Point and shoot simple housings
Our first entry in the inexpensive option category is the Aquashot. This little housing manufactured by Ikelite is used in conjunction with disposable 35mm cameras sold almost everywhere. Despite its "Playskool" look, the ensemble yields surprisingly good results when used properly.
The Aquashot operates to 125 feet and sells for less than $100. You can buy a macro photography kit for about $80. An accessory strobe (about $200) is availableand advisable.
Two companies, Bonica and Pioneer Research, market small 35mm cameras and dedicated plastic housings. The former offers the Snapper, good to 150 feet, at more or less $180 and the latter sells two models, the Sealife Sport Diver (less than $150) guaranteed to 60 feet and the Reefmaster (less than $270) which operates to 125 feet.
Designed for the casual photographer market, these simple cameras have limited capabilities. They are best suited for tropical waters where light is not a limiting factor.
Amphibious cameras
There are a number of entries in the amphibious camera niche.
The Motormarine cameras from Sea & Sea have been around for many years. Two versions are currently available: The MX-10 is a fixed-focus model with a built-in flash. It sells for about $400. Waterproof to 150 feet, it has a minimum focusing distance of four feet underwater, an important drawback eliminated by the addition of the 20mm wide conversion lens. This option brings the minimum focusing distance down to 16 inches and adds close to $300 to your bill. Built-in flashes never yield good results underwater so the optional external strobe sold at around $300 is almost a must. A macro-photography lens helps you capture tiny creatures and sells for less than $200.
Next in the amphibious category is the Motormarine II-EX which boasts advanced features like adjustable focus, variable shutter speeds and TTL flash control. At about $650 it is more expensive than previous entries but also better tuned to the special nature of u/w photography. Sea & Sea complements this system with two wide angle lenses, two macro-photography lenses and three strobes. Favoured by many amateurs for its simplicity and affordability, this Motormarine delivers high quality pictures.
Enter the ubiquitous Nikonos V, the amphibious camera of choice among most amateurs and professionals. In fact, very few of the latter would leave home without it (I think this expression has been used before hasn't it?).
At more than $900, a Nikonos V body is not exactly inexpensiveand you need to spend at least $260 for a lens. Add another $500-900 for a strobe. This is a professional quality camera with high end optics and a range of accessories (from Nikon and other manufacturers) that suits every need.
One last entry in the amphibious system class is the Nikonos RS. This top-of-the-line SLR camera body costs a hefty $3700, but has been discontinued and if you want one you'd have to try to find a store that still has one in stock.
Housings
If you already own a 35mm camera (SLR that is) you might consider one of two types of housings: plastic (Lexan or composite material) or metal.
The plastic category has been the realm of Ikelite for the past 25 years. Made of Lexan these housings offer very good optical quality at a reasonable price. Equipped with a port they cost between $900 and $1200.
A Canadian manufacturer named Stromm markets a composite material housing that is slightly more expensive than Ikelite.
Last but not least, the metal housings cost more than $2000 and are designed around high end cameras. Canadian manufacturer Aquavision sells its housing line under the Nikon maketing name. Other entrants in this category include Subal, Tussey, Nexus, Delphinus and some other lesser known companies.
Where do you start?
Confused by the price range and features, here is our best and very personal opinion on this tricky subject:
If you are an average diver looking for a snapshot inexpensive choice, consider the Aquashot and buy a macro kit. The other alternative, albeit more expensive, would be the Motormarine MX-10.
If underwater photography is a serious hobby (now or in the future), go for the Motormarine II-EX or the Nikonos; the latter being a preferred option if you want top quality optics. There is one consideration however that you should bear in mind: You might not be able to tell much difference between a Sea & Sea and a Nikonos picture, especially if you work with print film and your main goal is to bring back memories of your dives.
The next alternative in the serious hobbyist category would be an Ikelite or Stromm housing with your topside camera in it. Visit your local dive shop for more information on underwater cameras and housings.
In our next column we will cover macro-photography as the most rewarding starting point for the beginning underwater photographer.
(All price ranges in this article are approximate and will vary from store to store and in different geographic areas.)
NOTE:Go to glossary for the photo glossary. There you will find the definitions of technical terms used by our photo columnists. More definitions will be added as the articles are published.