scubanut75

I used the following website with success. It was really helpful for us beginners. http://www.splashdowndivers.com/photo_gall...ettings_d70.htm I used it for setting my D80 in an Ikelite housing with the DS125 strobe.

As many of you know, I'm a high school teacher who takes high school kids down to the Caribbean from the States to get their feet wet in the marine ecosystem. In the past I've used Snyderman & Wiseman's Guide to Marine Life. However, the publisher has informed me that they won't have this text in time for our upcoming trip. Does anyone have any suggestions of another text that fits a similar profile. I'm looking for an intro. to the marine ecosystem w/ pictures that will help the kids with their marine life identification. Thanks in advance.

I currently use the amphibico housing for an 4 year old sony video camera. I purchased the most expensive camera I could afford at the time and it has worked wonderfully with me diving 4 weeks a year. I chose amphibico because people at wetpixel commented on the advantage that the controls won't break because of the electronic component. People at wetpixel also mentioned that if the camera floods then you can always turn the camera on and just shoot continuous footage. It's not perfect, but it works. Regarding lights...the amphibico has a flip filter that makes any video taken down to 100' very good! I've never felt the need for lights as I do with still images. I'm by no means an expert, but I feel that as an amature that STRUGGLED to spend $1700 on a housing at the time, that I made the right choice.

I was reading UW photographers magazine & Dave Harasti was testing the D80 with a Sigma 17-70 maco. It sounded like a decent lens allowing a new photographer like myself to experience macro photography and shoot at a moderate wide angle. Am I missing something? I've also been talking to other photographers who use a 12-24 with a +2 dipoter. Would I be better suited to use this lens? Again, as usual, THANK YOU in advance for your help and guidance. Ryan

Is one port more versatile for a macro lense like the 60mm?

And I'm still confused! I am a high school teacher and I bring my students diving in the summer. I currently shoot video of the trips, but I'm hoping to begin shooting still photos to give photographs to students and to use for my personal enjoyment. I'm fortunate in that we have a small family owned photo lab that can process digital pictures for me and I purchased a D80 through the company. Now I know nearly nothing about photography except that the camera I purchased and the lens are great! However, the lens I have is a Nikon 24-120mm 1:3.5-5.6 VR which Ikelite doesn't make a port for. So I'm in a fix. I've been reading as many threads as I can and I'm trying to get one lens to begin this process. I need to take pictures of my students and I would like to be able to get decent pictures of the marine life. (Tarpon schools, eels, anemones, shrimp, x-mas tree worms, seahorses.) The lenses that people seem to recommend, and I've even seen demo's showing pictures at a distance and macro, are 10.5 fisheye lens, 60 mm macro, or Nikon DX 18-70 or 18-135. I've also read that I should try and use the 8" dome port. Can anyone please comment and give me some direction and your reasons for a particular lens choice and port selection. Thank you in advance.

How do you calculate battery burn times? Is this information the light manufacturer should give you? How long do HD bulbs usually last? Thanks!! Ryan

Craig- Amphibico offers a package where they provide a light with the housing. Would I be better off purchasing a light with with the standard lens or the purchasing the housing with wide angle lens? Again, I do all of my diving in Grand Cayman, Bonaire, and I never go below 110'. Thanks! Ryan

Has anyone used the Amphibico Dive "Buddy" Housing? If so, thoughts?

I'm a certified rescue diver looking for 3 dives a day hoping to take some good video. I haven't booked anything yet; we are looking to go in March. It is a last minute deal. Regarding budget, $1300-1500 for the week? Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Ryan

I've dove exclusively in Grand Cayman and I'm looking to head over to Cozumel for diving. The only thing I need is a bed and some great diving. If anyone has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! Ryan

First, Thanks for all of the advice. I've purchased a TRV-38 and I'm planning on purchasing a USVH mini-dv housing. My wife surprised me with a decked out Dell computer with DVD burner, etc....to edit my videos. As I read people posts, I hear comments on editing software...I am going to need to purchase editing software and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Ryan

do you have pictures showing the difference between the wide angle lens and the flat port? After listening to this discussion this seems like something worthwhile...even Genesis had to agree... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Ryan

I've been posting comments regarding whether or not I should purchase a new camera. After much advice, I've decided to purchase a new mini-digital camera. Now, I need to choose a housing. I've been looking at different housings available and I would like feedback on whether to purchase a mechanical or electronic housing. I know someone who uses an Ikelite housing and they like their housing (plus the mechanical housings are less expensive); however, I've spoken with people who like the electronic controls. Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your help! Ryan

Could anyone please identify some good and reputable places to by a used digital set-up. I've contacted USVH for option I. But I'm clueless as to where to begin looking for a used set-up. Thanks!!!