GoPro, Waterproof Camera or Waterproof Case?

[PAFirefighter11]

I'm going to Grand Cayman on a driving trip for 10 days. I have never photographed underwater with anything but a waterproof disposable. I'm debating a waterproof case for my camera, or just the purchase of a waterproof camera. I shoot with a Nikon D2x and would most likely be using my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 if I go that route.

Options...

1) Sell my GoPro Hero Cam HD and purchase a GoPro Hero2 HD. Now offering 11 Megapixel's - My price would be around $180.

2) Purchase a waterproof case for my D2x - My price would be around $1000-$5000 ( YIKES!)

3) Purchase a waterproof P&S camera $200-$900

I love using my DSLR but I'm thinking the cost effective purchase would be a GoPro Hero2 HD cam. I use my Hero1 all the time. Anyone want to buy the Hero1? lol...

Just curious what you all have used and what kind of results you have had. Thanks!

[jeffroevoix]

I have an olympus stylus that is waterproof. I never really got any cool underwater pics, but Ive had it submerged many times and it still works great.

I think I paid around $200 for it

[occman]

if you have the money go with the case. i would love to have a underwater case for my 5d.
but if thats to pricey id go with a point and shoot just because the picture quality is probably going to better than that of a go pro.
however the go pro a lot more versatile and you could probably find a lot more uses of it later.

thats my 2cents

[Saab93Aero]

check out the Nikon (I'm bias) Coolpix AW100, thing is pretty bad ass...

Waterproof (up to 33 ft), Shockproof, Freezeproof
16MP
Full 1080p
Built in GPS
Action Controll Feature (for gloves when skiing / boarding)

Its listed on Nikon USA for $375, but can be found for around $300 elsewhere

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produc...tTabs-Overview

[PAFirefighter11]

Thanks for the replies! Jeff: My buddy has the same camera and likes it. I've seen some shots underwater and they are okay - in a pool though.

Saab: I'll be diving to around 100', so that Nikon won't work for me

occ: I LOVE both of my current GoPro's so I think this may be my best purchase. I do this this response on GoPro's website - including the depth:

Can I use HD HERO2 for diving?

Yes, the camera housing is rated waterproof down to 197’ ft (60m), and our head strap mount is a great way to wear the camera on your forehead, just above your diving mask. Please note that due to the curved lens of the HD HERO2 (and the original HD HERO) waterproof housing you will notice a slight loss of sharpness with underwater images. This is because the HD HERO2’s waterhousing glass lens is optimized for maximum field of view and sharpness above water while maintaining the smallest possible size. Stay tuned for new underwater-specific products that will provide maximum sharpness underwater. Subscribe to be notified about new product releases - hmm.

[ohfivegoat]

if i was you i would go for the new go pro. my girl got it for me for christmas and its been a dream thus far. I'm currently using a 16gb card at 30mb/s. like you said you have a go pro now so you know how solid they are. just my .02

[Saab93Aero]

Originally Posted by PAFirefighter11

Saab: I'll be diving to around 100', so that Nikon won't work for me

fair enough, i didn't know there was going to be some real diving involved, i don't know if my ears could even handle any pressure below 12-15 feet lol

i've been looking at this camera for winter sports, i watched some video clips on youtube, but the clips wernt too impressive, compared to my go pro, they kinda stunk. the 16mp is cool and all but thats more then nessacary for a P&S

i would say the gopro 2 would be a smartest route, it sucks you can't zoom, but the 11mp should help out with that, plus you can still use it for 100+ things, other than diving.

[PAFirefighter11]

Purchased a Hero 2. Will be here tomorrow or Thursday

Saab: The pressure is no big deal - you just have to equalize before you start to feel it. Take it slow, deflate your BCD a bit and sink - equalizing as much as you need to. Most people wait 'til it starts to feel uncomfortable, or even hurt. The key is doing it prior to this.

[mann]

there's a lens adapter that is designed to give a much sharper picture underwater. Can't recall the name but I'd look that up as the difference is quite significant underwater.

[SoStock92]

Get the go pro HD or 2 or whatever, but you NEED a modified case for sharp images and good underwater performance.

I didn't realize this and went down to the FL keys snorkeling to find out later that the focus doesn't work properly under water.

http://vimeo.com/28275711



Next time I will be prepared!

[mann]

this is it: http://www.eyeofmine.com/gopro/underwater/

[95legenddriver]

i have a housing for my D70 which as far as an slr goes its TINY and the housing is BULKY i know its not an hd camera but those housing are heavy and not all are neutral buoyancy so be careful when they start sinking

[rocknrace03]

why not get the lcd back pac for your go pro and use that? i think thats like 70$ my go pro takes awesome shots, i just hate that i don't always know what I'm pointing at