Northwest Dive Club

So, after using a GoPro for my last trip to Grand Cayman and being used to a Canon 7D above water, I decided that I wanted something better.

I've been racking my brain trying to decide between either the popular Olympus E-PM1 bundle that everyone has for $500:

http://www.opticaloceansales.com/housin ... combo.html

And buying an E-PL5 and associated EP10 housing which works out to roughly $1300.

Given that the E-PL5 has the newest sensor from the O-MD which dramatically improves the high-ISO capabilities, I can see why it would be better in the cold dark waters here. Additionally, the EP10 housing allows a larger number of lenses with the stock port. Both cameras will involve me buying a strobe for it. Traditionally, you want to buy better lenses before a better body, but given that housings are body specific, I want this to be a one and done deal for a while.

The biggest difference is that if I buy the PM1 deal, I can get a second strobe, a second lens right away, etc.

This is probably going to be the only underwater setup I buy for several years, and I intend on doing a liveaboard trip to the Galapagos in 2015.

Cliff notes:

Is the better sensor in the E-PL5 worth it to forgo getting a second strobe or extra lens? With the PL5 I'll be on the kit lens for a little until I save up for more lenses.

I'm planning on heading over to Optical Ocean Sales in the next few days as well to talk to them about my options.

I wouldn't worry about the higher iso of the 5. You'll be using strobes around here 99% of the time.
If you go with the 1 the main port works with a few lenses and the Zen Pen dome should cover you for wide angle ( non fish eye) shots.....

Take a look at the Oly thread on this camera.
Lynne, Peter and Jenn are all getting some amazing pics with the setup.
I am still working on mine.
Kirsten

Ended up going to optical ocean sales and picking up the PM1 package. The cost difference was too big to justify.

The salesmen (Martin I think his name was) was giving me good advise about the two cameras as well as the other associated accessories.

Scubak wrote:Take a look at the Oly thread on this camera.
Lynne, Peter and Jenn are all getting some amazing pics with the setup.
I am still working on mine.
Kirsten

They have the PL1 and this camera is the PM1........

Oops! Sorry Cardiver....
I just know everyone is loving the Oly...
K

Now all I gotta do is get it in the water.

My guess is that everyone will find the various PEN line of cameras will all have very similar issues and so we should all be able to learn from each other.