HELP! More research = more confusion. Olympus SP560UZ?

My head is spinning.

I’m looking for a point and shoot camera and housing for casual underwater photography. I am a warm water intermediate diver and enjoy taking pictures to remember my dives vacations and share with friends and family.

I want a camera with wide angle capability to delay or eliminate the need to buy a wide angle lens for my housing. I also would like reasonable telephoto capability for topside vacation/landscape pictures. So I want a camera that will do it all and still in the point and shoot family to keep down size, weight, and cost.

Choosing a smaller point and shoot such as the Canon SD870 or Nikon S600 or Panasonic FX35 (others?), I meet my wide angle requirement but am very limited on telephoto so would feel the need to take my older Nikon Coolpix 8700 (no housing available) for better distance capability.

I got excited by the extended zoom class of cameras, but most don’t have housings. I’ve only found the Olympus SP560 UZ with wide angle capability and an available housing (Olympus only). I was on the verge of buying this camera (getting hard to find. I would wait for the new SP565 UZ but it will most likely not have a housing – no underwater mode), but read in dpreview that it takes 9 button pushes to change white balance on the 560. I am truly an idiot user so I don’t really know why I should change white balance but I know it’s important for underwater photography so someday I’ll grow and want to use that feature. Are white balance challenges a deal breaker for the Olympus 560?

Any comments on the cameras listed above or any other suggestions?? Am I expecting too much in one package? I’m going on a dive vacation in 2 WEEKS and was hoping to leave my lousy SeaLife behind. Please HELP!

I was in your position this time last year. I have a Olympus SP550 UZ (the slightly older one) that is great for topside but many people recommended I didn’t get the housing for it because super zooms don’t make great underwater cameras. The idea is to get physically close to your subject to eliminate the ‘blue’ and not just to superzoom your way in. I don’t know about the white balance because I’m super lazy and just leave it on cloudy when I was underwater.

I then bought a canon G7 thinking that was the way to go but couldn’t get on with it because 35mm on the wide angle didn’t seem wide enough. I ended up with the Fuji E900 (which I think they’ve now discontinued) but I never got around to using it because I was persuaded to upgrade to an slr before I got it wet! It’s nice to have a back up though.

If I was in your position I’d wait until the canon G10 gets a housing. Its reported to be 28mm on the wide end and x5 zoom. If its anything like the G7 (which I’m sure it is and more) then it’ll be a great camera.

Not sure that helps you for your holiday in two weeks though!

I was in your position this time last year. I have a Olympus SP550 UZ (the slightly older one) that is great for topside but many people recommended I didn't get the housing for it because super zooms don't make great underwater cameras. The idea is to get physically close to your subject to eliminate the 'blue' and not just to superzoom your way in. I don't know about the white balance because I'm super lazy and just leave it on cloudy when I was underwater.

 

I then bought a canon G7 thinking that was the way to go but couldn't get on with it because 35mm on the wide angle didn't seem wide enough. I ended up with the Fuji E900 (which I think they've now discontinued) but I never got around to using it because I was persuaded to upgrade to an slr before I got it wet! It's nice to have a back up though.

 

If I was in your position I'd wait until the canon G10 gets a housing. Its reported to be 28mm on the wide end and x5 zoom. If its anything like the G7 (which I'm sure it is and more) then it'll be a great camera.

 

Not sure that helps you for your holiday in two weeks though!

Thanks for your response scuba_suzy. Glad to know I’m not alone trying to wade through the quagmire of camera options.

The G9 is so popular with divers that I was excited by the prospect of waiting for the G10, until I check the specs. While it adds the wide angle at 28mm, it only goes to 140mm on telephoto range. I think I’d be disappointed in that topside.

Regarding an extended zoom, isn’t it just operator choice to use your fins instead of the zoom underwater, but still have the zoom for topside? Or is there some other underlying issue with extended zooms for underwater use?

Is anyone out there using an extended zoom underwater, such as the Olympus SP560 UZ?

(sorry about the extra post - clicked the wrong button)

Hi I looked at the Oly 560 about a year ago? I discounted it because the guys on the Olympus pages in DPreview said the shutter lag was so great that it would be hard to use u/w. Also got a note from a user who wasn't happy with his underwater set up and was 'moving on'.

I would like a solution similar to what you are looking at but it doesnt exist at the moment. The G10 will be a great U/W camera but topside not so good. The Nikon 5100 (and replacement) is great with the same restrictions to the G10/G9 ie limited zoom. The detail, if you want to do macro work is, to my mind, superior on the Nikon 5100 to the Canon G9. The Panasonic TZ4/5 is a great point and shoot for underwater but has zoom limitations as well.

regards

Ardy

Hi I looked at the Oly 560 about a year ago? I discounted it because the guys on the Olympus pages in DPreview said the shutter lag was so great that it would be hard to use u/w. Also got a note from a user who wasn't happy with his underwater set up and was 'moving on'.

 

I would like a solution similar to what you are looking at but it doesnt exist at the moment. The G10 will be a great U/W camera but topside not so good. The Nikon 5100 (and replacement) is great with the same restrictions to the G10/G9 ie limited zoom. The detail, if you want to do macro work is, to my mind, superior on the Nikon 5100 to the Canon G9. The Panasonic TZ4/5 is a great point and shoot for underwater but has zoom limitations as well.

 

regards

 

Ardy

Opps! should have added. If you are just starting out I would buy the Panasonic because of the small amount you need to invest to get one and a housing and the results are outstanding for a small point and shoot (Leica lens). Then when you improve go straight to a small DSLR like the Oly 420 or 520 (which is where I am going when I get the cash together).

Bob

Thanks for the info, especially on the Oly 560, however disappointing.

Panasonic TZ5 keeps cropping up. My only concern (other than not being EXACTLY what I want!) is the f3.3 vs. an f2.8. Is that much of an issue??

All other comments or suggestions welcome!

No thats not really a problem as most digital camera's have problems isolating the background of a shot even with a low F stop. Most shots U/W are within 6ft unless you are doing wide angle and then you need a good depth of field anyway.

I have only used the lower f stops in U/W photography occasionally on fish shots and most came out poorly as its easy to be out of focus but out of water it is a different matter but not in the P & S market.

I know how you feel the Oly 560 looks good and feels good pity it isnt so.

I had a review of the TZ3 by a dutch woman diver and the photo's from it were outstanding. If I find it I will post it for you.

Here it is - hope the link still works. Although this is for the older model it will give you an idea of what you can get out of this small camera.

http://www.letsgodigital.org/html/review/u...ing-review.html

Regarding an extended zoom, isn’t it just operator choice to use your fins instead of the zoom underwater, but still have the zoom for topside? Or is there some other underlying issue with extended zooms for underwater use?

The reason they don’t make great u/w cameras is because their housings extend a long way to accommodate the large zoom. Even if you don’t choose to use your zoom in the water, the front of the housing is a long way from the front of the camera and its harder for the light to get in. As point and shoots aren’t renowned for great low-light capabilities and u/w is a fairly low-light environment the quality of the camera for use u/w is reduced. That’s how it was explained to me and once I saw the housing for the Olympus SP550 UZ it made a lot of sense.

I’d say (if you can afford it) you’re better off getting two cameras. One for topside and one for u/w. Your u/w spends time in its housing anyway. I’m even thinking about getting a second D300 body for topside use.

Thanks very much for your input. I'm still confused, but at least a little smarter. Although you squashed my vision of extended zooms for dual purpose, it's better to find out before spending the money!

I started a new thread for Panasonic TZ5, hoping to get some input from someone who has used that camera. Pics on the link above were great. My only concern is recurring comments about not so good in low light. If I resign myself to two cameras, then also considering the tried and true Canon SD870 or the new Panasonic fx37.

Suggestions still welcome.

Thanks again!

My only concern is recurring comments about not so good in low light. If I resign myself to two cameras, then also considering the tried and true Canon SD870 or the new Panasonic fx37.

Every camera I have looked at has negative comments and there seem to be more of them the closer you are to buying one.

Don't get 2 cameras, why would you? The light issue is only relevant if you are NOT going to use a flash ie external flash this is very difficult for getting good shots. The wide angle stuff is fine at 3.3. Above water you know what you need anyway. 1/2 stop isnt that much to get to 2.8 and although it would have an impact for low light hand held in doors underwater it doesnt make a lot of difference.

If this is all too much spend the money and get a DSLR, housing, flashes, lens and go the full catastrophy. Or get a G10 canon and be with the majority. If I was you just starting out I wouldnt spend more than $500 on it and live with it for a year or 2 before you decide a) do I enjoy u/w photography b) will I continue diving c) Do I want to take holiday snaps U/W or am I going to get serious with this.

good luck

Ardy

Good questions Ardy. For sure I'll keep diving and keep taking U/W pictures, but will probably stay with holiday shots and not get serious anytime in the near future. I've done about 50 dives with a SeaLife and only recently realized that the poor results may not be ALL my fault. I think a camera smarter than me regarding settings and with image stabilzation will go along way to increasing my enjoyment of the results.

Thus, I decided upon the TZ5, but housings are no where to be found ... sigh. If anyone knows where to get one, let me know.

I really appreciate all your input!

Thanks!

Tonya

Rather than 2 cameras, why not look at the G9/G10, with an added tele converter for above water (if you're really after that extra zoom)? The G series is a great settup, above and below the water, and when you attach a wet wide angle lens, is great for WA underwater too.

Just my 2c worth, but if I was in that position again, I'd happily buy another G series.

Ryan.

Good questions Ardy. For sure I'll keep diving and keep taking U/W pictures, but will probably stay with holiday shots and not get serious anytime in the near future. I've done about 50 dives with a SeaLife and only recently realized that the poor results may not be ALL my fault. I think a camera smarter than me regarding settings and with image stabilzation will go along way to increasing my enjoyment of the results.

 

Thus, I decided upon the TZ5, but housings are no where to be found ... sigh. If anyone knows where to get one, let me know.

 

I really appreciate all your input!

 

Thanks!

 

Tonya

Hi Tonya

I saw them on B&H (A US Camera dealer) about 3 weeks ago. Check there.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/category/989...hotography.html

Still if you want to spend the money a G9/10 as suggested by Aussie below isnt a bad buy for the money.

regards

Ardy

Buy the housing first, and then the camera, was the old adage...it's and equal proposition.

Not sure that either the G10 is available yet?

For the money the Nikon P5100 is a great buy right now, as a new model is coming out and there are good discounts, it's even cheaper than the S600.

I would also look at the Oly 1030, it's amphibious without a case to 33' and the housing is quite reasonable. They too have had a price drop recently. Btw the 1050 will not have a housing available.

Just a couple of thoughts,

Jack

Buy the housing first, and then the camera, was the old adage...it's and equal proposition.

 

Not sure that either the G10 is available yet?

 

For the money the Nikon P5100 is a great buy right now, as a new model is coming out and there are good discounts, it's even cheaper than the S600.

 

I would also look at the Oly 1030, it's amphibious without a case to 33' and the housing is quite reasonable. They too have had a price drop recently. Btw the 1050 will not have a housing available.

 

Just a couple of thoughts,

Jack

Tonya there is an Aussie diver here at Wetpixel who uses a Nikon P5000 (I think) and has some samples of his stuff which is very good for a PS camera. Maybe Jacks suggestion here might be a solution for you but the 5100 does have limited telephoto capablities.

R

Ardy

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions. After deciding the Panasonic TZ5 would be a decent choice for now and a good little tote along camera anytime, I found the housing is backordered until mid-Oct. Not one to be found in North America, so it would seem!

I seriously looked at the P5100. It is a good buy, expecially with Fantasea housing, but would need to add a WA right away. Also looked at the Olympus 1030, but rejected it for various reasons.

I think I'll just "suffer" through my upcoming dive trip with my substandard SeaLife and topside Nikon p&s. By the time I get back, the G10 and Nikon p6000 should be out, plus the TZ5 housing should be available. So, I've decided to wait until I return so I can agonize a little longer AND have time to be better prepared for the next trip!

I'll seriously look at the G10 as a camera I can grow into, but my hesitations are:

1) Will I really bother to learn to use more than the point and shoot features (while doing all this research, just discovered that my Nikon 8700 I've had for 4 years shoots RAW and has many other manual capabilities ...oops).

2) I can barely see the gage on my air supply, so am I going really going to mess with any manual controls underwater? Does it make sense to spend more for features I'll not likely use?

Of course, sensibility doesn't generally cause me to shy away from spending money with good intentions!

To be continued ..... !!

Many Thanks!

Tonya