I am looking to buy a camera for preferably under 650USD. I want to use it for snorkeling and shallow diving, but also have it to use as a regular camera that takes good photos-maybe with the option of manual exposure. Is it better to buy an underwater camera like Olympus Tough or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3, or to buy a decent camera and get underwater housing for it? What cameras would you suggest?
Best answer:
Answer by thankyoumaskedman
The waterproof cameras are usually outperformed photographically by non-waterproof cameras. Of the waterproof models, the Panasonic TS3/FT3 is probably one of the best. None have manual exposure.
A Canon S95 with an underwater housing should be better. You will need the optional weight set to counteract its buoyancy for diving. Without that the housing and camera have a net positive buoyancy (good for boaters), and you will be fighting that when diving. Also get some small silica gel packets to prevent fogging.
What do you think? Answer below!
