Thinking of investing in new DSLR, housing, strobes. Is anyone using a Nikon D3100 in an Ikelite housing?

Any feedback appreciated.

Nikon / Canon, Flip a coin. No-one would fault you for either choice.

Sue and I use Nikon bodies (me - D200, Sue - D90) and Nikkor and Sigma Lenses.

The DX sensor size works fine for us. We don't see a need for a full frame sensor. The option of shooting video with the D90 (also available on the D3100 and most other current DLSRs) is a fun plus.

As far as housings go, I'm a little rough on my equipment, so I went for an aluminum housing (Aquatica), Sue also has an Aquatica housing so all the ports and extension rings are interchangeable.

The Ikelite housings are very good and somewhat less expensive though.

For strobe control, we both use TTB (Though the Brain) instead of TTL. If you plan to use TTL, my understanding is that Ikelite Housings only do TTL with Ikelite strobes, but my info may be outdated.

You may want to call an underwater photoshop like Reef Photo or Backscatter and talk it over with them.

And as a final step, if there is a dive show in your area, check the equipment out in person to see how it feels in your hands. Sue has small hands and some housings were awkward for her to reach all the controls.

Above all, have fun with your search !

Thanks T-Shirt ... I am replacing a dated Nikon 990 in an Ike housing and Ike D50 strobe, which I have been happy with, but only 3MP and not SLR. Thought I would stick with Nikon-Ikelite combo, but have several friends who are shooting Canon's and like them a lot, so maybe time for a change. I really like see-through housings, so I can get visible confirmation of no leaks. The Nikon 3100 is relatively new, so looking for some feedback from shooters using this combo. Thanks again, appreciate the input.

KOB, the D3100 is an entry level camera. This is what I was told by a Nikon Rep at a recent photo show. If you are an experienced photographer, you may want to check out the D90. A much better camera and still reasonably priced.

The problem I had with my brief encounter with Ike housings was the volume of air in them and their light weight. This meant lots of lead and I called the rig Godzilla as it was huge and heavy. When I added the wide angle port it was an absolute nightmare. Sea & Sea for me know with Nikon DSLRs. John I agree TTL is beaten by TTB.

Nestor -- thanks for the insight. Appreciate the good feedback.

Brian -- my current Ike housing with camera inside and a single strobe is negatively buoyant. I have actually put a little styrofoam on the base in the past to get it close to neutral. I will have to check with Ike on the specific setup when I figure out what it will be.

Thanks to all for the good input.