Tips on next step Camera rigg for a macro lover

[grantmac]

I'd look for a used Olympus EM1-mk2 with the 60mm macro. M4/3 cameras make excellent macro rigs.

 

[Blackcrusader]

It is hard to get a really dark background in video with a TG7; a strobe is much stronger than a video light and that makes it easier for stills.

I've had people ask me how to I keep my camera so still to get the video using 100% super Macro of the Ghost Pipe fish.. especially after I zoomed into focus on it's eye. Yes a strobe certainly for stills.

 

[Singewald]

Thanks for your reply. If I would change my price limit, what kind of m4:3 or APS-C platform would you recommend? Including housing etc

A TG would be a step down from an S series Canon, probably several steps down. Smaller sensor, much less dynamic range, no manual control. But the TG series has one thing, macro capability. How you can get a black background in a camera without f stops and shutter control, beats me but some seem to do it okay. But with such a limited budget, that may be the most practical solution for fun macro pics. And one or two Inon S220 strobes or the Backscatter MF-2 strobes (which have RC control).

Thanks to cell phones the compact camera market has died. I think the Canon G7 is still available and it has a one inch sensor. Really, to get a step up from a S series canon you will need to move to a M4:3 or APS-C platform. An interchangeable lens camera system that can mount a macro lens or a housing that can accept a water contact diopter system. And that will run more than 2000 Euro.

 

[BoltSnap]

This from my TG6 in Super Macro it's not black but is dark. I do have video of black frogfish which are hard to get right.

Do you do any post-processing on your videos, or are these videos straight out of the camera without post?

 

[BoltSnap]

Thanks for your reply. If I would change my price limit, what kind of m4:3 or APS-C platform would you recommend? Including housing etc

It will still push $5K. The latest version of OM-5 or a used Olympus MK1iii with its housing. If you buy used, make sure that you have them inspected and serviced by Backscatter first.

Check this: Underwater Housing for OM System OM-5 II - Backscatter

 

[tursiops]

If you buy used, make sure that you have them inspected and serviced by Backscatter first.

Or by Reef Photo and Video, especially for Nauticam things.

 

[grantmac]

I'm about to list a GH4/Nauticam combo which functions but could definitely use a refresh. I've got the correct port for the 60mm macro (but not the lens) as well.
The 60mm is a lot of lens, I shot these with the 12-50ez which is extremely versatile.

 

[Blackcrusader]

Do you do any post-processing on your videos, or are these videos straight out of the camera without post?

Straight from the camera. I have never edited a video.

I should learn how to as I have so many I could make a good compilation video.

 

[BoltSnap]

Or by Reef Photo and Video, especially for Nauticam things.

Yes, Reef Photo and Backscatter are probably the most reputable in the US.

 

[Nemrod]

Not recommending this due to lack of familiarity and a friend just got one and he is having vacuum issues. But FWIW:

Backscatter Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV Underwater Octo Housing UH-EM10IV

Backscatter Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV Underwater Octo Housing UH-EM10IV: Excellent image quality, more affordable than similar rigs, and compact enough for travelers and novice shooters - is this the new Best Bang For Your Buck in underwater photography? That’s a 10-4, good buddy!

www.backscatter.com