Canon40D for pool shots???

I was hoping for some advice. I am a DSLR novice and am looking to set up a business photographing the waterbabies and toddlers I teach to swim. I have had conflicting advice from the camera shops I have spoken to and would love some input. I am happy to spend the money to get the right set up and am considering theCanon 40D or 400D. All my shots would be in a swimming pool - usually with lots of natural light ( but not always obviously) so I don't know that I need $2000 (AUD) housings that could take me 50 feet down. Are there any alternatives. also do you guys think i will need strobes or just a normal flash? Is this the right camera? I want to be able to offer a lot more than what a compact can do.

If you are pretty sure that all you want to do are the shots you describe, a point-and-shoot will be more than adequate and can probably produce shots that are indistinguishable from a DSLR, especially if you add a strobe or two. A point and shoot may even have some slight advantage in terms of size etc when working with children. On the other hand if you already own or plan to own a DSLR then adding a housing etc would make more sense.

I agree with loftus. Get a P&S, pool work shoot be a breeze.

Let us know how it works out.

ed

I agree with loftus. Get a P&S, pool work shoot be a breeze.

Let us know how it works out.

 

ed

Thanks for the advice. Would the Canon G9 be a decent P&S. could someone tell me what attachments I would need. Can i get a wide angle lens for this camera. pardon my ignorance - i shudder in the shadow of all your experience!!!

if you want the dslr though .. the Canon 400d or 40d would both do a great job .. and a regular flash would work fine I am sure ..

you could also house it in a Aqua Pac .. http://www.amazon.com/Aquapac-SLR-Camera-C...e/dp/B000G01UL2

or even a ewa marine .. which can house the flash too ... and is probably more durable and hence safer.

http://www.amazon.com/Ewa-Marine-Underwate...5732&sr=1-7

I personally would go for the dslr setup as it won't be that much more if you go for the ewa marine bag. and you will find the rapid burst shooting mode will come in very handy with kids, and I am sure the low light abilities will be better for those not so bright days.

I am not saying the Canon G9 won't do a great job, but it definately isn't the only decent value route if you consider the 400d and ewa marine pack. which for the ewa pack the camera one kit lense and flash is only $1400 on amazon .. so I am sure you could pick up a better deal somewhere like BHphoto.com

The Canon G9 and ewa marine pack is almost $700 without any additional extras, so originally half the cost, but thats with no add on flash, and only one fixed small zoom lens.

nb .. quick price check at BHPhoto i came up with $1180 for the 400d package mentioned above.

I do a lot of photography w/ people in pools (well as much as I can). What you want to really capture the moment is a camera that will take a photo with no lag. I haven't used the Canon G9 compact so can't say if it will work or not. What I can say is that you can get a housing for your 40D from Ikelite for $1,200 or so. You'll want a dome port so that you can use a medium to wide angle lens. You can also get an old Ikelite SS150 on Ebay for about $100 which you can use as your sole flash, or to trigger slave flashes.

Cheers and best of luck!

James

I would second James and Giles here. Even though you can get very nice shots with a P&S – with kids in a pool, the lag can make for a lot of 'missed' shots. If your budget allows, a DSLR will be a more efficient tool for your job.

cheers

Christian

Thanks guys -

I guess it comes down to money (boring when you're trying to be creative)