Suggestions for first proper underwater camera?

drusus wrote:

Thank you everyone for incredibly useful replies.

Re: Kelpdiver's questions: it is indeed the right hand that she can use, and the left upper arm works for bracing. But I was personally ignorant of whether strobes are actually necessary. It sounds like ambient light is definitely an option. I don't know the answers to your other questions.

The photo of the RX100 in a housing was very useful. It sounds like shooting ambient light with a Canon GX7 or Sony RX100 in a housing might be a good next step, as well as the suggestion to attend an expo and consider buying used.

Ambient lighting works better the bigger the sensor. The TG6 is the tiny 1/2.3". Going to the 1" of the GX7 or RX improves a good bit. Panasonic has made two generations of a compact ( LX100) with a 4/3rds sensor, though this does impose some limitations on zoom range and ports. The Olympus PEN 4/3rds bodies are pretty tiny, so some possibilities there.

I have a GX7 mk II in a Nauticam housing. Was intended to be my wife's macro setup, but instead is the lighter travel choice. I've also coupled it at times with the Weefine 3000 ring light that screws onto the 67mm thread of the main or flat port (but not the wide angle), and even won a prize in a California shootout with that combo (thinktank luggage). For moderately narrow or macro shooting, this could work without the torquing problems of a strobe arm. However, I do note that the shutter level on this compact requires more pressure than on the Nauticam housing for the 4/3 GH4. If she's not able to brace with her left upper arm, this could lead to a twisting motion when firing. That can probably be assessed at a store or an expo table.

If demoing isn't a possibility, there are some rental options from places like Bluewater. Take on a trip before committing.