I am in the market for a new mirrorless set-up migrating from a FF DSLR and recently explored a lot of options to limit my spending and try to get the most value out of a set-up in this new mirrorless world. Therefore, my suggestions will be towards newer models that are currently available. My main aim was to find the mirrorless set-up without losing much image quality and dynamic range and by gaining more camera capabilities (eye tracking autofocus and etc.) with a smaller package.
I will be strictly speaking for the mirrorless segment as I have not looked into any of the compact cameras. As you are moving up from the TG-6 and asking for a mirrorless camera, I believe similarly priced high end compact cameras will not be relevant for you as well.
There are 2 options you can consider as 5k USD does not have much purchasing power for underwater photography as someone would expect compared to topside photography.
Although you have stated your desire to continue with Canon or Sony, I believe your first option should be another Olympus. This is where you will have to ability to upgrade the body and the housing or add another lens and port to your set-up (For example, the 90mm macro from Olympus) for keeping your overall cost low in the long run by having the flexibility of replacing and expanding rather than starting from scratch for another set-up.
The first option will require some second-hand purchases to meet your budget cap.
Option #1:
- OM System OM-5 Camera (1.000 USD) (alternatively, a second hand EM5 III can be bought)
- Nauticam OM-5 & EM5 III Housing (2.223 USD)
- Vacuum pump of Nautical Housing (220 USD)
- Olympus 8mm Fisheye Lens (900 USD)
- Nauticam N85 Mini Extension Ring 17 (237 USD)
- Nauticam N85 4.33 Inch Acrylic Dome Port (624 USD)
- Olympus 60mm Macro Lens (400 USD)
- Nauticam N85 Macro Port 65 (404 USD)
The total of brand-new equipment from the U.S. will cost around 6.008 USD. Purchasing certain items second hand will reduce your total cost below 5K. Additionally, Nauticam products are cheaper in Europe compared to the U.S. and the U.K. and if you can get them tax free, you might get all of them new for slightly over 5K.
The second option will be a downgrade in terms of housing quality as Nauticam does not produce a housing for this model. However, this downgrade is also where the cost savings will come from as Ikelite has a completely different market strategy. Additionally, you will have better image quality and much better autofocus (including tracking) compared to the Olympus.
Option #2:
- Canon EOS R10 (980 USD)
- Ikelite EOS R10 Housing 200DLM (1.050 USD)
- Ikelite Vacuum Kit (195 USD)
- Ikelite Tray with Dual Release Handles (150 USD)
- Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens (469 USD)
- Canon EF-to-RF Adapter (130 USD)
- Ikelite DLM 6 Inch Port with Zoom (350 USD)
- Zoom Gear (30 USD)
- Canon RF 100mm Macro Lens (1.100 USD)
- DLM Flat Port 3.2 Inch (250 USD)
- DLM 2.2 Inch Port Extension (220 USD)
This option will set you back 4.924 USD. Again, you can purchase certain items second hand to reduce your package cost. Since you will be buying the EF-to-Adapter for the Tokina, you might as well purchase the EF version of the 100mm macro lens for further cost reduction. However, I would not recommend this package as it is not future proof. You will most likely end up wanting the Canon EOS R7 with the Nauticam housing resulting in starting from scratch for a package that will cost you around 10k USD.
