Shutter speeds at certain depths

PuravidaUK wrote:

It's actually Gordan's Rock/Kicker Rock that I'll be going to. Unfortunately I couldn't find a dive trip to Wolf/Darwin the corresponded to the period of time I have off from work.

ok - then probably closer to the doable category, but still the challenge of cold water, lower viz, and surge.   Seems like operators want people with 25+ dives experience, whereas Wolf/Darwin would be double or triple that as a generic advisement.  So if that's within your dive experience, not so crazy to have with you.   Just rig a dog clip so you can hang it from your BC d-ring if things ever too harried, and you need to just focus on the diving.  Give yourself a way to free your hands on demand.

north! That reminds me of a previous 'hammerhead' dive elsewhere (didn't see anything) where the current was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Definitely wouldn't have been able to photography anything then.

yeah, the downside with hammers is they generally prefer areas with fast waters.  (or at 40+m)  At Cocos, the prime spot requires you to clip in with a reef hook.

Your advice is very useful. I'm now definitely going to get the Tg-6 or the GoPro, and right now leaning towards the latter as it's half the price.

The gopro's min focus distance is somewhere in the 3-4' range, depending on model.   Backscatter (and others) sell a close up lens that makes it about a foot, good for getting closer to medium sized objects.   There is a macro lens too, but the challenge there is a really narrow depth of field, and a so so lcd.   The TG would be better if you want ability to shoot smaller things at same time as wider, and of course have focus confirmation.  Go pro is fixed focus, just make sure min distance and aim vaguely.

I was considering spending much more, but as you say i'd be spending half my time trying to get to grips with the camera equipment - and I'd probably completely come unstuck with my buoyancy.

Ideal spot to get serious with an expensive camera is somewhere where the diving is nearly without effort.   Cayman Islands is a pretty good example.  If you think you're likely to go this direction soon enough, then I'd say get the Gopro for now.   You'll want to stick it on top of your future housed camera anyway.  That way if you set it up for macro, you can still shoot something when the whale shark sneaks up.