DiverTess

Hi everyone! So it's been a number of months since I asked this question, and I'd like to thank all of you for your comments and suggestions! I have an update. I decided to stick with my D500, and purchased an Ikelite housing with a dome port for the fisheye. The primary reason for this choice was weight, the secondary one was that I already have an Ikelite housing for my RX100, and was already quite happy with the first one! Finally, the point that @TimG made about saving the money for the next trip was a great one 🙂 I included the vacuum pump option with the housing, and have felt remarkably confident with it, to the point that I upgraded the RX100 housing to also include one. Pros: Lighter; cheaper; service has been quick (one of the latches was a little bit off-centre and was difficult to open -- ie it didn't spring open like it should, but the clamp definitely held once on!) Cons: Inserting the fisheye into the dome port requires a bit of practise, as you are almost doing it blind, and then while holding the camera in place, flipping it over to check that that the 'tongue' has entered the groove of the zoom gear ring; being acrylic, I am concerned about scratching of the dome port and the back plate. Welcome any questions and/or comments. Happy diving!

Thank you, everyone! This has been super useful. I hadn’t come across the issue of the dome port and travel when it comes to the Z8, so am very grateful to hear about unit first-hand. A lot of my diving (and therefore photography!) takes place interstate, so this is very helpful to know. I’ll be heading to two dive shops next week — one only carries Nauticam, and the other has Ikelite and Isotta, so I’ll go and have a go at which feels better in hand!

I currently shoot with a Sony RX100 (VII), housed in Ikelite. I also have a D500, and am considering using that underwater instead. What are people's thoughts on doing this, vs considering the Z range? I was initially thinking of getting a Nauticam housing for the D500 but have been made aware that they have been discontinued. We can still buy them in Australia, but I'm concerned about needing to get spare parts (if the time should come) and not being able to get my hands on any for repairs. This has led me to question whether I should pair the D500 with an Ikelite housing instead, or consider a different brand, or consider one of the Z range instead. I have the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye that I was thinking of using with the D500. If I were to move to the Z8, for example, I'm guessing an adapter plus dome port would not be viable? Plus there is the cost of a brand new camera to consider! Is the Z8 really worth the hype, if you already own the D500? Thank you!

Hello everyone I'm a diver based in Melbourne, and have, over the years, moved from a GoPro to a Sony RX100 ii to most recently, an RX100 vii. I'm loving my journey with underwater photography and have joined in the hopes of learning even more, from others and their experiences. I enjoy diving in the temperate waters of SE Australia, but whenever possible, try to make it to warmer waters to slake my tropical water thirst. I've been lucky enough to dive in the Great Barrier Reef multiple times, Raja Ampat, the Maldives and around Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. I'm hoping to develop my skills as an underwater photographer and videographer and look forward to being part of this community. Tessa