Underwater capable consumer cameras

[kitkai]

Hi all,
Wondering if you have any recommendations? Should I go for Olympus, or Canon iXus with underwater casing, or underwater casing for Nikon D90?
Not so keen with SLR underwater casing as I heard it is 4 figure pricing...
I can't dive as my ear can't equalise, so using it to take my son's first and subsequent dip in the pool

[diver-hloc]

If you are not using it for Scuba Diving... or diving in depth of less than 5 metres (swimming pool).... I suggest just use one of these waterproof bag.

http://www.dicapac.com/new_eng/index.html

[kitkai]

Do you know where I can touch it in Singapore?

[Nisaus]

Hi Kitkai, I'm also facing your dilemma and looking at getting something that can go underwater.

For the DigiPac you can actually get them locally for your D90:
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/DiCAPac-WP-S1...QQcmdZViewItem

I'm also considering the Olympus 550WP and Fujifilm Z33:
http://www.digitalversus.com/article-360-5058-32.html
http://www.digitalversus.com/article-360-5057-24.html

Audiohouse has a promotion going on now:
http://www.audiohouse.com.sg/index.a...ucts_promotion

I currently have a D90 and a canon Ixus 950IS. Totally can't decide if I should get a DigiPac for my D90, a camera housing for my 950IS, or an intro level waterproof compact

Anyone has any recommendations for us?

[diver-hloc]

Originally Posted by Nisaus I currently have a D90 and a canon Ixus 950IS. Totally can't decide if I should get a DigiPac for my D90, a camera housing for my 950IS, or an intro level waterproof compact Anyone has any recommendations for us?

Again.... are you planning to Scuba Dive or just protection against getting wet to a few metres.

[kitkai]

Originally Posted by Nisaus Hi Kitkai, I'm also facing your dilemma and looking at getting something that can go underwater. For the DigiPac you can actually get them locally for your D90: http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/DiCAPac-WP-S1...QQcmdZViewItem

But I want to touch...

[Nisaus]

Originally Posted by diver-hloc Again.... are you planning to Scuba Dive or just protection against getting wet to a few metres.

I just want to snorkel! I am going to Maldives in June, so was hoping can capture some nice images.

[Nisaus]

Originally Posted by kitkai But I want to touch...

Actually they have an office in Hougang:
http://www.gmmtechnoworld.com/servle...ate/about/Page

If you're interested, maybe we can go down together to see?

[diediealsomustdive]

Go for water-proof compacts is the best bet. Small compact and easy to use. Digital compacts with housing bulks up significantly and the buttons and controls are hard to operate. Plus you need to grease o-rings, possibility of flooding.

I have DSLR in Ikelite housing, digital compact with OEM housing, and a water-proof compact. Convenience wise it is the water-proof compact, then the digital compact then the DSLR in housing, although quality wise it's the other way round.

Just so you know, I bought the O water-proof compact, and regretting it much. If I were to buy one today it is probably the C brand.

[diediealsomustdive]

Originally Posted by Nisaus Actually they have an office in Hougang: http://www.gmmtechnoworld.com/servle...ate/about/Page If you're interested, maybe we can go down together to see?

Think about the chance of flooding your camera and consider carefully the bag/housing options. Many of us had flooded at least one camera, I had flooded a Nikonos and a strobe.

[malcom7373]

Hi,

If you are only going for less then 3~5m. Few question for you followed by answer in my humble opinion.

1) Do you own a point and shoot digi camera? Yes, look around for any second hand u/w housing. Certain models at 2nd hand costs less than 150.

2) Are you planing to purchase one? Yes, then go get olympus or canon or sony, those that allows for 5M or 10M depth cameras. Follow instructions of maintenance and you will be fine.

3) Do you mind low pixel as most of these shots you take should be pretty close and brightly lit. If yes, then search around for less than 250 to 300 2nd hand U/W camera setup.

I reckon with these should help you decide what you want. Dun bother getting those plastic casing that might allow you a couple of use and if you do not take care, with Singapore weather, the plastic will harden and crack when you bend it. I had some bad experience when I first started like you.

Hope these helps!

[malcom7373]

Originally Posted by Nisaus Hi Kitkai, I'm also facing your dilemma and looking at getting something that can go underwater. For the DigiPac you can actually get them locally for your D90: http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/DiCAPac-WP-S1...QQcmdZViewItem I'm also considering the Olympus 550WP and Fujifilm Z33: http://www.digitalversus.com/article-360-5058-32.html http://www.digitalversus.com/article-360-5057-24.html Audiohouse has a promotion going on now: http://www.audiohouse.com.sg/index.a...ucts_promotion I currently have a D90 and a canon Ixus 950IS. Totally can't decide if I should get a DigiPac for my D90, a camera housing for my 950IS, or an intro level waterproof compact Anyone has any recommendations for us?

Hi,

Do not bother with any other plastic pacs. They costs around 150 SGD. Whereas, your camera is rather new 950i and there are U/W housing available and they are now more slimline and easy to use. It may cost slightly more but definitely more reliable for 5M to 10M use even if you are not very good with greasing.

One fine day when you wish to learn diving, this will be of even better use. The U/W housing should not exceed 300~350 inclusive of GST. Hope this helps. Forget about D90. It costs (risk) too much to use any pac and also oo expensive for you to invest in U/W setup.

[Nisaus]

Wow thanks guys for the tips!

Actually the DigiPac for the Ixus 950IS is only $50. I think I'll post a WTB 2nd case thread on the forum to see if I can get one.