Hello BT Photographers!!!!

OK - so I have decided that it's time for me to get back into some U/W photography. When my hubby started diving I let him "take over" but I need my own set up now.

So - what is your recommendation for U/W photo equipment? I know, it's like asking what's the best dive site or restaurant on Bonaire. But that aside - do you have a set up that you like or love? I'm trying to keep it under $1,200 for the whole kit and caboodle.

I would really appreciate any feedback and in return I'll provide some trip reports and photos...and maybe even a Bright or two

Hello Yo MO-
Whatever you select you might want to look at B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/) for selection and competitive pricing. Having been purchasing our above water and underwater cameras and lenses for many years. Many professionals, an amateurs like me, use them.

Looking forward to seeing your photos in the future.

Neptune Nick
P.S. I use a SEA&SEA DX-1G with dual YS-110 Strobes.

The Olympus Pen EP-1 and EP-2 are getting killer reviews.
At a much lower price you might look on Ebay for an Olympus SP 350.
They are occasionally available at around $200. Olympus makes (or made) an UW housing for that camera.
Check availability and cost of the housing before buying any camera!
My recommendation would be to get a camera that allows operation in "manual" mode.

Mara -

If you go the used (ebay) route - which i have had fantastic luck with on my Cannon G9s - you may want to see if you can get two cameras - that way if your housing was ever to fail and the camera went obsolete you'd have a spare and wouldn't have to by a new housing right away... just a thought....

That's EXACTLY my thought Carl. I have a housing unit that had fit an Olympus camera which, when it failed, it was no longer available and I couldn't find it on ebay either. Anyone want an old housing for an Olympus 2020 (I think that's the model) LOL!

Mara - check digitaldiver.net and wetpixel.com. Both boards have product reviews and want ads.

I got a duplicate rig (camera and housing... plus the seller threw in a macro lens) for less then my original housing alone off one of those boards... I don't remember which right now, LOL!

oh yeah... I use a Fuji E-900 in an Ikelite housing. No strobes or external lenses at this point in time.

(Message edited by morgans4me on August 17, 2010)

You can take good pics with the camera flash alone if you are CLOSE to the subject.
Another option is to shoot UP, allowing sunlight to help illuminate the background.
Ask your hubby; he will give you more advice than any on this board.

Hey Grunt - actually my husband is NOT the real photographer in our household. No insult to him or you, he just was interested and so I let him use what I had, then we upgraded the housings for him, got him a video setup and let him enjoy doing photo/video stuff while I watched over our diving children. Now that the "kids" are each Rescue divers and I am not certifying anyone anymore I am again wanting to get back into what I enjoyed so long ago. And things have changed. Who knew you didn't have to use 35mm film and develop the film in the dark room at the back of the liveaboard boat anymore - LOL!

Digital photography is evolving so fast that anything you can purchase today is replaced by a new model in a short time.
Here are a few places to look at for ideas of what is available.
I hope these help.

http://www.digitaldiver.net/

http://wetpixel.com/

http://www.uwpmag.com/

http://photo.net/learn/underwater/primer

I have 3 camera/housing set ups, and haven't had any problems with any of them. Ron I removed some of your post that goes against posting policies ,please do not advertize anyting for sale on BT
(Message edited by ronindiana on August 18, 2010)

(Message edited by modfreddie on August 19, 2010)

As an avid,but budding U/W photographer, I am excited about my upcoming shore diving experience, in Bonaire, from October 16 October 30, 2010. I am particularly excited about the many shore dives with little or no current.
I have dove, in Cozumel, with its' drift dives, which aren't particularly good for developing my underwater photo skills.

I am shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II with Sea and Sea housing and Y110a strobes. I have been using my 17mm - 40mm wide angle, in Cozumel. I am interested in purchasing a macro lens and possible fisheye lens for Bonaire. Any ideas?

Also, any SLR users who would like to share their experience with F stops, speeds and lighting would be greatly appreciated too.

Looking forward to lots of comments

Eddie

During my stay in Bonaire. I am looking for dive buddies, especially those who like to "shoot" the underworld.

Thanks again
Eddie

(Message edited by shutterup on September 4, 2010)