I use autofocus for both my 60 & 105VR - I have the option of manual focus on the 105, but don't use it much. I have no problem, focus on the eyes and recompose.
But to the OP's question; The M 4/3rds cameras are quite good for their cost. The hidden cost in these systems are the lenses, which are a few to several hundreds more expensive than equivalent APS-C DSLRs like Canon or Nikon. I also think that they can be a bit slow to use due to lack of dials and action shooting with them harder than using a DSLR & viewfinder. But coming from a P&S you won't notice these issues.
The Oly 30mm macro won't fit the Oly PT-EP01 housing, except by using a fairly expensive Athena port adapter and port as wel as the Oly adapter. You're money ahead going with the excellent Pany 45mm macro.
The 10Bar housings accommodate all the Oly & Pany lenses using a system of a few ports and extensions. Zen and Athena have options for ports, but they are specific purpose and expensive.
I have an article on my blog comparing them here.
The Oly E620 is a good camera, and the Oly housing very good quality. But it has been surpassed this year and is pretty old by today's technological standards. Still for a full DSLR it is easy to use, light and durable - a very good value.
The NEX5 is a game changer. About $7-800 with 2 lenses it has a full APS-C sensor, just like you find on bigger cameras. Sensor size is where it's at, along with lenses. There is an adapter for the alpha series of Sony lenses and ports and adapters are coming. The Nauticam NEX-5 housing is extremely small, light and easy to use. It has excellent gearing and controls. it is more expensive by the time you get ports and what not, but still affordable. I have more on it in my newsletter here.
Another great small camera is the Canon 550D Dslr; awesome video, tons of lenses, small and easy to use. I like the Nauticam NA-550D housing for it, but the Sea & Sea RDX550D is also a good value.
Jack
But to the OP's question; The M 4/3rds cameras are quite good for their cost. The hidden cost in these systems are the lenses, which are a few to several hundreds more expensive than equivalent APS-C DSLRs like Canon or Nikon. I also think that they can be a bit slow to use due to lack of dials and action shooting with them harder than using a DSLR & viewfinder. But coming from a P&S you won't notice these issues.
The Oly 30mm macro won't fit the Oly PT-EP01 housing, except by using a fairly expensive Athena port adapter and port as wel as the Oly adapter. You're money ahead going with the excellent Pany 45mm macro.
The 10Bar housings accommodate all the Oly & Pany lenses using a system of a few ports and extensions. Zen and Athena have options for ports, but they are specific purpose and expensive.
I have an article on my blog comparing them here.
The Oly E620 is a good camera, and the Oly housing very good quality. But it has been surpassed this year and is pretty old by today's technological standards. Still for a full DSLR it is easy to use, light and durable - a very good value.
The NEX5 is a game changer. About $7-800 with 2 lenses it has a full APS-C sensor, just like you find on bigger cameras. Sensor size is where it's at, along with lenses. There is an adapter for the alpha series of Sony lenses and ports and adapters are coming. The Nauticam NEX-5 housing is extremely small, light and easy to use. It has excellent gearing and controls. it is more expensive by the time you get ports and what not, but still affordable. I have more on it in my newsletter here.
Another great small camera is the Canon 550D Dslr; awesome video, tons of lenses, small and easy to use. I like the Nauticam NA-550D housing for it, but the Sea & Sea RDX550D is also a good value.
Jack
