I’m still in my research phase of deciding on a DSLR.  Money is only partially important.  I already know the camera, housing, and lenses are going to be expensive.  I’m willing to pay for good glass.

What I’m debating is whether to go with the Nikon D60 or the Canon XSI.  I’m looking at these two cameras because of their size and weight.  The camera is going to be used both above and below water, so I need something that’s comfortable to carry all day on vacation. 

These two cameras seem to be extremely similar because of the high amount of competition between the manufacturers.  The biggest differences I see between these two cameras (that I think might affect underwater photography) are:

Canon XSI - 3” screen, dedicated buttons for ISO and White Balance.  Has live view, but not sure if it is actually useful under water?

Nikon D60 - 2.5” screen, ISO and WB are adjusted by accessing the menu system.  Nikon has a nicer grip for above water use, and has the awesome 18-200mm lens for above water use.

Are there other key features that I’m overlooking that might make me choose one over the other?  How often is a diver changing ISO and WB settings on each dive?

Thanks for your advice.

hey matt,

tough question matt.. I actually prefer everything which I can operate quickly rather than
fiddling around in menus and iso and white balance are setting you might use underwater.
The 3” display is another pro for the Canon. Canon has a EF 28-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 USM, which
is not that versatile like the Nikon 18-200, but should cover most situations.

So I would go with the Canon..., but I’m not a Nikon expert..

ciao Lars

Hi Matt,

IMHO -

In my personal experience the Canon Rebel Series are easier to use, compared to their Nikon counter part. I am currently using the Canon Rebel Xti with Canon 100mm macro, 10-22mm Wide Angle, 24-105mm Telephoto (surface use).
However, I am currently migrating to the Nikon D300 - 105mm macro, 10mm Fisheye, 18-200mm Telephoto (surface use).

Try out a demo unit of the XSI - the liveview has a long lag unlike your typical point and shoot liveview mode. This also holds true for the Canon 40d and Nikon D300.

If your wondering why I am migrating to the Nikon D300 - it is because the Nikon D300 comes closes to Film quality, without breaking the bank.

I haven’t tried the Nikon D60 yet, so I can give a opinion about it.

Best of Luck with your new DSLR purchase.

Cheers
Jeff