I would like to get into some shallow water underwater stuff... I'm talking less than 10 feet. I'd prefer to start out on a budget (ie. no $5k housing.. that's not in the budget right now!), so any practical suggestions would be great. But I do need something more versatile than a submerged aquarium. It seems the UWA marine housing (a glorified plastic bag) might be the way to go - any experiences with that system?
Also, what are your experiences with light in these shallow waters - will I need a flash, or can I get by without one? I generally prefer natural light. Thanks!
Posted by David Taylor on October 29, 2009 at 3:16 AM
Hey Floris - I use a EWA Marine housing (a Zip-lock on steroids) for wide angle water sports shots. Just picked it up this past year and haven't had a chance to really put it through it's paces yet, but it seems well made. I first saw it used in James Balogs "Extreme Ice Survey" on Nova, he was shooting bergie bits washed ashore in Iceland with surf crashing into them. It's a decent alternative to a $$$ solid housing.
ps - again, big congrats on the recent on the recent awards. Well deserved.
Posted by Greg Cope on October 29, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Thanks for posting this question Floris as I am very curious as well. The ewa housings that you and David mention look very interesting. I saw a videographer this past weekend using one in some tidepools and he seemed happy with it. I had considered to forget the slr and get a canon g10 with an underwater housing, but have been hesitant to go that route.
Thanks folks! I think I'll go ahead and order one of those EWA housings.. and make sure my camera insurance is up to date
Posted by Hali Sowle on October 29, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I use one of those Ewa Marine housings while snorkeling in Hawai'i a few weeks ago and it was great. relatively inexpensive, fairly easy to use. I'd watch out when using a flash since if you are shallow you could have a lot of particulates in the water and get some interference from it as the flash directly above the lens bounces off.
Hi Floris,
I second a vote for the Canon G9 or G10 in an underwater housing. If the water is clear and there is good light you can get by without a flash. One benefit is that the G9/G10 will shoot RAW files, which comes in handy for bringing out the detail in the shadows. In Hawaii, I shoot sometimes 50-60 feet deep without the flash. Your better off without the flash if you can get away with it IMO. No backscatter or funky shadows to deal with. Seems like the flash has an effect on animal behavior too. The Canon housing can be purchased for around $175 (or less). Ikelite makes a much more robust version for around $475. Send me an email if you want more info!
I had an ikelite housing for my 20d and loved having all the control. A friend had the ewa bag and said its a bit of a pain to work with. I sold the housing but if I decide to get back into underwater, was planning the g11/g10 and housing route. PLus, if something goes wrong, it ain't your main cam that just got ruined.
A G10/11 doesn't have 16mm... so it's out for what I have in mind (plus, I really want the IQ of the 5D2 at high iso). I haven't read any issues anywhere about the EWA bag flooding, so I'll live with the slightly awkward controls for the much lower pricetag.
Posted by Hali Sowle on October 29, 2009 at 10:26 PM
I had only one "flooding" problem and that was my own stupidity. I had used the valve to pull the extra air out and I didn't push it in tight enough and when I submerged I got some water in it. (I noticed it quickly and got out of the water with no damage to anything) Other than that we used it for 8 snorkel trips including some pretty heavy surf and had no problems. Yes the controls are a bit awkward but you get used to it after a short time. Here's a link to my blog with a picture taken with it from my first day out http://hjsblog.hali.org/?p=384
Posted by Johan Geyser on November 3, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Hi Floris,
The best underwater advice is: remember to breathe
Seriously - dive safely
Discussion
10 repliesAlso, what are your experiences with light in these shallow waters - will I need a flash, or can I get by without one? I generally prefer natural light. Thanks!
ps - again, big congrats on the recent on the recent awards. Well deserved.
I find that composing and focusing using the large LCD (live view) is a big help over a traditional viewfinder.
I have some fish images I took while snorkelling in Hawaii here.
I have some tidepool images I took in Olympic NP while kneeling at the edge here.
I second a vote for the Canon G9 or G10 in an underwater housing. If the water is clear and there is good light you can get by without a flash. One benefit is that the G9/G10 will shoot RAW files, which comes in handy for bringing out the detail in the shadows. In Hawaii, I shoot sometimes 50-60 feet deep without the flash. Your better off without the flash if you can get away with it IMO. No backscatter or funky shadows to deal with. Seems like the flash has an effect on animal behavior too. The Canon housing can be purchased for around $175 (or less). Ikelite makes a much more robust version for around $475. Send me an email if you want more info!
A G10/11 doesn't have 16mm... so it's out for what I have in mind (plus, I really want the IQ of the 5D2 at high iso). I haven't read any issues anywhere about the EWA bag flooding, so I'll live with the slightly awkward controls for the much lower pricetag.
The best underwater advice is: remember to breathe
Seriously - dive safely