Need an underwater camera, is this one ok?

[Reeforbust]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCUBA-DIVING-SNORKLE-UNDERWATER-35mm-CAMERA-TO-100-FT_W0QQitemZ230210822070QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4703QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


My trip to Mexico is coming up fast and I wanted to get a Re-loadable underwater camera for my wife to use on her snorkeling trips...

Any ideas?

I would like to keep it around $35-$40.....

.

[kja]

These re-usable film cameras are so-so. They might be ok for some shots but be prepared for very blue and some blurry shots. That's just how it is. Getting close (but not too close, think just beyond the tips of your fingers if your arm is outstretched), shooting up and keeping as still as possible will help in nice clear water. Make sure to get one that you can change the batteries for the flash in, not just the film.

I know it's a lot, but I went with a Canon Ixus and it's case for my Mom to snorkel with. I couldn't bear knowing that she'd hate the images that came from one of these disposables and so no matter how cheap it was (plus film processing) it was money wasted. She uses this set up all the time now - in the rain, at the tidepools, in the fog (lives in San Francisco, so all the time LOL) - and uses the camera everywhere because it's so small it slips into her purse and so easy all she has to do is push a button.

You're looking at about $150 for the housing plus whatever you spend on the camera. IMHO extremely well worth it, but YMMV

[Becca]

I've been interested in an underwater camera myself. I found this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/484968-REG/Pentax_19271_Optio_W30_Digital_Camera.html) that looked interesting, and cheaper than buying a camera and a housing. Not sure yet, but it looks good. Of course, it's well above your price limit. But when you think about the cost of film and developing, it may pay for itself depending on how often you use it underwater.

[Reeforbust]

We're just looking for something that we can replace the film in mainly. Something a little better than the disposable's.

They make a waterproof case for my wife's Nikon Coolpix but its more than we want to spend PLUS she doesn't want to risk her camera.
We just want some pics for the scrap book, not too worried about a "perfect" pic.

[adam8080]

Have you thought about an underwater housing for your G5? And you could always sell it when you are done with it.

[Reeforbust]

Have you thought about an underwater housing for your G5? And you could always sell it when you are done with it.


Cheapest was $179 for the G5 and for my 20D I found a flexible underwater bag for $159......Not sure how good the bags seal but I probably don't want to give it a try!!

[adam8080]

I would pass on the bag. I read about one on here that had a pin hole leak.

[KirkHMB]

I've bought the disposables before, and anything beyond your outstretched arm was garbage, even in clear water. I doubt the first link will be much better.

Re the pentax, its only good down 10', so as long as you stay on the surface, you;re OK. My old Minolta POS (tiny format) jammed the shutter button down at about 15'.

[Reeforbust]

I've actually gotten some good pics from the disposables, I just like the fact that you can reload the camera in the link above.

Just like any camera, you've gotta work within its limitations...

[kja]

Sounds like you've made up your mind already - now all that's left to do is have fun!!

And good call on not using the plastic bags - yikes, is all I can say.

Olympus makes a waterproof camera (several, actually). I have one and it's ok. I wouldn't buy it again, but it suits the purpose I use it for. Two of my friends have the deeper model, one of them has the housing to go along with it. Again, I wouldn't buy them. There are just too many options out there that will produce better images and most for less money - of course, you don't get the cool form factor ;)

[Reeforbust]

These pics are not going to win an award but my wife always has to have a water shot of both of us with our masks on and flippers sticking out of the water....:confused:.... :lol:.... Just some memories I suppose

[Becca]

I just found a little Canon Powershot on ebay for $50. I picked that up and I can get a housing for it and still pay less than the Pentax. I think it will do what I need it to do. I was so disappointed with the photos that I got from the disposable camera that I used on my last trip, anything has to be an improvement!

[JWright]

I've been interested in an underwater camera myself. I found this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/484968-REG/Pentax_19271_Optio_W30_Digital_Camera.html) that looked interesting, and cheaper than buying a camera and a housing. Not sure yet, but it looks good. Of course, it's well above your price limit. But when you think about the cost of film and developing, it may pay for itself depending on how often you use it underwater.

I don't think that camera is designed to be used underwater. It looks to be more of a weatherproof camera... The word "waterproof" may mean it's less likely to get damaged in a rainstorm than a regular camera.

The best camera for underwater photography is the Nikonos, but it has no built-in metering so you'd just be guessing about the exposure.

http://johnwright.smugmug.com/photos/243485941-M.jpg

Edit: OK, I'm wrong about the above camera. The Pentax Optio W30 is good to a depth of ten feet, according to the Pentax website.

[kja]

Becca - I have a whole range of Canon compacts and they are fabulous - you'll have a ball! And being digital you don't have to futz with anything :D

John - love those Niks...mine sit all lonely on the shelf these days :(

[lewis530]

I just found a little Canon Powershot on ebay for $50. I picked that up and I can get a housing for it and still pay less than the Pentax. I think it will do what I need it to do. I was so disappointed with the photos that I got from the disposable camera that I used on my last trip, anything has to be an improvement!
just $50? so nice price