Olympus XZ1 for beginner?

[02BeOnTheBeach]

Hello everyone, I have just discovered this wonderful site and have already read many posts. My husband and I have always been avid snorkelers and a few years ago we bought a very very simple system (Olympus FE360 with underwater housing) to capture some of our adventures and have been pleasantly surprised at what we've been able to do. We have since done some discover scuba and plan to get certified before our trip to Bonaire in April 2013. I am looking for a simple system, small probably point and shoot but with the ability of manual and shooting in RAW (which of course I don't know much about yet...but I will). I think I am mostly interested in macro and will likely get a macro lens....not too sure about wide angle yet. And, I don't want to spend $2000 as we probably will only use this system 1-2 times per year. I don't care about video as my husband already has his new toy (the GoPro Hero with underwater housing). Sorry that took so long to get to the real question but here it goes.

I'm thinking about the Olympus XZ1 with Olympus PT050 housing, PTMC-01 macro lens, and maybe the YS-02 strobe or the InonS2000 strobe but that is more expensive than the YS-02 unless there is a real benefit of going with the S2000 (more versatility to use with other systems as I grow, better functionality, etc).

Am I at all on the right track?

thanks!

 

[herbdb]

I certainly think it will meet your needs. I have the same camera and housing with dual YS-01 strobes. I shoot exclusively in manual mode because my strobes (which I already owned) will not work in TTL mode with the XZ-1. This may not be something you want to learn. You should make sure the strobe is compatible.

For absolute ease of use you might look into a dedicated UW camera that has a strobe that will work automatically with the camera auto modes.

I recommend that you call the guys at Reef Photo and discuss your needs with them. They actually use the equipment and will give you good advise.
Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

 

[R-balljunkie]

I've been shooting a XZ-1 for about a year and a half on land and in the water. tickled pink with the performance and ease of use, not to mention ridiculous service. ive sent it in twice (they're not drop proof on land ....fixed no charge, no questions. if im shallow, ill often shoot no strobes, manual WB adjustments with good success. Im stuck like you on the strobe selection, and im leaning towards the Inon D-2000 for the sttl abilities with both my cameras (oly E-520). ive spent countless hours researching, and have ruled out the newer S&S due to non-sttl abilities with the two cameras i happen to own. i'd think you'd be fine with the current mindset/direction.

good luck!!
C

 

[buton]

I have the xz1 and I love it. Small? I dont think so, but I can tell you that if you pair it with the ys02 you will get good results even if it is a manual strobe.

 

[Wisnu]

Can't disagree with other comment.
YS-02 shall be good -for uwp, manual strobe adjustment is always prefered.
My daughter use XZ-1 with D2000 but never use the STTL. Too bad, she just flooded (her fault, not the housing) on our last trip on July.
You can see her pics on their website/blog below my signature