New to Underwater Photography but...

[GMDGeek]

I have been into photography on dry land for sometime now and shoot with a Nikon D700, D300, and have a D40x. I plan on expanding my passion for photography to include the realm beneath the sea.

What I am still trying to get a handle on is what camera to use and strobes. What I want to avoid is buying gear to learn on then upgrade. I prefer to get solid from the beginning.

What I have now is a Nikon D40x that I am not afraid to take below the water with me. I have found this housing: Nimar | NI303D Underwater Housing f/ Nikon D40 and | NI303D-1615

But I am not sure if it is a solid housing or if I should go a different route.

I have had a few seasoned Scuba divers mention that their friends have been using a Canon Rebel setup but did not know what gear was used.

I please ask that experience underwater photographers please post the gear that they use: camera, house, strobes, connections, and a description as to why.

I greatly appreciate the input.

Thanks,
Gerry

[DevilDiver]

Well. First I would skip the Nimar.

You have a lot of things to look at and consider so I hope you are not in a big hurry. There is a big investment here and so starting with the best equipment for a base will save you money and frustration in the long run.

There are better housings still available for the D40 that IMO will give you more options down the road. I would try to go with a higher quality brand name (Sea & Sea, Nexus, Seatool, Ikelite, ect).

I would contact the rep from an U/W photography shop and discuss what is available to get you the kit you will be happy with and be the most cost effective down the road. When you start to consider ports, connections and strobes if you can purchase gear that will work for this set up and be able to move forward with you when you decide to upgrade without having to start over it is best to do your research.

Try to checking out some of these sites and contacting the people for options...

Underwater cameras, housings, strobes, video, and lighting Equipment

Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

Backscatter : Underwater Camera, Underwater Video Housing, Underwater Photography, Waterproof Camera

I would be interested in what they tell you and what you decide to go with and why so please keep us posted...............

[GMDGeek]

Been reading through the forums and Checked a few external sites that came up from Google Searches.

I am now leaning more and more towards a:

Getting a Nikon D90 with an Ikelite Housing - this would allow both stills and HD Video.

Again, I'd really like to know what camera, housing, and strobes everyone is using and why.

Again any information is greatly appreciated.
Gerry

[GMDGeek]

DevilDiver - thanks I'm checking those sites now and sending them emails. Also sent an email to STs to see what they have to say. Really want to make sure I get this one right from the start.

When I got into photography I started cheap and kicked myself.

[DevilDiver]

No problem..... Please post what you find.

If you want to get some practice in a out at Clear Springs any time (when the water warms up) just give me a shout. I shoot the Sea & Sea DX1G for U/W right now.............

[GMDGeek]

Thanks DD, I will do that. Heheh believe it or not me and a couple friends are going to brace CSSP this Saturday. Might not be out there really long but at least 2 dives ... yes I am bringing my propane heater.

(Just hope that 7mm Hyperstretch I picked up keeps me warm lol.)

I sent out about a dozen emails this morning to a few sites and to a couple avid u/w photographers I found on Flickr. Will definitely post what I find. Everyone benefits from shared knowledge.

[DevilDiver]

What's your Flickr name? I will add you to my friends list............

Here is my page: Flickr: devildiver's Photostream

[GMDGeek]

You've been added as a friend ... my flickr ID is GMDGEEK

Flickr: gmdgeek's Photostream


Gerry

[GMDGeek]

That DX1 Takes some pretty good pictures ... might just have to go with a Dx2G and some strobes ... pretty decent shots indeed. Nice stream on Flickr DevilDiver!

[DevilDiver]

Thanks!

PM if you want check out my set up, we could meet at ST sometime.