first camera

hi

im interested in starting underwater photography and was wondering what camera is recomended to start out with. thankyou

Nick,

I'll reply to your question because I see none of the other have yet. First off, you can try the search tool for this site to find other very similar questions to yours that have already been answered.

Next, we need a little more information from you as to what your level of photography experience is and what your expectations are. How much diving experience do you have? Do you already have a Point and Shoot Compact Digital camera or digital SLR?

To start with, if you have no experience in underwater photography, lets see if you even like to take pictures under water. Buy one of those semi-diaposable 35mm film cameras that are depth rated to 90fsw and take it on a few dives with you just to get the idea. Then if you still think it might be for you but you don't have any equipment to start with, look at the all-in-one set ups like those from Sea & Sea or Sea Life. If on the other hand you already have a digital comact, one way to go is to find out if there is a true waterproof housing made for it. Purchase the housing made for your camera, take it on dives with you, see if you still like to take pictures under water. If you still do, think about adding a strobe and various lenses for wide angle or macro.

To go the final step, there is thousands of opitions that cost many thousands of dollars that I could never go into enough detail for you. So, while I am writing, I'd like to welcome you to the list! Come back often and just keep reading. You'll get the idea of what you want and where you would like to start.

Be prepared though; there is a serious disease associated with this forum called 'Gear Lust Fever.'

It cannot be cured, it can only be placed in partial remission for as long as your wallet is empty. The moment there is any cash in your wallet, you will have a relapse.

I have a Sea&Sea D8000, it's OK, but I think you can get better value and features with an Olympus, Canon, Nikon or Casio point and shoot, and a housing for it. Recently there was a thread on this site about a Casio 10 megapixel point-and-shoot which was very interesting.

gday

thanks for responding. i have completed my dive master training and have 100 plus dives logged. i do have an olympus digital camera which may have a housing available so i may look into that first. I was just concerned about the lighting requirments if the cameras own flash would be able to generate enough light to take good photos. ive only ever played with a couple of cheap cameras and i enjoyed that and felt i might step up slightly.

Most likely you can find a housing, and there should be no problem adding an additional strobe. Generally the added on strobe like a Sea&Sea will be fired by the camera's flash via a fibre optic cable. If you then later move up to a different camera etc, you will still be able to use the flash via a dedicated cable.