Scuba Diving Camera

[saltcreep]

Go Canon S95 with the Canon underwater housing. Awesome compact camera that you can still have full manual control for better underwater shooting. You'll be able to shoot RAW so you are able to correct white balance on the computer.
Also has HD video. Best option right now.

Will be the camera/housing choice for my wife for our next dive vacation.

[Phanman]

I bought the ATC-9k at costco last month for $199.99. It has a camera but wanted it for the HD video, good to 65ft too! Gonna use it for filming my son swimming, snowboarding, and on my next scuba trip. Most of your good shots will be at 35ft anyways where there is plenty of light and coral.

http://us.oregonscientific.com/cat-O...on-Camera.html

Something to look at for a reasonable price.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by saltcreep

Go Canon S95 with the Canon underwater housing. Awesome compact camera that you can still have full manual control for better underwater shooting. You'll be able to shoot RAW so you are able to correct white balance on the computer.
Also has HD video. Best option right now.

Will be the camera/housing choice for my wife for our next dive vacation.

Looks like a good option, definitely want to shoot in raw which I forgot to mention before, this will really help but you will still need to set WB underwater and often as software will only adjust so far, if you're way off it won't correct it.

[saltcreep]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Looks like a good option, definitely want to shoot in raw which I forgot to mention before, this will really help but you will still need to set WB underwater and often as software will only adjust so far, if you're way off it won't correct it.

I haven't had any issues with WB. The auto settings are pretty good. I've been shooting full manual with my G11 which helps a lot. Here's a shot at about 50' in the Cayman Islands that didn't need much work. From my understanding the S95 and G11/12 have the same guts.

[sphelps]

Well I took a few shots with auto WB in RAW and could get the color right using PS, the scale just wouldn't go far enough. I guess it just depends on the light and what you're happy with. Realistically you'll always get better results using the custom WB, even in an aquarium never mind 50' down.

[saltcreep]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Well I took a few shots with auto WB in RAW and could get the color right using PS, the scale just wouldn't go far enough. I guess it just depends on the light and what you're happy with. Realistically you'll always get better results using the custom WB, even in an aquarium never mind 50' down.

True enough. As easy as it is, it's just one more thing that I get the look for from my wife while diving.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by saltcreep

True enough. As easy as it is, it's just one more thing that I get the look for from my wife while diving.

After a while I could set the WB on the G9 with my eyes closed in about 2 secs. I haven't used the 11 but the 10 was the same so I'm assuming the 11 hasn't changed much.

One problem with the G9 and G10 is you can't change the aperture or shutter speed in the case so you have to make sure you set then to what you want before you dive meaning you certainly can't shoot full manual. Is the G11 different?

I guess it should be noted that when choosing a camera make sure you can actually use it how you want underwater....

[DiverDude]

I'd take a look at Cannon. I have an older setup but Cannon is one of the few companies that makes underwater housings for a number of their cameras. The housings are very reasonably priced (at least compared to companies like ikelite) and are quite well built.

I'd suggest you research which cameras have housings available and then select a camera. You'll find the cameras that have housings also have underwater modes that correct for colour etc.

The benefit here is that you have a regular point and shoot camera for surface work and then you plunk it into the housing when you dive. It's a good idea to have separate memory card for surface and underwater -just in case the enclosure ever floods, you still have all your holiday pics.

For diving, yes ! you'll always have more fun on scuba than a snorkel ! My advice is to take a class before you leave and get all the theory stuff done. Then do what's called a 'referral dive' when you arrive somewhere warm. Not only is it FAR cheaper that way, but you don't spend precious vacation time sitting in a classroom !!

[saltcreep]

Originally Posted by sphelps

After a while I could set the WB on the G9 with my eyes closed in about 2 secs. I haven't used the 11 but the 10 was the same so I'm assuming the 11 hasn't changed much.

One problem with the G9 and G10 is you can't change the aperture or shutter speed in the case so you have to make sure you set then to what you want before you dive meaning you certainly can't shoot full manual. Is the G11 different?

I guess it should be noted that when choosing a camera make sure you can actually use it how you want underwater....

I have an Ikelite housing so all controls are fully useable. One suggestion I have seen for the Canon G/S cameras is to use the customs settings on the camera. There are two custom setting that you are able to toggle back and forth. One can be set for distance shots and the other for macro.

I practiced with my camera in the housing in low light around the house in order to get acquainted with the functions. A suggestion for those that dive locally and use wet gloves is to even practice with them on. Don't forget, that diving with those, manual dexterity is lost. I dive with dry gloves so it's not too bad.

Another +1 to get certified. There is a world of difference being able to stay down for a long time versus snorkelling/free diving. You get to see a whole lot more. Definitely get comfortable in the water before trying to shoot pictures. Task loading can lead to potential issues.