Hi, does anyone have experience in using the Seacam 9 inch superdome? I am trying to decide between Subal and Seacam for a D2X. I know both are great systems but I'm trying to find the best fit for what I'm looking to do which is mainly underwater and split above/below shots of models. Would the 9 inch Seacam superdome make much of a difference for the above/below shots due to it's larger size than the largest 8 inch Subal port. Aside from a few other small differences, such as the option to have the Seacam domes coated, this seems to be the main significant difference to me although I could be missing something important? The different viewfinder options on the Seacam could also be useful? So, if anyone has experience shooting them both for this type of work any feedback would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Nick

As a Subal user, I would say that the larger the dome the better for split level shots. So yep in theory the Seacam would be a better choice.

The Seacam 45 degree finder is also an advantage for split level shots, as it will allow you to keep your head above water while shooting.

Alex

For fairness, I should add that I shoot many split shots with my Subal domes and have never felt compromised by my setup. You can see some examples in my galleries.

http://www.amustard.com/aod/c3/images/how_01.jpg

This is great if you can stand up. However, it is really hard to get that much out of the water if you are trying to shoot a split and can't reach the ground. (the seacam is heavy, and you have to get higher to use the 45). In theory, you can turn the viewfinder so it faces down instead of up, but I haven't gotten used to that method yet.

The Seacam superdome is great for splits. Since it has an Ally body, it's also well balanced underwater, unlike some other large domes. The drawback of it is travelling with the thing - whether as hand baggage or hold - it takes up a lot of space!

The S45 viewfinder is very useful too - especially if your floating on a tyre or other inflatable while composing your shot - you can shoot without getting your head wet. I agree with Eric's point about it being more of a challenge if you're floating upright, however

Steve

Hi Nick,

I don't think it's correct to say that the Subal dome is an 8" and the Superdome is a 9". Consult the manufacturer's specifications to find out each dome's radius of curvature, and cord length (diameter if you're looking at it as a circle).

I only have experience with the Seacam dome, and I've used both the S45 and S180 underwater. I echo what Eric and Steve have said about these. The larger size of the Seacam dome helps a lot for split shots, but the extra glass is sure heavy.

Another small point is that I really like the Seacam dome port cover. They had their thinking cap on when they designed this one.

Cheers
James

Thank you all for your advice, very much appreciated and helpful

Hi,
Large Seacam dome was really good if you like to get closer to the subject.

By removing filter on backside of 16mm Fisheye, you can even get more CLOSER.

Re dome cover, I do not know who invented first but, Sea & Sea has same type cover on large dome.

Sam

I believe my Subal dome is a 9". Or as close as metric gets to that. The original Subal large dome was 8" but the newer is 9" I believe.

The Subal FE and FE2 ports are physically the same size (in diameter of the port), but the the new dome is less curved (in otherwords it is a smaller section of a larger hemisphere).

I use the same plastic box for carrying the new one as I did the old one.

Alex

Yes; when you call a dome a 9" or 8" you are referring to the radius of curvature of the dome. Not it's actual physical size. A 9" dome might actually be smaller than an 8" dome. But is will have a longer (or flatter) radius of curvature.

A longer radius of curvature gives the theoretical advantage of less lenticular and chromatic aberrations because it has less dioptric power.

Out of morbid curiosity, how much is the SeaCam 9" port?

Joe

The price listed on the Seacam USA website is $1705...