System Camera for underwater

[sebastian_patzelt]

<p>Hey guys, I've started to look for a mirrorless system camera that I can use underwater (up to 40-50m, with a housing ofc) and also for nature photography. I'm an amateur, so it needn't be something fancy, the highest im able/willing to pay for both camera and housing would be around 700-750€. <br>

What I've found so far is the Sony NEX 5n with a Case from Hydronalin (https://www.hydronalin.eu/fotografieren/unterwassergeh-use/r-systemkameras/sony-nex-5n-18-55mm-unterwassergehaeuse-40m/a-691204/) German page, but I think the important stuff passes language barriers :D</p>

<p>The Canon EOS-M seems promising too, but I haven't found a cheap underwatercase, and the nautilus housing nearly eclipses my price-pool on his own.</p>

<p>Now the Panasonic GF6 is a camera that seems nice, is in my price pool, including the housing from hydronalin (https://www.hydronalin.eu/fotografieren/unterwassergeh-use/r-systemkameras/panasonic-gf6-14-42mm-unterwassergehaeuse-40m/a-691215/)</p>

<p>If I against most odds wasn't to decide for a system camera, but a normal digital camera, I'd go for the Canon Powershot G15 (the G16 didnt bring many improvements, and the G17 was rumored to be out in may now we have july zzz) which has the reputation to shoot awesome underwater photos. </p>

<p>I could go over some others, but these 2 in general, and the EOS-M, if there is a cheaper housing, would be my favorites so far. </p>

<p>It'd be nice if someone could maybe tell me his experiences with these cameras/ similar ones, especially in underwater photography I'd be really happy, as long as they are in the prize range. Tips & infos are always welcome^^</p>

<p>Regards<br>

to-be-amateur-photographer :)</p>

[oleg_kosyakovsky]

<p>Are you sure you want to go down to 40-50m? If yes, forget about the cheaper housings.<br>

If this was a typo, and you intend "mainstream" diving of around 20m, an extract from my post on dpreview forum may help you:<br>

==================================<br>

I'm promoting a flash-less technique of underwater photography - with color restoration in (raw) postprocessing.<br>

You are invited to read my technical paper here: <a href="http://www.lazyconv.com/papers/Minolta5d_UW.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.lazyconv.com/papers/Minolta5d_UW.pdf</a><br>

And here is my latest photo gallery where many photos are taken underwater with Sony NEX C3 and 18-55 in Meike housing:<br /><a href="http://www.lazyconv.com/galleries/Root/Thailand_0214__SRC5M/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.lazyconv.com/galleries/Root/Thailand_0214__SRC5M/index.html</a><br>

==================================</p>

<p>Regards,<br>

Oleg.</p>

 

[Sanford]

<p>Look at backscatter.com for some ideas.</p>

[AlanKlein]

<p>You'll need a strobe light to get good colors once you get below ten feet (3 meters) or so. </p>

<p>I think Olympus has a reasonable housing for the E-PL1 or E-PL3 series micro 4/3 cameras. But I don't know if you can hook up a strobe.</p>

[AlanKlein]

<p>The other option is to go film with a dedicated Nikonos. You ought to be able to buy a used one for a couple of hundred dollars including a strobe. Here are some shots taken with mine a Nikonos IVa with strobe.</p>

<p>https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/sets/72157625526207614/<br /> https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/sets/72157627032961729/</p>

[Ian Taylor]

<p>I used a 10Bar housing for my GF1, check them out. Good construction, reasonable pricing. <br>

http://www.10bar.com/</p>

[eric_arnold]

<p>surprised no one has mentioned the nikon1 AW1. it comes in a kit w/ waterproof housing and has a dedicated strobe avail for it. </p>