Help finding a decently priced digital camera with underwater housing?

Question

I'm looking for a digital camera that takes good pictures above water (since I love taking pictures in general) but also has an underwater housing, so that I can take pictures on dives. Preferably at least 3-5x optical zoom, and 7-10 mp for a decent price. Any suggestions?

I had been looking at the Olympus stylus 1010...but the underwater housing was recalled, which is odd...

Answer 1

Ikelite, Light and Motion, Aqualand, Sea & Sea, Olympus (limited depth) and Nikon (the Nikonos line) all make either housing/camera combinations or cameras which can be used for underwater photography.



Personally, I use a Nikonos V which is designed for U/W but you can get some excellent housing (I especially like the Light and Motion for my Nikon Digital because it's full function capable).



You don't want zoom for underwater... you want wide angle, macro or a fixed 35mm. Zoom lenses don't work well with depth... the blue hue of the water at depth over powers the subject and clouds the image. Also, flash distances under water are ridiculously limited and require serious outputs in order to produce decent lighting and color.

Answer 2

precisely what it says - a protecting field which permits a digital camera for use underwater. some underwater cameras are designed especially and don't choose the extra suitable risk-free practices (as long as you do not exceed the rated intensity) together as many everyday cameras take especially-designed housings. There additionally are affordable housings that are little extra suitable than ziplock bags - your interior reach broker can propose you right here.

Answer 3

Canon make a good range of compact cameras which take great pictures without blowing the budget. The Ixus range are really popular and tick all of your boxes!



Canon make a range under water housings for their cameras, for example, the WP-DC22 is designed for the Ixus 80 and is $289AUD. Unfortunately, this is about as cheap as housings get. There are cheaper ones, but you run the risk of them not being water tight or resistant to water pressure. The canon casing is waterproof to 40m.



Good luck!

Answer 4

i recommend canon sd880