Nikon Coolpix W300 vs Olympus TG-5

Other people on this post are recommending you get a full frame, interchangeable lens camera. I recommend against that because if it's your first camera, you'll want something like the the Nikon Coolpix, Sony Cybershot, or Canon Powershot that will give you a good introduction into photography because they all have multiple features built directly into the camera. A decent point and shoot such as the ones I listed above are a good way to learn what kind of photography you enjoy doing.

The camera also benefits from very fast shooting, at close to 20fps even in Raw format, and 4K video capture. You also get everything we've loved from previous versions—a tough, all-weather build, Wi-Fi and GPS, and a bright f/2 lens that captures more light than most other tough cameras. Yes, it's a lot to spend on a point-and-shoot, but the TG-5 is tough, capable, and waterproof. It's our Editors' Choice among rugged models

As an added bonus on a smart devise all you need to do is tap for a proper focus and exposure point. The near $400 expense just isn't worth it for me. I already have a waterproof phone and if I need to dive deeper than a pool (which I do on occasion) a GoPro is significantly cheaper with significantly better image quality. You would think that a camera company, producing a consumer grade camera would outperform a camera phone

It looks like they’ve stopped manufacturing cases for newer iPhone models now though. I got great results with it especially at shallower depths or in good vis where the image quality tended to be better than my TG5 with housing. I’d say past about 15m, in lower light or with macro, the TG would perform better. The optical zoom was superior on the TG too

But the water won't come out. I don't understand how it got in! And I really can't get it out. If it's hot out then the water turns to steam and fogs up the whole lens. I really am mad

For good wide angle, you'll also need a similarly expensive lens. If you love photography in general it's a worthwhile investment because Sony do make beautiful lenses, but it's a hard sell to swap out a housed TG-5 for the Sony if you're still a casual diver. That investment also doesn't consider lighting which you would probably also want if you were investing that much in lenses.

It handled all this easily. The battery only lasted about 3 days: 200 photos and 15 1-4 minute videos. Then of course the battery pack I brought to recharge it did not put out enough wattage to recharge it. Not very user friendly, especially the feature that allows wireless transfer of photos and videos to your phone

Battery life was great for normal use. It ran down pretty quickly when we were snorkeling in the cold water, but still held up long enough to get some decent shots. I will probably pick up an additional battery for future trips. I wish I had purchased some sort of protector for the lens as it got scratched up pretty quickly

So far, very impressed. Zoom in to see the bald eagle near the top of the tree at the point. That was a long ways away.

When zoomed, resolution and focus was disappointing. I just wasn't blown away for a camera over $400. The camera performed pretty well for snorkeling, but again, while it worked, images were far from great. For the same price, a Gopro Hero 7 will blow the socks off this camera