Steven Miller wrote:

I prefer DSLR's, and routinely use "factory refurbished" gear to cut costs, (good lenses last a long time). But if you were looking for compact system only, the canon G-series (G-8 through G-15) do beautiful work, AND they support TTL in UW strobes, that makes things a lot easier, especially in the beginning.

I prefer DSLR's, and routinely use "factory refurbished" gear to cut costs, (good lenses last a long time). But if you were looking for compact system only, the canon G-series (G-8 through G-15) do beautiful work, AND they support TTL in UW strobes, that makes things a lot easier, especially in the beginning.

I had a Nikon D80, so decided to put it in a Ikelite housing with 2 strobes. Under $5,000 for camera, lenses(3), 2 strobes, housing, subsee +5, ports, dome, macro port, and focus light for subsee. Was very happy with the SLR and the pics from day 1.

Hi Tom, Yes I raised this topic in case someone came to the site and was inspired to have a go at U/W photography. There is such an array of compact cameras & housings available out there, I thought it would be good for them to see what we would recommend. I am a marine scientist with that any dives under my belt its given me wrinkles LOL, but I do like to try and help people get interested in this hobby. Thank you for your enquiry, maybe I should have worded the post more clearly, Canon seems to get all the votes at the moment, would be interested in your opinion, Regards, Stuart.

Hi Tom!!! Your question is a good one!!! Too many times I've seen people with huge DSLRs and maybe three dives ( Kidding of course! ) just because they could afford to buy one!!!! I think Stuart raised the question to start a forum discussion, nevertheless I think it is a good topic and sooner or later someone interested in it will come across!!!! :) so if you want we could analyze in depth this topic...

It depend on what your budget is. May i ask how many dives you have under your belt?
Regards,
Tom

I would go for Canon too!!! ... Matter of fact I use Canon!! :)

Thanks, Fuji man myself, but Canon does seem to be getting the most votes for a good underwater compact. Regards, Stuart.

Hi Stuart,

The camera technology nowadays are so advanced, you'll be surprised what compacts can do. I personally love the Canon Powershot S-series, compact, powerful and the picture quality is awesome (lighter on the wallet too).

I've been using the S-series (S90, S100) for more than 3 years now, couple with the ikelite housing (again lighter on the wallet), you have plentiful options for wet lenses.

Check out some of my photos :) Hope that helps :D

Hi Stuart!!! Thanks! I appreciate your help! :) ... the website is still too small for the forum to start properly...but somehow, somewhere and sometime it has to start!!! So this is a good beginning!! :) ... as soon as the web interface will be complete We will start hunting for people outside Facebook!!!! And then, hopefully , the forum will start!!! :)

Hi, I was raising a topic for discussion by the group in case anyone came to the site who was thinking of having a try at underwater photography, I am quite happy with my Fuji F50FD for the underwater shots I do. Just thought it would be good for the group to give an idea of how to get into underwater photography and get reasonable results at the lower end of the market, to someone who fancied giving it a try, and pass on their wisdom and any tips gained from experience.

Then I see only to keep on staying on a compact camera... I've seen excellent photos around taken with the Canon G10, 11, 12 ... I'm sure you can find them very cheap around! :)

Hi, I have both, but prefer not to take my SLR beyond a few metres, to important to me for terrestrial shots! I actually liked my old nikon 4300 in a housing with an old sea&sea YS60 and adapter, only changd due to poor battery life of this model. Good starter set that could be picked up now by the beginner used for around ?200. Regards, Stuart.

Hi Stuart!!! Would you like to stay on a compact or do you prefer a DSLR???