“I needn’t have worried, the DX-5000G proved very easy to use, especially with Heathers tips on the set-up to use (a service none of the other outlets seemed to offer). The first thing that I appreciated with the DX-5000G was the ability to review the shots straight away and how easy it was to make adjustments to refine the picture (Although I was used to bracketing the settings with the film camera, I never knew what I had achieved, often, not until I arrived back in the UK, by which time it was too late).
The other advantage was the ability to zoom-in on the subject and although I used it sparingly keeping to the principal of getting as close to the subject as possible, at times, it was great to have the option.
So, did I make the right choice, There is clearly a place for the film camera underwater,
but for me, the DX-5000G proved to be good purchase being easy to set-up and easy to use giving
good results first time out, even with my inexperience with using digital and difficult conditions
(poor visibility on many of the dives and buddies who were keen to move on), the results were very
pleasing”
“I just recently purchased the Sea & Sea DX5000G digital camera and just love it! I’ve rented the DX3000 camera for the past 2-3 years and have gotten wonderful results with it, so I finally decided to make the big jump to ownership.
I purchased the package through Island Photo and Video in Cozumel, Mexico. I have rented both film and digital cameras from Holly and Armando for years and when it came time to buy there was no question that I would give them my business, they are wonderful people and as both are professional photographers and videographers their experience has been invaluable through the years.
The camera package included the DX5000G, 5.13 Mega pixel digital camera, underwater housing, YS-25 external strobe lighting package, wide angle lens (really cool piece of hardware!!!!), 2 sync cords and a pelican case with foam core cut to fit all the pieces.
Buying through Holly it also included a personal one on one lesson from her on how to set the camera up for underwater use and proper maintenance.
I just returned from a 9-day trip to Cozumel where I got my lesson and got to use it for the first time. I found I had a little of a learning curve with it, especially using the wide angle lens, but by the end of I was getting the hang of it. I wish I would have had a couple more days of diving I think I would have really got some exceptional shots with just a little more practice.
For those who have used the DX3000, the 5000 is very similar in use, the buttons on the housing are true to the buttons on the camera, there is an “ADJ” (adjust) button that allows you to make setting adjustments on the fly, being my first time to use it, I just kept my settings where they were, but with time it will be a great tool.
The camera can be set up for point-n-shoot or for the experienced photographer, a manual mode is available, it also has a video mode like most digitals, a “scene” mode that allows you to set the camera for portrait, sports, landscape,nightscape, text mode, if you want to copy a text form and download it to your computer, and a high sensitivity mode. It also has a sound recording mode.
ISO settings from Auto to 64-1600, white balance, picture quality from normal 640 – a non-compressed “tiff” file NC2592. The view screen is larger than the 3000 and has and adjustment to make it brighter if needed, which you do for underwater photography. 28-85mm 3X optical zoom.
Of course I have to mention the Macro mode, essential for underwater photography, this baby will focus within 1/3 of an inch (10mm) of an object! Many more settings than I can list here. Visit www.seaandandsea.com for a full list of settings and specifications.
All in all I think this a great camera for any underwater enthusiast, especially the non-professional/vacation photographer.
I’m just getting into using it for above water photography, but I did get some really nice quality pics while I was on Coz, one nice sunset and very nice one of a cruise ship as we passed it on our way back from diving.
I have posted some images from this trip on my ScubaBoard gallery under the sub-gallery “Cozumel May 2005”. Enjoy the pics and I hope to have more to post as soon as I can get back into the water.”
nikon auto focus wide angle lens…
Your blog posts are insightful. I will take them into deep thought and consideration. Your point of view is very smart and intellectual. Charlie…