Camera Upgrade for snorkeller

I'll also add that the ability on the other cameras (in contrast to the TGs) is that you get complete control and TTL.  G7XIII allows manual mode and TTL. The EPL10 does as well.  Nothing ruins a fish shot by having to work around camera settings to get ISO, shutter speed, and f-stop set where you want it and you do not get that control in the TGs (there are work arounds).  I think you will see significant improvements in an upgrade from this alone.  I also always dive with a strobe though, and would suggest it for you was well.  Small ones are really helpful to get colors to pop.

I like the TGs because if the housing leaks, the camera is ok.  Also if you put it in clownfish setting, the photos usually just work pretty well.  But if you want to really control the camera, then they start to be less ideal.  They are awesome for macro, though.

I just wanted to add my experience. My upgrade from a compact camera to a M43 interchangeable lens camera was game changing for my photography. The larger sensor and the ability to get dedicated lenses opened so many options for me that I was previously limited with a compact camera. It allowed me to focus on getting the image and being creative versus working around limitations.

Below are some images I took with my EPL10 while freediving and snorkeling under natural lighting.












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Thanks for the additional comments. I did upgrade to the EPL10 and have now used it a couple of times and have found it to be a definite step up from my TG5. I've only used the 14-42mm standard lens for underwater photography although I have subsequently bought the 60mm macro lens that I use for photos of insects.

I would really interested to hear what other lenses you've used for underwater photography and how they work with the existing housing and what they give you beyond the standard lens.....thanks

A fisheye is the other thing that you need. I’m not sure, but I think the aoi housing only supports the Olympus fisheye. I might be wrong though. You will definitely need a small domeport. 

Hey Steve

In support of hyp's post, my experience has been that for many (most?) photo subjects a macro and a fisheye lens are the way to go.

If you want to create "fish portraits"  then, sure, the standard kit-type lenses on their own are fine. But as soon as you want to do something a bit more, the macro and fisheye are the lenses you need.

For sure a fisheye looks weird, even horrible, topside. But underwater they are the ideal wide-angle lens. They allow you get very close to the subject and reduce the degrading impact of the water between the lens and the subject. 

If you are planning on developing your picture taking,  incorporating a fisheye option is a good way to go.

Thanks for the additional comments. I did upgrade to the EPL10 and have now used it a couple of times and have found it to be a definite step up from my TG5. I've only used the 14-42mm standard lens for underwater photography although I have subsequently bought the 60mm macro lens that I use for photos of insects.
I would really interested to hear what other lenses you've used for underwater photography and how they work with the existing housing and what they give you beyond the standard lens.....thanks

Thanks - I've found the 60mm great for macro on land but sounds like its a good option underwater as well. It does feel like a quality lens  but do you not miss the zoom option you get with the 14-42mm ?

Given I've already got the 60mm lens its a low cost option to give me something different (I think the alternative port for the housing is c£200) and I also love fish portraits !! I don't think I would use the fisheye that often although the combination of the WWL-1B with the 14-42mm sounds interesting. Thanks again for your comments and for sharing some of your amazing images....

On 2/19/2023 at 1:00 AM, Steve Hickey said:

Thanks - I've found the 60mm great for macro on land but sounds like its a good option underwater as well. It does feel like a quality lens  but do you not miss the zoom option you get with the 14-42mm ? Given I've already got the 60mm lens its a low cost option to give me something different (I think the alternative port for the housing is c£200) and I also love fish portraits !! I don't think I would use the fisheye that often although the combination of the WWL-1B with the 14-42mm sounds interesting. Thanks again for your comments and for sharing some of your amazing images.... 

 

No, I don’t miss the zoom function at all. Even when I have the WWL-1B, I tend to just stick to a single focal length for the entire dive. 

I find it is easier to spot/look for shots when you work with only single focal length. Your mind is just focused on the current view angle and thinking how to frame the scene with that view angle.

If I am stuck with the 60mm and a huge animal comes a long, I shoot its interesting details, texture or patterns, working with the lens. And vice versa, when I see a small animal and have my wide lens, I go CFWA and include the animal’s habitat providing context and story.

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11 hours ago, Pomacentridae said:

No, I don’t miss the zoom function at all. Even when I have the WWL-1B, I tend to just stick to a single focal length for the entire dive. 

Don’t agree. Having both possibilities Uw and close-up gives more freedom. 

46 minutes ago, fruehaufsteher2 said:

Don’t agree. Having both possibilities Uw and close-up gives more freedom. 

the whole argument is moot IMO, the 60mm lens is an entirely different beast with different targets that are really not possible to shoot with the 14-42 even with a close up diopter.  If you are not interested to shoot the macro targets that the 60mm macro opens up that is of course fine, you just use the lens that suits your targets.  it particularly suits some dive sites with a lot of small critters or a fish portrait lens.  The 14-42 can do large fish but the 60mm gives more reach and opens up shooting smaller species.  There really are no absolutes you just use the lens most suitable to your chosen subjects. 

2 hours ago, ChrisRoss said:

the whole argument is moot IMO, the 60mm lens is an entirely different beast with different targets that are really not possible to shoot with the 14-42 even with a close up diopter.  

Ok, finally I have to agree. 
 

There’s definitely a huge difference between the Macro lens and the UW to wide zoom lens. 
Having the 28-60 Sony & WACP-C in use I admit that the small objects cannot be pinned on the sensor as good as with a true macro. 
 

IMHO you have to decide before you go down whether you want to isolate a smaller object from background or have the wide picture with large DOF

1 hour ago, fruehaufsteher2 said:

IMHO you have to decide before you go down whether you want to isolate a smaller object from background or have the wide picture with large DOF

My experience in the last couple of decades is that it's wise to decide what you plan to photograph on a dive and then pick a lens accordingly.

If what you planned to shoot doesn't show up, accept the decision of the underwater gods and don't fret it. Just enjoy the dive. 

And like @Pomacentridae posts, yes, I have chosen a macro lens and eg. an eagle ray or shark has turned up. S'life, eh?