Underwater cameras? Buying my first one! Help please. :]?

Question

Hi there!

I am buying my first underwater camera, and I'm looking for some advice. I have been asking around on some scuba forums, but I want some advice from here too.

These are the 2 that I am pretty much deciding between:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC12-Waterproof-A570IS-Digital/dp/B000OEP3JA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1216315179&sr=1-7

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC16-Underwater-housing-Digital/dp/B000V70JPS/ref=pd_sbs_p_4

Although I am unsure of the major differences, as the second one is quite cheaper then the first, and seems to have more MP and zoom.

There is also another offer I have received for an Olympus C4000 with PT-010 housing Sealife SL960D strobe with optical cable, arm and tray for $200. Decent deal??

Thanks a lot! :]

Answer 1

Question... Which Camera Do You Have?

The Canon a720 Or The a750?

those to models, are each for a different model camera, which one you should get, really relies on which one you have. did you read that you could use these models, with different camera models? if you did, i wouldn't trust it.

oh, and don't get the olympus one for a canon camera, and vice versa. If you use A canon part, and something happens with the case, and damages the camera, you'll be eligible for warranty, because you were using a canon product. But, if it were an olympus product, you could kiss that warranty adios.

however, whichever model you have, these both look really good, i would get them for my camera, they have alot of buttons, and look like they would really protect the camera.

oh, and don't get the olympus camera anyway, it's not going to be a good deal, it would be a bad camera, because the underwater housing would make up alot of the cost, so, you really shouldn't get that camera. Just get the canon housing.

Answer 2

If you have one of those cameras already then go for just the case. If you don't have one then I would suggest going for a camera that does macro shots. When you are underwater you will need to be close to your subject to get a clear shot without scatter. You will also need an external strobe which could cost you $200+. If you don't have the external strobe you will have a dark spot in your picture where the housing blocks part of your camera's flash. I personally use a Nikon D50 with 2 strobes to get a good macro shot and my setup cost me over $2k. There are cheaper kits you can get from dive shops with everything you need for around 500 or so.

Good luck to you.