D70 vs. C-5050

At some point in time I want to move from my present C-5050 in an Ikelite TTL housing with dual Ikelite DS 125s and an INON WAL with a dome to an SLR camera.

My dream rig is a Nikon D70 with a 12-24 DX lens in an Ikelite housing when iTTL support is available.

But the fact is my reasons for changing are rather weak e.g. no shutter lag. And in fact, I am quite happy with the results I get with my present rig, perhaps in part because I shoot in 3 to 5 mega pixel water.

So here is my question. Will my dream rig produce noticeably better results than my current rig? For example, will I say "wow!" as I did when I added my first strobe, or when I added my WAL, or when I added my dome? Or will the gains be subtler as when I went from a 3040 to a 5050, or when I added my second strobe, or when I added the TTL capability to my housing.

What say you who have been there, done that? Quantum leap or just baby steps?

Yes. There is a significant quality difference that's hard to appriciate in the small pics that we post here. It first hit me when I went to a presentation by Eric Cheng. The subject sharpness and smooth backgrounds really pops out on a large screen and on large prints.

Have a look at the 100% crops I posted earlier here:

http://wetpixel.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-5...ight-crop.phtml

Scroll down to the bottom to see the crop.

This easily exceeds what I can get out of the 5050.

An interesting post, Peter. I think that for some images you won't notice that big a difference, while there are other types of image that are easy with a D70 that you just can't get with the 5050 (such as split levels and fast swimming fish).

I would say that the D70 is a big step over the 5050, but i'd suggest waiting before upgrading. The D70 and 5050 of both cameras of similar age. Since the 5050 is still a good camera why not why for the next generation of DSLR in a year or so before making the step?

Alex

I just upgraded from a 5050 to a D70 myself.

Do what I did. Get the D70 for a land camera thinking that you'll get a housing for it next year after learning the camera.

Then end up maxing out your credit cards less than a week after shooting your first picture with it.

hi Peter -

I own two 5050's and recently bought a d70. Im using the 5050 as a backup for dives. Personally, I just got tired of waiting to upgrade and took the plunge. In my opinion, dSLR's and the housings they are in will be disposable. I know that is hard to imagine but think about your 2 year old laptop.. Do you keep it around (sometimes ) or just buy a new one with faster processor, etc. As far as image quality, I think Herbko's answer was right on the money.

Good luck!

Michael

Hi Peter,

I think there is a noticable (sp??) difference in image quality between the two systems. Think of it this way - would you ever consider shooting ISO 400 with the 5050? It's just not worth it. But for deep work, wrecks, etc, ISO400 w/ a DSLR looks pretty darn good.

The overall quality of the experience is different too - it's hard to describe. For me, I find it easier to get the results I want and expect from the DSLR.

But on the flipside, Alex has a point too. There's no sense upgrading if you're happy with the results you are getting now. The longer you wait afterall, the better the systems will become.

Cheers

James

Thanks for the feedback. Everyone seems to think it is a good move although if I wait I will have better choices.

So now it gets personal. I'm 68 years old. I'm retired. I'm single. I typically dive three times a week. I dive to take pictures and be with my friends. It's my only hobby. I can afford it although there will be some pain.

I think what I'll do is wait until Ikelite offers iTTL for their housing and then make my move. Or, if a few dollars pop up some place, I'll move sooner.

Again, thanks.

I think James has it right. If you are happy with the results you are getting, why upgrade?

For me the decision was an easier one. The 5050 is a pretty capable camera. I was comming from a true P&S Canon digital elf. I was getting ready to buy a 5050 or cp5000 when the Drebel/D70 came along. This setup didn't have any control over aperture or shtter speed and the shutter lag was twice the 5050 lag. So having the ability to blur backgrounds, get black backgrounds, higher resolution, faster shutter lag, better WA, directly connected strobes (more reliability, better battery life and less steaming) and sharper pictures was a big step for me.

One more thing, the move to DSLR is an exponential increase in price. Sure the DSLR bodies are close in price to the prosumer cameras but the bodies are the cheap parts. Glass and housings are very expensive. I have over 5-6k invested in my D70 rig and counting.

It sounds like you have all of these advantages in your 5050 so I'd say wait for a full frame sensor w 11mp+ and TTL capability.