cheetohcat
Contributor
I'm considering upgrading to a mirrorless compact as well, so this thread has been great, and thanks to the contributors!
Nueroll, with either your compact or your gf2 set up, I don't think you'll go wrong either way, BUT, keep in mind that as bullshark and Patw have mentioned, without a strong video and/or strobe light, anything beyond a few inches from your port will have poor color.
Cameras without without strobes can produce lovely images, provided you work within their limitations. I started out with just my Pany Lumix in the OEM housing with no strobes. I could shoot 'macro' with the on board flash, silhouettes (no flash) or mid to farther range with manual white balance. I practiced with that until I was ready to upgrade to an advanced compact, add strobes etc. Great thing was, I could just clip it off when not in use. The goal was to just get some cool photos of the life I was seeing underwater.
I upgraded to an s90 and added strobes, wet lenses etc when I was ready, and decided I wanted to take a more creative approach.
Lighting will make a huge difference in any of your shots. I would lay money on the fact that 99% of the UW photos you find inspiring are all taken with strobe lighting. I think it's important that you are realistic and knowledgable about what your camera can/can't do with your current configuration (sounds like you are really doing your homework!)
Good luck with your decision!
Nueroll, with either your compact or your gf2 set up, I don't think you'll go wrong either way, BUT, keep in mind that as bullshark and Patw have mentioned, without a strong video and/or strobe light, anything beyond a few inches from your port will have poor color.
Cameras without without strobes can produce lovely images, provided you work within their limitations. I started out with just my Pany Lumix in the OEM housing with no strobes. I could shoot 'macro' with the on board flash, silhouettes (no flash) or mid to farther range with manual white balance. I practiced with that until I was ready to upgrade to an advanced compact, add strobes etc. Great thing was, I could just clip it off when not in use. The goal was to just get some cool photos of the life I was seeing underwater.
I upgraded to an s90 and added strobes, wet lenses etc when I was ready, and decided I wanted to take a more creative approach.
Lighting will make a huge difference in any of your shots. I would lay money on the fact that 99% of the UW photos you find inspiring are all taken with strobe lighting. I think it's important that you are realistic and knowledgable about what your camera can/can't do with your current configuration (sounds like you are really doing your homework!)
Good luck with your decision!