looking for an underwater digital camera

[bdesper311]

Does anyone know of any local dive shops that rent out underwater digital cameras. I may start calling them, but wanted to check here first. I am leaving in two weeks to do some diving in Grand Cayman and am debating buying a cheap underwater camera, but wanted to see if anyone had any knowledge of a shop doing this? Thanks!

[EnderG60]

You can find some decent (5+ mega pixle) cameras with housings on ebay for under $200. If you dont need a small point and shoot camera I would say just rent it.

I would say call around the dive shops and see who has one. Definatly get something over 5mp though. and if they have an addon strobe for it your golden.

[bdesper311]

Thanks... do you have any places in mind that I could call... I got certified when I lived in Florida and have done all my stuff through them, but they are in Tallahassee and know that they dont rent them...

[EnderG60]

When I was looking for mine I just researched good cameras in the 8mp range, that had an underwater setting, and a underwater case available and then just hopped on ebay and ended up finding a package deal on the camera and housing.

Usual rule of thumb is, if you spend X on the camera, expect to spend X again on the housing, and X again on a strobe and you will have a decent setup.

But like I said, if you dont need another small camera, and your not using it but once a year, just find a place that has one to rent.

[grouper therapy]

Originally Posted by EnderG60

When I was looking for mine I just researched good cameras in the 8mp range, that had an underwater setting, and a underwater case available and then just hopped on ebay and ended up finding a package deal on the camera and housing.

Usual rule of thumb is, if you spend X on the camera, expect to spend X again on the housing, and X again on a strobe and you will have a decent setup.

But like I said, if you dont need another small camera, and your not using it but once a year, just find a place that has one to rent.

That is because you bought the cheapest available!!!

[wmboots]

if your going to grand cayman check into renting a camera there, I believe if you do a search for Cathy Church she has her underwater photo school there and I believe she has rental equipment.

[bdesper311]

Originally Posted by wmboots

if your going to grand cayman check into renting a camera there, I believe if you do a search for Cathy Church she has her underwater photo school there and I believe she has rental equipment.

Thanks alot... I will check that out!

[merkywater]

Divers-supply.com

They have lowest prices I've noticed!

[wmboots]

http://www.cathychurch.com/Rentals.html

here is the site I mentioned

[rolo65]

I just bought the new olympus stylus tough....it's a point n shoot with macro settings...and it's water proof to 16 ft....I know you'd probably be diving a bit deeper than that....but for 180$ at Costco/SAMs.....not a bad deal....it's crush proof and shatter proof to an extent also...Plus it's 14mp...

[bdesper311]

Thanks all, I think I have decided to rent one when I get down there... that seems to be the best option!

[rostato]

Also just look at getting a case for your normal camera. I have a sony T-77 with a sony case thats good to 130ft. I need a better strobe, but if the lighting is correct it takes pretty good pictures in the built in underwater mode.

[Rbredding]

any destination dive shop will rent still cameras and video cameras..


if you are looking for a digital camera for yourself anyway.. get something nice and buy a NEW wp housing for it (never skimp on a housing, and never buy used unless you know the person)

[jdmorgan1999]

Olympus is making some great waterproof cameras now. they are a little some what pricey but can withstand anything.

[kayakATL]

Originally Posted by jdmorgan1999

Olympus is making some great waterproof cameras now. they are a little some what pricey but can withstand anything.

I have one. A Stylus Tough. I LOVE my camera. water proof to 10m 33ft. shock proof from a 6 ft drop. Only thing it really lacks in is night time or dusk shots. Underwater functions are brilliant and I never worry about beating it up. Real winner of a camera.

[DrNecropolis]

PM John (JohnR2604) he has a pretty good underwater camera.. He could tell ya which one it is..