Underwater Photography

[BigV]

We're traveling to Hawaii this spring and I am planning to take some pictures underwater. I am trying to decide what to use to take the pictures. I have a Canon Poweshot A710IS, which I love. I am fairly competent with the camera and the camera's specifications and capabilities are quite a good match for most of my photographic needs. But that doesn't extend to underwater photography.

I see Canon makes an underwater housing, WP-DC6, available for about $125, +- $25. That would make it an expensive accessory, with limited use, since I don't dive very much anymore, though I do have my NAUI open water certification. Perhaps with the addition of underwater photography as a draw, I would dive more. We certainly have excellent diving options in my area. But that's well into the future.

There is probably a third party housing for this camera, from Ikelite, or Pelican, or some other company, but I haven't explored this avenue very far yet. The same additional use during other dive trips would accrue to this choice as well.

Another option would be an additional camera that has underwater capabilities built in. In this area I have noticed the SW line from Olympus, especially the 770SW and the 1030SW, both good to 10 meters, which is plenty for my intended use as a skin diving photography tool. The difference in the specs between the 770SW and the 1030SW are not entirely clear to me. I understand differences in the digital side, but the strictly optical differences, like lens specifications are beyond my current understanding.

As I compare these two models, I am thinking about making this camera available to SonofV, who would be able to use it (and abuse it). In addition to the underwater protections, the specifications indicate that it is shockproof to 2 meters, and protected against dust and freezing. These are all good features for a photographer who might be rough on the gear, or would want a tougher camera for rougher environments, like camping and hiking and backpacking. And skateboarding.

These two units cost approximately $250 and $400 each. Naturally I want to choose well. I don't consider this level of disposable income to be used on a disposable device.

Which brings me to the next option I thought of, disposable underwater cameras, film or digital. With processing, I reckon these would do the job, but for about a dollar a shot. Very expensive per photo, and I would have to really retrain myself from my current "electrons are free" state of mind behind the viewfinder. I have used these cameras before, long ago, and they're minimally acceptable, but not my first choice.

Are there any underwater photographers down here in the cellar? What have your experiences been like? Do you have any images to share? Wisdom to share? What am I missing, what should I be looking for? I don't get opportunities for trips like this very often, and I want to prepare well, so I can bring back some nice pictures.

I welcome your comments.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Hopefully seakdiver will weigh in on this, as she has done a lot of underwater stuff.

[TheMercenary]

We lived in Hawaii for 3 years, where you guys headed? Want some suggestions of places to see?

[glatt]

I've only used the disposable film type, and they are marginal at best. Before you go that route, I suggest you dig up your old pictures and look at them. I bet your memory of the quality is a little generous. If I recall correctly, you can't shoot any closer than around 6 feet.

[Tink]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

We lived in Hawaii for 3 years, where you guys headed? Want some suggestions of places to see?

Mauna Lani close to Waikoloa. Just north of Kona. Doing the volcano park bit of course. Have a house to bunk in on the beach with snorkeling paradise at our disposal. Will visit Akaka Falls but beyond that.... I heard that Waipio Valley lookout is great. Have a book but personal experiences and suggestions always help.

[Elspode]

Where's that pesky Envy smilie?

Oh well, this will have to do...

[glatt]

Originally Posted by Tink

I heard that Waipio Valley lookout is great.

The lookout is nice, or you can get a tour of the valley itself. My wife and I did the tour about 15 years ago on our honeymoon, and there was a guy who would take you down into the valley in his 4wd and then put you in his old wagon pulled by mules. It's fun. But wear your seatbelt for protection during the crash with the other tour van.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Tink

Mauna Lani close to Waikoloa. Just north of Kona. Doing the volcano park bit of course. Have a house to bunk in on the beach with snorkeling paradise at our disposal. Will visit Akaka Falls but beyond that.... I heard that Waipio Valley lookout is great. Have a book but personal experiences and suggestions always help.

The black sand beach is a must, walk the lava fields but bring some really good shoes. Try to get down into where you can see the lava pouring into the ocean, esp at dusk or night, what a site. We stayed at a military camp ground near the volcano national park, another must see, and don't bring home any sample of volcano rock it is really bad luck, there are all these testimonials and letters from people who sent them back after vacations.

Hilo was cool. The Big Island is very rural. Do some on line research about the Tsunami that hit Hilo, the pics are wild. If there is any advice I could give it is get off the beaten path of the regular tourist stuff as often as possible. There are numerous ancient temples dotting the islands and people often leave an offering at them, you will see rocks and other things tied up with Tea leaves resting on the temples and sacred sites.

I could go on for hours... most of all enjoy yourselves and rest and relax in the beautiful ocean breeze and watch the sun set with some iced drinks with a little umbrella in them. Go for the Mai Tai.

[Tink]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

The black sand beach is a must, walk the lava fields but bring some really good shoes. Try to get down into where you can see the lava pouring into the ocean, esp at dusk or night, what a site.

There are numerous ancient temples dotting the islands and people often leave an offering at them, you will see rocks and other things tied up with Tea leaves resting on the temples and sacred sites.

I could go on for hours... most of all enjoy yourselves and rest and relax in the beautiful ocean breeze and watch the sun set with some iced drinks with a little umbrella in them. Go for the Mai Tai.

I've seen pics of the lava at night. It'll be a must I think. Have to make sure to find that particular place.

Are there signs to the temples, I would imagine? I think the kids will get a kick out of that. Shades of Annie Palmer's House in Jamaica.

Mai Tai's, absolutely. Mai Tai Mike's Tiki Hut just outside the Hilton which is across the bay.

Thanks for the hints!

[glatt]

FYI the hot lava flows have typically been to the East side of the volcano, you are going to be on the West side. It's about 150 miles from Kona to the lava flow that crosses Chain of Craters Road and flows to the sea. It may not be active when you are there. Several hours to drive there on the two lane road.

Google Earth coordinates for the end of the road: 19.303822, -155.083775

the lava enters the sea about 2 miles East of where the road is first buried.

[HungLikeJesus]

It's interesting that the Underwater Photography thread doesn't seem to contain any underwater photography.

BigV, what housing did you end up with, and what's your impression so far?

[BigV]

Thread first....pictures later.

Happy now? :p

eta: I got the one listed in the opening post, the WP-DC6.

[HungLikeJesus]

Two years ago I bought an underwater camera (film) that was on clearance. I was going to Puerto Vallarta and expected to do some snorkeling. I just saw that camera this morning and realized that I never used it. Maybe I should donate it to Goodwill.

[BigV]

What make and model?

I have an oversupply of goodwill right now. Perhaps we could do business.

[HungLikeJesus]

I'll try to remember to look at it when I get home tonight.