FezUSA
Contributor
Old thread so there might not be a response from the OP.
Myself, I use a TG-4. The reasons is partly personal, I also have an E-500 kit (now with 1 of my kids) and an E-5 with semi-pro lenses. I also have an XZ-1 that I used for a Disney trip when not wanting to take my E-5 and this was before the TG-4. I like Olympus gear and the photos I can produce.
In addition, the TG-4 allows me to use it while snorkeling without a housing. This was important to me as I have 5 kids and not all trips or activities are diving, but can benefit from the 'tough' features. We also ski/snowboard and snowshoe, as well as some hiking/scrambling/zip lining/climbing etc. The tough camera with accessories (harness etc) helped in all of those scenarios. One other nice feature is that if there's a problem with my UW housing and it floods some, the camera is more likely to survive because it is waterproof itself. I also love the macro mode on it. If you have any interest at all in close-up shooting without going serious (lenses, bellows, etc) then this camera can do 1:1 and do other stupidly close up photography.
I have taken some time with an UW pro shooter uses in classes and recommends the Canon as a beginner/intro tool. She was very surprised and happy with the pictures I was making with the TG-4. Yes it doesn't have manual, and yes the sensor is not quite as big. But ultimately, for me, it was the right tool for the job right now. Later I may upgrade past it if I get more serious!
Good article too: Best Underwater Cameras of 2018: Compacts & Mirrorless Cameras - Underwater Photography - Backscatter
Myself, I use a TG-4. The reasons is partly personal, I also have an E-500 kit (now with 1 of my kids) and an E-5 with semi-pro lenses. I also have an XZ-1 that I used for a Disney trip when not wanting to take my E-5 and this was before the TG-4. I like Olympus gear and the photos I can produce.
In addition, the TG-4 allows me to use it while snorkeling without a housing. This was important to me as I have 5 kids and not all trips or activities are diving, but can benefit from the 'tough' features. We also ski/snowboard and snowshoe, as well as some hiking/scrambling/zip lining/climbing etc. The tough camera with accessories (harness etc) helped in all of those scenarios. One other nice feature is that if there's a problem with my UW housing and it floods some, the camera is more likely to survive because it is waterproof itself. I also love the macro mode on it. If you have any interest at all in close-up shooting without going serious (lenses, bellows, etc) then this camera can do 1:1 and do other stupidly close up photography.
I have taken some time with an UW pro shooter uses in classes and recommends the Canon as a beginner/intro tool. She was very surprised and happy with the pictures I was making with the TG-4. Yes it doesn't have manual, and yes the sensor is not quite as big. But ultimately, for me, it was the right tool for the job right now. Later I may upgrade past it if I get more serious!
Good article too: Best Underwater Cameras of 2018: Compacts & Mirrorless Cameras - Underwater Photography - Backscatter
