Recommended Underwater Camera and Video with good quality

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Hi, I am after recommendations for an underwater camera and video with good quality under $750US

I'm based in the southern hemisphere I need something that is available worldwide.

Thank you :)

[Morganna]

I'm in the same boat! I'm getting PADI certified this summer and I want to have a relatively affordable camera that will give me great pictures!
I've had people recommend the GoPro. It seems pretty decent, but I've never used one.

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHn988H2S-E

http://whitelines.com/snowboard-gear/news-previews/brand-new-gopro-100-gopro-hero.html#euG7psPhGVjMPxL1.97

It looks good however, there is also an Olympus underwater camera. Its hard to choose. I would like to be able to get a handle extension for the camera as well that is okay to be submerged as I would do some filming solo.

Thank you Morganna, very interesting.

[AniaR]

Ive got Sony cybershot Exmore R waterproof camera. I had the earlier version for 5 years before it crapped out on me. Just got the new one. You need a good memory card for it but often it gets better quality footage than our gopro hero 3+. it takes photos and video at the same time. Nice long battery life.

[Morganna]

Ive got Sony cybershot Exmore R waterproof camera. I had the earlier version for 5 years before it crapped out on me. Just got the new one. You need a good memory card for it but often it gets better quality footage than our gopro hero 3+. it takes photos and video at the same time. Nice long battery life.

Do you know how many feet down you can go with it?
I'm having issues finding that exact one... I also such at shopping online though. lol

[MerMatt]

Ive got Sony cybershot Exmore R waterproof camera. I had the earlier version for 5 years before it crapped out on me. Just got the new one. You need a good memory card for it but often it gets better quality footage than our gopro hero 3+. it takes photos and video at the same time. Nice long battery life.

I just want to add that battery life is important. I have heard from a variety of people who own gopro's that yes the video quality is excellent and that the battery is good to start with but quickly the battery life of a gopro battery soon goes down quickly. Like Raina said, if a camera can get as good of quality in pictures and video and have excellent battery life go with her recommendation.

I personally have a Nikon AW100, the first model in their underwater series. Good camera for underwater photos and video. Definitely not excellent quality but the battery lasts for a good long day. My two cents.

[AniaR]

33ft/10m

it does better photos than the gopro. Gopro photos are always blurry. ones with this are better. Heres a few examples:

Go Pro Photos:

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10669210_870190839679040_8438446809277176811_o.jpg

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10841885_870191086345682_582248634213495788_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/10620170_870191106345680_8617677738663755547_o.jpg

Go pro Stills:

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10333529_985864801448263_6353120252670699050_o.jpg
https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10344211_859039067464171_4130329517031880689_o.jpg
https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10873619_868716186493172_2997491283230438459_o.jpg
https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10697213_838371426194315_272518740622227185_o.jpg
https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10452996_816326145065510_9019996385884049354_o.jpg


Sony Photos:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10704279_937962599571817_7041466898265766907_o.jpg

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10470865_881824618518949_8441784395253080772_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/s960x960/10382589_761513177213474_7587743933134532582_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10464330_1468219193425548_9089077529578327824_n.jp g?oh=5fc560d65bb7cf8ab4c8d6722f860ecc&oe=55782483&__gda__=1433814460_2dfeef787800c0abdf5ff32e4903a5b 1

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t1.0-9/559729_10151610776030425_673042864_n.jpg?oh=fed694 b2ce4fd6d1598dc5fafb071cfd&oe=55B1D7E8&__gda__=1433592898_8dae040c2793455a09c20669cfb17f3 2

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/559795_10151610778370425_90280990_n.jpg?oh=9151c04 7b1d1629ab9029421e583dc7d&oe=5578626D&__gda__=1434156185_0482ef87a3bdd47f7e4052917cb0883 f

Sony Stills:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10917972_991827984185278_2033399284034200132_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10515301_901472586554152_6044611648280761687_o.jpg

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/1796752_821810831186995_1350088360_o.jpg

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11057850_915209305177193_6535461379332858227_n.png ?oh=6ba3a403deb910f94035de1f928a9826&oe=557104AA

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10457469_1467224443525023_5638201574354065007_o.jp g

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/148926_10151610768355425_2060972565_n.jpg?oh=3eb7d 1be1376a45f8a3d969378bd0cc0&oe=5584A5EF&__gda__=1438539364_bca59ff54184532a8c80b516817aca2 a



Sony Video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrLqrwQT7QI

Gopro Hero 3+ video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxpWdXP6SBM



As you can see now a huge difference. But there's about 200-300$ between the two types of cameras lol. The gopro does have a longer battery charge but unless you get a newer version you have to buy the LCD for the back so you can see. Gopro seems to take great above water shots, but below unless you can keep it perfectly still (darn near impossible) it's hard to get photos. You do better to take stills from films.

In both cases the more light the better.

[Mermaid Momo]

I have a gear pro, it's like a go pro except cheaper. I don't have any photos or video with it yet since I haven't taken it for a swim yet, but here are a few videos I could find on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2EWh7Yeews

[Talia]

I own the Olympus TG-850 Tough (http://www.amazon.es/Olympus-TG-850-Tough-compacta-estabilizador/dp/B00HWRHECQ/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1404230417&sr=8-8&keywords=olympus+tough).

I am not a pro photographer, but to make amateur underwater videos I find it does great:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SE8J4r0OLE&list=UUrV0gzmeOL7mlQiAaSbB0wA

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Thank you everyone, I am so appreciative. Its easy to walk into a camera store and they'll tell you that everyone of their cameras are amazing especially with no previous experience or knowledge with underwater camera and videos, it makes it easier to ask with those whom have experience.

Thank you! :D

[Mermaid Olivia!]

I love my GoPro Hero! I've had it for a little more than a month, and the only negative thing I can say is that sometimes pics come out pretty blurry. Other times, pictures come out great- the photo setting is just really finicky LOL! Usually for pictures, I just take video and use the GoPro Studio program to get stills. I've been able to get lots of awesome photos from the videos! :)

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

This is from Amanda who used GoPro Hero3 Black Edition, its amazing!

I know which video/camera I am using :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkwkRggAfT8

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Hey guys you should check out watershot housings on instagram! They're high quality cases for iphones, samsung galaxys, etc. Takes super high quality photos! I think videos too!

[Princess Pearl]

I use my iPad with a waterproof housing, and it works fairly well.

Video still
28391

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erWQp8HB2w0

Because I'm usually by myself filming and the iPad doesn't have a timer, I don't have any attempts at actual photos.

[AptaMer]

Hey auroraspirit, do you already have a fairly nice digital camera?

Most of the big camera companies like Nikon Olympus & Canon make underwater cases for many of their camera models. Examples

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/underwater_photo

http://www.getolympus.com/ca/en/accessories/camera/underwater-housings.html

Also, Ikelite makes underwater housings for hundreds of camera models http://www.ikelite.com/

Even if your camera is older and the company doesn't list a housing on its site any more, you could check eBay or trademe.co.nz . I got an underwater case for my Canon PowerShot camera on eBay for $120.

[AniaR]

Bag housings create a lot of the same blur issues because the camera struggles to focus through the bag. I've tried about 5 diff bags now with both point and shoot and DSLR. Only 1 per every 100 photo works in terms of focus.

[Mermaid Melanie]

This is from Amanda who used GoPro Hero3 Black Edition, its amazing!

I know which video/camera I am using :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkwkRggAfT8


This is actually a video I took of my mermaid student Amanda. I will mention that I use GoPro Studio for editing my videos and would say that you should read up on tips to enhance your footage such as - upping the contrast, correcting the white balance, up the saturation and sharpness of your videos. Also adding a stabilising fix to your videos will help if you have slightly shaky shots!

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Thanks Melanie, I might give it further thought about the GoPro as I need a video/camera that can take quality video and camera stills without compromising.

Thank you.

[Mermaid Melanie]

I think I'm posting this info in two threads but can't seem to find the other one but the Olympus TG3 is a waterproof camera that also comes with a housing - its what my partner david uses for work and for our U/W shoots, its amazing quality video and pictures, plus the fact that its waterproof itself means that if the housing leaks - the camera will still be alright! It has saved him 3 new cameras in the past year ! Would highly recommend this !

[Mermaid Melanie]

Here is a video I put together of shots David took while diving at the Phi Phi, I really love this camera !


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ws0hcheqvU

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Wow Melanie, that Olympus TG3 looks amazing, so crisp, looking into investing into that camera sure, I think the TG3 was actually on my recommended list from a camera store, really happy to see the quality. Thank you.

[Mermaid Alea]

Maybe this article will be helpful: http://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/best-compact-underwater-cameras

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Nice, the TG3 is on the list although the Sony RXIII is pretty tempting..

[AptaMer]

adding a stabilising fix to your videos will help if you have slightly shaky shots!

I had forgotten about this. The GoPro doesn't have in-camera image stabilization. I wonder if this accounts for some of the blurry images people have been getting?

I personally think physical image stabilization built into the camera is better than post-processing fixes using software. I looked up the specs on the Olympus TG3, and it has sensor-shift image stabilization, which I think is the best kind for underwater photography.

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Thanks Apta, what is your opinion based on the Recsea Sony RX100 II and Sony RX100 III?

Thank you.

[AptaMer]

Hi Auroraspirit,

There are tradeoffs and advantages with all the cameras you've been thinking about.

Price is definitely a factor too.

Here in Toronto you can get the Olympus TG-3 for $350, while the Sony RX100 II costs around $640 and the RX100 III costs about $820- and that's before you buy a housing like the RecSea RX100 case.

In Toronto you can get a combo deal of the TG-3 camera plus Olympus housing for $630. The best deal for a Sony RX100 camera plus housing here in Toronto is an Ikelite housing plus the RX100 III camera for $1050 (that's a sale price)

So with either Sony camera, you're going to go way outside your previous budget range whatever housing you decide to get.

There's a reason for the big price difference. In terms of image quality, the Sony cameras are in a different league from the olympus TG-3. This is due mainly to the very much larger 1" image sensor that the Sony has, compared to the 1/2.3" sensor of the TG-3.

You might be interested to read up on what sensor size means for your images.

http://www.gizmag.com/camera-sensor-size-guide/26684/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format

The bottom line is, a big sensor can capture images with less noise in any given amount of light, which means you will be able to shoot in lower light levels- which is important in underwater photography, but bigger sensor sizes mean bigger lenses, bulkier cameras, and higher prices.

Mermaid Melanie is right when she says the TG3 plus its housing is an ideal compact, does-it-all solution for underwater photography. It will definitely produce superior photos (and videos) over the GoPro.

What Melanie says about the Olympus TG-3 camera plus housing having double protection against leaks is important. My experience with camera housings is that soooner or later, you are going to have a "leak day" it's inevitable, and the question is- can you get it back to the surface fast enough and hold it at the right angle to avoid water damage to your camera. You don't even want to think about a Sony Rx100 camera getting nuked by a leak. The Olympus system removes this issue.

Also, for mermaid photography this isn't critical, but if you like taking photos of small underwater creatures, the Olympus TG-3 can focus down to an incredible 1 cm- allowing you to photograph the tiniest little guys. This is the only compact camera I'm aware of that can do this. By comparson, the Sony cameras focus down to 5 cm (which still allows you to take pictures of pretty small creatures)

There's no question the RX100 cameras will produce better images- if you're looking at them enlarged. The difference will be clear if you start producing 8x10" or larger prints, or look at your photos on a big screen TV. The will be sharper and you will especially see more detail in shadowy areas and highlights will be less washed out. On the internet, this is probably not so important.

Were you thinking of springing for one of the RX100 cameras over the TG-3?

I like the dpreview reviews of cemeras. you might find these links instructive

http://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/compacts/oly_tg3

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100-m2

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100-m3

If I had to choose between the RX100 II and the RX100 III, I personally would spend the $200 more for the RX100 III. This is for 2 reasons:

I've found that having a wider angle is nice in underwater photography, and the RX100 III has a 24 equivalent wide angle compared to 28 Equiv. on the RX100 II
The lens on the RX100 III is brighter at telephoto focal lengths (a fancy way of saying, as you zoom in on telephoto on the RX100 II, your images will get dimmer, while they won't on the RX100 III)


Note that while to Olympus TG-3 has a nice, wide 25 equivalent wide angle, it doe have the same problem the RX100 II has, where images get dimmer fast as you zoom in on telephoto.

The bottom line: the RX100 III camera will produce superior images for a much higher price, and greater risk to the camera from leaks, and you'll especially be able to capture good images in lower light levels . . . but as mermaid Melanie says, there's a lot to be said for the convenience and does-it-all nature of the TG-3 , and especally it's security against leaks.

My bottom line: I've tested several of the small, tough cameras like the olympus, the fuji XP50 & 70, and the Pentax Wg-1, and none of them produce the image quality that my Canon camera does, either above water, or underwater in a housing. I'm sure the Sony camera will poduce even better pictures. I personally don't mind the leak risk, but YMMV. OTOH, there's nothing like a tiny little camera that will fit in a shirt pocket that you can use underwater. Also, my camera is not shockproof, and I've already had to fix it once when it fell off a table. My dad & brother have the fuji XP70- and that camera has survived all kinds of abuse, including dropping off a table.

[AptaMer]

Postscript: I suppose it's not entirely true that on the internet you can't see the difference of a high image quality. Frederic Buyle is a freediving photographer who uses a Canon 5D Mk 2 camera in a housing, and produces shots like these, in natural light.

28542 28543

Also, the mernetwork website can't handle this photo, but if you click here

https://cdn.deeperblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cachalot2013.jpg

You'll see a stunning photo of a cachalot.

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

If I can give you a hug, I certainly will! That was so informative and I am so happy. I've been busting to find a review that has a comparison between the two sony Sony cameras! I think I can start off basic with the Olympus and then eventually lead towards the Sony once I start going professionally, as you say you don't want to risk the Sony camera getting water in, its like a house of horrors lol.

The olympus would be good in my opinion.

Thanks Apta, I'm resolved in my decision now and I know what camera I am going to purchase.

Many thank you's!

[Mermaid Melanie]

Great post Apta - really informative !

[AptaMer]

Bag housings create a lot of the same blur issues because the camera struggles to focus through the bag. I've tried about 5 diff bags now with both point and shoot and DSLR. Only 1 per every 100 photo works in terms of focus.

Just a quick note: Bags are OK if you're just going to stick it under the surface to take pictures, but never to any depth. One should never use those bag housings for underwater photography even at 1 or 2 metres, whether they have a glass plate for the lens or not.

One of the other functions of a solid camera housing is to protect the camera from pressure.

With a bag housing the water pressure squeezes the camera, and the reason the camera has trouble focusing at depth is pressure distorting the camera. Too much pressure can also damage the camera, depending on how strong the camera's body is.

One must especially avoid using a bag with your phone. They don't handle pressure well. Get a solid underwater case for your phone for taking pictures.

[Zuru]

I have been using for a long time PowerLead Gapo G050 waterproof camera (https://cloodjo.com/best-digital-cameras-200-top-10-reviews). I am very pleased with it and advise everyone. BTW, it's not so expensive. The quality of the photos is great.:cool:

[AptaMer]

I have been using for a long time PowerLead Gapo G050 waterproof camera (https://cloodjo.com/best-digital-cameras-200-top-10-reviews). I am very pleased with it and advise everyone. BTW, it's not so expensive. The quality of the photos is great.:cool:

Hi Zuru,

Just thought I would add a note here to compliment the review you linmked to on "Waterproof Cameras Under $200"

The Fujifilm VP90 and the XP120 are great cameras that have the new back-illuminated sensors that work better in low light, they have unparalleled depth resistance, and they cost less than $180.

[Derek Broussard]

Here is a great review of compact cameras that offer underwater housings. There are a few amazing ones that fit your budget. Personally I would highly recommend the canon g7x II it has everything you need to take great photos, videos from the start and enough power under the hood to grow. I started with the Canon G8 years and years ago and one of the images I took with it is still my best seller.

Check out the article and good hunting :)

https://www.backscatter.com/reviews/post/Backscatter-Best-Underwater-Compact-Cameras