Scuba Diving Camera
 

I was wondering what people use to get pictures of when they dive on trips. I dont want a $1,000 camera or anything for one trip but was wondering is it better to buy a camera that can go 65+ feet deep or buy a good camera and get a waterproof case? I'm definetly looking for suggestions and any tips for Diving in Jamaica (Ocho Rios).
Also just looking for opinions should I get diving certified or just snorkal for some.

From what I know about underwater photography, if you want something with DSLR quality you're going to be looking at about $1500 without the camera (for a proper underwater housing and a flash). I think that Olympus sells underwater cases for their underwater cameras (as the high-end one goes to 30 feet max unassisted). They have flashes as well for the set up. Might run you between $600-800 when you're finished but might be something to look into. This is a point-and-shoot cam as well, so remember that when you're worried about picture quality.

The biggest problem with 65+ feet is the lack of light (you lose alot of colors very quickly'). Generally the cameras flash is not enough to get the quality/ colors you will be looking for (This may not be true depending on what type of shots you want to take). Thats where the addition of a strobe comes in. I personally use a Sea & Sea DX-1200HD w/ a YS-110a strobe. Got for just over $1000. From my experience its a combination of both the camera and the strobe. A top end camera with no light won't make for a very good picture.

I think I have found the camera, it doesnt go the 100 feet but at that depth I dont think youd be able to see much anyway (without attachable light). I'm thinkin either
http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_sec...497&page=specs
or the based on continous speed
http://www.olympuscanada.com/cpg_sec...548&page=specs
Both can have attached lights to underwater cases for greater depths

I have the 8010. Works great but I also got the case. Took it down to 80 feet and a friend of mine took it past 100 when i lent it to him. Love it

Still trying to get the photo's off the card since the lap top corrupted the car

The olympus cameras are really just water proof for some fun in the pool or maybe snorkeling, I wouldn't use one diving without a case.

I use a canon G9 with a canon underwater case to match (about a $600-$700 combo at the time).
This picture was taken at about 60-70 feet without a strobe or any flash (iso 400)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...e/IMG_0453.jpg

More pics here:
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=64839

The advantage of this camera is that it's one of the few compacts that has aperture priority mode with a max aperture of f2.8.

Wow those pictures are ridiculous, i hope I can get half as good of pics as those. Definetly considering that setup. Would love other pics from other cameras :lol:

olypus stylus 1030 sw 10.1 megapixel
 

I've got the olympus stylus 1030 sw 10.1 megapixel camera and we took it with us to mexico and went snorkelling with it. It's only rated to 33 feet, but the pictures were not bad (all of them were taken very close to the surface of the water as I am a terrible swimmer).


Attachment 8138

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+1 on the G9
I used mine exclusively for a few years until it was stolen from a locker in Fiji ...

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/e9298071.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/308f110d.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/0b7cfa22.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/a24de6d8.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/353a08b5.jpg

I've been diving down to 80-90' in Horseshoe Bay area and the available light wasn't terrible, this is during the summer however.