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Buying advice - swimming camera!

Started Jan 4, 2021 | Discussions thread
mostlyboringphotog Forum Pro • Posts: 10,427
Re: Buying advice - swimming camera!

MaggieS wrote:

Yesterday I posted this query in the buying advice discussion thread - and have been directed here (not knowing this thread existed - first rookie error!)
For the last few years I have been using an Olympus TG5 almost daily in the sea/freshwater. It's been a blast, but it is time to upgrade. My other camera is an Olympus EM1 MKII.
I don't really dive, but during the summer I use a snorkel and in winter I swim with the TG5 and use it to record some of the beautiful scenery I get to see (as well as underwater scenery, wildlife, pictures of friends in the water etc). The TG5 has been great fun but image quality is lacking (except for macro), RAW files are poor to pointless and there is no manual control.
I am thinking of a high quality compact like the Panasonic LX100 with a Nauticam housing (total price about £1,800), or a Sony RX100 V with a Fantasea Housing (a bit cheaper), because I don't want to be carrying something as bulky as the EM1 plus housing. The Canon G1 XIII has good reviews but with a housing it is prohibitively expensive (TBH - £1800 is pushing it - but spending too little might leave me wanting to upgrade again very soon).
I think I want a camera that is very portable/pocketable and that I can use in or out of the water to save lugging two sets of gear around as well as my swimming kit (especially in the winter, when warm and waterproof post-swim clothing is essential). I'm more of an enthusiastic enthusiast than a professional - but image quality still really matters.
Does anyone out there use this combination of gear - or have advice about what else might be available or suitable? I have wondered about a Sealife brand camera - but know nothing about the brand or which model is good.

Any advice gratefully taken on board.

I looked for underwater housing for OM-10 or PEN-F but found Meikon had housing for Sony A6300. I've got the A6300 and Meikon Housing (about $200 USD) for less than more proish housing. A6300 seems not available new anymore.

A6300 is not pocketable but close, imho and it's APS-C. Mostly, I set it up before the dive and just clicking away and been lucky to get some memorable photos.

Meikon has R100 series housing which are the top pocketable.

I'm no pro in photography nor diving but it served me well. If you prefer video, paralenz is all the rage for the divers.

Sealife is great for JPEG but for the best WB correction, raw files are essential and sealife is way too slow for RAW shooting. Now sure if they have a newer camera.

Good luck,

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