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If you wish to move on to the next level and still keep it compact, there are a couple of options.
1. Switch to Mirrorless. Mirrorless cameras are an excellent balance between size and quality, featuring DSLR-like quality at half the size.
Some popular Mirrorless cameras for UW these days are the Sony A6500, Panasonic GH5. Here are some housing options:
https://www.housingcamera.com/popular-cameras-for-uw/mirrorless-housings/sony-alpha-a6500
https://www.housingcamera.com/popular-cameras-for-uw/mirrorless-housings/panasonic-lumix-gh5
These will still work with your existing strobes, and perhaps even with your wet lenses (depending on the lens you use and the housing).
2. Get a Canon “mini DSLR”. Canon’s 250D / SL3 is the smallest DSLR ever made, allowing Ikelite to create a small mirrorless-like housing for it.
Note that Inon Z240 / Z330 or Sea & Sea YS-D1/YS-D2 strobes would work on it, but on manual power output only, not TTL.
The Ikelite strobes such as DS160 and DS161 would allow full TTL and Manual control with this bundle.
For wide angle the best option would be to get a Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens and dome port.
This blog post might be an interesting read:
Sales and Marketing at Mozaik Underwater Cameras
Ran is a professional photographer for over 14 years. His passion for scuba diving and photography has pushed him to combine his profession and hobby and become a professional underwater photographer. Teaching is one of his greatest passions and over the years he has shared his experience with many divers and aspiring photographers. Along with his wife Danielle, an experienced Scuba Instructor, they have founded Dive and More, leading dive trips and UW photo workshops all over the world. Ran is also an electrical engineer and an avid internet marketing specialist.
Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.
Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.
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4 comments
Hi Ran,
I’m really not sure what camera to get next. For the last 4 years or so I used a Sony rx100 with a wide angle wet lens and ikelite housing and handle. I shoot mostly sharks for work and pleasure, and although I do photos too and love it I am often required to shoot video of sharks at depths of around 25m. The only major problem I had with the rx was the white balance , it had a limit of 9900K and basically could never get my videos right at depth. I love the fact it was light and easy for travel but really I can’t have that problem again. I’m on a bit of a budget too. I don’t normally use lights but I wouldn’t mind having the option to expand on that. I don’t know much about Fantasea housings and I didn’t mind my ikelite except it was an older model and was very susceptible to corrosion. I am interested in a Panasonic Lumia LX-10, or maybe a canon SL2, or an OMD E M5 II or even just a canon G7XII mk II….. what are your thoughts on these based on what I use it for?
Hey Rebecca!
The RX100 with a wide angle lens actually sounds like an excellent solution for your needs.
The problem that bothers you most – WB limit at 9900K, is actually the same in virtually all cameras. The only way to reach higher Kelvins is to shoot RAW photos and adjust in post. Even high-end DSLR’s share the same limitation.
Out of the ones you mentioned, the LX-10 is said to have the best color adjustment when shooting underwater video.
The SL2 won’t be very quick to focus.
The G7XII won’t be significantly better than what you have now.
I would suggest looking at the Sony A6500, that would probably be an excellent option.
Happy to answer any follow up question!
I want to upgrade my SonyRX 100. Probably go to a mirrorless. From all my reading the choices seem obvious: the OMD E M1 Mk II, the GH5, or a Sony. But I’ve read the Sony has WB issues.
Stills are more important than vids.
Thank you,
Chuck
Hey Chuck!
Thanks for reaching out 🙂
WB issues are non-issues when you’re shooting RAW. When shooting RAW, WB is determined after the dive, in post processing, so it doesn’t really matter what you set it to during the dive. If you’re uncomfortable with shooting RAW yet, that’s ok. From my experience the JPG’s on the A6500 were spot on! It was even difficult reaching the same result when working with the RAW file…
I didn’t experience any issues with WB, especially not when using strobes, where you can even set your WB to Auto.
Both the E-M1 Mark II and GH5 are excellent cameras as well. The GH5 is preferred by videographers, so between those two generally the E-M1 II is better for stills, but all 3 are very capable cameras.
I tend to have a preference towards the Sony, but I love the Olympus 60mm lens and fisheye lenses, which may be a good enough reason to get the E-M1 II.
Another advantage of the Sony is the great value Fantasea housing which drops the price of the entire system and still provides an excellent housing.