D70 or Oly 5060?

[Brass Monkey]

I’m having a problem trying to figure out the best way to go now. I have a Nikon D70 (nice and new from Santa), I knew this was coming and asked a few questions regarding taking it UW. Well now that I have the thing and starting to get to grips with it I’m starting to wonder if a set up as elaborate as DSLR is the wise choice. I always try to buy the best I can no matter what it is the motto buy cheep and you buy twice has been proved over and over again. Now I’m wondering if taking the D70 UW is such a good idea. I know that excellent shots can be obtained from the Oly 5050 / 5060 and one of these with a housing runs at less than the price of the D70 housing. I'm starting to think that the best Idea may be to get hold of the Oly and a good strobe, learn the ropes with that set up then buy a housing for the D70 when I have some more experience. On the other hand I’m thinking why not just go all out and do the housed DSLR thing from the beginning and use the time I would have spent on the Oly learning the D70. Although money is precious it’s not to be the deciding factor in this after all it will cost more in the long run if I do buy the Oly set up to start with. What’s considered the best way to go with this one guys? Each way has it’s merits but will I be trying to run before walking taking the D70 route?

Dave.

[BJ]

No question about it, the results you get with the D70 SLR will be far superior to the Olymous 5060. Why? Because you look through the lens to compose shots so there is no time lag apart from what it takes for the mirror to go up. As you already have the D70, get a housing for it. You will also eventually come to ther conclusion that you will need some external flash. Again you are better off with the Pro/Am SLR than a amateur Compact however good that might be. I use a digital SLR although I still shoot on film underwater because I know that scanned film will go to bigger sizes than a 17.5mb file. (See the Diver Mag calender for example.)

[JohnK]

Hi Dave

This is a difficult one and depends on what you can afford and how much you want to get into photography. I upgraded from an Oly C4040 to the Canon 300d:

Pros:

1. As JJJBBB says, what you see is what you get
2. No shutter lag
3. If you are going to buy a strobe then you will get a housing if you have the £££££
4. Different lens availability

Cons

1. A whole setup weighs a lot on land (bulky and neutral UW)
2. Cost - housing plus strobe plus port plus bits and bobs around £1500
3. More lenses = more ports = £££
4. Excess baggage costs due to weight

If you only plan occasional use then go for the smaller/lighter/cheaper 5060 set up. If you want to invest in better UW kit then go for the housed D70.

To be honest I upgraded "cos I could" but in hindsight the 5060 would have sufficed - I think. Having said that, if youn work hard, why not treat yerself to the gadgets !!!

[Tim Ingmire]

What do you want to shoot? If it's wrecks and stuff then the 5060 will suffice - anything faster moving like fish, then you be better off housing the D70 as the shutter lag on the compact will drive you nuts.

Learning on the 5060 will be no easier with than the d70 IMHO so there would be no advantage on using this to help your decision making.

For simplicity of kit overall then go the 5060 route.

[BJ]

Originally Posted by Brass Monkey

I’m having a problem trying to figure out the best way to go now. I have a Nikon D70 (nice and new from Santa)
Dave.

It's not a question of which to buy.
The questioner is asking whether to buy an Oly 5060 AS WELL as the D70 he already owns. I think he would do better to spend the money on a housing now because he will want to use the D70 when he gets used to it.

[Brass Monkey]

Thanks for the feedback guys, some good pointers for both the 5060 and the D70. This is one of those rare moments where I’m actually honest with myself. The 5060 would be more than good enough for me but seeing as how I already own the D70 I’m going to go the whole hog and house that. The guys at the club already call me DR Gadget and Toys R Us so it would be a shame to disappoint them

Dave.

[Tim Ingmire]

It's a decision I've been putting off for a while. As an owner of a D70 I like to house it but as I have a housed 5050 with strobe and Inon lens its a difficult decision to make - for the cost of a D70 housing I can get a good diving holiday.

So, what housing are you tempted by? I like the look of the Nexus but WOW!, would you look at the price. The Ike is more my price but, well, it's bulky and not the most sexy bit of gear is it?

[Brass Monkey]

I like the look of the Nexus as well Tim but as you say it’s a real kick in the cahonies. I’m still working on it but the Sealux looks like the one that’s out in front right now. It’s the GD view finder that’s making me want it. I also like the Subal but they are up there with the Nexus. The short list so far is:
1. Sealux, GD view finder looks like a real bonus.
2. Sea & Sea, I believe it’s one of the easiest housings to mount the camera in. Pricey for plastic though.
3. Ike, reliable, cheap and you can see the seals.
4. Aquatica, just cos it’s ally and not that expensive.

That’s where I’m at right now, it’s very hard for me to make the decision as I cant actually get to grips with any of them right now. I have not give much thought to ports yet as I only have the lens that came with the outfit. I’m off to the States in a few days and will try and pick up a deal while I’m there. There’s a limit to what I’m prepared to buy online some things you just need to see for your self.

Dave.