Which U/W Digital Camera Setup Should I Get?
I am sure all of us face this dilema when we decide on taking up u/w photography. Sure, there are lots of forum discussions on this particular subject, and many times, while most advices are good, most people will recommend the system that they have. I mean, I wouldn’t expect someone, after spending thousands of dollars, to say “Do not get XXX. It’s the most crap piece of junk I get. I never manage to get a decent picture, but u know what, I am still using it because I love it!”
Most likely, you would hear people say “Get XXX, becos it can do this, this, this”. Having personally gone thru this trauma, I would like to give you a different perspective, my thought process on selecting a u/w digital camera system.
1. Budget
Who wouldn’t want to drive a Ferrari and date a Miss Universe? But we all live in the real world
2. Camera – land use vs u/w use
Some perform better on land and some better in water. So u want a serious land camera which can also take a few underwater shots or you want a serious u/w camera which allows you to take a few land pics?
3. Compatibility with existing equipment
You are a film user and there are things which you hope you can still use with your new digital setup.
4. Power options – AA batteries vs dedicated lithiums.
Do you have gadgets which can share the AA batteries?
5. Memory options
Per unit cost, vs gadgets you own which can share the same memory medium
6. Size, weight, looks, depth rating and designs.
Do you have problem handling and transporting it? Or you dive infrequently and you prefer a DC to be really small for your other travel holidays? Can the housing hold to the depth you are usually at? Do you like the feel of the setup in your hands?
7. Attachment fittings for strobes, arms, base tray and add-on lens.
Not all housings will fit all strobes and other accessories.
8. Ease of maintainance and support (accessibility of repair facility)
9. Accessibility of camera controls in housing
10. User, dealer and forum comments and the consistency of information received
The list is of course non-exhaustive but I hope by answering the questions above, you will have a better idea of what to get to suit your needs.
Further readings:
My writeup on “U/W DSLRs” @
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=88700
My writeup on “Guide to Strobe Selection” @
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=84605
eric