Camera

[whitehead]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Fi @ Mar. 24 2003,16:22)] "My impression/understanding is that it is really only possible to get the flexibility on focussing and depth with the SLR. Is that right?"

Not 100% sure what you are acually asking (my addled old brain again) but - re-focusing, there is no difference really its dependent on the lens, both systems focus easily unless you are using a long lens (i.e. 60 or 105 or above) on a shot that does not have much contrast in it (I would presume that covers a lot of UK diving) - to get over this problem you need to buy additional focusing lights (even on the best sites in Thailand I need to use focusing lights 90% of the time when using a 105mm lens).

Re depth - I am presuming you mean actual depth the housing can go rather than depth of field or depth of colour?

If depth of field - that is lens/aperture combos and are same for both type of camera.

if depth of colour - Yes an SLR can get you much more colour depth BUT you have to use good film (I use velvia transpatacies which is expensive - in the UK I beleive around 5 quid a role!).

If depth of housing capability the there really not much in it for recreational diving - some of the polycarb hosuing are only certified to 30 meters - but thats more than enough for photography).

Forgetting all this - and not wanting to type for eons - I would advise that a suitable upgrade from the MX5 would be an digital OLY 5050 digital in a UN housing with a DS125 strobe (or a similar setup). Its also considerably cheaper than plumping for the the SLR option (esp. the housing).

You can get stunning results with an SLR but with the size - the consumables - all the processing and the general faffing about, you really need to quite dedicated (or rich) to take the SLR route. Alternatively if you have your heart set on buying an SLR anyway the SEa and sea have good prices on their housings (about 1300 quid up) but you could fly to states, buy one and fly back and still have savings over buying one in the UK.

[smallfry]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Fi @ Mar. 24 2003,16:22)]So - any suggestions please? or a point in the right direction to some suitable resources?

Hi Fi

I think it's worth having a chat with a few folks before you decide, I've found all the staff at Cameras Underwater are very helpful - they take credit cards    and next day delivery.

Also Ocean Optics are friendly and helpful (if you can get to London they let you test kit in the pool!) or Alan James, havent got anything from there myself but I know folks who speak highly of them.

My view is that digital is the way to go if you're sure you dont want to publish. It's great being able to see what you've got right away, and if you've got a decent sized memory card you can just keep clicking till you get it right.

It's all down to what you're going to use it for & personal choice in the end but whatever you decide, enjoy!

smallfry

[Fi]

<font color='#736AFF'>Thanks v.much for all that advice &amp; the links. &nbsp;I will have a chat with some of the shops and see what they suggest.

Thanks folks!

[peter k]

For antone thats interested. There is a woman on D/NEt selling a MX-10 with external strobe for £100ono. She says the strobe is slightly scratched(whatever slightly means) but it seems like a great deal as long as the strobe still works......

Peter