Recommend a ~$500 UW Photo Setup for a Resort Diver

[tplyons]

After seeing a few of my photos from this past weekend, a coworker who dives has inquired about UW photography.

He is looking for a recommendation for a complete camera rig in the $500 range. His diving is primarily in tropical environments. Could you make any recommendations for an inexpensive setup for a diver who wants to shoot 2-3 times a year?

 

[beepbird]

The Olympus EPM1 housing and camera $499.00

 

[mjh]

beepbird picked the best combo we have seen at this price, it's crazy. At the rate they are selling there will not be any left in 1-2 weeks. This is a little older, but excellent, camera and once they are gone that will be it. But to get the most out of ANY camera you will need lighting and that will add a minimum of $450. Here are a couple of package deals to give you a starting point. But reality is $500 for a camera, strobe and housing is rare.

Crazy Good Olympus Deal 1
Housings :: Mirrorless Housings :: Olympus Housings :: Olympus E-PM1 Camera + Housing + Gear Bundle -
Crazy Good Olympus Package
System Packages :: Mirrorless Systems :: Optical Ocean Olympus/Sea & Sea PT-EP06 (E-PM1) Special Package -
Comparison 1
System Packages :: Compact Systems :: Ikelite Nikon Coolpix L28 Camera & Housing Package -
Comparison 2 You need the housing and camera listed below
Housings :: Compact Housings :: Olympus PT-053 Housing for TG-1 and TG-2 Cameras -
Olympus Cameras :: Olympus Compact Cameras :: Olympus TG-2 IHS Digital "Tough" Camera -