OM-TG-7 beginner set up advice

[justindaniels]

Hello,
I have been trying to decide between adding lights and increasing capability of my gopro vs switching to more dedicated photo ability and getting the OM-TG-7 and think I have landed on doing more photos.
Looking at the options, I would do probably 90% photos with occasional videos. Most of the photos would be reef fish with some macro and some larger animals that we happen across.
Next planned dive trip is Fiji in December so have time to practice a little and get the kit set up. We are planning Cocos in 2027 so would probably add a second probe and wide angle lens by then for expecting larger animal photos.

Here is what I currently have and am looking for any suggestions. This is close to max budget, but if higher value but near cost would be able to switch things out. I wasn't sure if the fiber optics and housing/lights would work or if I would need another. The housing and arms is something it was hard to find many recommendations on. Will the fiber optic cable need an adapter or should I be getting a different type of cable planning?
Anything necessary that I am missing for starting or anything not necessary? Any suggestion for swapping out items keeping budget in mind? Thanks in advance

The OM-TG-7 camera with the PT-059 housing with backup battery and charger.
Inon S220 S-TTL Strobe: Inon S220 S-TTL Underwater Strobe
Inon optical D strobe cable: Inon Optical D Strobe Cable
Inon Z adapter 1 " ball for inon strobes: Inon Z Adapter MV 1-inch Ball Adapter for Inon Strobes
Ikelite action tray Ii with left handle: Ikelite Action Tray II with Left Handle for Compact Housings
Ultralight base adapter for ikelite slr release handle: Ultralight Base Adapter for NEW Ikelite SLR Release Handle
3 Ultralight New style clamp with 1/4-28 thread: Ultralight New Style Clamp with 1/4-28 thread
Ultralight 3" double ball arm segment: Ultralight 3 inch double ball arm segment
Ultralight 6" double ball rod arm segment: Ultralight 6-inch Double Ball Rod Arm Segment

 

[kdlv]

Wow, that looks like a serious setup. I switched from GoPro to TG7 for photos mostly and... honestly I rarely miss the video stability of the GoPro. Depends on your buoyancy mostly. Some videos turn out to be fantastic. Some are rubbish, especially those in strong currents.

My setup is just the OM7 and a video light that I use my wide angle torch for. I had the objective to get a setup that is slim, light and easy to carry around in all diving conditions, without having to think about it too much. TG7 and its case bundle is much bigger than an action cam, but still compact enough not to worry about it in waves, tides, currents or other less-than-ideal conditions , especially if you spend the time to consider securing it properly to you bcd/wing.

It's a hit & miss configuration. Some shots are amazing, some are crap, but most are pretty good. If I can spend the time on a subject, usually I don't need extra lights and strobes.

Key question is "What you are trying to achieve?". If you are after good image quality memories, then TG7 with some extra lights is just enough. If you are after very high quality photos for exhibitions... then that's beyond my expertise. There are experienced pro photographers and plenty of wannabe influencers that are highly opinionated.

Inon 220 is amazing, do you really need all the hassle with handle bars for a point and shoot, or would you prefer to have it mounted on the case directly?

 

[justindaniels]

Definitely just a hobby vacation diver that likes to take pictures of fish! Not looking at be a pro or anything. Maybe print off a vacation photo book for our coffee table or small prints for the wall if any good enough.

I had thought about doing strobe with a flex arm or short arms off housing and could still be an option, not at all decided on using the tray with handle. Thought about doing that with the one side so I couldn't eventually add the second handle for a second strobe or video with idea of future dives doing larger pelagic animals in the photos and add some flexibility but would love to hear opinions with pros and cons experienced with both.

 

[Beth3141]

Hello,
I have been trying to decide between adding lights and increasing capability of my gopro vs switching to more dedicated photo ability and getting the OM-TG-7 and think I have landed on doing more photos.
Looking at the options, I would do probably 90% photos with occasional videos.

I recently switched from a GoPro to the TG-7 and am really happy with the TG-7. I'm just photographing memories, so not a serious photographer.

If I understand correctly, your list is what you plan on buying. To keep things as simple as possible, I bought the Ultralight arms (a 5" & 8") and clamps and use the Backscatter Mini Flash 2. Figured I could always add another strobe, but I'm happy with what I'm getting with a single strobe and find the Mini Flash easy to adjust on the fly. Then again, it's the only strobe I've ever used and may not be as powerful as the strobes you are considering.

I just ordered the hot/cold shoe adapter to mount my GoPro to the OM housing with 2 additional arms and clamps for my video light. I'd like the option of video for schooling fish and big critters. The only thing I'm not happy with is the Backscatter double-armed tray. The foam grips lasted about 35 dives; now have bare metal. I wish I had ordered a tray with firm grippers on the handles.

Enjoy the setup you decide on!

 

[justindaniels]

Oh that's a good idea, I could add the adapter and bring my GoPro with me for when I want some wide angle video! Thanks for sharing your experience!