U/W bug for a while and am almost ready to cough up the $$.

I've tried pursuing a housing for my Nikon Coolpix 5700 and all the options are either discontinued or to expensive. Even at $500 for an Ikelite 6191, I can't come to spend that much just for the housing. Maybe I'm nuts.

So here are my thoughts and request for info and alternatives:

Costco is currently selling the SP-350 for $199.99, still need memory card. I'm thinking 1GB but am curious if the SP-350 will work with the new 2GB cards.

PT-030 - I've seen these from $175-$190 - anyone have other options or can recommend a good source?

I know the combo of these is getting up close to the $500 mark, which as I type this, makes me have second thoughts on the Ikelite for my 5700. It's brand new with warranty.

The 5700 takes great photos above water, but I don't know that it has enough adjustment for U/W. Also the LCD screen is small, just over 1" which could be an issue. Trying to sell the 5700 has resulted in my deciding to keep it rather than settle for maybe $200.

Technology depreciation is worse than cars.

I would greatly appreciate any information, ideas, opinions or alternatives you guys could throw my way.

Thanks.

 

[Chris Bangs]

Yes Digital photography is ending up being more expensive than Film. just keeping up with the technology is becomming quite costly. I am trying to limit my upgrade path to every 2 years, but Nikon just has me throwing that to the wind with the D80

having said that, Spending money on NEW housing for a outdated or soon to be outdated camera is not advisable.

If you do decide to keep it, check Ebay. you may find someone selling a UW kit for less than you paid for the camera. or possibly some poor sole who flooded one and is dumping the housing.

cheers

 

[jbichsel]

I check Ebay regularly and housings for the 5700 are rare. Ikelite discontinued the 6191 for it. There are a couple of European manufacturers that still make them but at $1,500 that seems a bit insane.

The 5700 is a great camera, takes fantastic photos. I've even blown some up to 24" x 36" on our HP Designjet 130nr and they are awesome! So the technology is solid and not in question as to viability, just age and lacking some newer beels and whistles.

But the quality of an Ikelite housing for $495 for the 5700, versus a new camera and Oly housing (with the potential of mixed results), leads me to question which path to take.

 

[Penopolypants]

I got my PT-030 from 17th St. Photo...They were very pleasant and professional to deal with.

http://www.17photo.com/product.asp?id=202021

They also carry the SP350 for $179
http://www.17photo.com/product.asp?id=202021


I have the 1G Type M card that I got for $50 from Frye's a few months ago, and it looks like they have the 2G now for $70.

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4960021?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

The M cards are better than the H cards. I think the difference is that the M cards write faster than the H cards, but someone with more knowledge should probably verify that.

I love my setup, and I haven't had any problems with it, but NWGratefuldiver has had some difficulties with his housing and Olympus customer service, so that is something to think about. For the price it is a very nice setup that's hard to beat.

Since technology is upgrading faster than most people's pocketbooks can handle, I wouldn't worry too much about it being discontinued. Whatever new setup you buy will be discontinued eventually as well (as you found with the housing for your camera).

 

[jbichsel]

I got my PT-030 from 17th St. Photo...They were very pleasant and professional to deal with.

http://www.17photo.com/product.asp?id=202021

They also carry the SP350 for $179
http://www.17photo.com/product.asp?id=202021


I have the 1G Type M card that I got for $50 from Frye's a few months ago, and it looks like they have the 2G now for $70.

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4960021?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

The M cards are better than the H cards. I think the difference is that the M cards write faster than the H cards, but someone with more knowledge should probably verify that.

I love my setup, and I haven't had any problems with it, but NWGratefuldiver has had some difficulties with his housing and Olympus customer service, so that is something to think about. For the price it is a very nice setup that's hard to beat.

Since technology is upgrading faster than most people's pocketbooks can handle, I wouldn't worry too much about it being discontinued. Whatever new setup you buy will be discontinued eventually as well (as you found with the housing for your camera).

Funny, I bought my 5700 from 17th Street three years ago. They were great and had the best price at the time. I have checked their site also.

I read NWGD's experience with his Oly housing which causes me to hesitate and makes me wonder about the Ikelite housing for my 5700.

I'm not concerned about the housing or camera being discontinued, I know Ikelite will stand behind their products.

I'm just in a quandry as to whether to spend $500 on a housing for my current camera, which has some limitations like the small LCD, not knowing whether settings will be adequate for U/W; or spend $500 for a whole new camera and Oly housing that isn't up to Ikelite quality.

I just don't want buyers remorse. I've come to grips with the technology obsolete issue.

 

[Charlie59]

The H type card is High speed and is supposed to help with the data storage in the RAW setting. Compatability of cards can be checked at olympus.com

 

[Penopolypants]

Oops you're right, I'm getting my alphabet confused. I have the H not M card, and the H writes faster.

 

[rhyz]

Sp-350 can use up to 1gig card from what I've read. I got my 350 the other day and have been fooling around with it and want to shot RAW so was looking into getting extras cards for it.

 

[Scubasw]

If your still considering a housing for your Nikon 5900 look here http://www.fantasea.com/product_details.asp?id=107
I use this housing for my 7900 camera and have been very happy with it. All of my recent pictures on my homepage were taken using this housing/camera.

They also have trays/arms and flashes for this housing/setup.

 

[Jinjer]

I just got a SP-350 with the PT-030 housing at the beginning of the month while in Grand Cayman. I got it with the TTL adaptor which provides full TTL capability with my Sea & Sea strobe. I also picked up the Inon wide angle lens to use with it.

I think it is a great setup, and have been very happy with the results. My issues now are not the camera, but my own abilities to properly aim my strobe and get close..

I liked the camera so well, that I picked up another one from Costco for $199, because the price is too good to pass up.

I did post some of the photos I took with the camera.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=159172