OM EM10 Mk iv - good first step?

[Lee_sec]

Collective views of the pro's needed...

I've been trying to get more into photography lately and specifically underwater photography (have been diving 20+ years) - I have been using the sealife sportdiver housing on my iphone 13 Pro and getting some pretty good results but thinking its time for an upgrade. I've been looking around and the first option that comes up a lot is the TG 6/7 compact with housing as an option... but I'm wondering is this too close to what i've already been playing around with given smartphone capabilities...

The next option that i'm seeing recommended is the OM Systems EM10 Mk iv. A mirrorless offering that is small, lightweight and offers a much more in depth level of photography. Question is is it too much or do we all start somewhere and quit overthinking it and just go for it?

Also - where is the best place to get deals on this stuff because it is not exactly cheap (Although neither is diving so kinda used to that)

Would really appreciate any thoughts / advice / comments

[Derek Smith]

I know nothing about diving, but on the assumption the circumstances vary to a considerable degree to that where photographers only get wet if it rains, I'd suggest going onto a forum for divers, and see what the recommendations are. If there's a consensus (small hope of that with photographers) and there's just two or three that hit the button, find out what feels best in your hands. That last bit goes for all camera choices though, but not frequently enough.

I use MFT and find it great for my needs, but I wear wellies if it's damp, so won't give any specific advice. The Olympus has good reviews, but there are few, if any, poor cameras around nowadays. I assume you might have a limited requirement for lenses so I'd consider if those in the MFT range are suitable. I've got 6 lenses, 3 x primes, 3 x zooms, going from 12 (24)mm to 300 (600), with f1.4 being the biggest. I would assume there's something there for the Olympus.

Use the advice from others as pointers at best (includes me of course). Handle as many cameras/lenses as you can. Go to a camera shop.

Can we see some of your efforts?

[Benzinaio]

Not used Olympus since they went to micro 4/3 but have been doing photography since 1980 and have always been a massive fan of the brand since my trusty OM-1 film camera.
What I can tell you is that Zuiko glass is some of the best in the business and unbeatable at it's price point.
I got some lovely pictures of a Parrot Fish many years ago in the Maldives on a borrowed Nikonos.
Fond memories....

[Lee_sec]

[Lee_sec]

some of my attempts... taken on an iphone 13 pro in an underwater housing..

[Lee_sec]

Benzinaio said:

Not used Olympus since they went to micro 4/3

potentially stupid question here but does this make Olympus lenses unique and therefore more expensive? or do all brands use an individual threadding? or is there a more general size which makes lense costs more reasonable / interchangeable? if so would I be better looking at other bodies?

[Derek Smith]

Lee_sec said:

Benzinaio said:

Not used Olympus since they went to micro 4/3

potentially stupid question here but does this make Olympus lenses unique and therefore more expensive? or do all brands use an individual threadding? or is there a more general size which makes lense costs more reasonable / interchangeable? if so would I be better looking at other bodies?

Thanks for posting the images. I can see why it's your hobby.

Most cameras brands have their own mount. Most more than one. Olympus share the MFT with Panasonic, although Panasonic produce FF cameras as well, which take the L mount. If you take video, or might, the Panasonic software is probably better than Olympus.

There's a full range of MFT lenses and they are cheaper for the same equivalent focal length in general, although it should be remembered the MFT 25mm gives the same view as the full frame 50mm. I have the Panasonic Leica 25mm (50mm in FF) f1.4 and it is very reasonable in price given the quality and aperture. I have to limit weight and it comes in at just 0.2kg. It's compact. Not really relevant to your needs, but when I go out on a shoot, I always take it with me, in it's own little bag.

There was a discussion in my camera club about MFT macro and it was over whether the MFT Olympus 60mm macro lens gave 1:1 images or 2:1. Too deep for me (but, given your hobby, perhaps you'd understand it), but I have that lens as it's a cracker.

There are some aftermarket suppliers for MFT lenses and the reviews seem good, although the Chinese-brand cheapies seem to be cheap for a reason.

If you're worried about budget, and who isn't, I'd consider buying second hand. I've bought from Park Cameras and MBP and only once had to return a lens to MBP. I sent the faulty lens to them on day one. Day 2, the replacement arrived. If you call in at Park, you can touch the items. When buying one particular s/h lens, I tried three in the shop. Staff very helpful. When they classify a lens as excellent, you can depend on it. I bought one lens from Park that had never been on a camera. The packaging was still attached. (The f1.4 25mm is shown at £300 for one in excellent condition.)

No stupid questions in photography.

I would not advise you to go with any particular camera type. It is a personal decision. I'd suggest handling a range of cameras, seeing what's best for you. Which one has access to, and fits, the equipment you use? Does FF fit the bill, or is APC or MFT better? I went in to Park when I had a G7 and, while I was waiting for an item, I was encouraged to play with the G9. It was a dirty trick. It felt so much better in my hand. If you buy a camera because it scored 9.2 in a review, rather than 8.9, if the latter is a better fit, I reckon it's the better camera as you will be handling it for years.

Post some images when you get whatever camera you buy.

[bcr5784]

Lee_sec said:

Collective views of the pro's needed...

I've been trying to get more into photography lately and specifically underwater photography (have been diving 20+ years) - I have been using the sealife sportdiver housing on my iphone 13 Pro and getting some pretty good results but thinking its time for an upgrade. I've been looking around and the first option that comes up a lot is the TG 6/7 compact with housing as an option... but I'm wondering is this too close to what i've already been playing around with given smartphone capabilities...

I can certainly recommend the TG6. comepared with the iphone the 4x optical zoom is a significant step forward from the iphone However comparing the images with my pixel and oneplus cameras I doubt the UNZOOMED images are any sharper than your iphone I haven't tried an iphone in a housing but I'd expect the ergonomics of the tg6/7 to be better. The TG6/7has quite versatile manual controls - probably a usefull step up from the iphone.

That said the TG6/7 is no match for a "proper" camera either in image quality or versatility.

I haven't any experience to really recommend any camera in particular for underwater use -but I would consider alternatives to mirrorless cameras. The Sony Rx100vii is a big step up from the TGs in both image quality and versatiliy, though its ergonomics lag behind mirrorless optons. Other compact cameras may also suit if they take an underwater housing.

[bcr5784]

Having looked into it a bit further I'm coming round to the view that a Sony RX100 series camera has definite advantages over an interchangeable lens camer. The main one(s) are that, with the right housing (circa £300 new) you have access to practically all of the camera controls. With an interchangeable lens camera you almost certainly won't have access to controls on the lens. So zoom and manual focus will probably be unavailable.