Underwater camera technology

for the underwater images on this webpage, I used the 3 following systems:
(actually, the Fuji and Canon only on Hawaii, the others are made with the Minolta)

Underwater imaging using the Minolta Dimage X in the MC-DG100 marine case:
good: camera still OK almost all functions of the camera available under water survied 30+ m depth (all buttons worked OK) relatively inexpensive (for underwater equippment) many pictures possible (compared to film) allows video and flash operation if you drown the camera, the casing should still be OK ;-) (the casing is as expensive as the camera) bad: very long release lag resolution somewhat low (2MP) new camera versions don't fit the case anymore weak battery scratch sensitive (has a hard lens window, though)

Underwater imaging using the Minolta Dimage X in the MC-DG100 marine case:

good:

camera still OK

almost all functions of the camera available under water

survied 30+ m depth (all buttons worked OK)

relatively inexpensive (for underwater equippment)

many pictures possible (compared to film)

allows video and flash operation

if you drown the camera, the casing should still be OK ;-)

(the casing is as expensive as the camera)

bad:

very long release lag

resolution somewhat low (2MP)

new camera versions don't fit the case anymore

weak battery

scratch sensitive (has a hard lens window, though)

Underwater imaging using the Fuji Quicksnap single use camera:
good: got some pictures! cheap - if you damage it - get a new one. available nearly everywhere good fast film (Fuji 800) considerable magnification possible bad: only 27 pictures no flash fixed focus buttons can lock up below 10 or so m depth

Underwater imaging using the Canon Sureshot A1 analog underwater camera:
good: got some pictures! whole camera half the price of the digital casing alone. free choice of film - very good magnification possible all functions of the camera available under water bad: drowned in operation (well, this was probably my fault - always check the O-ring!) but - when it drowned, it was irreparable... No film longer than 36 exp (changing on a trip is a bad idea)