mirrorless suggestions

[Rick Brant]

I am going to purchase two or three mirrorless cameras along with SCUBA housings. These are for reef surveys and will be used at depths of less than 60'. I'll also get a lens for each, either a fixed focal length or a zoom if it is bundled. Because of the quantity I'm looking for the best combination of value and performance. I'm willing to compromise on camera specs if there is a housing that is reasonably priced. Does anyone have any suggestions? So far I am looking at Sony but the total cost is looking pretty stout.

 

[js1221]

Have you looked at the Olympus E-PL10, with the AOI housing?

Olympus PEN E-PL10 Camera & 14-42mm EZ Lens Kit with Backscatter Octo Underwater Housing

Olympus PEN E-PL10 Camera & 14-42mm EZ Lens Kit with Backscatter Octo Underwater Housing: The housing works with both Olympus E-PL9 & Olympus E-PL10, so no matter which camera you use the same housing will support either.

www.backscatter.com

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd look at the latest offering from OM System (formerly Olympus) and Nauticam housing. It will cost much less for the whole system including lenses than the Sony and the others.

OM Systems OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Body

Olympus OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Body: As the flagship of the mirrorless OM system, the OM-1 is equipped with the industry’s latest technology to realize your most creative ideas.

www.backscatter.com

 

[Rick Brant]

I have looked at theE-PL10 and the pricing is compelling. It does not seem to be part of a real family of cameras though -- it's kind of an oddball. I want to have at least some chance of being able to buy a replacement if needed at some point so having a camera that gets updated every so often would be good. It is a good package price though. I may take another look...

 

[tursiops]

Rarely does an updated camera fit the housing for the earlier model, so if you want spare cameras you need to buy them up front, for example buy 3 housings and five camera bodies. The old lenses usually work on the new models. The housings are usually the most expensive part of the system.

 

[Rick Brant]

The OM-1 clocks in at about $5k with housing. The Sony a7C with housing is around $3k. Unless the glass makes a big difference the Sony seems like a better option.

 

[Rick Brant]

Rarely does an updated camera fit the housing for the earlier model, so if you want spare cameras you need to buy them up front, for example buy 3 housings and five camera bodies. The old lenses usually work on the new models. The housings are usually the most expensive part of the system.

Good point although if I had to replace one camera I would mostly be wanting to match the camera and lens. In other words, I would not like having to buy another housing but would do so in order to get a camera that is mostly the same as the two I already have. I don't want to have any more variation in the optical path than necessary, also there is the issue of having the same UI if possible.

 

[tursiops]

Good point although if I had to replace one camera I would mostly be wanting to match the camera and lens. In other words, I would not like having to buy another housing but would do so in order to get a camera that is mostly the same as the two I already have. I don't want to have any more variation in the optical path than necessary, also there is the issue of having the same UI if possible.

I'm not sure you understood my point. The way to get a camera the same as what you already have (fitting the same lens with the same UI) is to buy more cameras at the beginning than you need. Buy the spare camera up front. If you need three (say), then buy 5.

 

[BoltSnap]

Why not consider the TG6?

 

[Rick Brant]

I'm not sure you understood my point. The way to get a camera the same as what you already have (fitting the same lens with the same UI) is to buy more cameras at the beginning than you need. Buy the spare camera up front. If you need three (say), then buy 5.

Yes, I understand your point but I'm operating on a budget. I may not need a spare at all.