DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

UW camera purchase advice

Started Sep 13, 2020 | Discussions
Jdub3 New Member • Posts: 1
UW camera purchase advice

Hi new here. Looking at setting up my first underwater camera system. I currently have a Sony A7RII already for travel and a GoPro Hero8. I am trying to keep my budget sub $2k as this is my first UW set up. I would like my camera to mainly do stills while the Gopro is mounted to record video simultaneously.

I was looking at getting the Seafrog version2 housing, a video light w auto off for strobe, and a strobe(needs to use sync cable). I've seen online the SeaLife 3000 light, Inon Z-330 strobe or Ikelite DS51 using sync cable. Housing $600, cable $100, video light $450, Inon $650 orDS51 $450, and then setting up the tray.

Alternatively, am I better off just getting something like the Sealife DC2000 w/ Pro3000 Set that includes camera, housing, strobe, and light?

Also, recommendations on the equipment to swap out that is still budget conscious?

Thank you

PHXAZCRAIG
PHXAZCRAIG Forum Pro • Posts: 19,651
Re: UW camera purchase advice

There is a range of camera equipment you're likely to hear about here.   I think it's safe to say that a lot of answers may be prefaced with questions about your diving skills and experience.

Adding a camera changes how you dive.   Adding a strobe arm changes things even more (because you're much less likely to be able to easily just let go than when a camera is just on a wrist strap.  Having strobe arms makes it pretty easy to get an air hose caught up in the clamps - not something you want as a beginning diver.

Anyway, from what I've seen, your choices look reasonable but I have no direct experience with any of that particular equipment.

I think the idea of co-mounting a gopro seems reasonable, and it's something I've considered a number of times.  On the other hand, I've seen people with Gopros on selfie sticks, and you can get them into some very interesting positions.

-- hide signature --

Phoenix Arizona Craig
www.cjcphoto.net
"In theory, practice and theory are the same. In practice, they're not."

 PHXAZCRAIG's gear list:PHXAZCRAIG's gear list
Nikon D80 Nikon D200 Nikon D300 Nikon D700 Nikon 1 V1 +45 more
Architeuthis Regular Member • Posts: 491
Re: UW camera purchase advice

Hi Jdub3,

It will be very difficult to house a FF A7II and buy all equipment for under 2k $. In case you do so, I recommend a vacuum valve as first priority on the list. The image quality of the low cost UW rig will not match the one of the camera and the chances for flooding are great...

For the 2k budget I find reasonable:

#1.: Look for second hand gear (e.g. Scubaboard or Wetpixel). In case you are very lucky, you may find something to house your A7II, but it will be almost impossible to stay below 2k with all acessories (flashes, lenses and domes). Maybe you can find something tfor 2k $ to start with...

Here just an example, you need to do the research by yourself: https://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?/topic/66392-nauticam-na-a7ii-housing-for-sony-a7ii-a7rii-and-a7sii/&tab=comments#comment-420002

#2.: Go for a small compact, as you suggest, or Oly TG

Wolfgang

 Architeuthis's gear list:Architeuthis's gear list
Olympus E-M1 II Olympus E-M5 II Sony a7R V Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 +10 more
kelpdiver Veteran Member • Posts: 5,564
Re: UW camera purchase advice

the usual question we ask here is diving experience, and how many dives or trips per year.     A housed camera is a massive undertaking, and not at all advised for those who still having to think about what they're doing to survive underwater.    For those, I'd say just take the Hero and remember not to crush the reef as you position for shots.

But even for an experienced diver, it's a big leap, and for the vacation diver, the first couple days get you back up to speed.  If you're doing 30 dives over a week, that's fine.  If you're just diving 2-3 days, use a simpler compact.  (sony RX, Canon G7x, Pansonic LX100 or similar 1", Olympus TG).

Housed SLRs and budgets of any reasonable size are also tough.   Housings can be 4k.   Dome ports can be 1-2k, and start at 500.   Used gear, and rentals are good bridge as you feel it out.   Your model being the II, you do have good shot and finding some stuff as people upgrade.

If you're fortunate enough to have easy access to a pool (esp your own), you can build a lot of currency with pool dives.   Easier to practice macro than WA, but for both can practice using the housing controls rather than the direct buttons.   You want to have finger memory so you can do changes while still focused on the target, or any other in water concerns.

Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum MMy threads