DSLR for above water use?

[TimIngmire]

Helen,

If you only want equipment for the week then why not rent?

Try www.fixationuk.com

Tim

[Helen]

Thanks for all the great advice so far. Have learnt loads already!

What do everyone think about the following deals I have found?

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera + 28-80mm + 70-300mm Kit on eBay, also, Digital Cameras, Photography (end time 20-Feb-08 20:45:00 GMT)


NEW NIKON D80 +18-55/70-300 LENS DIGITAL SLR CAMERA KIT on eBay, also, Digital Cameras, Photography (end time 18-Feb-08 22:05:00 GMT)

Rob could you pm me how much would you want for the lenses if you were to sell them. Hiring is a good thought Tim but think I'd prefer to buy because I'd be quite scared of breaking hire equipment (and you never know I may want to house it some day!)

Thanks again
Helen

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Cussy

Where are you planning to dive?
Rob

My friend who lives out there is planning the diving but think it's likely to be Sodwana bay.

As for the Safari doing a day in Hluhluwe park, a day in an elephant reserve and then the really exciting bit is I'm trying to get on a 4 day walking safari that does dawn and dusk walks and then night drives! Glad to hear that the ranger and the tracker are both armed!

Helen

[KenByrne]

Both seem like good buys. I'd go for the new D80 rather than the used D70 but either are good cameras and obviously you save a lot of money going for a D70. I also reckon the 18-55 is a better lens than the 28-80 as an all purpose walking about lens for digital.

If I was buying a D70 I'd look for a D70s as it's slightly newer and some early D70 cameras had a hardware problem.

You could also consider a D50. It's very similar to the D70 but should be cheaper. There's a few less features but probably nothing you'd miss. My mine gripe with the D50 is there is no sub command dial. This means that changing the aperture in manual mode you have to press a button and turn a wheel. This is no big deal above water but in a housing any time you have to press a button and turn a wheel it's a pain IMHO.

[Helen]

Thanks for the advice all. Have just bought this

Nikon D70s Twin Lens Digital Camera Kit D70 s on eBay, also, Digital Cameras, Photography (end time 20-Feb-08 15:15:21 GMT)

Be prepared for lots of questions on how to use it!

Helen

[Mike W]

Originally Posted by Helen

Thanks for the advice all. Have just bought this

Nikon D70s Twin Lens Digital Camera Kit D70 s on eBay, also, Digital Cameras, Photography (end time 20-Feb-08 15:15:21 GMT)

Be prepared for lots of questions on how to use it!

Helen

Congrats, ask away!

[KenByrne]

Looks good value. Enjoy using it.

[Helen]

Thanks all. Can't wait to get it and learn how to use it!

Have been advised by a friend to get a UV filter. Is that a good idea? Anything else I should get before I go?

Thanks `
Helen

[Cerianthus]

Hai Helen,

wont hurt to get a UV for each of your lenses, but mostly usefull to protect the front element of the lens against scratches. you could use a rigid hood for that as well, but then the front element will still collect dust.

I read somewhere that ccds and cmos-s dont actually record UV.

Not needed for UW.

[DDT uk]

It is always worth keeping a filter on the front on a lens as it protects the glass. It is a lot cheaper to replace the filter should you scratch it than buy a new lens.

Daniel