After many years I am re-entering the world of underwater photography. This necessitates the need for some new gear (or new to me) and this is where I could use your help.
I do a lot of top side photography and have a small side business doing architectural and interior design work. My current Camera is a 5D Mark II. My thinking regarding options goes like this:
OPTION #1
CAMERA: My current 5D Mark II
HOUSING: used housing, Aquatica or similar
STROBE: Have my current Ikelite DS-125 strobe refurbished by Ikelite to DS-160 spec
PORTS: Start with Macro, purchase new/used port for my current EF 100 2.8 USM
ADVANTAGES: Lower cost due to used housing and using existing camera
DISADVANTAGES: 5D Mark II is an old model so this underwater set-up will have a shorter operational life, resulting in more costs when I upgrade camera for Architecture
OPTION #2
CAMERA: Sell 5D Mark II, buy new 5d Mark III
HOUSING: New housing, Aquatica or similar
STROBE: Have my current Ikelite DS-125 strobe refurbished by Ikelite to DS-160 spec. could also sell D2-125 and purchase new Inon's
PORTS: Start with Macro, purchase new/used port for my current EF 100 2.8 USM
ADVANTAGES: Longer operational life as this is a brand new model, will use camera for architectural work, ability to recover some costs through sale of old camera.
DISADVANTAGES: higher initial cost, manageable through a phased purchase approach with means longer time before photographing underwater
My primary concern is if I go with my current camera then I will be locked into using an older system for some time.
Does anyone have thoughts or experience with this type of decision?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Edited by Ronyx, 16 January 2013 - 08:45 AM.