Canon T1i goes underwater

[pitdvr]

I recently purchased a T1i and hope to set it up for underwater also. I plan to get the Iikelite housing, port body (5510.24) and the flat port. I have the 18-55mm lens it came with and a 50mm macro on loan. I believe this setup will work with both lenses.
I previously used a Canon a620 underwater. I loved that I could shoot scenery, zoom in for macro and quickly change to video.
Will I find this versatility with this camera?
I am new to dSLR so am not familiar with the lenses.
I will be trying to attach my single Inon strobe to this camera.
Any help would be appreciated

 

[bvanant]

Congratulations I think you will find that your pics can be a lot better with this system. Unfortunately, you won't be able to do some of the things you did with the a620. First you have to realize that the 18-55 kit lens is the equivalent of 28-100 on a full frame camera. The a620 was 35-140 so when you say scenery you were not thinking wide angle. The 50 mm macro lens from Canon is only good for 1:2 or half lifesize so real macro isn't going to be available either. The video capability of the T1i is considerably better than the a620; you can shoot 720P at real frame rates. Single strobe will not be quite enough for some situations, but adding a light for video might be a great option.
Be prepared to open your wallet in the future for better macro and wide angle lenses and ports, but that is much of the fun.
Bill

 

[pitdvr]

Thank you. I plan to eventually buy a 100mm macro lens. What would be a good wide angle? Do I need to know what kind of pictures I plan to take on a given dive and then load the appropriate lens? So if I have a macro lens on I can't suddenly shoot a video of a bull shark? I appreciate any suggestions on lenses. (I won't always be this dumb about dSLR's!)

 

[NWDiverBob]

I would consider the RDX-500d housing for the T1i. I also think that this would be great underwater setup. The wallet will considerably lighter when finished!

 

[pitdvr]

Thanks, I will check that out. I am thinking of sticking with my a620 until I can get this all figured out!

 

[river_sand_bar]

pitdvr... did you have an external strobe with your A620? I am thinking about adding one and could use a little insite into if if possible.

 

[pitdvr]

Yes, I have a Sea & Sea YS 110 TTL strobe. Cathy Church, my underwater digital photography instructor, in Grand Caymen recommended this setup. I have been very happy with it

 

[river_sand_bar]

Awesome, actually I just bought a new Sea & Sea strobe this weekend.

 

[ryssyr]

What would be a good wide angle? Do I need to know what kind of pictures I plan to take on a given dive and then load the appropriate lens?

You are going to really enjoy the camera. I have the 100mm macro and the 15mm fisheye as my primary two lenses. I usually ask the boat captain or DM's(if I'm boat diving) what the conditions look like before putting the ports/lenses on. If its a nice day with clear conditions the wide angle goes on, if its a site with lots of small critters and we are staying pretty much stationary then the macro lens goes on. I usually bring both port/lens setups with me.

you can also get pretty close with the 15mm fisheye and get some really nice shots. For video its a lot easier using a wide angle lens to keep the subjects in focus.

 

[pitdvr]

Thanks,
That is great information!