Underwater Camera
I currently have an Olympus Tough TG-2 that I have used a couple of times while snorkeling. I am going to do some more snorkeling in a bit and I am wondering if it is worth it to upgrade. I’m considering a new TG-5 or possibly a used (eBay) TG-4 or maybe a TG-3. These cameras have RAW capability starting with TG-3 so my camera only takes jpeg files. All are 12 megapixels except the TG-4 which is 16. Not sure why they dropped back down to 12 for the TG-5, but it does list a higher ISO rating in its specs. All have the same sensor size. Most of the other differences (video resolution, fps) are probably not too interesting to me. Probably famous last words (“Darn, that turtle was really swimming. Too bad I didn’t have 20 fps instead of 5”). Almost forgot, the TG-4 and TG-5 have some kind of manual focus which might have helped me a little when I was swimming with dolphins with lots of suspended particles. The TG-2 autofocus couldn’t cope. But I don’t know how well one can manage manual focus when underwater wearing a mask that doesn’t completely correct one’s prescription.
So, is anyone familiar with these cameras enough to know if the RAW capability and manual focus are good enough reasons to upgrade? I want to, but do I really need to? And really, to a gear junkie is there any other answer than YES? But I’m a retired gear junkie so I must spend wisely now. Also feel free to suggest other underwater options.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Comments
Do you already have a decent non-waterproof P&S that you like? I'm planning on getting a waterproof housing for my Sony RX100 V to replace our older existing waterproof P&S that sits on the shelf all the time. I think I'll get better pictures that way. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1289597-REG/sony_mpk_urx100a_underwater_housing_for_rx100.html/?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhKviBRCNARIsAAGZ7CdKGljL9ZDgjkqNtc5aER5_xAVs_yG_9sFdcmoUHi-aj6sKIxni0wwaAqE4EALw_wcB
That housing is cheaper than an TG-5
Just a thought.
Link to my Smugmug site
Nothing like your Sony. I have a Canon Powershot S100. Decent enough for family events and such, but nothing special--at least not after 7 years. It does have a larger sensor than any of the Oly tough cameras and it also has manual exposure. It also supposedly has manual focus but I can't remember trying it. Since it is so old I thought I would probably have to hunt around for a housing. But I found one made by Canon from a third party seller on Amazon for $199.
https://amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005NFNW3Y/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Now I have another tough decision. On the one hand, investing more in an older camera might not be something I would typically do, but since I don't use the waterproof camera as much I would be spending more for the TG-5, or about the same for a used TG-4 that will probably sit around after my upcoming vacation. Well, you did give me something to think about which is one of the things I asked for. I do appreciate it.