Underwater camera recommendation please

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We're going to be snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands and I doubt either my 5D3 or 60D would fare well hanging off my shoulder!

So, any advice on a reasonable camera at a reasonable price (I've bought the 5D3 and the 60D, along with various lenses in the last 12 months!) would be welcome. I seen mention of the Olympus Tough TG-610 but have no real knowledge of it or any competition.
 
I used to have one of the predecessors to the Tough - a Mju770SW. It turned in OK results but after a couple of years, it decided (despite meticulous care and inspection of the door seals) not to be waterproof. Conversation with Oly boiled down to "It's out of warranty so tough!" - great customer service!

The Canon D10 I bought to replace it gives far more pleasing results, especially above water and has now been superceeded by the D20 (IIRC). Pentax also do a couple of waterproof compacts which may be worth investigating. The D10 (can't speak for the D20 or Pentaxes) is also far easier to use, with bigger buttons than the Oly and a better screen.

I've wondered about getting a housing for my old D70 but it's unlikely I'll want to do any SCUBA depth photography - if I ever change my mind, I can get a housing then but that's not going to be a cheap option! Talking to divers and sub-aqua photographers, it's far more important to concentrate on dive safety than to get that elusive fish shot - tales of overdepth, air shortages etc abound WRT overenthusiastic tyros!
 
Take a look at Simplyscuba website, they've got some cracking underwater cameras. If you're hard strapped for cash don't bother going for an underwater case for DSLR's they are STUPIDLY expensive!!

If you plan to record videos, rather than taking pictures check out the GoPro they come with an underwater housing and they're only £250 ish!
 
Canon S95/100/110 and housing.

You definately want to be able to shoot RAW and no underwater camera can do that to my knowledge...which seems strange.

The lenses on them are also a bit rubbish so IQ is always compromised.

You don't have to worry about the slow aperture of the canon since there will be loads of light.

This option will cost £3-400 but the results will be very good!

The other benefit is you'll get a great compact to use other times as well :)

If you have an iPhone you can also get an underwater housing for £100.
 
Phil Young said:
Canon S95/100/110 and housing.

You definately want to be able to shoot RAW and no underwater camera can do that to my knowledge...which seems strange.

The lenses on them are also a bit rubbish so IQ is always compromised.

You don't have to worry about the slow aperture of the canon since there will be loads of light.

This option will cost £3-400 but the results will be very good!

The other benefit is you'll get a great compact to use other times as well :)

If you have an iPhone you can also get an underwater housing for £100.
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Not my thread, but thanks for that - Something to take into consideration when/if I buy another camera other than the gopro! :thumbs:
 
Phil Young said:
Canon S95/100/110 and housing.

You definately want to be able to shoot RAW and no underwater camera can do that to my knowledge...which seems strange.

.
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I know that is the generally accepted advice but I have found that in reality it doesn't make too much difference with compact cameras. Yes white balance control is better with RAW but you can still correct it in jpg (or just do custom WB underwater or if you are using flash, which you should, it doesn't really matter at all), the main drawback is that these compact sensors have very little dynamic headroom to rescue any exposure should you go OTT on manual strobes.

So yes, RAW is good but it's not the be all and end all and a compact that handles blues well (Canons seem to do this brilliantly - Fuji's not so) is equally valuable.

In fact, I came to the conclusion that there wasn't really any point in shooting RAW on my S90 as all it does is eat battery which isn't what you want under water as you can hardly change it ;)

My advice would be to buy whatever Canon housing is going cheap on ebay and then get the camera to match, which will probably cost peanuts too!
 
I'd use a Gopro 3 (black version)...
Cheap £400
light
multi purpose

I have 2 of the Gopro 2's & they are amazing - Dont work too well in the dark - BUT i'm guessing thats not going to be a problem for use..
 
Nawty said:
I know that is the generally accepted advice but I have found that in reality it doesn't make too much difference with compact cameras. Yes white balance control is better with RAW but you can still correct it in jpg (or just do custom WB underwater or if you are using flash, which you should, it doesn't really matter at all), the main drawback is that these compact sensors have very little dynamic headroom to rescue any exposure should you go OTT on manual strobes.

So yes, RAW is good but it's not the be all and end all and a compact that handles blues well (Canons seem to do this brilliantly - Fuji's not so) is equally valuable.

In fact, I came to the conclusion that there wasn't really any point in shooting RAW on my S90 as all it does is eat battery which isn't what you want under water as you can hardly change it ;)

My advice would be to buy whatever Canon housing is going cheap on ebay and then get the camera to match, which will probably cost peanuts too!
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For I give you an image taken in jpg do you fancy trying to edit it?
 
Phil Young said:
For I give you an image taken in jpg do you fancy trying to edit it?
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Post up an example and I'll tell you if it's worthwhile ;)

A superfine JPG should be more than enough, if it's not then your technique (either diving and/or camera) isn't good enough for underwater shooting yet.

EDIT: and by the way, nice attitude towards JDP :cuckoo:
 
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A couple of years ago we got a Fuji Z33WP. Tiny little camera that gave some very good underwater results as well as other pictures. My friend borrowed it earlier this year to and got some great underwater pictures. Battery life isn't bad and it's small enough to throw in any pocket. They can still be had for less than £80, I think. There have been a few newer versions since then but don't have any experience of them.
 
Nawty said:
Post up an example and I'll tell you if it's worthwhile ;)

A superfine JPG should be more than enough, if it's not then your technique (either diving and/or camera) isn't good enough for underwater shooting yet.
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Here you are sir.
406049_10152405498365305_196289360_n.jpg

[/QUOTE]

Nawty said:
EDIT: and by the way, nice attitude towards JDP :cuckoo:
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I think JDP was confused thinking I was talking to him when I was answering the OP...there's no attitude there, I just couldn't see anything where I was directing to James.
 
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OP:

Reason for my need to shoot RAW is that the WB is so eratic with depths, you may end up taking a shot that you really like but is spoiled beyond editing.

A couple of examples where RAW was needed to bring back my shots;

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So for me, RAW is one of those tools that is such a big advantage in underwater. I have edited images and brought back some other colours into the image when the tint is too far to one side...but it's a lot of work and the results will not be anywhere near as good.
 
Thanks, all.

Almost a tsunami of suggestions to work my way through!
 
Phil Young said:
.....did I direct my answer to you?
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No, but when is it wrong to thank someone for suggesting something. It's you getting recognition with my decision in the future. :cuckoo:

It's called being polite!
 
Ah, the joys of the Red Sea, I have hundreds like that from when I started diving.

I think you'll find that those WB adjustments are easily achievable with JPG. Because, like I said, compact sensors just don't have the dynamic range to pull anything back from the highlights and you don't need 14bit colour depth to tell the computer that it was lacking in red down there.

Also, some of the problems you are seeing are basic composition - shooting down on reefs into different depths is just asking for trouble (and a varying WB across the shot), getting down and shooting up is what you want to be aiming for (easily doable if you're snorkeling too).

A DSLR and RAW for underwater, now that's a different story! I'd love to take my D700 under but couldn't justify £3k worth of gear to do so.

edit: and whether you meant it or not what you said to JDP came across as very rude.
 
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JDP said:
No, but when is it wrong to thank someone for suggesting something. It's you getting recognition with my decision in the future. :cuckoo:

It's called being polite!
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Ok I think there's been some confusion.

When you answered me I thought you thought I was answering your answer, having thought about it I can see you were just thanking me for the advice given and being polite to the op at the same time.

I wasn't being impolite deliberately either, I didn't think I was quoting or directing you so was asking.

Apologies for the confusion which was largely mine!
 
Nawty said:
Ah, the joys of the Red Sea, I have hundreds like that from when I started diving.

I think you'll find that those WB adjustments are easily achievable with JPG. Because, like I said, compact sensors just don't have the dynamic range to pull anything back from the highlights and you don't need 14bit colour depth to tell the computer that it was lacking in red down there.

Also, some of the problems you are seeing are basic composition - shooting down on reefs into different depths is just asking for trouble (and a varying WB across the shot), getting down and shooting up is what you want to be aiming for (easily doable if you're snorkeling too).

A DSLR and RAW for underwater, now that's a different story! I'd love to take my D700 under but couldn't justify £3k worth of gear to do so.
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....so can you do anything with the jpg in the first image??
 
Back on the polite side of the thread....

If your budget allows, go for a good compact in a housing as opposed to a waterproof model. At snorkelling depths the blue colour cast might not seem too bad, but having RAW available is the best option without using external flash (strobes in underwater speak).

Popular models recently have been the canon s series, Olympus xz1 and to a lesser degree the Nikon p7000.

In Galapagos there might be a good chance of getting close go big stuff - sharks, turtles etc so a good accessory is a wide angle wet lens by someone like inon. It's now getting expensive!

If you can afford it, an Olympus epl 1 setup can be had 2nd hand cheap and is much better than a compact. Have a look on my underwater stuff on Flickr, there are shots on there with dslr, compacts and the epl 1, albeit all using external strobes.

Another option into hire some gear. Divelife in Manchester have a lotof options, but if you ring them make sure you speak to Brett, some of the other staff only know dive gear and not cameras.

Mike
 
To be more helpful (or to prove a point) I have edited the photo and it turns out fine, even from the small image posted here :)

I've put it on Picasa but for some reason it won't let me link to it - I'll try and sort it out :)

here you go:

PY1.jpg


Could have gone much further with the WB but it's a matter of preference.
 
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Nawty said:
To be more helpful (or to prove a point) I have edited the photo and it turns out fine, even from the small image posted here :)

I've put it on Picasa but for some reason it won't let me link to it - I'll try and sort it out :)

here you go:

PY1.jpg


Could have gone much further with the WB but it's a matter of preference.
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You think that was fine?

Anyway, here's the RAW which obviously took around 10 seconds to correct.

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Phil Young said:
Ok I think there's been some confusion.

When you answered me I thought you thought I was answering your answer, having thought about it I can see you were just thanking me for the advice given and being polite to the op at the same time.

I wasn't being impolite deliberately either, I didn't think I was quoting or directing you so was asking.

Apologies for the confusion which was largely mine!
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Sorry for the confusion too. I didn't see the last edit on the other post. :thumbs::bonk: Have a good new year pal.
 
Well cograts to you, mine took 2 seconds and was from a <1mp JPG.

You obviously fail to see the point and as always are intent on being technically (and I mean that in the purely electronic way) correct.

If you ever want to learn anything about underwater photography give me a shout, I'm by no means an expert but, to be frank I'm a step or three ahead of you.
 
Nawty said:
Well cograts to you, mine took 2 seconds and was from a <1mp JPG.

You obviously fail to see the point and as always are intent on being technically (and I mean that in the purely electronic way) correct.

If you ever want to learn anything about underwater photography give me a shout, I'm by no means an expert but, to be frank I'm a step or three ahead of you.
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...I don't think I've insulted you yet have I?

I won't start now, I think I've made my point.
 
I bought a Pentax underwater camera from duty free on my way to Egypt a few years ago. It's good, but a bit hit and miss.
Personally, I'd try and buy a cheap dslr like a 350d and whack it in one of those underwater bag type housings. A friend has one and its great, he uses it for scuba. It was only about £40. I wouldn't put my1d3 in it, but a 350 or even 300d are dirt cheap these days. They are made from thick clear rubber and have a glass filter for the lens. Buttons and dials are fairly easy to use.
Sure it's not as good as a custom u/w housing but for the price it's great.
Dean.
 
If you are going to buy a housing, get a proper one, not a "cheap one off ebay that looks like the real thing...."

I have a G12 and canon housing - it is brilliant.
I also have its predecessor, an S70 with dedicated housing (shoots RAW)

Both are cracking cameras. The S70 produced several covers and DPS for publication and many, many feature stories with just full page repros. The G12 produces pictures as good as an SLR, just slower to use.

I got a Nikon P7100, because I shoot all Nikon other than than the compact - and I had some tax money to burn!:D Iy is a fabulous camera, but with some quirky menu workings....brilliant pictures though, up to 400ASA - i haven't tried it beyond (because I am old fashioned and have gone through life thinking that is as high as I dare go, when it is pouring with rain and dark and horrid.....)

Anyway, I bought an Ebay housing that looked exactly like the Canon one, but for the P7100. It arrived in good time - but the buttons on the housing didn't touch the buttons on the camera...they were all in the right place, just not long enough, or the case is of the wrong dimension...I bet the cheap ebay ones are all the rejects. GET A PROPER ONE FROM THE HIGH STREET. i learned my lesson, I will order a housing from Fixation when the holidays are over. The small saving isn't a saving at all and it has cost me a load of hassle as well.

I would suggest a compact and housing as being the ideal kit for what you want
 
First off, you are very lucky going to the Galapagos!

I had some good success with a canon ixus and a wet external lens. If it were me I would go for a canon s95, s100 and a canon housing and add a wet lens, these are older models and you could pick them up second hand as people upgrade to the latest model. They have manual options and raw and the ability to manual white balance (but I don't think you should need to do this much snorkelling).

Some general tips, get as close as you can to your subject and try not to shoot down

Have a great time!
 
Longimanus said:
First off, you are very lucky going to the Galapagos!
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It's on our way back from Antarctica...!

We are very, very lucky (and it's a second trip to Antarctica in two years).
 
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I'm working my way through all the suggestions but have noticed on the way that Canon do a waterproof housing for an SX260HS which just happens to be my wife's 'handbag camera'. No RAW on the camera and £180 for the housing, but has anyone any experience of the combination?
 
Firstly, sorry if I got a bit tetchy - I've been ill since Christmas Eve and not even been out of the house for a few days which has left me rather bad tempered.

Anyway, like I've said, you really don't need RAW to get great pictures and your wife's Canon would be perfect.

This was taken with an old Powershot, jpg straight out of camera:
Marsa%2520Nakari%2520%252844%2520of%252050%2529.jpg


As were these Batfish this:
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Canon's just cope with the blue very well which is what you want underwater, especially somewhere like the Galapagos.
 
Nawty said:
Firstly, sorry if I got a bit tetchy - I've been ill since Christmas Eve and not even been out of the house for a few days which has left me rather bad tempered.

Anyway, like I've said, you really don't need RAW to get great pictures and your wife's Canon would be perfect.

This was taken with an old Powershot, jpg straight out of camera:

As were these Batfish this:

Canon's just cope with the blue very well which is what you want underwater, especially somewhere like the Galapagos.
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That first picture (lion fish?) is awesome.
Dean.
 
Nawty said:
Anyway, like I've said, you really don't need RAW to get great pictures and your wife's Canon would be perfect.
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That's a cracking photo of the lion fish and thanks for the reassurance regarding the SX260HS.

My only reservation surrounds the cost of the housing by itself compared with the relatively little extra to get a camera that's waterproof in its own right (much reduced chance of a fatal leak) and which I could possibly sell on after the trip.

That, and the fact that I'm something of a surface snorkeller and so most of my photos would be looking down rather than up as suggested earlier in the thread.
 
Hmm, well...

I've never been overly fond of "waterproof" cameras as I've never seen great results from them BUT they were a new thing when I last used them so could well have improved.

Something to consider is that Canon housings tend to be positively buoyant, i.e. they float. You could look at this in two ways: 1) it will stop you diving so easily or 2) if you let go it will float.

I like the second option, I wouldn't have been able to get this Whale shark shot if someone from the boat wasn't happy to throw the camera down to me:

DSCF6446.JPG


Alternatively you could head over to yorkshiredivers.co.uk and have a look at the classifieds. Not been there in a while but there are usually a few compact systems being sold cheaply.

With regards to taking photos. Firstly the water there is pretty cold so wear a wetsuit! Secondly, I expect you'll get photo op's of Sealions and other big water animals, these will look best with a big blue background (unless it's actually jumping in/out) of so pay attention to the background. At the surface you should have plenty of light so actually looking down on the subject won't necessarily be a bad thing but it will be worth trying to get down just a meter or two to try some backlit shots - in these situations try forcing the flash to light up the close subject and balance it with the background (that's what I did with the Lion fish which was down at 30m (glad you like it by the way :))
 
digital said:
It's on our way back from Antarctica...!

We are very, very lucky (and it's a second trip to Antarctica in two years).
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I dont need to know anymore about your trip! Very jealous!

Here is something from ebay, this used to be the compact to have and will take great pictures. If you really enjoy it you could also build on it and turn it into a very good underwater setup, just depends on how much you want to spend?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-Pow..._Underwater_Cases_Housing&hash=item43b6a32118
 
We got the Canon D20 for our recent trip to the Maldives.

For the most part, it took great photos (and HD video which was nice for the sharks and rays) and was also a useful second camera for non-underwater duties. Very pub-proof.

Colours were generally excellent - the underwater light was pretty variable, as was water clarity. The days when it was very sunny, and pretty churned up - no camera was going to take a great shot. We were only there for 3 days before heading to Sri Lanka (where it was also useful due to the early Monsoon!), and got some great shots. Sadly, the close encounter with a large white-tip coincided with lots of silt in the water. I'll post some pics when I get home.

I *think* from memory it can shoot RAW too, though don't hold me to it.
 
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question to be honest.

The question needs padding out with a little more detail.

How deep are you going?
Is this a one off or are you doing to be doing this regularly?
What are you wanting to photograph?
Are you looking for snaps from your holiday to top notch underwater images?
What experience of diving do you have?

I used to have a dedicated under nikonos camera but it is a lot to carry and takes over the dive. If you dive below about 6-8 metres then colour balance becomes an issue due to red light/water penetration so a flash becomes useful if you want good colour. My deepest dives were on a world war 2 u boat of the south coast in 45-55 metres, flash was absolutely needed there!

Anyway, if you are recreational diving in good light in warm water and just want holiday snaps then there are some plastic cases for compacts which are very good. I have one for an ixus which was brilliant at under ten metres. Getting a compact with raw support would help in correcting colour but as has been shown it is not a deal breaker.

Good luck
 
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