Exploring Underwater Photography: Unleashing the OM System TG-7 with PT-059 Housing and Scubalamp Gear
Underwater photography continues to captivate adventurers and enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the mesmerising world beneath the waves. With advancements in technology, underwater photography has become more accessible and thrilling than ever before.
We find that people choose a compact set-up for a few reasons, not in the least to make travel/transport easier, but also when diving or free-diving compact can have great results and be much easier to handle whilst swimming or getting in and out of the water.
One setup we often end up suggesting, is the combination of the OM System TG-7 with the Olympus PT-059 housing. Using the Scubalamp TG20 tray, UN arms and clamps, and the Scubalamp PV22 lights complete the setup without making it too bulky. We also love to mention the AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens and the AOI 400Q (also called 400A) Wide Angle Lens to add versatility and improve the photographic outcome as you would be able to get closer to your subject (if it lets you!).
OM System TG-7 and PT-059 Housing:
The OM System TG-7 is renowned for its ruggedness, compactness, and exceptional image quality, making it an ideal companion for underwater adventures. This compact camera is is waterproof to 15m, dustproof, shockproof to 2.1 m, crushproof to 100kg, freeze proof to -10℃, and anti-fogging. However, the underwater environment is quite a harsh one and we would suggest to always using an underwater housing when going for a dive or snorkel.
When paired with the PT-059 housing, it becomes a formidable tool for capturing stunning underwater images with ease. The PT-059 housing provides full access to the camera's controls, ensuring seamless operation even in challenging underwater conditions. Its durable construction offers peace of mind, allowing photographers to focus solely on capturing breathtaking moments beneath the surface. Additionally, the controls of this housing are easier to use underwater than the smaller buttons on the camera.
Other Housings
Other options for an underwater housing for this compact camera would be brands like Ikelite or Isotta. These housings are meticulously designed to provide a seamless transition for the TG-7 camera into the underwater realm, ensuring optimal functionality and protection.
Ikelite's underwater housing for the OM System TG-7 boasts a robust construction crafted from durable materials, offering a secure enclosure for the camera while maintaining easy access to essential controls. Its ergonomic design facilitates smooth handling underwater, allowing photographers to capture stunning images with ease. The housing's compatibility with various lighting and accessory options further enhances versatility, enabling photographers to illuminate subjects in challenging underwater environments.
On the other hand, Isotta's housing for the TG-7 embodies Italian craftsmanship and innovation, featuring a sleek and stylish design coupled with uncompromising performance. Precision-machined from aluminium, it provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even in harsh underwater conditions. The housing's intuitive controls enable effortless operation of the TG-7 camera, empowering photographers to focus on capturing breathtaking underwater landscapes and marine life.
The Isotta housing allows to add wet lenses that have 67mm OR a 52 mm thread increasing the number of lenses that can be used, but comes at higher price
Ultimately, the choice between Olympus, Ikelite, and Isotta housings depends on factors such as budget, desired features, and personal preferences. Regardless of the housing chosen, TG-7 users can enhance their underwater photography experience by pairing their housing with compatible wet lenses to capture stunning images of marine life and underwater landscapes.
Scubalamp TG20 Tray, UN Arms, and Clamps:
Stability and versatility are paramount in underwater photography, and the Scubalamp TG20 tray, along with UN arms and clamps, deliver precisely that. The TG20 tray provides a solid platform for mounting the camera and accessories, ensuring steady shots even in currents or turbulent waters. The UN arms and clamps offer flexibility in positioning lights and other accessories, allowing photographers to adapt to different shooting scenarios effortlessly. With these robust support systems, photographers can unleash their creativity and explore various angles and compositions with confidence.
You can add arms for more flexibility and create a proper arm with joints using the UN arm clamps. We also have flexible arms, however, we find that with some lights these arms are not always stable enough and can bend when there is a current or if the light heads are heavier.
Using the Scubalamp TG20 tray, UN arms and clamps, and the Scubalamp PV22 lights completes the compact camera setup without making it too bulky.
Scubalamp PV22 Lights:
Illumination is key to revealing the vibrant colours and intricate details of the underwater world. The Scubalamp PV22 is designed to be used as primary video lighting for any underwater video, digital still or digital SLR system. It is a great light for video, macro, UV photography and underwater photography in general. This light offers powerful and even lighting up to 2000 Lumens, enabling photographers to capture stunning images with natural colours and clarity. With adjustable brightness, these lights provide unmatched versatility, catering to a wide range of shooting conditions and subjects. The PV22 has a long burn time of 2 hours has a wide beam angle of 1100 and is depth rated to 100 meters. Whether illuminating expansive reefscapes or highlighting delicate marine life, the PV22 lights ensure consistent and professional looking results with every shot.
Fluoro light underwater photography is possible with the UV version of this light.
At Underwater Australasia there are multiple alternatives for lights. Brighter than the PV22, options with UV light or with the possibility to change the width of the beam, depending on your budget and needs. Have a look at our light section for more info and choice!
AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens vs. 400Q Wide Angle Lens:
When looking at add on lenses we would suggest to compare the AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens and the AOI 400A Wide Angle Lens (also known as the Fantasea 400Q) to add versatility and improve the photographic outcome. Both lenses are so-called wet lenses, which means they sit on the outside of the housing and can be put on or removed whilst under water.
The choice between the AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens and the 400A Wide Angle Lens depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the photographer. The AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens is renowned for its compactness and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for photographers seeking convenience without compromising on image quality. Its wide-angle design allows for expansive underwater vistas and immersive compositions, making it ideal for capturing the grandeur of the ocean's depths.
On the other hand, the 400A Wide Angle Lens offers unparalleled optical performance and versatility, making it the preferred choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking the highest level of image quality. Its advanced optics and precision engineering deliver breathtaking wide-angle shots with exceptional sharpness and clarity, making it suitable for demanding underwater photography applications. Whether capturing sweeping seascapes or close-up encounters with marine life, the 400Q Wide Angle Lens ensures uncompromising image quality and detail.
When comparing the AOI 400A Wide Angle Lens with the AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens, it's essential to consider various factors, including price, quality, and outcome. Both lenses cater to underwater photographers, offering wide-angle capabilities to capture expansive scenes and vibrant marine life. Let's delve into a comparison focusing on these aspects:
The AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens typically falls into a more budget-friendly category compared to the 400Q. Its lower price point makes it appealing for photographers who are looking for an affordable wide-angle solution without compromising too much on quality.
As a higher-end option, the AOI 400Q Wide Angle Lens comes with a higher price tag. It offers advanced optics and features that justify the additional cost for photographers who prioritise top-tier image quality and performance.
Despite its lower price, the M52 Wide Angle Air Lens still delivers respectable optical quality. It's designed to provide clear and sharp images, allowing photographers to capture detailed underwater scenes with ease. While it may not match the premium quality of higher-end lenses, it offers excellent value for its price range.
The 400A Wide Angle Lens boasts superior optical quality and advanced features, making it a top choice for professional underwater photographers. Its precision-engineered optics minimise distortion and aberrations, resulting in exceptionally sharp and detailed images. With premium coatings and construction, the 400Q ensures outstanding image quality even in challenging underwater environments.
With the M52 Wide Angle Air Lens, photographers can expect good overall image quality and satisfactory results. It's well-suited for capturing wide-angle underwater scenes, providing immersive compositions and vibrant colours. While it may not offer the absolute best image quality available, it still enables photographers to achieve impressive results within its price range.
The 400Q Wide Angle Lens sets a benchmark for image quality and performance in the underwater photography industry. Its superior optics and advanced features result in breathtaking images with unparalleled sharpness, clarity, and colour accuracy. Photographers can confidently rely on the 400Q to capture the finest details of underwater scenes, from intricate coral formations to majestic marine creatures.
In summary, the choice between the AOI 400Q Wide Angle Lens and the AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens ultimately depends on the photographer's priorities and budget. While the M52 Wide Angle Air Lens offers a more affordable option with decent quality, the 400Q Wide Angle Lens stands out as a premium choice for those who demand the highest level of performance and image quality. Whether prioritising affordability or uncompromising quality, both lenses provide capable solutions for capturing stunning wide-angle underwater photographs.
To re-cap, the combination of the OM System TG-7 with the PT-059 housing, Scubalamp TG20 tray, UN arms and clamps, and the Scubalamp PV22 lights offers a comprehensive and versatile solution for underwater photography enthusiasts. With its ruggedness, reliability, and exceptional performance, this setup empowers photographers to explore the wonders of the underwater world and capture stunning images with ease. Whether using the AOI M52 Wide Angle Air Lens or the 400Q Wide Angle Lens, photographers can unleash their creativity and immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the ocean depths.
