Lumix underwater? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

12/29/2011 01:46:09 PM · #1

has anybody every used either the Lumix underwater cameras like this one? or have they used a housing for their regular Lumix?

I'm heading to Hawaii in a few weeks and am trying to decide between a few options:

1) Renting an underwater housing for my 5D2 for a day. (about $100)
2) Buying an underwater camera like the Lumix (about $250)
3) Buying a housing for either the Lumix (about $500 or $$$$ for the Canon)

Does anybody have any experience to give me advice? :)

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

12/29/2011 02:08:36 PM · #2

How much of your vacation time do you plan to stay underwater? ;D

Years ago when I went to Mexico I bought disposable underwater cameras and the pictures all turned out great. If I were you I'd go with the Lumix for the $250.

12/29/2011 02:21:58 PM · #3

Originally posted by Kelli:

Well, probably only about 60 seconds at a time. :) I do love snorkeling and I think if I had a camera I'd shoot a ton. I've used disposables in the past and while they take nice snapshots, I'd love to see what a better camera could do. I'll have to try to search out reviews for that Lumix. I think I also saw a used housing for the Lumix I have for $400 instead of $500+.

Mousie

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/29/2011 02:54:32 PM · #4

The DMC-TS3 is great!

Black Rock 1000209 by PKMousie, on Flickr

Hamoa 1000235 by PKMousie, on Flickr

Black Rock 1000216 by PKMousie, on Flickr

Black Rock 1000176 by PKMousie, on Flickr

It's really nice not having to deal with a clunky case. Just get out of the water, rinse it off, and keep shooting on land. Image quality is good, with typical annoying P&S low light slowness. Mine survived 3 weeks in humid/chilly/salty Maui without a hitch. I usually carry it around instead of my S90.

Takes a nice picture on land, too.

Rose 1000021 by PKMousie, on Flickr

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

12/29/2011 03:13:08 PM · #5

DPReview did a comparison of waterproof P&S cameras this Summer ...

12/29/2011 03:36:43 PM · #6

Thanks Mousie and Paul. That is really helpful. I'm really leaning toward the TS3 based on the pictures and review. Now, if a 5D2 housing just fell in my lap...but they are so expensive and I figure they will be obsolete as soon as you upgrade to another body (and being such specialized equipment, hard to resell).

FocusPoint

XIAOMI Redmi Note 8 Pro

12/29/2011 04:16:52 PM · #7

Perfect photo for "Where is Waldo?" challenges LOL

Originally posted by Mousie:

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical HF for Pentax

12/29/2011 08:06:20 PM · #8

For those of us who constantly misread thread titles...

Pug-H

Pentax K10D

12/30/2011 03:25:15 AM · #9

Timely for me, too, as we shall be going to the Great Barrier Reefs in March.
Only yesterday, I was having a good look at the Pentax Optio WG-1 (the camera store is having a Pentax fair at the moment), but I wasn't bowled over by the buttons on the back - maybe they're good for people with small fingers. It's a camera that someone we met in Okinawa used.
So, next time I'll look at the Lumix.

Giles

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/30/2011 03:46:58 AM · #10

not qualified to post on this having never done underwater photography other than the film disposable ones

but if using a 5d and housing i think youd want more than 60 seconds to get your shot, i.e scuba diving maybe? in the shallows etc itd be alright but diving down a metre or two staying steady while setting camera etc all on one breath might be hard?