We are often asked which camera we take our photos with. At Snorkeling Report, we have been using Olympus TG cameras since our beginnings to make our photo reports.
Our first camera was a TG2, released in 2013, and it still works great, although it has some micro-cracks on the metal parts. Considering our intensive use (it has dived hundreds of times, from Tahiti to Indonesia, and from Guadeloupe to Australia), we can say it is rather very resistant! Since then, we have also bought a TG5 and a TG6, the latest release of the brand.
Example of a picture taken with an Olympus TG2 in N’Gouja (Mayotte), not edited. When you can get a good luminosity and stay stable in the water, the result is great, even with older cameras.
With TG cameras, image rendering is great in underwater mode, especially at shallow depth and without flash. To be honest, it would be difficult to switch to another model!
The TG6, the latest release in the Olympus TG line, is by far the best compact underwater camera. With it, you will have the best for snorkeling photography: waterproof up to 15m, 5 underwater modes, macro mode allowing to focus as closely as 1cm from the subject … All with clarity and rendering of unparalleled colors.
If you want to enjoy Olympus expertise at a discounted price, we recommend you to opt for the TG5, released in 2017. It shares most of its specifications with the TG6: waterproof up to 15m, resolution 12 megapixels, 4K video mode, and several underwater presets.
Behind the scene – here, Guillaume is taking a picture of a pelagic stingray from the surface of the sea at Cala Almadabra (near Benidorm, Spain) with an Olympus TG6.
Two years ago, we have also started making short videos of our snorkeling adventures, which you can find for example on our YouTube channel.
All our videos are made with different GoPro models, most often simply mounted on a pole. In our opinion, the GoPro offers the best compromise between size and image quality and is the ideal companion for snorkeling.
The video above has been made by our team with a GoPro on different locations in New Caledonia (for example, the green sea turtles have been shot in wonderful Îlot Amédée), simply handled with a pole or put down on the seabed.
We especially love filming in high frequency (up to 60 images per second in 4K – or 240 images per second in 1080p) which then allows you to edit superb slow motion (helpful when dealing with fast swimming fish!).
Behind the scene – here, Guillaume is filming a shoal of yellow-tail grunt with a GoPro at Bartolome Island, in Galápagos archipelago. Aside, a screenshot of the video, that you can see on YouTube.
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the latest GoPro release and offers the latest technologies. The HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization system, very useful in snorkeling, has been improved, and new slow-motion options are available.
5K Ultra HD video and pro-quality photos up to 20MP ensure high image quality. This GoPro is waterproof without a case up to 33ft/10m, which will suit most snorkeling practices.
For epic half underwater shots, opt for a dome for GoPro!
A pole is an essential accessory for more stable and dynamic underwater shots underwater with your GoPro. Choose a lightweight model, made of aluminum and waterproof, which is also robust and resists the effects of saltwater longer.
A sturdy wrist strap helps reduce the risk of losing your gear in the water. The Sandmark GoPro pole, which our team uses, meets all of these criteria.
Another trendy accessory is the GoPro dome, which “pushes” the waterline away from the lens. It is the cheapest and easiest way to get epic half underwater shots.
For an idea of the rendering, take a look at this video made by our team in Reunion Island, which contains several over-under/half-half shots taken with the Telesin GoPro dome.
The best action cam on the market, ideal for snorkeling underwater shooting.
An aluminum pole, waterproof and resistant, suitable for use in seawater.
For dazzling half underwater shots at a very reasonable price.
In this picture, Guillaume from Snorkeling Report’s Team is shooting a green sea turtle in Las Bachas, Galápagos Islands. To help you if you are new to underwater photography, you can check our tips for taking snorkeling photos.
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