UW (Under Water) photography advise needed

[dxqcanada1]

Ok, so thinking again about UW photography.
Was considering picking up a Nikonos V since there are so many of them around ... but then I though it would be more practical to use digital, the NEX.

I was looking at an older NEX-5N with a wide angle lens ... the question I have is housing.

If I could afford it I would pick up an Aquatica or Nauticam ... but I can't.

Anybody ever use one of these: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...ousing-camera-case-sony-nex-5n-16mm-lens.html

or don't bother, go save some money and buy a "real" housing.

 

[TheBiles]

Unless you're looking to do some serious underwater stuff for clients or pay, get a waterproof point-n-shoot and go to town. Underwater housings are ridiculously expensive for something that you probably won't use that much.

 

[dxqcanada1]

I wanted to do something more than P&S.
Have you had experience with UW ?

No, not particularly wanted to go pro ... didn't really like that idea 20 years ago and definitely not now.

 

[Canuk]

I have been doing underwater photography for only a couple years. I use a G12 with Ikelite housing, and an 161 movie strobe.

The results are pretty decent compared to the cost of a dslr housing. I'm pretty sure I have posted some pics on here in other threads. Or if you would like check out my Flickr under user Canuk313.

If I was to do it again, I would maybe look at a G1X or something similar. But I would make sure that ant housing I bought allowed for ttl flash control, as loss of light and color happens at a relatively shallow depth.

 

[brunerww]

dxq - a used NEX-5N, 16mm lens and Meike underwater housing will give you good results for about $656. Here is a flickr search for "NEX-5 underwater": NEX-5 underwater - Flickr: Search

You can do almost as well for somewhat less money with a used Panasonic GF3 with the 14mm lens for $359 plus a Polaroid underwater housing for $130 for a total of $489.
Here is a flickr search for "GF3 underwater": gf3 underwater - Flickr: Search

Hope this is helpful and best of the holidays,

Bill

P.S. - it's officially a "camcorder", but you may also want to look at the waterproof (to 5m) Sony HDR-GW77 ($579 new, $441 used). It takes great 20.4MP stills as well as stunning video. Here are some still examples, side-by-side with the Sony HX9V: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3242809#forum-post-42121958

And here is some underwater video:

 

[dxqcanada1]

Thanks Bill, I was hoping that there was someone that actually used that housing.

I have crawled the Diving/UW Photography websites and there were a number of posts of people that said this was a great inexpensive housing.

Canuk, I have seen your images and they are pretty good.
I was not thinking too much about strobe, as I like available light, though I am aware of light levels and colour loss with UW photography.

I was thinking of the NEX for it's interchangeable lens capability (as I wouldn't only want it for UW).

 

[Canuk]

Understood about the interchangeable lenses. I am looking at upgrading from the G12 myself, but it does a fantastic job for the price.

I am not familiar with the NEX at all, but one thing that would be very beneficial is if it has a short cut to set a custom white balance. I know the G12 and I "assume" that the G15 and G1X do as well. If you have that ability then the loss of color as you go deeper can be dealt with easily. I was going to use a small wrist mounted slate on my left arm to allow this to be done easily, but instead decided to get the strobe.

Thanks for the comments on the photos, I was in Mexico in November and have to get around to posting some more pics.

 

[dxqcanada1]

Thanks for the tip.

The Sony NEX-5N does have custom white balance ... not sure if there is a quick path to it.

Wasn't there a thread about creating an UW sub-forum here ??
I don't think there are enough photographers to make it worthwhile.