Author Topic: underwater camera (Read 1299 times)

arky65 · « **on:** February 21, 2005, 09:28:39 AM »

this is probably not the right forum but, is one of the few i visit, so i'm asking here. anybody have any experience with underwater cameras. i go to the caribbean every year to snorkel and fish and for years have used the the little disposable cameras. would like to get some thing a little better.

all advice or recommendations welcome

arky65

Don Fischer · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2005, 03:57:45 PM »

Don't know much about underwater but do know those camera's vary a good deal on what depth you can use them. You might check with ADORAMA in NYC-800-223-2500. I've done a good bit of business with them and they're honest, fair and reliable. You might also check B&H in NYC-800-947-9002. Have never done business with them but great reputation. Both have web sites and advertise in photography magazine's.

Billybob · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2005, 02:21:54 PM »

I know they make underwater cases for alot of the more popular digital cameras. That way you can just load your current digital camera into the case and go swimming. I've seen them on Ebay before. Seems to make more sense than buying an entire new camera just for underwater use.

I've used some of the disposable underwater cameras as well and the pictures aren't too bad. Got a nice close up of a 6 foot barracuda.

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2005, 12:32:24 AM »

I've got a waterproof Minolta that's good down to about 12'. The problem with U/W photography is mostly he flash. You need a good sized flash inorder to overcome the loss of color that starts to occur with the loss of reds after just a few feet beneath the surface. Cameras like mine with a built in flash and disposables just aren't too powerful.

Cheap scuba setups for a few hundred dollars with larger flashes used to be sold in 35mm. I'm not sure about today.

You might check out scuba shops in your vacation area. Some used to rent the cheap setups along with scuba gear.

Snorkeling it's hard to get ckear pictures because you can't usually hold very still for long.

jgalar · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2005, 01:36:15 AM »

The only one I have ever used is the Nikonos, but they run about $800. To restore colors you need a flash. The flash should be seperate from the camera. Flashes that are on the camera may make suspended particles appear as white spots in your picture.

For snorkeling I would hate to drag around a monster setup with camera and large flash unit. I don't know whats available, but I would do some web surfing or go to a scuba forum and see whats available.

Grandpa Jack · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2005, 01:27:59 PM »

Not sure if I made right choice but I'm going to be in southern Florida and nothern keys in a couple weeks for my second time scuba. Have a Canon s500 with Canon and WP-DC800 Waterproof Case on order after seeing photos and videos that my dive instructor shot recently with his. Think I gave about $260 for camera and $160 for case. Thinking is that camera will do double duty to keep wife happy with digital "purse cam" so she quits shooting so much film! Instructor is happy with his with case for bad weather and/or boat/beach fun photography as well. Case is still quite compact and protects camera. Will let you all know in a couple weeks how good a choice I made.

Grandpa Jack

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2005, 09:31:37 AM »

If it's your second time scuba'ing just make sure you don't get so engrossed with picture taking that you don't watch out for yourself and your buddy.