I want to buy a camera that is good for snorkling and to use for underwater, taking videos of fish and marine animals. I'm not sure if I should get a GoPro, a waterproof case for a smartphone (iPhone) or an underwater camera (Nikon,Olympus, Fujifilm etc). Which of the options would provide me with good quality pictures and videos?
Any recommendations of the product that I should be looking for.
Underwater Camera for travelling
iceteacake on 12/06/2022 - 17:27
Last edited 12/06/2022 - 17:28
Last edited 12/06/2022 - 17:28
Comments
Maybe something around 10 metre, I am new to this and I would like to get an idea of what camera I should be looking for.
Snorkel diving 10m? You must have big lungs.
Do you want autofocus or manual?
Budget?
Manual ≈$500
I haven't tried a phone, but would touch control be an issue?
I own three underwater cameras - all with their manufacturer supplied dive cases (one Olympus, a Panasonic, and a Canon G15). TBH, if absolute best image quality isn't the driver (and associated $$$), I would keep an eye out for a cut-price or lightly used compact camera dive case from Olympus or Canon, and then acquire a used camera body to go into it. The dive cases can be very expensive brand new, but are available quite cheaply once the relevant body is superseded.
I rented a Panasonic compact in a dive case for a reef trip in FNQ. It got some great shots, and I was very pleased to have gone to the trouble to rent it.
I would like to get a case for one of my more substantial cameras, but as I say, they are very pricey.
Touch control is definitely an issue under water for smartphones.
GoPro with a red filter lens attachment is the ideal way to go. Or one of the cheaper imitations if that’s your preference.
They’re waterproof as-is but you can get the clear shell case to add extra water resistance, particularly for salt water use.
you will get better photos with a proper camera and underwater case, but the cases are expensive (mine was over $1k, but got it cheap on clearance, then bought a camera to match). without a flash you need bright natural light. If you haven't done a lot of diving, underwater photography when diving more than a couple of metres will be will be challenge. Most people take a Gopro. That would be a good starting point. They are smaller and easier to use especially if you get one of the underwater handles that they mount on.
I tried using a friend's phone in Pelican branded waterproof case (actually a very thick bag) when snorkelling in FNQ before. It didn't look good as the air between the lens and the clear part of the case led to pretty poor image quality. Also as smartphones don't have physical buttons, there was zero control whatsoever and sometimes the recording just stopped itself. Do not recommend.
More than ten years ago I had an old Nikon underwater compact camera that worked well in good light at snorkel depth (1 metre). It was cheap and effective for snorkelling, including when I dived a little bit lower to try to film fish going in amongst coral. Absolutely blew the mind of my host when I washed it in the kitchen sink per its instructions, she thought I had gone fully bonkers.
If I ever wanted to film underwater again I'd likely go the GoPro route like stated above.
gopro
I had a G11 in a case, then a Fuji XP120 and now a Nikon S32.
Smaller is better. A cheap compact is the way to go. Dive cases are bulky and a pain to swim with, and you're always worried about leaks. Changing settings and even viewing the screen underwater is hard so you're going to be on full auto anyhow.
In regards to image quality the biggest factors are the water clarity and the light. For most people in most circumstances you won't get much better pics with a better camera.
DJI action is a good alternative to GoPro. I love my first gen one. Otherwise GoPro of course.
What depth? Literally a metre or 2, or more?
Do you have a budget?