Underwater camera options for intermediate

[sipadiver]

Hi,

I'm interested in getting a new underwater camera as my current camera - a Fuji F31D is getting old despite a sensor change.

You can see some of my photos here:
The Gentle Knight - Maldives Scuba Dive 2008: Part 1

I've clocked over 200 dives - started diving since 2007. Currently an advanced Padi diver.

I don't think I want to get a DSLR for underwater shooting just yet - as I haven't even mastered shooting one on land

But I do want to advance my photography skills a tad beyond a point and shoot.

My friend was advising me to get the Olympus EPL2 or EP2.

Another dude was recommending the Canon G12.

But apparently the Olympus is better for low-light shooting.

I'm heading to Niue in the South Pacific in September so I want to buy a camera soon to practice for the big trip.

Any recommendations or advice please?

 

[tripntx]

I'm using an Olympus E-PL1 in murky water which has 25' vis on its best day and couldn't be happier with this camera. PL1 doesn't have the frustrating shutter lag my Canon A720 has.

I have posted some of my pics on Login | Facebook Mammoth Lake Scuba Shop facebook page.

E-PL1, PT-EP01, ZEN dome, Panny 7-14mm lens, kit lens 14-14mm, D-2000, S-2000, and Big Blue $139 focus light. Above water I use an Oly 40-150mm M4/3 lens a lot. Some people will complain about the gen 1 kit 14-42 lens, but it is nice, although if buying now I would opt for the gen II kit lens because it is better.

 

[gustele]

Also check out the Sea&Sea DX-2G. As S&S quotes: "DSLR-like performance in a smaller and more affordable package". I have the Sea&Sea DX-1G and I am very happy with the results. The only remaining problems (too much noise above 100 ASA, write speed of RAW pictures and a rather dark LCD while shooting with manual setting) seem to be solved in the successor, the DX-2G.
For a quick view of pictures with this (DX-1G) camera check either the links in my signature or my picasa website. I have the DX-1G with two Sea&Sea YS-110(a) strobes, the wide angle wet lens and the macro wet lens. The macro lens I wouldn't advise (too much money for the improvement) but the wide angle lens is almost a must. I also have a Fisheye focus light to solve the dark LCD-problem but you can wait to see if that is still necessary with the DX-2G.

 

[Akimbo]

The Olympus Pens are pretty impressive for the size and cost. It is probably worth investigating the Sony Alpha NEX5, which is also a micro-four-thirds system. It has been getting some great reviews.

 

[sipadiver]

Thanks. I checked out the Olympus ELP2 in Singapore where I'm currently residing. But I was shocked to find that in one store in Funan Centre (recommended agents) - they were selling the ELP2 for US$750 and selling the native uw housing for $US790 - which was 30% above the US prices quoted on virtually all of the online sites. However their prices for the XZ1 was competitive tho.

 

[compton384]

I love my canon S90 (there's a newer version, the S95). I have the canon housing, which also didn't break the bank and works perfectly. It's really an amazing little camera- super compact for the features it has. It has underwater settings, but also the versatility to adjust aperature, shutter speed, ISO, white balance. It's a great way to learn about how to use a DSLR because it allows all the adjustments a DSLR has, just without the ability to change lenses. It's also got a nice wide lens for being a point and shoot sized camera.

I also have a Canon DSLR (no underwater setup) which is awesome. I think Canon is a great brand with great products.

 

[bvanant]

The Olympus Pens are pretty impressive for the size and cost. It is probably worth investigating the Sony Alpha NEX5, which is also a micro-four-thirds system. It has been getting some great reviews.

The NEX-5 is indeed a great camera but not a micro 4/3 but rather a full APS-C sensor camera. The crop factor is 1.5 not 2.0
Bill