[HELP] Oly E-PL7, Pany GX8, or something else for beginner

[rp200]

Hi,

Want to start practicing underwater photography, and need advice on which camera to use (buy housing, etc).

Already own Olympus E-PL7 and Panasonic GX8 with Olympus 45mm macro. Housing for GX8 is available from Nauticam only for ~$1600. EPL7 has housing for ~$700, plus $400 for 45mm port.

Not wanting to invest too much on equipment in the beginning, but also want something that would last.

Should I start with EPL7? GX8? Or get a GoPro to start practicing first?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chris Ross]

Which housing for the EPL-7? the olympus housing? be aware the Pen housings have a more limited range of ports available which limits which lenses you can use for future upgrades. The Nauticam housings are great, and you have the full range of Nauticam and Zen ports available for whichever lenses you want to shoot with. Try and buy once I would suggest.

 

[rp200]

Which housing for the EPL-7? the olympus housing? be aware the Pen housings have a more limited range of ports available which limits which lenses you can use for future upgrades. The Nauticam housings are great, and you have the full range of Nauticam and Zen ports available for whichever lenses you want to shoot with. Try and buy once I would suggest.

Thank you for the warninig. I was talking about Olympus housing for E-PL7 because Nauticam housing is much more expensive and, for that amount, I would rather get one for my GX8. Main worry is whether to invest so much in housing in the beginning, not knowing how much I will enjoy uw photography and whether my current gear is suited for that.

 

[fmerkel]

The Oly housing are fine. The Nauticam housings are very nice (I have both). EVERYTHING for Nauticam is more expensive, by far. OTOH, it is more 'stable' and parts of it can be used going forward, IF you stay with Nauticam.
(Note-in some ways I like the Oly housing a bit more than the Nauticam).

A BIG problem with ANY housing+camera setup is really future proofing, and how much are you going to get out of it before you either (hate to bring this up but it's a reality):
1. You flood it. Once you do this the housing is kinda useless since Olympus is WAY beyond EPL-7 unless you stockpile spares. Flooding does happen.
2. You move on to a newer system. Digital systems seem to have a lifespan of 6-12 months.You can ignore it, or you can succumb to the allure of better cameras.

Oly is more of a one stop 'system'. Cheaper, buy what you need, use it.
With Nauticam you CAN move ports and telephoto rings (expensive), but you CANNOT use the housings with a different camera. You will be stuck with a very expensive new housing should you do that, but you will be able to use some of the other parts. With Oly, it's pretty much start over, but cheaper.

Don't forget, strobes, focus light, and a tray are needed for both. Trays, arms, etc are not cheap, and good strobes are expensive. But, you can use those with any system. People focus on cameras, but lighting is critical.

 

[Chris Ross]

Here's the system chart for the EPL-7 housing : https://asia.olympus-imaging.com/content/000019167.pdf

as you can see it's only the basic lenses you can use, there's no dome port from olympus. You can get after market dome ports but really only for the likes of the 9-18 and the fisheye as the bigger lenses like the 7-14 and the 12-40 don't fit. The GX-8 you can use most lenses in an appropriate port. Also don't assume that the camera you have is your best option to take UW. The GX-8 would be a fine choice but requires an expensive housing. Compare that for example buying an EM-1 MkII and it's olympus housing for example, or maybe buying a Canon G7X-II and a Fantasea housing for example, that may be a cheaper way dipping your toe in the water than a Nauticam housing.

 

[KenGordon]

When faced with this I bought a EPL7 with the Olympus housing (it was a gift for my GF). Recently she bought another (secondhand) EPL7 body as a spare. For a starter kit I think it worked out very well. Various stobes and bits have been added too. The next step up, with specialist housings, would have been twice the price.

Today the TG5 might be a better choice. It works to some depth without a housing so is less initial investment. If you google/find on Facebook Pete Bullen About he is always trying out the latest Olympus kit and has some amazing shots with the TG5.

In diving it can be the case that there is the cheap way, the way that looks like the long term, and then the actual long term way. It isn’t too easy to get drawn into that expensive but not really long term plan before you know enough to realise what you really need.

 

[rp200]

Thank you for all for in-depth advices. I am hesitant to invest so much in the beginning without some experience first. I'll check out TG5 or second-hand Oly housing. Happy new year

 

[Esk]

I would strongly reconmend to get the Olympus housing for the epl7 and get the 14-42 EZ lens. I have this set up myself and love it. Its realy flexible because you can use all kind of wetlenses (macro and wide angle) with great result. Just like probably all other mirrorless cameras the image quality is way better than any compact camera and this particular set up is a lot cheaper than other mirrorless camara/housing combinations (housing + camera + zoom gear was in the Netherlands a few years back about €1130). The only downside is that if you flud the camera it will be dificcult to find a new epl7. But that problem you will have at some point with every camera.