morider 0 Posted September 23, 2005 My wife and I do some snorkelling and diving and currently use one of those throw-away cameras. Yeh, I know what your thinking but you have to start somewhere. Anyway we wish to move up the ladder a bit and purchase an UW digital camera in the $300-$400 price range (it that's possible). Just something that is a no-brainer that takes decent pics. The most we would be enlarging is 8X10 so as to keep the cost/megapixel down. I'm from Missouri so dive shops are few and far between with very limited selection. I would appreciate any information on what brand and model of cameras that might fit my needs and budget. If you have any suggestions on where to purchase that would be a bonus. Thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acroporas 0 Posted September 23, 2005 Welcome to Wetpixel. You will have a hard time finding a new camera and housing for $400. I would recomend looking on ebay for a used camera/housing. Last years model can be had for a very significant discount. I am partial to sony. I would look for a DSC-T1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davephdv 0 Posted September 23, 2005 Definitely look for a used set up. One with manual mode or at least Aperture priority is a big advantage. A wider lens is always an advantage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richorn 0 Posted September 23, 2005 I would look for a Fuji 810 and the Fuji housing. This will give you full manual control as well as the auto settings, a very affordable startup, and the ability to upgrade to an Ike housing, strobes, etc., if and when you get "hooked". Look for images taken by Dr. Bob Whorton. For example: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
james 0 Posted September 23, 2005 At $300 for the housing and $300+ for the camera, the Fuji setup is a little out of the original poster's price range. Another option would be a used Olympus 5050 setup. You could buy a used Olympus camera and a NEW housing for <$400. I wouldn't recommend buying a used Olympus housing, but if you can find a used Ikelite 5050 setup for a good price, then go for that. Either way, $400 is just the bare minimum you can spend to get into this, so be prepared for some shopping frustration. James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mymoosie 0 Posted September 24, 2005 I'm also a newbie to the world of underwater photography and still learning the ropes, but I can share my experience with what I've used while snorkeling. On our Turks and Caicos trip this year I used an Olympus Stylus 500 in an Olympus PT-026 housing. I was quite happy with this setup and the photos turned out decent. I loved the 2.5in screen. I actually got the digicam as a refurbished from Olympic Auctions on eBay for $179. Luckily the camera has been perfect, couldn't even tell that it was not "brand new". I think you can find an Stylus 500 online for about $250 - $270. I got the housing online at Digital Foto for $160. Last year I used an Olympus Stylus 300 in an Olympus PT-016. I found it very difficult to take photos with this setup while snorkeling as all I could see most of the time is my reflection. So most of the time I was shooting blindly. <_< I think the Stylus 500 has a better LCD. You can take a look at my photos from T&C trip. Like I said, I'm still learning and will be working on better pictures next time. Hope this is helpful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
