Underwater camera setup

Barmaglot_07 wrote:

SafariBob wrote:

Barmaglot_07 wrote:

16-35mm really needs a 230mm or large dome for decent quality across the frame, and SeaFrogs simply doesn't have one.

there is an 8inch dome from what I understand?

Yes, and I have it - it's closer to 180mm in diameter (though it may be a section of an 8-inch sphere, I'm not sure), and I feel it's marginal with my 10-18mm on a crop sensor. 230mm ports from Zen, Nauticam, etc, are much bigger (you don't really appreciate by how much until you hold one) and even they struggle with ultrawide rectilinear lenses on full-frame cameras. See my other post in this thread for examples.

i can believe it

i am a very dedicated photographer, and don’t mind going the extra mile to make things work.

In that case, don SCUBA (better yet, CCR) and bring strobes. No way around that.

sure. But I want some experience first

If you want good quality underwater photos, don SCUBA and bring strobes; there's no way around that.

That’s probably true for macro shots and schools or singular fish from the underside, but I am hoping there will be different more reef/coral oriented and possible over under in a snorkeling session, and anyway, extremely excited to try. Will be going to Catalina soon for first attempt

The golden rules of underwater photography are 'get close, and then get closer', and 'shoot upwards'.

I agree that’s one style. I think initially would be more focused on shooting sideways, this is also a challenge. In general, everything would be easier if you did not have to look through the viewfinder or lcd screen, having it on top or at a distance would be much better.

someone pointed out that my ideal camera does not exist, and that is absolutely true.

Neither is possible while snorkeling, and both are very difficult when breath-hold free-diving. Downward-looking shots don't bring any exciting perspective; they're just the hallmark of a beginner who doesn't really know what they're doing.

sounds like me! Hence all the questions

Get a copy of Martin Edge's 'The Underwater Photographer', that'll give you a good start. Cutting corners and trying to reinvent the wheel only results in lost time and wasted money.

I have that book and just ordered the mustard book.