Dive Camera to recommend?

Girl_Next_Door · Post by **Girl_Next_Door** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 2:03 pm

There seems to be quite a diverse crowd here... so I am wondering if anyone who dive and are into underwater photography?

There are so many camera models in the market, that I totally lost track on what is good/bad/cheap/expensive/etc, etc.

Is there anyone who can recommend a recent dive camera model (maybe not more than $500? excluding casing) which is easy to use, and give decent quality pictures?

I'm not looking for the top-end models... but more along the line of something that is easy to use, with reasonably good quality pictures, for land use and diving usage.

Any suggestions?

Girl_Next_Door · Post by **Girl_Next_Door** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 2:08 pm

Oh, I am posting here instead of "Computer, Internet, Mobile Phone & Electronics" because I am looking for divers to recommend, instead of IT geeks to recommend... their recommendations are generally quite different...

pakjohn · Post by **pakjohn** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 2:21 pm

http://www.nextag.com/camera-housing-so ... earch-html

I have a 8mp Sony Cybershot and use a water tight case similar to ones mentioned in the link above. I'm not a professional photographer and prefer the cybershot's automatic controls. If you're just snorkeling they also have fit all plastic bags that are quite sturdy, I used one of those for a few years before moving up to a hard plastic case.

BTW, the disposable underwater cameras are just okay till you get below 4 meters, after that the shutter will open and not close due to the water pressure.

Girl_Next_Door · Post by **Girl_Next_Door** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 3:18 pm

Which model of Sony Cybershot do you have? The DSC-T100 or DSC-T20? How are the photo quality? I know some digital cameras are good for far shots, while some are better in micro shots. I am looking for something that are reasonably good for both... don't have to be top quality, but not blur for either. Underwater photography can be tricky... so prefer something more idiot proof.

I am not looking for a disposable underwater camera because I am using it for diving (not snorkeling...).

pakjohn · Post by **pakjohn** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 6:08 pm

It's a DSCT200, according to the name plate. So far it does a good job for me. I'm really lazy about learning how to use it so I just point and click. I'm very happy with the results.
I personally haven't used it for scuba as I snorkle, but my brother has one just like it and has dived for years, his pictures are great, in my opinion. As for distance, I would imagine the zoom will go out further than the amount of light will permit you to see anyway.

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 6:40 pm

My Canon IXUS 860IS with the bog standard Canon Housing does it for me. I've been through the whole range of Ikelite housed Canon AE-1, Nikonos III & IV, and several others while working u/w commercially over a 20 year period and sport diving for 40. I like the ease of use and quality of pictures I get with the AI in the Canon units. About the only thing you need in addition is a couple of spider-arm mounted slave lites.

The 860IS has come down in price now so you can probably pick up one for around the 500 mark.

etsuyue · Post by **etsuyue** » Mon, 20 Apr 2009 8:49 pm

I just bought an underwater housing for my Canon Ixus 870. It has a special underwater mode which is for diving photography, which should be easy to use for beginners. The camera cost me abit more than $500 and the housing was $290. It's a bit expensive to your requirement, but even for a cheap camera, the housing would be more than $200. Then why not get a better camere..

Girl_Next_Door · Post by **Girl_Next_Door** » Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:10 am

A little more than $500 is alright. Actually, I don't even know how much to budget for a new camera. I know the prices have been coming down, and I have seen some going for less than $300 (but I suspect they are average?), and many go up to more than thousands of dollars. I thought $500 will be a good range? Nothing too crappy, but nothing too over-the-top and sophisticated that I don't know how to use as well.

Oh... the Canon Ixus 870 looks good and compact. Can I know where did you buy your camera and housing? Being a girl, I am always lost when it comes to buying electronic things... I heard Havery Norman sometimes gives you good deals, i.e. extra batteries or memory card? Do you bargain for it, or they just throw it in for you?

Is there a big difference between buying in HN, Courts, Funan etc... for someone is can't bargain.

etsuyue · Post by **etsuyue** » Tue, 21 Apr 2009 2:20 pm

I bought the camera and the housing at "John 3:16 Photo Supplies" at Funan 5th floor. They have an extensive range of cameras for Canon and Nikon. Their price is good and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Many photographers go to that shop also.

pixfirewall · Post by **pixfirewall** » Thu, 23 Apr 2009 2:35 am

Girl_Next_Door wrote:There seems to be quite a diverse crowd here... so I am wondering if anyone who dive and are into underwater photography?

There are so many camera models in the market, that I totally lost track on what is good/bad/cheap/expensive/etc, etc.

Is there anyone who can recommend a recent dive camera model (maybe not more than $500? excluding casing) which is easy to use, and give decent quality pictures?

I'm not looking for the top-end models... but more along the line of something that is easy to use, with reasonably good quality pictures, for land use and diving usage.

Any suggestions?

Get this instead, no underwater casing required..good up to 10 meters..

Olympus Stylus Tough 8000
(mju Tough 8000)

The new top-of-the-range µ TOUGH-8000, is hard as nails and perfect for those who want to push things to their limits. It’s waterproof to 10m***, shockproof to falls from up to 2m**, freezeproof down to temperatures as low as -10°C and crushproof to weights of up to 100kg****. Fellow newcomer, the µ TOUGH-6000 is no wimp either. As well as being freezeproof, this model is waterproof to 3m*** and impervious to drops from up to 1.5m**.

For details check this out!!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/09010 ... stough.asp

Just go to Cathay Photo at Plaza Peninsula @ City Hall if you wanna know the lastest price..last time it was around SGD 650.00 with freebies

Girl_Next_Door · Post by **Girl_Next_Door** » Thu, 23 Apr 2009 3:14 pm

Thanks but I actually prefer a camera which I can go deep sea (up to 30m). Using/buying an underwater case is not an issue to me.

I think I am going for Canon Ixus 870. Seems like quite a few people (including my friends) think that will suit me. Idiot proof yet gives good quality pictures.

Thanks all!

pixfirewall · Post by **pixfirewall** » Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:55 am

Girl_Next_Door wrote:Thanks but I actually prefer a camera which I can go deep sea (up to 30m). Using/buying an underwater case is not an issue to me.

I think I am going for Canon Ixus 870. Seems like quite a few people (including my friends) think that will suit me. Idiot proof yet gives good quality pictures.

Thanks all!

If you're diving regularly..hhmm..why not start investing with a DSLR with underwater casing?

No need to buy a new gear..you could just have it as second hand item.

Check out the link for some ideas and other infos:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=69

carteki · Post by **carteki** » Fri, 24 Apr 2009 1:40 pm

It is ironic that the underwater case - especially with the DSLR's - usually cost more than the camera! I use my 5yr old Olympus C-5000Z with very good results, although it is a bit bulky. Some camera's have an underwater setting that automatically adjusts the amount of red, blue and green light or else you can do it manually with photo software. James at www.dolphinscuba.com(.sg?) in his blog has some tips and hints with regards to underwater cameras.

Girl_Next_Door · Post by **Girl_Next_Door** » Fri, 24 Apr 2009 2:32 pm

pixfirewall wrote:
Girl_Next_Door wrote:Thanks but I actually prefer a camera which I can go deep sea (up to 30m). Using/buying an underwater case is not an issue to me.

I think I am going for Canon Ixus 870. Seems like quite a few people (including my friends) think that will suit me. Idiot proof yet gives good quality pictures.

Thanks all!

If you're diving regularly..hhmm..why not start investing with a DSLR with underwater casing?

No need to buy a new gear..you could just have it as second hand item.

Check out the link for some ideas and other infos:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=69

I dive probably 2-3 times a year, so I won't say I dive regularly. Plus, I am more of a leisure diver for 8 years, who want to capture a few nice dives (instead of every dives I do). Which is why I prefer a reasonably decent day-to-day camera, which allows me to use it for diving (with an underwater casing) as well.

But thanks for the suggestions!

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