What are the advantages and disadvantages of a housed compact digital camera versus an SLR underwater?
• Compact digitals cost much less. Complete systems can cost up to $2500. An equivalent SLR that can do small macro and wide angle will require multiple lenses with gears and ports and can start around $4700.00 for an Olympus SLR and up to well over $10,000.00 to $18,000.00 for the newest Nikon in a Subal housing. • Compact digitals are smaller and easier to travel with. • They are more versatile in the water–a good system allows you to shoot from infinity to as close as just a few inches away. Many also allow you to add a wide angle lens underwater to shoot large subjects on the same dive. With SLR cameras, once you choose a lens, you are limited to shooting within the range of that one lens for the dive. • They are easier to handle. By holding the camera out in front of you, you can see your subject, and you can see your surroundings while you shoot. With the SLR, you must keep your eye to the viewfinder while trying to find the subject and adjust your position on the reef. Disadvan
