Please help me pick a underwater digital photo set up

I hope I'm not too off topic

I know there are probably lots of threads like this but... I have a few needs.

This would be mostly for snorkeling and on water photography.

1-ability to shoot RAW-most important

2- fairly compact

3- manual control ability

4- fairly wide lens at least 35mm though 28 or wider preffered

5- prefer SD or CF cards

6- prefer around $1000 or less for kit

Could be new or used.

I already have a D80 and 5D but would rather get a seperate camera for in water. I would consider a D70s if I could find inexpensive but good housing for it.

Need by Thanksgiving for a Caribbean trip.

I have considered oly evolt (on the expenive side considering what I have already), Oly 350 (not SD or CF and slow RAW), Canon G6 (can I find housing?)

etc.

Thanks in advance.

losta

Have you considered renting a housing and strobes for your trip; you have great cameras. Call Ryan at Reef Photo, he will hook you up.

I hope I'm not too off topic

I know there are probably lots of threads like this but... I have a few needs.

This would be mostly for snorkeling and on water photography.

 

1-ability to shoot RAW-most important

2- fairly compact

3- manual control ability

4- fairly wide lens at least 35mm though 28 or wider preffered

5- prefer SD or CF cards

6- prefer around $1000 or less for kit

 

Could be new or used.

I already have a D80 and 5D but would rather get a seperate camera for in water. I would consider a D70s if I could find inexpensive but good housing for it.

Need by Thanksgiving for a Caribbean trip.

I have considered oly evolt (on the expenive side considering what I have already), Oly 350 (not SD or CF and slow RAW), Canon G6 (can I find housing?)

etc.

 

Thanks in advance.

losta

if you are looking for a compact then i think you will find RAW times will be slow on all of them.

saying that, i have heard nothing but good things about the Oly 350

i think getting the latest from Oly or Canon is usually a good way to go. Not sure about the latest Canon number...

As for a D70. have a look around in the classifieds, should be some used ones on there. that would def take care of all your needs.