Underwater photography - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/01/2011 07:58:04 PM · #1

Hi
I am thinking about buying an underwater camera and am looking for recommendations?
I have looked at the Pentax Optio WG-1, it looks pretty good. Does anyone have one of these, is it good, what do you like about it?
What camera do you use?
What do you like about it?
What do you not like about it?
Cheers
C

Dr.Confuser

Nikon D800

07/01/2011 08:13:49 PM · #2

Specs say waterproof to 33 feet. Fine for snorkling. Not fine for SCUBA.

I use a Canon G7 in a waterproof housing and get fine results. My wife uses a Canon G10 in a waterproof housing and gets good results. We've had these below 100 feet without any problems. Controls through the housing require some practice and gloves make it trickier. But they work well for us.

These were taken with the G7:

taken at about 100 feet

taken at about 70 feet

Message edited by author 2011-07-01 20:14:47.

JulietNN

Canon EOS R7

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

07/01/2011 08:44:11 PM · #3

I got these with a relativily cheap underwater housing ziplock bag and my old Canon50D

It is a thought and something to look into if you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars

Type I used

07/02/2011 03:09:43 AM · #4

Cool, cheers.
I was wondering about housing bags, I wonder how reliable they are, dont want my nikon to get wet if it fails.
But then the pentax that I am looking at is a few hundred dollars more than a decent bag and then I have 2 cams.
Hmm, not sure. Great images though!
C

MargaretNet

Sony DSC-RX100 VII

07/02/2011 04:12:40 AM · #5

I used to scuba dive with an old underwater film camera called Nikonos IV (I still have it!). The biggest problem was the light. If you are close to the surface (<10m) and the sun is shining you can get all colors and details. Any deeper red becomes green, water is murky and you need a powerful flash. I have a large underwater flash to help solve the problem but it was still very tricky. I think if I got back to it today I would use my 550D (T2i) with a proper housing and an external flash or stick to maximum depth of 10m (I think Juliet's great shots are just under water surface) and SD95 with a proper underwater housing.

Another problem is that you need a wide angle lens so you can get close to the subject to get the best light. I used to love taking underwater photos, the camera made me lose all sense of fear and I could even get close to the reef sharks! (but nothing bigger than 6 feet!) Great experience.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

07/02/2011 05:22:32 AM · #6

Originally posted by MargaretN:

nothing bigger than 6 feet

6 FEET?
Are you kidding?
2 Feet at a push!
Lol.
Where abouts in Melbourne are you? I am in Frankston.

MargaretNet

Sony DSC-RX100 VII

07/02/2011 07:46:37 AM · #7

I am in Hurstbridge, quite some distance away from the sea! I used to dive in the Bay, mainly from Portsea. I did a tide dive once and while flying with the current I realized that if anything from my gear got caught on the rocks I would be in real trouble! So I never did that again! I prefer diving on the Great Barrier Reef, the warm water and the amazing underwater scenery are what great diving is about. Where are you planning to go diving?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

07/02/2011 09:51:43 AM · #8

Originally posted by Spork99:

I have the Canon D10...it really is a go anywhere camera. I took it on a winter backpacking trip where the temps dropped as low as -25F and the cam was fine. I've taken it swimming in the lake, running in the mud, mounted it on a 4-wheeler to shoot video. It's taken it all and come back for more.

hopefulcrafty1

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

07/02/2011 12:27:45 PM · #9

I have a SeaLife DC1200. I got the Elite Package for about $650 and it came with a wide angle lens and a strobe. Since this camera is designed for underwater use it is very easy to use and change setting underwater. You can even easily switch between video and still pics underwater. It also has underwater white balance settings to account for the color changes underwater. A strobe is a must for being at any reasonable depth.

The downside is that it is a point and shoot, so you loose some of the control that you are used to with a DSLR. I would not trust one of the plastic bag thingies with my DSLR and could not justify the $1200-1500 cost of the DSLR enclosures.

Another upside of the sealife is as it is designed for use underwater it has positive buoyancy (it will float up) and has the ability to add weights to make it neutrally buoyant. This is a plus as if it happens to get away from you underwater. I never thought that this would happen to me, but when having to do a side entry from a rather tall boat the cord attaching the camera to me snapped upon hitting the water. Instead of the camera falling to the bottom of the ocean, it was just a few feet in front of me.

A few Pics:
Barracuda
Angel Fish

Are you an experienced diver? My husband and I are looking for a place to go diving this summer. Any recommendations of a favorite spot?

Message edited by author 2011-07-02 12:29:35.

Nobody

Pentax K-S2

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Pentax

07/02/2011 05:11:27 PM · #10

I bought an olympus stylus to play with at the beach and pool. I mention it only because it is similar to the pentax you are looking at. The big plus with these cameras is that they are very durable and take pretty nice shots when the conditions are right:

The big downside is that it is very difficult to see the screen to compose your shot. As such, you never really know what you have until you are done and can review the shots on dry land.

I have always wanted to try the zip-lock-type camera bags, but have never been willing to trust them and "take the plunge".

MargaretNet

Sony DSC-RX100 VII

07/02/2011 05:20:47 PM · #11

Originally posted by Nobody:

The big downside is that it is very difficult to see the screen to compose your shot. As such, you never really know what you have until you are done and can review the shots on dry land.

Are you wearing swimming goggles underwater? Another option is a scuba diving mask.

Nobody

Pentax K-S2

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Pentax

07/02/2011 11:22:57 PM · #12

I should try the mask. I do use goggles, but without my glasses, it doesn't do much good. The viewfinder is just too small.

Dr.Confuser

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/02/2011 11:54:28 PM · #13

Originally posted by Nobody:

I should try the mask. I do use goggles, but without my glasses, it doesn't do much good. The viewfinder is just too small.

For a modest up-charge, you can buy a mask with prescription lenses. This is what I use and it's WONDERFUL.