What is the BEST compact camera which I can use for underwater photography?

[clipper79]

I need to look for a fairly cheap yet decently good digital compact similar to the Panasonic Lumix LX3 (unfortunately this camera does not have an underwater housing built for it). Besides the Canon G9, is there another camera good for underwater photography? :dunno:

I want options to choose from and currently the information is hard to find. :embrass: Maybe anyone here has experience in their cameras for underwater photography please share.

If not, do you think I should use 1-2 double seal zip-lock bags to protect the camera instead will suffice? :dunno: Anyone,... please I would love some advice. Thanks heaps.

 

[Gymrat76]

ziploc bags may keep the water out, but the increasing water pressure as you descend will crush your LCD screen etc.

Sea & Sea DX-1G is also another good u/w camera

 

[teebs]

I need to look for a fairly cheap yet decently good digital compact similar to the Panasonic Lumix LX3 (unfortunately this camera does not have an underwater housing built for it). Besides the Canon G9, is there another camera good for underwater photography? :dunno:

I want options to choose from and currently the information is hard to find. :embrass: Maybe anyone here has experience in their cameras for underwater photography please share.

If not, do you think I should use 1-2 double seal zip-lock bags to protect the camera instead will suffice? :dunno: Anyone,... please I would love some advice. Thanks heaps.

I'm using the Canon IXUS 800IS with the Canon underwater housing. Only drawback is that you cannot attach any external flashes to it and there is no manual setting so to speak.

 

[diver-hloc]

Buget, buget, buget.... whats your buget ?? :think:

Almost every major camera maker will have a few PnS camera that could be fitted with House Brand casing. The trick is to know which camera have casing of their own before getting the camera. Most 3rd party casing would cost the same.... if NOT MORE.... than the camera itself. :sweat:

A good example would be Canon PowerShot series..... Most of the PowerShot have Canon own U/W casing. Most time.... costing $369 (retail) or $280+ if buy from MS, CP, or elsewhere.

But zip-lock bags is a big NO NO :nono: Anything more than 5 metre and the bag will compress..... Not forgetting that the zip-lock bags are not that Clear/transparent as glass. :sweat:

Hope this helps..... :thumbsup:

 

[kthan]

there is no best camera clipper79.....

And what to look out for for a compact for uwp has been discussed till death, not just in this forum but many others as well.

 

[Anson]

Why not get a Olympus camera, aren't some of the model waterproof?

 

[ahbian]

I need to look for a fairly cheap yet decently good digital compact similar to the Panasonic Lumix LX3 (unfortunately this camera does not have an underwater housing built for it). Besides the Canon G9, is there another camera good for underwater photography? :dunno:

I want options to choose from and currently the information is hard to find. :embrass: Maybe anyone here has experience in their cameras for underwater photography please share.

If not, do you think I should use 1-2 double seal zip-lock bags to protect the camera instead will suffice? :dunno: Anyone,... please I would love some advice. Thanks heaps.

Keep an eye out for the G10. Anyway, if there really is a "best" compact camera for U/W, I wouldn't want to bring it down in a ziploc bag.

 

[diver-hloc]

Why not get a Olympus camera, aren't some of the model waterproof?

Up to less than 5metres only......

 

[sayjaibow]

The olympus 1030sw is waterproof to 10 meters or 33 feet. Shock and freeze resistant as well.

 

[diver-hloc]

The olympus 1030sw is waterproof to 10 meters or 33 feet. Shock and freeze resistant as well.

Right..... how many divers here dive no more than 10 metres ?? :think:

 

[lovells19]

Best Compact Camera will be a Nikon D3 in a subal housing

 

[ahbian]

The olympus 1030sw is waterproof to 10 meters or 33 feet. Shock and freeze resistant as well.

For snorkeling, maybe. Not feasible for diving.

 

[howeikwok]

Best Compact Camera will be a Nikon D3 in a subal housing

Hahaha, not a Canon 1DmkIII?? :bsmilie:

 

[Pauche]

Hahaha, not a Canon 1DmkIII?? :bsmilie:

should be 1DsMIII in a ziplock bag! priceless :lovegrin:

 

[diver-hloc]

Hahaha, not a Canon 1DmkIII?? :bsmilie:

should be 1DsMIII in a ziplock bag! priceless :lovegrin:

Me not as greedy as both of you.....;(

5D MkII with bags will do..... :bsmilie::sweat:

 

[antacid]

the best camera is....

the one that just came out after you bought yours...

))=

 

[boyboy]

G9 or G10. anything else... hahahahahahhahaa

btw, i don't own any canon currently. have nikon film and digital SLR and nikon compact for underwater photog. nikon compacts are way behind canon's =(

 

[howeikwok]

G9 or G10. anything else... hahahahahahhahaa

btw, i don't own any canon currently. have nikon film and digital SLR and nikon compact for underwater photog. nikon compacts are way behind canon's =(

You might want to check out the nikon prosumer series, i think the latest model is the P6000. In terms of capability and features it's on par with the G9/G10. Only thing is the housing you're probably stuck with ikelite.

 

[foxwagon]

For a compact non DSLR setup, I would get Canon A650IS with Ikelite housing. Inon or Ikelite strobes.

Features wise, the A650IS compares well with G9 (except for RAW). It uses 4AA batteries so you could use the same batteries/charger for your strobes/torches.

 

[boyboy]

i'd prefer ikelite to camera brand housings. this is why i got a nikon compact for diving. cos the housing was cheaper.. LOL