camera advice

[ejrabekoff]

I am looking for a camera for diving, and am trying to decide between 2 options. I have a Nikon D 70, with a 400mm lens. A protective housing for the camera is $1,400, and an additional housing for the lens is around $400. Another option would be a Nikon Coolpix with 6 megpixels, and a 3x optical zoom. This is $431. 1st, is there a difference in quality between the 2 cameras in terms of underwater pictures? Is it significant enought to justify the $1,400 difference? The Nikon D 70 housing fits in to my budget, but I would rather spend the extra $1,400 on my auarium, as long as there is no signifivant difference in quality.

[billsreef]

Would you be happy with using the Coolpix on land instead of your D 70? The same answer to that question will apply underwater. Though for UW work with a SLR I would look into shorter focal length lens. The magnification effect of the water makes wide angle to medium angle lens better ;)

[Tek_Diver]

I don't agree. The focus time on the Coolpix is much longer than that of the D70 or most digital SLR's. Selecting the correct lens is very important, you need to think about what type of photos you are wanting to take prior to making the dive. You also need to make the correct purchase of lens prior to that. Stay away from zoom and long focusing "Slow" lens/cameras underwater.