I am a professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University. My research involves diving based studies of the biology of marine caves – see my website at: www.cavebiology.com I have received a grant that includes funds for a digital camera, UW housing and strobes. In particular, I would like to document the animals, ranging from small crustaceans (several millimeters to a few centimeters in length) to fish and sponges as well as wide angle views of larger rooms and passages in the caves. I would like a system toward the better end of the range with depth capabilities of at least 75 m. I will be leaving for the Bahamas in early January so need to order something soon. Can you supply me with any recommendations?
My friend at UTMB just got a grant and ordered a full Fuji S2pro outfit. That's probably the "high end" of the spending range right?
Seriously Tom - a lot depends on your budget. Is there a maximum you have in mind?
Also, if you want to shoot wideangle that makes a big difference too. Do you think that your research demands a camera with no "shutter lag?"
Cheers
James Wiseman
Potentially, I could come up with a max of about $6-8K for the entire system including camera, housing, strobes, lenses, memory card, etc. Some of the Bahamian caves we are studying reach depths greater than 200 ft. so the I am concerned about the limits of the Ikelite housing. Capability to shoot wide angle shots is a must. I previously used the 15 mm lens on the old Nikonos. No shutter lag would be most helpful for shrimps or other actively swimming critters. I am looking for 5-6 megapixel camera that is relatively easy to use and good in low light situations (i.e., caves). I use an HID (high intensity discharge) dive light for our cave diving. These produce a very white (cold) light. I would how these would work as auxillary lighting for digital photography.
Thanks, Tom
HID are not really too cold compared to daylight or strobes, though. The main disadvantage of HID is CRI (color rendering index) which, while high, is not so good for critical work like historical documentation or serious professional shooting. HMI lights are simply HID lights with modifications to improve CRI to >90.
Strobes have far greater reach than any continuous light you could carry yourself. Ignoring that, I think HID is OK for stills. Most here believe otherwise. I'd prefer halogen, though, for the 100 CRI but I understand the advantages of HID is a cave.
5-6MP seems like overkill for fish ID and cave documentation don't you think? The coolpix 5000 seems to be the digicam to house these days, with almost a dozen housings to choose from. It is small - not as cumbersome as a dSLR - which should play to your advantage. Check out Light and motion or aquatica for housings good to 300ft. There are others available as well - search this site.
Strobes may be a little more tricky - I can't think of any off the top of my head that are rated below 200ft. I've taken my sea & sea YS 120s to 220 ish a few times with no trouble, however. Get DEPP insurance!!!
$8000 for the type of system you are looking for would be super overkill. Unless you are looking to expand into artistic photography, I would conserve about 1/2 of that budget - maybe even buy a video camera and housing.
