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Best Underwater Aquarium P+S Macro camera <$500?

Supporting Member
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Jul 20, 2024
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258
I just got this Olympus OM System TG-7 point and shoot camera with an orange filter (adapter needed). It’s a lot better than using my iPhone 15 Pro with an underwater housing and clip on filter. Check out these photos and tell me what you think. My hands were a little unsteady for some of them causing the photo to be out of focus but I think it's a pretty decent camera.

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Supporting Member
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Jul 20, 2024
Messages
258
I took those in underwater macro mode. It’s one setting before microscope. I’ll have to try out all the settings and compare them. Its form factor is small and compact. I’m going to be using it for snorkeling and shallow dives as well. I like being able to screw in different color filter lenses directly into the camera
 
Supporting Member
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Mar 19, 2024
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It's quite nice. I can get pics 80% there in quality with my phone, but only of things right up against the glass (within 1 inch) or at the surface of the tank - many corals mid-tank go unappreciated because I can't shoot them properly.

How is the ease of use on the camera? Intuitive?
 
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2024
Messages
258
It’s literally a point and shoot with autofocus. I don’t want to have to mess with any settings while I’m diving. The touchscreen on the iPhone isn’t 100% responsive even with the DiveVolk housing when underwater. Being able to take it underwater in the tank is a bonus. Put it right up close to the corals and just press the button. You can still turn the dial and change settings while submerged if you wanted to and it seems to not harm it. I just give it a good rinse and dip in RO and towel dry it. I’m curious if anyone else has had experience with a better one for under $500
 
Supporting Member
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Jul 4, 2018
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great pics !! have you messed around with focus bracketing or stacking mode with the corals in tank ? definitely would be a extremely hard underwater due to currents.. Using a secondary handheld or headlamp helps alot underwater even during the day for them shadows..
And yeah post ur dive shots!
Thanks
 
Guest
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Jul 30, 2025
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I went through a ton of options before choosing mine, and low light plus focusing close were my main concerns too. This site helped me compare choices with real sample shots and tips: https://www.insta360.com/blog/tips/best-underwater-cameras.html . With your budget, you’ll find some solid picks there. I ended up with something that shoots great macro and doesn't blow out my blues.
 
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Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2013
Messages
2,464
I just got this Olympus OM System TG-7 point and shoot camera with an orange filter (adapter needed). It’s a lot better than using my iPhone 15 Pro with an underwater housing and clip on filter. Check out these photos and tell me what you think. My hands were a little unsteady for some of them causing the photo to be out of focus but I think it's a pretty decent camera.

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Wait -is this an underwater camera???
 

JVU

Past President
BOD
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Feb 12, 2017
Messages
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I’ve used the older version of this camera (TG-3) for snorkeling for years and has been great. I never thought to take tank pics with it though!
 
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