Olympus OMD E-M5II in Nauticam

PROS of OM-D E-M5II

• NEW Improved 5 axis image stabilization, up to 5 stops – produces steadycam-like video footage and crisp macro stills

• NEW Improved Video capabilities - choice of 24, 25, 30, 50 or 60p frame rates, 77Mbit/s encoding. Full Manual control whilst filming and focus peaking available

• NEW Built-in Wifi for image transfer to your iPhone or pad, and remote control of camera setting from your phone or pad (topside only!)

• Weatherproof body for any wayward drips!

• OMD’s superb image quality as well as lightning fast autofocus

• NEW redesigned camera body and control options – function 1/2 switch enables control of ISO and White Balance using front and rear dials

• 4 custom White Balance options

CONS

• New 40 megapixel mode requires tripod and perfectly still subject - therefore mostly unusable underwater

PROS of Nauticam housing over Olympus housing

• The built-in electronic viewfinder allows full "SLR" style focusing and composing only when used with the 180º viewfinder on the Nauticam housing. Click here for more information on this feature.

• The Nauticam housing port allows you to use the incredible macro
switch on the 12 - 50 mm lens, which is fantastic for close-up underwater photography and focuses as close as 2 inches! The lens provides wide 84º coverage (equivalent to a 24mm lens on a 35mm film camera) for medium wide-angle photography down to a narrow 24º coverage (comparable to a 100mm lens with 35mm film) for fish and small subjects. In macro mode you can fill the frame with a subject as small as 1 1/4 inches wide. It is a wonderful, all-around lens. This lens cannot be used to the same extent in the Olympus housing which does not have a zoom gear or the macro switch!

* This port will also house the Olympus 60mm macro lens for those who love super macro!

• 5 customizable function buttons on housing including additional front located customizable button (Pv) giving more control options

• On/Off flash switch is available on housing – great if you underwater and have forgotten to turn it on! Also easy to turn flash off without going into menu.

• Built-in moisture alarm system is standard. Electronics for vacuum system is included. While this requires extra tools and effort, it does mean the housing is secure. (Vacuum valve and pump available separately.)

• Elegant and simple port locking system makes changing lenses and ports a breeze

• Larger dials are better placed and easier to use.

* Optional, easy-to use add-on close-up lenses (Olympus, Nauticam and Reef Net). They are used with a flip holder to hold the add-on lens in place or out of the way.

CONS of Nauticam housing

• More expensive than the Olympus housing

• Much heavier above and underwater, so you need to get the correct buoyancy arms.

• It takes a little more space than an Olympus housing in your baggage, especially with the 180º viewfinder, but still a lot less than a housed DSLR.