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

[t0mmy108]

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.

 

[t0mmy108]

 

[BlueSallymandr]

Looks great to me!

 

[CaseyP]

Looks good so far! What modes are you using? Looks like it has underwater mode which I assume will color correct. Also microscope mode looks interesting and can maybe sharpen some of those close ups.

 

[t0mmy108]

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

 

[tribbitt]

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?

 

[t0mmy108]

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

 

[ReyDeFarts]

Great images and awesome little camera!

Looking forward to seeing your dive pics.

 

[PjFish]

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

 

[Kensington Reefer]

Maybe you can teach Will @Turkeysammich
He needs help!
Those shots are fantastic
What’s the list of zoas? (In order of appearance)

 

[Troikesse]

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.

 

[L/B Block]

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.

View attachment 62162View attachment 62163View attachment 62164View attachment 62165View attachment 62166View attachment 62167
View attachment 62157View attachment 62158View attachment 62160

Wait -is this an underwater camera???

 

[JVU]

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!