Olympus Housing

Pros

• Olympus PT-EP13 Housing supports 4 lenses great for use underwater as standard 14-42mm – 9-18mm (slightly cropped – use Zen port for full field of view) – 60mm macro – 12-50mm (limited functionality).

• Light-weight, tough, yet low cost.

• NEW larger viewfinder magnifier on housing allows for better use of the cameras EVF underwater

Cons

Olympus housing does not support full use capabilities of the 12-50mm lens, unlike Nauticam housing. Click here to compare with the Nauticam advantages.

Nauticam Housing

Pros

• 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

• 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.