Lighting question strobe/others

[divingtigger]

Hi. Right now I am only diving on vacation in warmer climates and during the day. I have done one or two night dives in the last 20 dives. I am using a Canon powershot S230 camera with the associated canon housing. I am thinking of adding a light for better pictures. First do I need one? I've read that the canon housing has a good difuser. Can I just buy a mini torch like the Ikelite Mini PCm or Ikelite Mini PCa (hand held light under $100) to hold up to provide a little more light and have as an all purpose light? or would that not work as well. I have 2 young kids and other expensive hobbies so I am looking for the cheapest way to get this done. I also take pride in everything I do so Half arsed is not an option. I really like to show off my pictures.

This winter I am planning on diving the Cenotes in Mexico and ocean around.

Thanks

 

[dbh]

the only thing that a flashlight will help with is auto-focusing. It will have no effect on your pictures. you need a strobe to take your shots to the next level.

HTH,
Dave

 

[divingtigger]

Ok thanks. Any recomendations for the right strobe?

 

[Warren_L]

There are a number if popular strobe manufacturers out there, so lots to choose from. Ikelite, Sea & Sea and INON are a few to check into. Go to Reef Photo or Adorama and you can check out prices. Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros Adorama

 

[divingtigger]

Ok thanks. What would be the best bet for a $400 and under range strobe? I'm kinda on a tight budget right now

 

[Warren_L]

I'm not up on current pricing, but I had a set of INONs that I used with my Oly C5050 which I believe were under $400 a piece when I bought them.

 

[PriusDrIVER]

I don't think you are going to find many (any?) strobes that fit that price range. Strobes are going to start at $400 and then you need a tray, arms, and a sync cord...so realistically you are in the $600-750 range I would guess. Sea&Sea is probably the lowest cost option with the YS-27DX @ $400 or the YS-110 in the $550-600 range. Then add a fiber optic sync cord, a tray and arm.

 

[divingtigger]

What about the SEALIFE SL960D? or am I confusing a flash for a strobe? If so what is the difference?

 

[divingtigger]

Or should I just bite the bullet and buy this:

eBay.ca: Sea & Sea DX-750G Digital Underwater Camera + Flash Kit (item 160168795670 end time 24-Oct-07 17:29:35 EDT)

Right now the digiatl camera I am using for scuba is only used for scuba anyways