E-PL5 vs SeaLife DC1400

[eweingarden]

[h=1]With about a $600 difference between the setups below, I'm looking for some feedback; pros and cons of each. This will be my first photography setup. Thanks.

Olympus E-PL5 Camera, Housing and Sea&Sea Strobe Package vs SeaLife DC1400 Underwater Digital Camera Maxx Duo Set[/h]

 

[jameseg]

I can't comment on those two particular packages, but want to make you aware of this option, which includes a slightly older Olympus camera. Should be terrific for a first setup. I have a similar package incorporating the even older E-PL1 camera and am very happy with it.

System Packages :: Mirrorless Systems :: Optical Ocean Olympus/Sea & Sea PT-EP06 (E-PM1) Special Package -

James

 

[Headers]

I just got my e-pl5, and just saying wow. It focuses faster than anything I have ever owned. I started with sealife cameras, I had a mini, DC600, DC1000 and a DC1200. If you think you're going to really get into it I would pony up and go for the oly camera that allows you to shoot everything manually and in raw (although the new sealife may, not sure). I give props to sealife, their systems are easy to use and their strobes are really quite good. I've also had exceptional luck with sealife any time I have needed service. I don't know about Olympus because I have never had to have service. After my sealife cameras I went to the E-PL1 and I really did like the flexibility it gives. I just upgraded to the E-PL5 because its 16mp, faster focus, newer processor etc. . . The E-PM1 deal listed above really is amazing, although you will buy a tray, handles, arms and strobe in addition to the camera, housing and zoom gear. Bottom line, I have used both and like both; however, I shoot Olympus for the greater flexibility in and out of the water. Just my two cents.

 

[tamas970]

Considering, that this will be your first UW setup, I completely understand that you are conservative on spending. I am also beginner underwater but
have more than a decade semipro shooting experience topside and just recently got an EPL5 as second body.
Before decided to move the EPL5 underwater, I made sure the image quality meets my needs. (OTOH, I was sure, compacts are not my cup of tea)
Then coming the rest. Ergonomy, weight, size, etc. At the end, I wanted a cost-efficient answer, which ruled the OMD out
(OMD underwater - body & housing+semidome: 2700$, EPL5 - same package - 1700$)

As for IQ, the E-PL5 wins, hands down. This is THE camera that beats - or at least matches - the nikon D90 and Canon 600D in IQ. As Headers mentioned, great AF.
Other than the 5-axis IS, it shares guts with the 2x more expensive OM-D.
The sealife is only a 1/2.33" compact, and it doesn't shoot raw. (might be an issue if the exposure or white balance is not spot on).

Notwithstanding, I'd take the sealife any day as a pocket/clip-on camera for snorkelling!

Sounds like it's worth the additional $ for the Oly. Thanks.

Every penny

 

[eweingarden]

Sounds like it's worth the additional $ for the Oly. Thanks.

 

[mjh]

No contest, the EPL5 is the way to go! Plus there are several options on how to house it. Advanced search :: Search results - Optical Ocean Sales: Underwater Photo & Video Equipment

 

[Headers]

Of course I haven't taken it under water yet but it put the 60mm on my new e-pl5 and I took this pic of the condensation on a glass sitting on my desk. I posted this in another thread as well. I'm drooling at the macro possibilities here:

 

[eweingarden]

mjh:
Thanks for the link. They have the following setup for $1,489:
[h=1]Optical Ocean Olympus PT-EP10/Sea & Sea Value Package[/h]What am I missing? It seems like a very low price for that camera, housing, and strobe. Thanks.

 

[Headers]

I don't think it includes the camera. Just housing and accessories.

mjh:
Thanks for the link. They have the following setup for $1,489:
Optical Ocean Olympus PT-EP10/Sea & Sea Value Package

What am I missing? It seems like a very low price for that camera, housing, and strobe. Thanks.

 

[eweingarden]

Headers:
I went back and read the description, and yes, it apears that the camera is not included. Thanks.