GoPro or Compact with underwater housing for snorkeling ?

Hello, I like to snorkel and I am using a GoPro Hero 3 since about 8 years.

In general I am OK with the quality of the videos and also (with restrictions) the photos. But there is one big issue, with the Hero 3 there is no way to see what is actually captured, (no screen on the camera). So I quite often get the subject somewhere on the edges or almost out of frame.

I am thinking about upgrading to either a Hero10 or going the way to buy an underwater housing for my Canon G5x mark II.

Would expect the Hero being better for videos but the Canon for stills.

The 1" sensor of the Canon should be better to catch the limited light under water. Talking about using it anywhere between 1-6 meter under water level.

Any experience or somebody who moved form Hero to a 1" sensor compact in an underwater housing ?

Will post the same question in the Canon & Action Cam forum.

Excited for your feedback.

Frank

If you are only going to be snorkeling I would HIGHLY recommend you take a look at the Olympus TG6.  You will not need a housing for the camera unless you go below 5meters (15 feet). There are people around the world making amazing photos and videos with this camera.

Thanks, as I have the Canon already and also some mounts for the GoPro I won't consider other options. And 5 meters would be to much on the edge anyhow. Could be double from time to time.

The GoPro, even 8 years old, is still a capable camera for non pro use, but it is a bit try and error. Similar to the old times using film.

Currently I tend a bit to upgrade the GoPro, as I could also use it for e.g. snowboarding or kite surfing.

Frank

Ie1234 wrote:

Thanks, as I have the Canon already and also some mounts for the GoPro I won't consider other options. And 5 meters would be to much on the edge anyhow. Could be double from time to time.

The GoPro, even 8 years old, is still a capable camera for non pro use, but it is a bit try and error. Similar to the old times using film.

Currently I tend a bit to upgrade the GoPro, as I could also use it for e.g. snowboarding or kite surfing.

Frank

Have you tried to use Google to search for "gopro hero 3 backpack lcd screen"?  Literally the second option that pops up is for the LCD attachment and case extension for the gopro 3, link to amazon .   This seems to be the best way to solve the issues you are having with not being able to see what your shooting.

kelpdiver wrote:

The TG6 is rated to 15/50ft.

Thanks for the correction, I knew my numbers were really shallow but i didn't look anything up.  I remember that the TG6 is what all my freediving used to use because it was rated to go as deep as they are certified to, about 55ft for level 1.

Thanks, I have the LCD back, not suitable to use in an underwater housing. Bit cumbersome to handle as well.

Frank

Camrarat wrote:

Dann-Oh wrote:

If you are only going to be snorkeling I would HIGHLY recommend you take a look at the Olympus TG6. You will not need a housing for the camera unless you go below 5meters (15 feet). There are people around the world making amazing photos and videos with this camera.

Would you recommend using a lens cover snorkeling with the tg6? Or is even that uneccesary?

IF you are using just the camera, I would say no dont use one as its one more thing to get lost under water.  If you are using any of the add on lenses then I would recommend using one ONLY is you have a pocket to put the lens cap/cover.