Underwater-Still camera or video camera...housing or new camera
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Marriott rewards
Posts: 8
Underwater-Still camera or video camera...housing or new camera
Hello, I am so excited to be going to Kauai for the first time in June. I currently have a Kodak DLSR -Rebel T1i and a Kodak Powershot S3IS (point and shoot)-- great for taking most pictures that I want.
But, I would like to take some snorkeling pictures & video. I am not planning to bring a separate video camera- unless it's the suggestion I get here.
I have researched getting a waterproof housing for one of the cameras- but that's quite expensive for the DLSR & scary to me to take it underwater. There is no specific housing for the S3IS any longer.
Would I be better off getting an underwater/waterproof still camera (under $300ish) or an underwater/waterproof video camera? I was thinking I could take other video with a video camera & not fill up the memory so much on my other cameras.
But, I would like to take some snorkeling pictures & video. I am not planning to bring a separate video camera- unless it's the suggestion I get here.
I have researched getting a waterproof housing for one of the cameras- but that's quite expensive for the DLSR & scary to me to take it underwater. There is no specific housing for the S3IS any longer.
Would I be better off getting an underwater/waterproof still camera (under $300ish) or an underwater/waterproof video camera? I was thinking I could take other video with a video camera & not fill up the memory so much on my other cameras.
#2
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Hyatt, Hilton, US Airways, United, American, Delta
Posts: 42
Janice,
Like you, three years ago I found myself going to Maui and wanting to do a little underwater photography, nothing special or professional but wanting to do a few shots.
I already had a simple Canon point and shoot, and found that Canon made an underwater housing specifically for the model I had. On the Canon website, it was almost $300 but found it on line for $100.
I will tell you, it was the best purchase I made for my trip. I was a little nervous to use the case, but so far it has worked flawlessly. It has paid for itself as I have going back to Maui twice and will be going there again this summer, so 4 trips for the $100 investment.
The P and S I have also does 720 HD video, so it has worked really well for photos as well as videos. No way I would put my DSLR in one though because of the cost and the bulk.
Like you, three years ago I found myself going to Maui and wanting to do a little underwater photography, nothing special or professional but wanting to do a few shots.
I already had a simple Canon point and shoot, and found that Canon made an underwater housing specifically for the model I had. On the Canon website, it was almost $300 but found it on line for $100.
I will tell you, it was the best purchase I made for my trip. I was a little nervous to use the case, but so far it has worked flawlessly. It has paid for itself as I have going back to Maui twice and will be going there again this summer, so 4 trips for the $100 investment.
The P and S I have also does 720 HD video, so it has worked really well for photos as well as videos. No way I would put my DSLR in one though because of the cost and the bulk.
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
If you can get a housing for your existing P&S camera that is going to be your best choice. If not, I'd look at getting a new P&S and housing for it.
I recently upgraded to a Canon ELPH 300 HShoused in the Canon WP-DC41 underwater case and got some great shots and video from it. I just posted a bunch of them this morning here on FT and also on my blog here.
I recently upgraded to a Canon ELPH 300 HShoused in the Canon WP-DC41 underwater case and got some great shots and video from it. I just posted a bunch of them this morning here on FT and also on my blog here.
#4
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 121
I got a waterproof camera for my trip to Hawaii and it was great! Mine is an Olympus and is waterproof to 33 ft. My model is no longer available, but you can check out the tough series - a little larger than my waterproof stylus but still looks good. They have a few different models - the cheaper ones can't go as deep.
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ireland, UnderH20, AUA, Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Charter KM, DM180, RW, DM, SC, SkyBonus; HH Diamond, IHG Plt Amb, Global Ent, TWIC
Posts: 2,191
Underwater-Still camera or video camera...housing or new camera
I have cases for my Canon DSLR, video, and P&S cameras and 90% of the time I use the P&S
I would look at that option as others have said
I would look at that option as others have said
#7
Ambassador: LATAM
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PNA
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 4,638
http://gopro.com/hd-hero2-cameras/
I want one already. Takes HD video and 11MP stills
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Marriott rewards
Posts: 8
Thanks for the suggestions.
Some reviews of the Go Pro Hero made it sound like there were
problems with the focus or something underwater and I don't like
not being able to see what I'm filming-- no LCD screen unless you
pay extra? Also, you can't see what you just took video or picture of
to know if it was any good or not- until you hook it up to computer.
I think it doesn't have zoom ability. I know it's very wide angle so
it's likely that you would see most of what you are trying to film- but
it isn't what I would want in a camera.
Some reviews of the Go Pro Hero made it sound like there were
problems with the focus or something underwater and I don't like
not being able to see what I'm filming-- no LCD screen unless you
pay extra? Also, you can't see what you just took video or picture of
to know if it was any good or not- until you hook it up to computer.
I think it doesn't have zoom ability. I know it's very wide angle so
it's likely that you would see most of what you are trying to film- but
it isn't what I would want in a camera.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Marriott rewards
Posts: 8
The only housing I could get for any reasonable price, & it's still around
$300, would have been for my son's Canon camera & that seemed silly as
an investment when it's his camera.
So, after reading reviews & visiting other forums too (sorry!) & seeing pictures taken by the Canon Powershot D10, I decided to buy the new version
Canon Powershot D20. I have it & played with it- stuck it in the sink full of
water to take pics & video. I like it so far-- but we will see how it works when
I take it to Kauai in 4 days!!!
It will be a nice small camera for me to take places when I want a lighter/waterproof camera. Many folks think it's big & bulky- but I'm not used to the tiny Elphs.
$300, would have been for my son's Canon camera & that seemed silly as
an investment when it's his camera.
So, after reading reviews & visiting other forums too (sorry!) & seeing pictures taken by the Canon Powershot D10, I decided to buy the new version
Canon Powershot D20. I have it & played with it- stuck it in the sink full of
water to take pics & video. I like it so far-- but we will see how it works when
I take it to Kauai in 4 days!!!
It will be a nice small camera for me to take places when I want a lighter/waterproof camera. Many folks think it's big & bulky- but I'm not used to the tiny Elphs.