under water digital camera

[trog]

can any one recommend an inexpensive [ if it is possible] underwater camera I can use when snorkling or diving. Not being an expert in this field what features should i look for pricing etc. Thanks in advance.

[miky]

How about a GoPro (http://www.goproaustralia.com.au/).




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[Blknight.aus]

I use a vivitar 6400w. got it from aldi for <$100.

does a reasonable job if the lighting is good enough.

[trog]

thanks for the recomendations will look them up.

[spudboy]

Not really for deep underwater stuff, but a Panasonic Lumix is water/dust proof and takes lovely pictures + full HD video. I think it is waterproof down to 3m, if that is enough. We've had 2 and they have been bulletproof.

Here's a link: http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod5696.htm

We paid $499 for the first one, but only $289 for the second one a year later....

[abaddonxi]

I think this is a question for the Queenslanders.:D

[KarlB]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 is waterproof to 3 meters
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 is waterproof to 10 meters

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[VladTepes]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 is waterproof to 10 meters



Just looked it up - seems lioke a good camera and gts good reviews

The camera
DMC-FT2, Lumix Intelligent Auto digital cameras, Panasonic Australia - lumix.com.au (http://lumix.panasonic.com.au/products/Lumix/Camera/DMC-FT2)
the review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 Preview - Digital Compact Cameras (http://www.cnet.com.au/panasonic-lumix-dmc-ft2-339300655.htm)

If I had the money I reckon I;d buy one !

[big guy]

They are not bad, not sure how well they go over consistent dives to 10m.
Big pressure difference from surface to 10m, in fact its 100% and considered the most dangerous.
If you are looking at using it frequently I highly recommend the G11or G12 canon with its purpose built housing.
Great shots and great camera but as you said, a budget does come into it.

Underwater photography is a very different cattle of fish so to speak and equipment and salt and sand do not get along.
Salt water will have bad effect on your gear make no mistake and owners manual may even exclude it from ocean use.

I taught diving in past live among other things and found a cheap camera just does not cut it and you will possibly be a bit unhappy at the shots.
You can always hire camera gear for that.
For snorkelling I guess it be fine or just snapping but check any exclusions like ocean or salt water diving.

Just a thought.

[LowRanger]

These cameras may be water resistant to these depths,but unless you are using a strobe for lighting,any pictures that you take at depths of more than 1mt will be washed out and drained of colour.Red is the 1st colour to go at approx 1mt and will appear as dark maroon,other colour follow at different
depths,until you end up in the monochrome world of black and grey.If you are just snorkling,you can buy plastic housings for a number of the point and shoot type cameras,but the inbuilt flash is next to useless.I have taken many underwater photographs over the years,and had many published in mags,and believe me,it is many time more difficult to get a good photograph underwater at any depth,than it is on dry land.
For snorkling type snapshots,you might as well just put a cheap camera in a zip type plastic bag,have seen it done many times.
Wayne

[trog]

thanks all time to look at the budget and expected use , i just would hate to not have some shots of ningaloo reef to take away with us as we have spent hours snorkling here. might try hire options from the dive operators in town.

[big guy]

Oh and diving with a camera or even more with lights attached is another point.
It takes a bit of practise as bouancy control is critical as your hands are full and if you do too many uncontrolled ascents and descents, you know what will happen!!

Best of luck.

Give the G11 and case a look. Great camera for general shots too and the housing is very user friendly.

When diving with camera gear, remember that your hands are full and forget enjoying the scenery, its all about looking for the best shot and before you know it, your are lost, too deep or out of air. Worst still, all the above.:o:o:o

[MickS]

These are the go...

DiCAPac Waterproof Underwater Camera cases for Canon, Casio, Fuji, Kodak, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category43_1.htm)