Sony RX100 combo suggestions

[Northern noob]

Hello,

I'd love some pro advice (or good amateurish advice

I've just ordered the Sony RX100 camera as lazy travel alternative to my regular Nikon gear.

What would make a good underwater housing & strobe combo? This would be for hobbie use only. So hopefully affordable as well...

I'd be using it for snorkeling and the occasional shallow dives.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Northern noob

[Northern noob]

Okay. Where are all the helpful knowledgable divers ?

I'm considering the Ikelite House for the SONY RX100 with a Fantasea DUO unit of the Nano flash and Focus light.

Any thoughts?

I could use some direction

Regards from Northern Ontario

[bvanant]

Depends on what you mean by affordable. There are housings from RecSea, Nauticam and I think Ikelite ranging from $1500 to $400 for the Ike. As for strobes, I would NOT recommend the fantasea, but something a bit more powerful (but a bit more $) Talk to Scott
BIll

[Northern noob]

First off,

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I was thinking of the Ikelite housing. So instead of the Fantasea duo set (nano flash and spot light) i should just get a stronger strobe?

Thanks

[travisball]

Hey Northern Noob,

With the Ikelite housing, the recommended strobe setup is the Sea & Sea YS-D1 strobe package that Bluewater Photo put together.

Check here for a few different options:

http://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/prod ... nomy%3A260

I know you said you're looking for affordable options so take a look at what some of your options are.

If you've got questions, just call up the store at 310-633-5052

Take care,

-T

[Northern noob]

Being a noob...and keeping in mind that I'll only use the unit during resort vacations a couple times a year...

Could I get away with using 2 fantasea Nano flashes instead of the sea & sea unit...it would be considerably cheaper....

Thanks

[bvanant]

There are several strobes that are a bit cheaper than the D1, I personally would recommend a YS01 or YS02 for you or you could pick up a used strobe for quite a bit less. The D1 is quite nice but a bit of overkill in your situation.
Bill

[Northern noob]

Are used strobes safe to buy? do strobes get worn out after a while? Or is a good used strobe as good as a new one? Not sure...new to underwater flashes.

Regards & Thanks

[bvanant]

Used strobes (depending on their age of course) can be great investments. Many of us are using 10 year old strobes. There are no moving parts (except the knobs of course) so if the design was good and the capacitors are in good shape they should be good to go. Many studio photographers are using strobes at 5000 flashes per week for years and most UW strobes are far less stressed.
Bill