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Budget Underwater Camera

Started Dec 13, 2018 | Questions thread
DDoram
DDoram Forum Pro • Posts: 10,361
Re: Budget Underwater Camera: Oly TG5 Works Well

I find that for snorkelling, the Oly TG5 (and TG4 before it) work fine.  The camera is only one of the factors in good underwater photos with water clarity being one of the key issues.  Some examples from a recent snorkelling trip to the Big Island.

Dale

DocHolliday wrote:

Hello,

I am planning a trip to the Caribbean next year and want to have a decent underwater camera with me. I am an enthusiastic amateur photographer on land. I can't currently justify spending $1000+ on a new camera or housing for my dslr, so I am looking for the best photography experience I can have for around $500. I won't be SCUBA diving, but I will be snorkeling and am an excellent swimmer with an interest in modest free diving on the trip. I keep seeing the Olympus Tough Tg-5 on the top of most "best budget dive camera" lists. It has some interesting features (super macro with optional macro light, decent slow motion video, raw support), but I am wondering what people think about the Nikon 1 AW1. It has some similar features, is priced about the same used, and has a 1 inch sensor. Is the AW1 a good buy for underwater photography on a budget, or should I get a new, modern compact like the TG-5? Or are there other good options out there that I haven't seen yet?

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