TimG

Hi DiverTess I've been using a D500 since 2017 when it replaced my D800. So, perhaps counter-intuitively, I've moved (back) from FX to DX. And, yep, I use the Tokina 10-17mm. I cannot see any difference in the images between the FX and the DX D500. The AF on D500 is highly-rated and is the equivalent of the then Nikon flagship DSLR D5. I cannot honestly say that the D500's AF system has ever led to me missing a shot. User error has though, of course! I moved back from the FX D800 to the DX D500 largely because of the issues surrounding housing wide-angle lenses on FX: large domes, crappy edges, nothing really equivalent to the Tokina. The FX body with its 230 domeport was a pain to transport. This will apply to the Z wide-angle lenses if you go for a Z8. Part of the decision making process is of course, the use you want intend for your images. If you want to blow them up beyond A3 then, yeah, maybe FX is worthwhile. But for on-screen use, I would argue FX is not worthwhile. In addition, I sell lots of my underwater images (10,000+ through Shutterstock plus other agencies) and no-one has ever suggested that, tsk, these were shot with a DX camera. On housing, discontinuations etc.... I've been using Subal housings since 2003 and only once have had to have one serviced and that was, dah-dah, user error with me letting a half teaspoon of sea water get in. And during the time I did several periods where I was doing 200+ dives a year. I'm sure Nauticam housings are equally robust. I would not worry too much about a housing being discontinued. Someone will be able to service it if that is necessary. Ditto on the actual cameras. Yep, the D500 is ?no longer on sale but I'm sure it would not be difficult to get a good secondhand one if necessary or get one repaired for the foreseeable future. I've argued for ages that we get seduced by the hype surrounding FX cameras. And I'm as guilty of it as anyone. Yes, I have FX for topside (a Z9 - which I really like). But underwater? I'd argue that the negatives outweigh the positives given the costs involved and the difference in output quality. Go with the D500 and a good housing: Nauticam, Subal.... I doubt very much you'd regret it. And you get to keep and use the Tokina! Put the cost of the Z8 to a dive trip (two?) and get some more pics.

Thanks, makar0n. Sobering stuff and well worth a read.

The point is that we do not want members having a go at each other. Respectful communication is number 1 in our Terms and Conditions. Nor do we have any desire to adjudicate in a "He Said, He Said" dispute. We're all adults and from the outset of establishing this forum, we asked that people treat each other with respect, avoid name-calling and if disagreements exist, just agree to disagree - and move on. We have asked a number of times that this spat cease. We really do not want to act like school teachers but this is the end of the road. We will lock this thread if this continues.

Yeah, worked for me too. Super stuff!

RomiK/Massimo - enough. Please now stop. Members can draw out of what you have both set out as they see fit. Please do not continue this exchange any further.

Woah, utter bummer. Anything you think Waterpixels can do to assist, do let us know.

Guys, enough already. Can we move on please? Chris has already asked you nicely to desist.

Hi Jerry! Great to have you with us and we hope you really like Waterpixels. As you may have read on Wetpixel, there were real concerns that the forum is going to die flowing he events surrounding Wetpixel Travel. Hence establishing Waterpixels so we still have a home....... Best wishes and welcome!

Hi theocean That is quite a sale and good luck with it. Really sorry to read though that ill health is the reason for you wanting to sell a very impressive setup. I just wanted to wish you well for a recovery. I hope you’re able to get back in the water before too long. Best wishes

Many thanks, guys. All excellent suggestions. Much appreciated. I'm used to using the vinegar/water mix for other things but just wanted second opinions. 👍 And, yep, as Sarthur1 asks, very slow to return to the "open position" after the button has been pushed in. The computer has indeed always been rinsed thoroughly after use. I think this is a case of it feeling neglected after diving almost every day for 3 years and now not diving since October. Betrayal? Sulking?

I'd welcome some advice please..... Sticky buttons: this is actually on my dive computer, a Scubapro G2. The three chrome buttons which activate the controls are a little sticky largely through, sadly, lack of use over the last few months. What's the best thing to use to get them moving more smoothly? I guess this could also apply to buttons on a camera housing? Thanks!

If you build your own, do post details - it'd be really interesting. On cost, yeah, they are a little pricey but, believe me, the cost is nothing compared to the cost of resolving a problem if there is a leak! I managed to get a half-teaspoon of water in my housing some years ago. Cost of despatch to repairer and back, $200; cost of repair etc, $1200; cost on the wear and tear of my nerves, immeasurable. Vacuum valve? Never leave home without one.

Guys, Cerianthus’ caution are wise words. If you think someone is a scammer perhaps it would be wiser to say that a response raises concerns and doubts in your mind, rather than labelling someone as a scammer. An abundance of legal caution…..

Hey Lutfu! Good to hear from you and we’re delighted you’ve joined us. I’m sure you’ll see lots of familiar names. Welcome to your new home!

Hi rayhendricks! Welcome to Waterpixels. Great to have you with us.

Hi! A warm welcome to Waterpixels. We really hope you like the site and find it useful. Great to have you with us.

Im doing something wrong. I’ve never got anywhere near 50-60%.

I tend to nudge up Contrast and Clarity about 5 points. So not much. Dehaze isn’t on the Preset but maybe should be. I’ve also got -11 on vignetting. Saturation I seldom use. I do like a bit of Vibrance but it’s not on the Preset.

I think youve now seen the thread about this. But tell us what you’re trying to sell and I’m sure you’ll get some suggestions.

A bit like Chris, I don’t spend a lot of time. I use LR with a standard home made preset to adjust Contrast, Dehaze and a couple of other settings on Import. Then a relatively quick look through each image at the end of the day, select those that are worth work (maybe a dozen a dive), those to delete (the majority!), and those worth keeping for maybe work at a later date - another dozen. I then do some work on the chosen dozen to tweak levels, maybe play with Masks to enhance the subject, and maybe a bit of backscatter removal. Perhaps 3-4 mins a picture in total. And that’s pretty much done. Following day a quick review, delete more images and probably keep a total of around 10 from a dive. If it’s a 3 dive day, I’ll probably keep 20-30 images in total. Often much less. I think the key is a quick triage and only select what is really good for a serious edit. Park or delete the rest.

Yeah, none of us are sure what’s happening with the other site. Other than seemingly nothing. Slowly grinding down…. You're right, this is an eclectic and quite amazing community. Rocket scientist or brain surgeon, anyone?

Hey humu9679! Welcome to Waterpixels and thanks for joining. We really hope you find it a good use of your time. The only reason to set it up was because of the uncertainty surrounding “the other forum”. We really did not want to risk losing this community. Good to have you with us.

Thanks for this! Advantages of the EVF. Would you like to explain that a bit more?

I think you could do quite a lot with the jpg. But if you have the RAW, so much the better 👍