enchanter58

I'll also recommend the Olympus TG-5. It's a gem of a travel camera. Lots of fun.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Here you go. https://www.etsy.com/listing/619530552/cult-nikon-nikonos-v-underwater-film?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-imaging_and_lighting-cameras_and_imaging-cameras&utm_custom1=37632799-0810-4cbd-82b6-76c301634664&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8qyU8IPR3AIVWLXACh3Y6gQuEAQYAiABEgILlfD_BwE

I have an earlier model. Though not a diver, I'm not afraid to do out in inclement weather and photograph.
--Bob

IHH61 Loc: Homestead Fl

The TG-5 is a great way to start. Easy to add housing and strobe or continuous light for deeper dives. Also would work well above water. One of the range ofSeaLife cameras would also be good though less useful for other than UW stuff. GoPro is a great video solution that can do an OK job on stills. Which ever way you go urge him to take an Under Water Imaging Specialty Class. Will teach him both how to take pics/video and to post process.

hankswan

Nikon W300 good to 100 feet and you can buy refurbished for +/- $300.00. Go to Nikon USA at this URL https://www.nikonusa.com/en/about-nikon/press-room/press-release/j1wn4wcr/Nikon’s-New-Durable-And-Compact-COOLPIX-W300-Is-The-Ultimate-Rugged-Travel-Companion,-Ready-To-Capture-Your-Next-Adventure-In-Outstanding-Quality.html

HTH

LouV Loc: Juno Beach, FL

[quote=Dik]Color goes away rapidly with distance in water, so by the time you reach 30', only the blue end of the spectrum is available from natural light. Best color is right up near the surface.[/quote

True and that is why most are taken with flash. Every one of these pics were taken well below 30 feet. (I am sorry but I am traveling and do not have access to the original files. The quality of this iPhone photo stinks but I think it still makes the point about color.)

(Download)

mikee

As a diver, divemaster, and photographer, I adamantly recommend: DO NOT GET a TG-5! These are ok for kayaking, shallow snorkeling, and rain, but aren't capable of going to scuba depths. As a diver, your brother probably has an idea of what camera SYSTEM he wants. That's right, he will need a SYSTEM. He'll need a sealed camera (like a Sealife or Sea To Sea) or housed camera (pick almost any digital model and buy a specific housing for it from Ikelite, Subal, or Nauticam) capable of going to 150+ feet (want depth ratings deeper than expected dive limit). Canon and Nikon both make scuba housings for some of their point and shoots, but these are not as secure (ask me how I know!!). Stay away from film...period. He will need a flash and cable that will mate with his camera/housing. Even in the clear tropics the natural light goes blue and grey at dive depth. Flashes bring out the natural colors. Also, you want the flash away from your camera on a long arm so you don't highlite all the particles floating in front of the camera. I'd recommend a camera store that specializes in underwater photography (Backscatter, in Monterey CA, if they are still open). An alternative is ebay. You can get drivable systems, although somewhat outdated, for bargain prices. By the way, Gopro's aren't bad, but will still need a scuba video light.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

A depth limit of 50 feet is going to restrict its use to only shallow wrecks.

But at half that depth the light and the color of the light start become a problem. You need a flash and it should be located well away from the camera or it's going to light up all of the stuff suspended in the water in front of the lens.

The least expensive solution would be a Nikonos 5 film camera with a separate flash but that limits you to 36 exposures. It can be used down to 50 meters.

To go bellow 50 feet with digital is going to require a housing and you still need a separate light source.

captaindan

Basically you are looking at 3 levels of usage to choose between for UW photography.
1. Basic snapshot, 2. Compact full control camera in case at reasonable price, 3. Interchangeable lense dslr or mirrorless camera in case (professional level).

1. The Olympus TG is a great little camera. Perfect for outdoor use, boating and light snorkeling. Drawback is the waterproofing is marginal and after many excursions into salt water it can build up enough corrosion to leak. This can be minimized by a good freshwater soak and occasional lubrication on the port covers. Olympus makes an underwater
case to put this camera in for scuba diving. Very compact good for snapshots. Overall an excellent little camera

2. Midlevel full control and excellent for diving, my recommendation would be a Cannon G7X or Sony RX-100, either in a Fantasea.com housing. Add a tray, a video light and or an Inon strobe for a complete package. Optional wideangle and close up wet lenses available.

3. Professional level; usually a metal machined housing and high end camera DSLR. Giant dome port wide angle, interchangeable ports for various lenses, twin strobes on long folding spider arms. Easy to tie up 10-25k$. Popular are the Cannon mk5 and coming on strong the Nikon D500. Usually takes an assistant divemaster to help the photographer into and out of the water with gear handling. This setup in for the really dedicated photographer, those individuals who demand the best picture quality possible. Usually a person that is deeply involved and gets great joy from capturing images. Both diving and nature. I have many customers who fit this profile.

4. Extra comments: some of the traveling dive photographers are going from the "Big Bertha" setups to a higher level compact such as the Sony 6500 level. Saves weight and space on international dive travel. Fantasea has a compact case for the Sony.

Underwater photography is challenging. Can be frustrating, but when you get it right the creatures of the Sea are amazing especially the macros.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

This is your correct answer. My main pursuit was underwater photography for over 20 years and you need a good water sealed camera or housed camera with a good depth rating (at least 130 ft) and at least one (preferably 2 or more) good underwater flash units to come away with acceptable photos in anything other than a shallow snorkelling type situation. I used a Nikonos IV film camera (no longer available) with professional flash equipment but if I were still young and strong enough to do it now I would use a good digital camera with an Ikelite waterproof housing (with at least two underwater strobes).

deepdiverv Loc: arizona

The cameras that have been suggested are fine.Light is a very important part of UW photography. You need to look into a strobe, the flashes on these small cameras are very limited.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Wow. I thought I asked a simple question. This is a whole different world than what I thought. I'm not giving up though.

Al Freeedman

AVG

It looks like lots of the responders have gone over the deep end. from what I understand
your brother is a very active person who in not a professional diver, plus he does other sports related
activities. That being said, I still strongly suggest the Olympus TG-5. Go on line and see video.
I'm sure you don't want to spend thousands of dollars on under water gear even though it's your brother,
and a gift costing $379.00 is a fantastic gift that I'm sure he'll very much appreciate.

Captain Al

rzakrison

Recently returned from the Galapagos where a couple of our group are experienced divers.
Both used the Olympus. It's small and easy to operate.
Good luck to your brother in retirement!

IHH61 Loc: Homestead Fl

You did. Go with the TG-5 or the GoPro. Either of these will let your brother find out if he wants to really get into UW photography. If he does there is an upgrade path to add housings and lights or strobes. If he really catches the “bug” he can easily find him self stepping off the dive boat with $10k in his hand.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

It is correct that below 30 feet little of the natural spectrum of light is left as reflected light. Most people are extremely disappointed in the blue and white images they get without taking their own light source with them. Go to a dive shop, not a camera store. Look for an inexpensive camera in a housing with an external flash attached. There are lots of them. The camera should also have a wide angle lens for underwater use. You have to get close when shooting underwater because of the density of water and particulate matter. And this part is just my opinion as a scuba instructor, but I recommend that divers log at least 100 dives before they enter the water with a camera. The task overload and attention deficit can get inexperienced divers into trouble.