If shoppers are in the market for an underwater camera, Cathy Church's Photo Centre has a wide variety to choose from. Cathy Church is the island leader in cameras - still and video - and all things relating to photography, above or underwater. Jennifer Mark is Cathy Church's Photo Centre manager, and she’s as much of an expert in camera equipment and photography as one can find on the island.
Starters
“Everyone loves the Olympus Tough Series waterproof cameras starting at US$230,” says Jennifer. “These are great for the beach or the pool with depth ratings ranging from 10 feet to 33 feet and an optional add-on housing to take the cameras to scuba diving depths.”
She says these cameras are perfect for the Cayman lifestyle as they are shockproof and waterproof, with 12 or 14 megapixels and HD video capability. Another affordable camera in the starter range is the Intova IC 12 digital camera and housing, which costs only US$249 total. “This easy-to-use compact camera with an included underwater housing is the lowest price for a system that goes to scuba depth,” Jennifer says. “You can add a strobe later when you are ready to enjoy more colour in your photos.”
Mid-range
The SeaLife DC1200 Elite package is US$800. “This handy system has everything you need to get you taking pictures underwater,” Jennifer says. “The package includes a 12 megapixel digital camera, underwater housing, external strobe with tray and arm and optical sync cable, wide angle lens with holder and even a carrying case.”
The system is a perfect starter system because everything is included. “While it cannot compete with the image quality of the higher-end cameras, it is the most camera for the money on the market today, and it allows you to switch from shooting small subjects to shooting wide-angle, all while remaining underwater,” she says.
The Olympus E-PL2 complete underwater system is another example of a mid-range underwater camera system, but a bit more expensive at US$2150.
“This amazing hybrid camera is smaller than an SLR, but allows you to change lenses,” Jennifer says. “It will be your new land camera, video camera and underwater camera all in one.”
Professional
The Nikon D7000 camera and Aquatica Underwater housing package is one of the best professional underwater camera systems on the market. It costs US$7200.
That package includes one lens and port, one strobe with arm and sync cord and a deluxe Sola flashlight. A complete system can cost as much as US$10,500 depending on which lenses the buyer wishes to house and how many strobes the buyer would like. “This true SLR is the newest in a long line of great Nikon cameras,” Jennifer says. “The D7000 boasts 16.2 megapixels and full 1080p cinematic high-def video. This is a professional system but suitable even for beginners.”
Like all Nikon SLR cameras, the sensor is much larger than the lower priced compact and 4/3rd cameras.