ept44
Contributor
need some ideas on wat the best olympus camera is and which housing to get for it
What is the best Olympus Camera and housing for it?
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gstrek
Contributor
My opinion: Olympus PEN E-PL1 with Oly housing. Add zoom ring, tray, arms, clamps and strobe and you have a nice package for around $2000 depending on what and how many strobes you decide on.
The PEN has a large D-SLR size sensor, decent kit lens and is a somewhat compact rig. There is a lot of momentum behind this set up with new add-ons, such as the recently released ZEN dome port. Olympus also has a variety of lenses for the PEN such as the 9-18 mm lens to pair with the ZEN dome port.
You could spend more and go with an E- series D-SLR or spend less and go with a smaller Point and Shoot. As a beginner, I used an Olympus C-5050 for 7 years before upgrading to the PEN. This was a huge difference in budget, size and quality.
The PEN has a large D-SLR size sensor, decent kit lens and is a somewhat compact rig. There is a lot of momentum behind this set up with new add-ons, such as the recently released ZEN dome port. Olympus also has a variety of lenses for the PEN such as the 9-18 mm lens to pair with the ZEN dome port.
You could spend more and go with an E- series D-SLR or spend less and go with a smaller Point and Shoot. As a beginner, I used an Olympus C-5050 for 7 years before upgrading to the PEN. This was a huge difference in budget, size and quality.
I second what Gary said.
Then, if the op is a novice looking for a simple point & shoot, I'd suggest the Tough 8010+PT048. Since the cam itself is water proof (10m/33ft), it enjoys a better chance at survival in case of a leak. While I have never suffered any leaks in my Oly's (C990+PT009 and 560UZ+PT037), I have seen other divers lose their cams.
Price-wise it's more affordable, and also rather small compared to DSLRs. In case you want closer macro or wider angles, wet lenses are available too.
Kaza
Then, if the op is a novice looking for a simple point & shoot, I'd suggest the Tough 8010+PT048. Since the cam itself is water proof (10m/33ft), it enjoys a better chance at survival in case of a leak. While I have never suffered any leaks in my Oly's (C990+PT009 and 560UZ+PT037), I have seen other divers lose their cams.
Price-wise it's more affordable, and also rather small compared to DSLRs. In case you want closer macro or wider angles, wet lenses are available too.
Kaza
I chose the point and shoot for my entry level a few years back. I have the OLY tough 8000 with the OLY housing. I actually started with the old OLY 770. I chose it for the water proof stats. I figured that I was less likely to destroy the camera with a leak since it was water proof to begin with. This will allow you to learn the basics of underwater photos (backscatter, light and strobes, macro,etc) as well as how to care for the housing (understanding how to clean, inspect, and put silicone on the rings) with a camera that works well and is not too expensive. After 4 years, I am now looking into the DSLR, especially the EPL-1.
The best advice I got was not to take a new camera on a vacation or dive trip until you have used it 2 or 3 times tolearn about it.
The best advice I got was not to take a new camera on a vacation or dive trip until you have used it 2 or 3 times tolearn about it.
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need some ideas on wat the best olympus camera is and which housing to get for it
Obviously the E4, in the PT-EP104 vaporware housing.
:Actually, just starting I might suggest the Olympus 8010 (replaces discontinued 8000) in the PT-048 housing. The camera is somewhat waterproof by itself (to say 30 feet), and the case is insurance for greater depth. Lot of camera in a small package.
under water
Contributor
Is your dive buddy cool with you bringing a camera?
I'm not sure how new you are to diving, but I might wait a bit and focus on attaining a decent level of buoyancy control before adding the complexity of even a simple point and shoot camera.
New divers taking pictures are much more prone to kicking reefs and the like.
If you are using a camera UW you will tend to ignore your buddy more and not be aware of your surroundings as much. So before embarking upon the purchase of "the best" camera, be aware of the higher buoyancy control proficiency and buddy awareness it demands.
As you know good buoyancy control can be even more difficult in a dry suit.
If you feel comfortable with the above, then a cheaper used system (not too old) being sold here or on ebay might be a good place to start. If you want the best then you have to have what I have of course, an E-PL1.
I'm not sure how new you are to diving, but I might wait a bit and focus on attaining a decent level of buoyancy control before adding the complexity of even a simple point and shoot camera.
New divers taking pictures are much more prone to kicking reefs and the like.
If you are using a camera UW you will tend to ignore your buddy more and not be aware of your surroundings as much. So before embarking upon the purchase of "the best" camera, be aware of the higher buoyancy control proficiency and buddy awareness it demands.
As you know good buoyancy control can be even more difficult in a dry suit.
If you feel comfortable with the above, then a cheaper used system (not too old) being sold here or on ebay might be a good place to start. If you want the best then you have to have what I have of course
, an E-PL1.
OP
ept44
Contributor
AND I basically have my bouyancy mastered
Can anybody tell me where the cheapest place is for a package of the E-PL1?
Can anybody tell me where the cheapest place is for a package of the E-PL1?
under water
Contributor
Jack at OpticalOceanSales.com
Ryan at Reefphoto.com
adorama.com
bhphotovideo.com
Give them a call, tell them what you want. See what they can do for you.
Depending on what strobes and other stuff you need, some will be better than others at delivering what you need.
Ryan at Reefphoto.com
adorama.com
bhphotovideo.com
Give them a call, tell them what you want. See what they can do for you.
Depending on what strobes and other stuff you need, some will be better than others at delivering what you need.
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The camera and kit lens is about $550 everywhere. The system cost depends more on the housing choice (Olympus, 10Bar). The Olympus housing with flat port is about $550-600, but if you want to add the Zen dome for wide angle, add $500 (total say $1100). [I believe the Oly housing is actually made for them by Sea&Sea, a great maker, and the Zen dome is art.] The 10Bar housing is $840 with dome port, good price but I don't know about the quality. It is aluminum with a plastic back, made in China, and support is really up to the dealer. Here is a reliable supplier with both housings available:
PT-EP01 Housing for E-PL1 - Olympus Micro Four Thirds Cameras, Housings & Accessories - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!
10Bar Housing for Olympus E-PL1 Camera - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!
See a quick compare of the two housings here:
Optical Ocean: Above and Below.
You'll want a strobe; the Sea&Sea YS-01 and the Inon S2000 seem to be the two small strobes that work well with this camera; the YS-01 has a target light, nice feature. Plan on spending another $600-1000 for a single strobe with basic tray and arm.
I have the Olympus housing with Zen dome and like it very much. I bought it before the 10Bar housing was out, but I think it's still a better package quality wise.
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