Buy a Underwater Housing for 5D Mark II or 1D Mark III?

Hi everyone, I am brand new to WetPixel. I have been a diver for almost 7 years and a professional photographer for 3. I definitely want to get more into underwater photography, but the reason I am here is that I have been hired to shoot an adventure documentary next year. I am going to be documenting a man who is going to attempt to circumnavigate the globe by the power of triathlon. We leave from NY where he is going to swim to France, then bike through Europe and Russia. He will then hike/run through Alaska, Canada and back to NY. It is a massive undertaking and I am working on getting logistics worded out now. My question is this, I plan on doing a handful of shots from in the water on the crossing of the Atlantic and I am not 100% sure on which professional camera I should get a housing for, my 5D Mark II or my 1D Mark III. That being said, if you have any recommendations on which specific housings, that would be great. I appreciate the help and hope that after this documentry, I can get more into underwater shooting.

Colby

Hi : )

I think it depend a lot on the price you can put on. I think both choices are good.

the ability to do some video would be cool maybe, so 5D2? and, if not for this time, for the next time you'll have underwater video.

Anyway, prices range are from 1500$ to 4000$ without dome port(s) and strobe. I guess you'll be happy to have a light one, so it's gonna cost...

Because we are going to have a pretty good support team on this expedition, weight isn't a huge factor as after we cross the Atlantic, I will be shipping all my underwater equipment back home here to the states. I have come across this Ikelite housing, http://www.adorama.com/IK687102.html . Is this a good choice if I was to go with the 5D Mark II. I do love the idea of shooting underwater video at 1080i.

Because we are going to have a pretty good support team on this expedition, weight isn't a huge factor as after we cross the Atlantic, I will be shipping all my underwater equipment back home here to the states. I have come across this Ikelite housing, http://www.adorama.com/IK687102.html .

I like Ikelite housing. there are easy and secure if you are carefull with.

But, they are heavy.

It is the cheapest you can find for the 5D2 actually. around 1500$, +200 to 500 depending on the dome ( 6" or 8" ) you want (depend as well on the lenses you want to use).

other options are between 3000 and 4000 I guess, ligther, smaller, secure, maybe easier to use.

so, if you don't mind about 2000$ difference, they are "better". if you do, well Ikelite is a good choice, in my opinion (especially if you're not gonna use it a lot).

For housings, if you're going to be shallow (about 30ft) I'd suggest going with a surf housing like the Aquatech instead of a dive camera housing. The surf housings are lighter and easier to handle above water as well. You can get a dome port for them too. You can sell it afterward and get a real housing for whichever camera you choose. By then, there'll be plenty of 2nd hand housings around for the cameras as the new models come.

As to which camera to use, I'd choose the 5D2 because you can do both video and stills. The 1D3 is much more apt for topside during inclement weather (with a L lens that is weatherproofed). Just make sure the housing allows you proper access to the video controls and the LCD window isn't too hard too see in daylight for video.

Because we are going to have a pretty good support team on this expedition, weight isn't a huge factor as after we cross the Atlantic, I will be shipping all my underwater equipment back home here to the states. I have come across this Ikelite housing, http://www.adorama.com/IK687102.html . Is this a good choice if I was to go with the 5D Mark II. I do love the idea of shooting underwater video at 1080i.

It is 1080p

30 frames/sec

I would go with the 5DII, the housing would be smaller and easier to handle in choppy water during the swim. Plus you have the video option. 2nd the idea of a surf housing rather than a full dive housing. Unless of course you plan getting into more underwater work while diving, then get the best you can afford. I'm not a big fan of buying twice

Cheers, Keith