Good underwater camera?

[9balliw]

I'm looking to find a good underwater camera for snorkeling and diving possibly that I can also do macro shots of my corals. Getting married in October and going on honeymoon in kaua'i hawaii and would like to have a good all around tough camera to take with us. $500 max

 

[9balliw]

Maybe to take out kayak fishing also!

 

[d2mini]

If you are just looking for a point and shoot type thing, I like my Olympus Tough TG1. I believe the TG2 is has been out now.
I use it at the pool. Haven't been snorkeling with it.
I also have the wide angle lens for it.

 

[KoleTang]

You won't be be able to get an underwater camera with a macro lens for $500. A macro lens itself costs $500-$1000+.

Nikon makes a more affordable underwater camera: Underwater Camera | COOLPIX Compact Underwater Digital Camera | Nikon

As well as a little bit more expensive one with interchangeable lenses: Nikon 1 AW1 | Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses

Nikon | News | Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses Nikon 1 AW1 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6

 

[NC2WA]

what about a Go Pro 3 ??

 

[9balliw]

Thanks guys :xd:

 

[d2mini]

You won't be be able to get an underwater camera with a macro lens for $500. A macro lens itself costs $500-$1000+.

You can still use the macro setting on a p&s camera and if you are snorkeling, you probably won't be using macro much anyway.
Different story if you are big into diving and have the time and equipment to spend really getting some good macros underwater.
I shoot professionally but it's always good to have something inexpensive you can toss around, especially when jumping off a boat.
I'd definitely spend the extra hundy on the TG-2 over the coolpix.
The nikon 1 is nice if the OP wants to spend that kind of cash and get into a dslr-like camera with interchangeable lenses and still needs something waterproof.

 

[Mr. E Wrasse]

I dive a lot and use a sealife. Great to use and easy for beginners to get the hang of. You can pick up a camera and housing for 500 or less probably and I have taken some great pictures of clams, acros, soft corals etc at depths of almost 100 ft but it is harder to do without the strobe which makes the package a lot more expensive

 

[9balliw]

Yes I am for sure looking for a point and shoot I barely have any idea with them. Would just like to get a good all around waterproof camera that can do close shots of my tank maybe not super macro shots. Tg2 and sea life both look good.

 

[slyforestfire]

i just got a polaroid iF045 for christmas. waterproof to 3m and can be switched between macro mode and standard modes with the flip of a switch on the side of the camera. i have taken tons of great shots with it, through the glass and underwater. only drawback ive found yet is its inability to be recharged.