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6BQ5 · 04-12-2015, 07:56 AM

I've always been intrigued with underwater cameras. All of them seem to have small 1/2.3" sensors which isn't bad but none of them offer RAW output. Every make/model I have seen only generates JPG files. I know Nikon makes their 1 AW series but the interchangeable lens feature is useless to me in this case. It's also really expensive.

What are the alternatives? Any?

**ChrisPlatt** · 04-12-2015, 09:50 AM

Though it doesn't output RAW or JPG the Nikonos V is a real bargain now...

Chris

flaviopetrone · 04-13-2015, 02:02 AM

I am interested too. My girlfriend wants to buy one of these cameras and she asked me for advices, but I don't know very much about these specific cameras... I will follow the topic.

6BQ5 · 04-13-2015, 07:54 AM - **1 Like**

Olympus has announced the TG-4 today. It is an underwater camera that offers ... RAW output!! I think this may be the camera I am looking for. Time, and my wallet, will tell.

ruggiex · 04-13-2015, 08:00 AM

I took my Q7 w/ 01 to snorkeling using one of those inexpensive, under water camera bags. It worked fine, can't use the flash though. I wouldn't take it for scuba diving however.

cbope · 04-18-2015, 08:35 AM

I'd recommend a good compact and an underwater housing. My current setup for diving is a few years older Canon Powershot G9 and an Ikelite housing. It a bit big, but I recently bought a Fuji XQ1 which has a 2/3" sensor and raw to replace my Canon. Fuji makes a housing for it which is very reasonably priced and the whole setup is probably 1/3 to 1/4 the size of my Canon/Ikelite setup.

Na Horuk · 04-18-2015, 11:03 AM

A friend of mine is using a GoPro for video of sports, even swimming in lakes. I think it can take some still photos as well (or maybe they were taken from the video?), which were not bad at all. And it is a very compact camera.

Prakticant · 04-18-2015, 11:31 PM

If not Nikon (I use couple of Coolpixes from 2MPix to 7MPix with Nikon WP-CPx underwater housings, but no RAW there) I'd check the Olympus.

-----

Originally posted by 6BQ5

All of them seem to have small 1/2.3" sensors which isn't bad but none of them offer RAW output.

cbope · 04-19-2015, 12:08 AM

Originally posted by Prakticant

If not Nikon (I use couple of Coolpixes from 2MPix to 7MPix with Nikon WP-CPx underwater housings, but no RAW there) I'd check the Olympus.

-----

I think the OP needs to define "underwater". I have one of the Olympus TG "tough" compacts, but it's not what I would consider an underwater camera. If I recall, it's rated for 10m, which basically means you can use it in a swimming pool or when snorkeling. It's not suitable for diving. For diving, housings are typically rated for 40m or more. This is a static depth rating. Movement underwater increases the pressure on seals and reduces the effective depth rating.

04-12-2015, 07:56 AM	#1
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	Small waterproof / underwater cameras, anyone? I've always been intrigued with underwater cameras. All of them seem to have small 1/2.3" sensors which isn't bad but none of them offer RAW output. Every make/model I have seen only generates JPG files. I know Nikon makes their 1 AW series but the interchangeable lens feature is useless to me in this case. It's also really expensive. What are the alternatives? Any?

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04-12-2015, 09:50 AM	#2
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,702	Though it doesn't output RAW or JPG the Nikonos V is a real bargain now... Chris

04-13-2015, 02:02 AM	#3
flaviopetrone Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Reggio Emilia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,153	I am interested too. My girlfriend wants to buy one of these cameras and she asked me for advices, but I don't know very much about these specific cameras... I will follow the topic.

04-13-2015, 07:54 AM - 1 Like	#4
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348 Original Poster	Olympus has announced the TG-4 today. It is an underwater camera that offers ... RAW output!! I think this may be the camera I am looking for. Time, and my wallet, will tell.

04-13-2015, 08:00 AM	#5
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	I took my Q7 w/ 01 to snorkeling using one of those inexpensive, under water camera bags. It worked fine, can't use the flash though. I wouldn't take it for scuba diving however.

04-18-2015, 08:35 AM	#6
cbope Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Helsinki Posts: 664	I'd recommend a good compact and an underwater housing. My current setup for diving is a few years older Canon Powershot G9 and an Ikelite housing. It a bit big, but I recently bought a Fuji XQ1 which has a 2/3" sensor and raw to replace my Canon. Fuji makes a housing for it which is very reasonably priced and the whole setup is probably 1/3 to 1/4 the size of my Canon/Ikelite setup.

04-18-2015, 11:03 AM	#7
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	A friend of mine is using a GoPro for video of sports, even swimming in lakes. I think it can take some still photos as well (or maybe they were taken from the video?), which were not bad at all. And it is a very compact camera.

04-18-2015, 11:31 PM	#8
Prakticant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 274	If not Nikon (I use couple of Coolpixes from 2MPix to 7MPix with Nikon WP-CPx underwater housings, but no RAW there) I'd check the Olympus. ----- Originally posted by 6BQ5 All of them seem to have small 1/2.3" sensors which isn't bad but none of them offer RAW output.

04-19-2015, 12:08 AM	#9
cbope Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Helsinki Posts: 664	Originally posted by Prakticant If not Nikon (I use couple of Coolpixes from 2MPix to 7MPix with Nikon WP-CPx underwater housings, but no RAW there) I'd check the Olympus. ----- I think the OP needs to define "underwater". I have one of the Olympus TG "tough" compacts, but it's not what I would consider an underwater camera. If I recall, it's rated for 10m, which basically means you can use it in a swimming pool or when snorkeling. It's not suitable for diving. For diving, housings are typically rated for 40m or more. This is a static depth rating. Movement underwater increases the pressure on seals and reduces the effective depth rating.

Small waterproof / underwater cameras, anyone?

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