The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has earned a reputation as one of the most widely used mirrorless cameras in the world of underwater photography. With its compact size, excellent image quality, fast focusing, and ease of use, it is a versatile tool for photographers looking to shoot macro or wide-angle scenes beneath the surface.
This guide will walk through the best settings for capturing vivid underwater photos using the Olympus OM-D E-M5. It covers macro and wide-angle settings, outlines important camera menu options, and includes configuration tips based on the type of housing being used. Whether you're working with an Olympus or Nauticam housing, this guide offers a comprehensive breakdown for optimizing your setup underwater.
Recommended Settings for Macro Photography
Macro photography demands precision and control. The following are ideal starting points for shooting macro images with the OM-D E-M5 using either a 45mm or 60mm macro lens.
Manual mode
Aperture: F22
Shutter speed: 1/250
ISO: 200
White balance: Auto
Flash: Fill-in flash
Strobe: TTL or manual mode, depending on preference
For users opting for manual strobe settings, the camera flash should also be set to manual to conserve battery power. At higher f-stops like F22, depth of field is maximized, but the reach of the strobe is reduced, potentially leading to darker images when photographing fish. For better subject illumination, open the aperture to F8 or lower, depending on the distance and desired background blur.
If you're shooting with a 12-50mm lens in macro mode, the above settings are still applicable. Lower f-stops such as F2.8 or F5.6 can also provide pleasing background blur or bokeh when shooting stationary subjects like an octopus or nudibranch.
Macro with Kit Lenses and Wet Diopters
Macro can still be achieved effectively using the kit lenses (14-42mm or 12-50mm) along with a wet diopter. Use the following as a guide:
Manual mode
Aperture: F22
Shutter speed: 1/250
ISO: 200
White balance: Auto
Flash: Fill-in
Strobe: TTL or manual, depending on setup
Zoom in fully when using a diopter and consider shooting at mid-range apertures like F8–F11 for sharper focus and improved background separation. You can open the lens wider for creative effects, but depth of field will be limited. Since the working distance is significantly reduced when using wet lenses, it is important to approach slowly and maintain a steady hand to avoid startling the subject.
Settings for Wide-Angle Photography
Wide-angle underwater photography, especially with lenses like the 8mm fisheye or the 9-18mm, benefits from specific settings to properly expose both foreground and ambient light in the background.
Manual mode
Aperture: F8
Shutter speed: 1/125
ISO: 200
White balance: Auto
Flash: Fill-in
Strobe: TTL or manual as needed
Shutter speed controls the amount of ambient light captured. Slower speeds, such as 1/60, help brighten backgrounds in low light, while faster speeds help maintain detail in brightly lit scenes. When including the sun in the frame, use a faster shutter speed up to 1/250 and stop the aperture down to F16 or F22 to prevent overexposing highlights. Boosting strobe output is often necessary when using narrow apertures.
If relying on ambient light only, it may be necessary to open the aperture and increase ISO to 400, 800, or even 1600. These settings also serve as a reliable base when using the kit lens or taking close portraits with a macro lens.
Optimizing the Camera for Underwater Use
Out of the box, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 performs admirably, but several settings must be adjusted for optimal results underwater. Below are the most crucial menu and configuration changes.
Activate the custom menu:
Set Up Menu → Menu Display → OK → Custom Menu (cogs icon) → OK to activate
Live View Boost:
Custom Menu → D: Disp/PC → Live View Boost → On
This helps maintain LCD visibility in dark underwater environments, independent of actual exposure settings.
EVF Auto Switch:
Custom Menu → J: Built-In EVF → EVF Auto Switch → Off
This ensures the LCD remains active even when the viewfinder sensor is blocked by the housing.
Enable the Super Control Panel:
Custom Menu → D: Disp/PC → Control Settings → P/A/S/M
Set Live Control to Off
Set Live SCP to On
The Super Control Panel offers a faster and more intuitive interface for adjusting shooting parameters compared to the default Live Control menu.
Flash Mode for TTL Shooting:
Use the Fill-in Flash mode on the camera when using TTL strobes. If using manual strobe settings, set the flash to Manual Value mode to preserve battery and reduce recycle time.
To change the flash to manual:
Press OK → Navigate to Flash icon → Select Manual Value Flash → Press Info → Set power to 1/64 → OK.
If using the Olympus housing, the camera flash must be able to fire in the down (closed) position. Refer to housing-specific instructions to enable this function.
Customizing Rear Buttons for Faster Control
By default, the arrow keys on the back of the camera only control the focus point. These can be customized to give quicker access to essential functions.
Custom Menu → B: Button/Dial → Button Function → Key Function → Direct Function → OK
This allows customization of the right and down arrow keys. One practical configuration is assigning Flash Mode to the right arrow and Drive Mode to the down arrow. This setup is convenient for adjusting strobe settings or switching between burst and timer modes without diving into full menus.
Rec View Setting for Image Playback
The Rec View determines how long a captured photo is shown on screen. The default setting of 0.5 seconds is often too fast to evaluate focus and exposure. Changing it to 2 seconds provides a better visual check after each shot.
Set Up Menu → Rec View → 2 seconds
Picture Mode and Image Quality
Although RAW images are unaffected by picture mode, JPEG users may benefit from switching the Picture Mode from Natural to Vivid for more saturated underwater colors. This setting can be changed via the Super Control Panel or in Shooting Menu 1.
When shooting in RAW, it is advisable to keep all default settings, as changes will only affect JPEGs.
Using the Olympus OM-D E-M5 with Olympus PT-EP08 Housing
The Olympus PT-EP08 housing is a popular option for underwater photographers using the OM-D E-M5. It is lightweight, durable, and compatible with a wide range of Olympus lenses and ports. Setting up the camera properly inside the housing is key to getting the most out of your underwater photography experience.
When using the Olympus housing, one of the most important aspects to check is whether the camera’s internal flash can fire while the flash is physically down. In this housing model, the flash remains closed during operation, so it must still trigger when closed. This is necessary to fire optical strobes through the fiber optic ports. If the flash does not fire while closed, the camera may need a setting adjustment or firmware update. Always test before entering the water.
To ensure proper operation of the flash in the down position:
Go to Flash Settings and confirm that Fill-in Flash or Manual Flash mode is selected. Also, verify that Live View Boost is on, to prevent the LCD from dimming in low-light environments.
Mounting and Firing External Strobes
Most underwater photographers will want to use external strobes to achieve better lighting and color balance. When paired with the Olympus PT-EP08 housing, strobes are typically connected via fiber optic cables. These cables attach from the housing’s fiber optic ports to compatible strobes such as the Sea & Sea YS-D2, Inon Z-240, or Olympus UFL-3.
There are two main ways to trigger strobes: TTL (through-the-lens) and manual. Each has its benefits depending on the shooting situation.
TTL Flash Control
TTL flash is ideal for fast-paced photography and subjects that vary in brightness or distance. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 supports TTL using compatible strobes. For TTL to function properly:
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Set the camera flash mode to Fill-in
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Enable TTL mode on the strobe.
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Use optical sync cables connected securely to both strobe and housing.g
TTL ensures automatic adjustment of the flash power based on the exposure reading of the scene. It’s reliable for many subjects, especially in macro photography.
Manual Flash Control
Many experienced photographers prefer using manual strobe output for consistency. Manual settings prevent the camera from altering flash output and allow greater creative control over exposure.
To set manual flash mode:
Press OK → Navigate to Flash → Select Manual Flash → Press Info → Reduce power to 1/64 to conserve battery and reduce recycle time.
Manual mode works best for photographers who understand strobe positioning and distance, and who want precise control over lighting.
Adjusting Strobe Position for Different Subjects
Strobe positioning is critical for achieving the right lighting underwater. Here are some general tips:
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For macro: Place strobes at 10 and 2 o'clock positions, close to the port, and angled slightly outward to avoid backscatter.
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For wide-angle: Extend the arms wider and pull the strobes back to the sides. Angle them slightly forward to light the foreground subject while minimizing light spill onto particles.
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For sunballs or silhouettes: Pull strobes far back and lower their intensity. Use natural light for the background and strobe only for the foreground subject.
Experimentation is key, as conditions vary with visibility, subject distance, and water clarity.
Configuring Focus Settings for Underwater Use
Achieving accurate focus underwater is often more challenging due to moving subjects and reduced contrast. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 offers several options that help improve focus performance.
Focus Modes
Single AF (S-AF): Locks focus when the shutter button is pressed halfway. Good for static subjects.
Continuous AF (C-AF): Adjusts focus as the subject moves. Useful for tracking fish or wide-angle scenes.
Manual Focus (MF): Allows full control over the lens’s focus position. Ideal for macro with focus peaking enabled.
Switch between modes via the Super Control Panel or by assigning a button for quick access.
Focus Area Selection
The camera allows for changing the focus point by using the rear arrow keys. To gain more precise control, reduce the focus area to a smaller grid and center it over your subject.
If working with macro lenses, it’s best to pre-focus and then rock slightly back and forth to achieve the perfect plane of focus. You can also use the magnification function or assign one of the custom buttons to quickly zoom in while composing.
Focus Peaking
Focus peaking helps when using manual focus lenses. It outlines in-focus areas on the LCD in real time.
To enable:
Custom Menu → A: AF/MF → MF Assist → Peaking → On
You can also change the peaking color and intensity to suit your preference.
Customizing Buttons for Fast Access
The OM-D E-M5 allows button customization to speed up access to frequently used features. This is particularly useful when diving, where accessing deep menu items is inconvenient.
Here are some practical suggestions:
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Assign Fn1 to Magnify for quick focus checks
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Assign Fn2 to AEL/AFL for locking exposure or focus.
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Set the Arrow keys to Direct Function so you can adjust flash or drive mode quickly.y
To change button assignments:
Custom Menu → B: Button/Dial → Button Function → Choose button to customize
This configuration makes the camera more intuitive and reduces the time spent navigating menus underwater.
Using Live View and Histogram for Exposure Control
Live View Boost helps keep the LCD bright underwater, but it can also affect your ability to preview the actual exposure. For accurate exposure checks, use the histogram or review the image on playback.
The histogram shows the distribution of brightness levels in the image. Avoid spikes on the far left (underexposure) or right (blown highlights). Aim for a balanced curve, especially when shooting wide-angle in high-contrast scenes.
Enable the histogram:
Press Info during Live View until the histogram appears. Use it in combination with the level indicator to keep your shots well-exposed and properly aligned.
Shooting with the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) in a Housing
While most underwater shooters rely on the rear LCD screen, the electronic viewfinder can still be helpful in bright surface conditions or when using a housing with a built-in eyepiece. However, many housings for the E-M5 block or obscure the EVF, making it difficult to use.
To prevent unintentional switching between the EVF and LCD:
Custom Menu → J: Built-In EVF → EVF Auto Switch → Off
This ensures the LCD remains active, avoiding frustration caused by an inactive screen underwater.
Final Setup Checklist Before the Dive
Before sealing your housing and descending, follow this checklist to confirm proper setup:
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The battery is fully charged
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Memory card inserted and formatted
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Mode dial set to M (Manual)
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Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance configured
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Flash set to Fill-in (TTL) or Manual (if using manual strobes)
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Live View Boost enabled
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EVF Auto Switch disabled
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Custom buttons and arrow keys tested
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Lens is cleaned, and O-ring is properly greased and sealed.
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Take a test shot on land to confirm strobe firing and exposure.
By following these pre-dive steps, you minimize the chances of technical errors and maximize your shooting opportunities underwater.
Advanced Exposure Techniques for Underwater Photography
Mastering manual exposure is essential for consistent and artistic underwater photography. While TTL flash control is helpful in some cases, many experienced photographers prefer full manual control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Shutter Speed Considerations
Shutter speed controls ambient light in your scene. Faster shutter speeds will darken the background, while slower shutter speeds brighten it. When shooting with strobes, you typically want to stay below the camera’s flash sync speed, which is 1/250s on the OM-D E-M5.
For macro photography with strobes, a shutter speed of 1/160s to 1/250s is common.
For wide-angle photography, especially in ambient light or with sunbursts, you might use speeds as slow as 1/60s.
Aperture Settings and Depth of Field
Aperture controls both depth of field and strobe exposure. In macro photography, a smaller aperture (like f/11–f/18) gives better detail across the subject. For wide-angle scenes, f/5.6 to f/11 is more typical to balance sharpness and exposure.
ISO Management
The OM-D E-M5 performs well up to ISO 800, with acceptable noise at ISO 1600 for most underwater use. However, for best image quality, keep ISO as low as possible — ideally ISO 200, which is the base ISO for this camera.
When working in dark environments such as caves or night dives, you may raise ISO to compensate for limited light. Always review your images for noise and exposure balance.
Shooting Macro with Olympus M.Zuiko Lenses
The Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro is one of the most recommended lenses for underwater macro photography with the OM-D E-M5. It provides sharp images, good working distance, and fast autofocus.
Macro Shooting Tips:
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Use Manual Mode with flash at 1/64
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Start with settings like f/11, 1/160s, ISO 200
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Engage focus peaking or magnify view to fine-tune focus.
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Practice a "rocking" motion to align the focus plane with the subject.
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Consider a focus light to aid in low-light situations.s
For Super-Macro Subjects:
Add a wet diopter such as the Nauticam CMC or SubSee +10 to extend magnification. These accessories require precise control and may benefit from using manual focus.
Stabilizing your setup is key. Consider using a tray and dual arms for added balance and control when lining up shots.
Wide-Angle Photography with Olympus 8mm and 9–18mm Lenses
Wide-angle photography allows you to capture large subjects such as reefs, wrecks, and large marine life while retaining vibrant colors with close focus lighting.
Olympus 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO
This lens is excellent for reef scenes, diver portraits, and sunbursts. It requires a dome port and careful strobe positioning to avoid uneven lighting or backscatter.
Olympus 9–18mm f/4–5.6
This rectilinear wide-angle lens provides flexibility for medium-wide subjects and tighter compositions. While not as fast or wide as the fisheye, it excels in certain environments such as kelp forests or tighter reef systems.
Settings for Wide-Angle Scenes:
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Shutter speed: 1/125s to 1/250s for sunbursts
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Aperture: f/8 to f/11
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ISO: Start at 200, increase only if necessary
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Use strobes pulled back and angled to light foreground subjects.
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Avoid lighting water behind the subject to reduce backscatter.
Dome Port Considerations:
Always ensure the dome port is clean and free of bubbles or smudges. Use a lens shade to prevent lens flare, especially when shooting toward the sun.
Creating Sunbursts and Silhouettes
Capturing the sun underwater is a challenging yet rewarding technique. To get sharp sun rays or sunbursts:
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Use small apertures like f/16 or f/18
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Use fast shutter speeds like 1/250s
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Position the sun partially behind an object, such as a coral head or diver.
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Reduce strobe output to avoid overexposing the foreground.d
For silhouettes:
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Turn strobes off
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Measure the ambient light correctly.
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Compose with the subject between the camera and the light source.
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Expose for the background, not the subject.
These creative exposures emphasize contrast and mood, especially in clear water conditions.
Underwater Video Settings on the Olympus OM-D E-M5
The OM-D E-M5 is capable of capturing high-quality video, although it's not as advanced as newer models in the Olympus lineup. With proper settings and stable handling, the video quality is more than sufficient for recreational and semi-professional projects.
Basic Video Setup:
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Set shooting mode to Movie
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Use Full HD resolution (1920x1080) at 30fps
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Set Movie IS (Image Stabilization) to On
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Use Continuous AF or Manual Focus for better control.
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Set white balance manually or use Custom WB.
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Use Neutral or Flat Picture Profile for easier color grading in post-production.
Video Exposure Tips:
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Shutter speed should be double the frame rate (1/60s for 30fps)
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Aperture between f/4 and f/8 for most scenes
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ISO as low as possible
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Avoid sudden exposure changes by using Manual Mod.e
Lighting for Video:
Use continuous video lights instead of strobes. Choose high-lumen LED lights with a wide beam and consistent color temperature (around 5000–6000K). Make sure to test the lighting before recording to avoid hot spots or flickering.
Audio Note:
The internal mic picks up a lot of ambient and housing noise. If professional audio is required, use an external recorder topside and sync audio in post-processing.
Stabilization and Composition Techniques
Stability is crucial for both photo and video underwater. The OM-D E-M5 has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which helps reduce blur when handholding the camera.
Best Practices:
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Use a dual-handle tray system
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Maintain neutral buoyancy to prevent vertical movement.
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Move slowly and smoothly, especially when filming.
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Use the rule of thirds for subject placement.t
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Look for leading lines, patterns, or negative space to enhance image composition.
Using Filters and Wet Lenses for Flexibility
Filters and wet lenses can add versatility to your underwater setup. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 can benefit from both.
Red Filters for Video:
Use a red filter to correct color balance in ambient light while diving in blue water. These are best used between 10 and 30 meters.
Wet Wide-Angle Lenses:
Add-on wet wide-angle lenses increase the field of view, useful when using a kit lens in flat port housings.
Macro Diopters:
As mentioned, wet macro diopters allow closer focusing and higher magnification, especially when using the 60mm macro lens.
Always test compatibility and focus distance before entering the water.
Backup and File Management Underwater
While you cannot back up files underwater, it’s good practice to manage files efficiently between dives.
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Format memory cards before the dive (after backing up previous data)
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Use large-capacity, high-speed SD cards (UHS-I or II recommended)
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Carry extra memory cards on multi-dive trips.
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Avoid removing cards frequently from the camera while on a dive boat to prevent contamination or corrosion.n
After the dive, back up your files to at least two locations: a hard drive and cloud storage, if possible.
Preventing and Solving Common Underwater Photography Issues
Underwater photography can be unpredictable. Even with the best preparation, you may face unexpected problems during a dive. Anticipating and managing common issues is key to a successful underwater shoot.
Backscatter
Backscatter appears as white specks in your image, caused by strobe light reflecting off particles in the water.
Solutions:
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Position strobes outward and behind the port
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Avoid aiming strobes directly at the subject.
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Get as close to the subject as possible to reduce the water column.
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Shoot in clearer water if possible.e
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Use a dome port to reduce flare and angle issues.
Fogging of Housing or Port
Humidity inside the housing can condense on the port glass, especially in colder water.
Solutions:
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Use silica gel packs inside the housing
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Store housing in a dry container until dive time
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Avoid opening the housing in a humid environment.
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Do not breathe into the housing when closing it.
Focus Hunting in Low Light
The OM-D E-M5 may struggle to lock focus in low-light or low-contrast situations.
Solutions:
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Use a focus light to help the autofocus system
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Switch to manual focus if the subject is stationary. ry
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Use AF-lock to retain focus on a subject.
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Utilize the magnified focus assist feature for accuracy.
Color Casts or Dull Colors
Improper white balance or lighting can result in washed-out or blue-tinted images.
Solutions:
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Use custom white balance or manual WB settings
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Add artificial light (strobes or video lights) to bring back color.r
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Shoot RAW for flexibility in color correction during editing.
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Adjust white balance and contrast in post-processing software. re
Gear Maintenance for Long-Term Use
Underwater gear is a long-term investment, and proper maintenance ensures reliable operation over many dives.
Camera and Lens Care:
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Always dry your hands before handling the camera post-dive
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Store in a padded bag when not in use
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Clean lenses with microfiber cloths only
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Avoid touching the sensor when changing lenses.
Housing Maintenance:
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Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each dive
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Operate all buttons and dials during rinse to flush out salt.
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Soak housing in warm water if exposed to salt build-up.
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Dry completely before storing.
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Inspect all control buttons, latches, and o-rings regularly.
O-Ring Maintenance:
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Clean and inspect o-rings before every dive
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Apply a thin coat of silicone grease.
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Replace damaged or stretched O-rings immediately.
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Use a magnifying glass to check for lint or hair particles.
Batteries and Charging:
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Fully charge all batteries before each dive
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Carry spare batteries and memory cards.
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Inspect chargers and cables for damage.e
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Avoid charging in damp environments.
Recommended Underwater Gear Setups for the OM-D E-M5
Building a reliable underwater rig around the OM-D E-M5 involves choosing the right housing, strobes, trays, and arms for your needs.
Basic Travel Setup:
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OM-D E-M5 Camera Body
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Olympus 14–42mm kit lens
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Polycarbonate housing (e.g., Olympus PT-EP08)
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Dual handle tray with ball mounts
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Single strobe with optical cable
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Focus light or video light for general illumination.
Macro Photography Setup:
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OM-D E-M5 Camera
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Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
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Flat port housing
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Two strobes for even lighting
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Wet macro diopter for super-macro
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Focus light for assisting A.F.
Wide-Angle Setup:
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OM-D E-M5 Camera
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Olympus 8mm Fisheye or 9–18mm
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Dome port (preferably glass)
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Dual strobes for broad foreground coverage
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Arm extensions for strobe positioning
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Optional red filter for natural-light scenes
Video Setup:
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OM-D E-M5 Camera
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Wide lens for dynamic composition
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Continuous video lights with diffusers
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Tray and arms for stabilization
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Flat color profile for easier post-editing
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Red filter for natural light conditions
Each setup can be adjusted depending on your dive destination, subject matter, and shooting preferences. Practice using the gear in a pool or shallow dive before taking it on a major trip.
Post-Dive Workflow and Image Processing
Capturing images is only part of the creative process. Effective post-processing helps enhance the raw image and correct common underwater issues.
Post-Dive Workflow:
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Immediately back up all files after the dive
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Sort and rate images to identify keepers
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Use software like Lightroom, Capture One, or Olympus Workspace for editing.
Editing Tips:
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Adjust white balance to correct color casts
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Use the Dehaze and Clarity tools to restore contrast.t
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Crop and straighten to improve composition.
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Reduce noise if shot at higher ISO.
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Sharpen details selectively, especially in macro sh.ots
Shooting in RAW gives you the greatest flexibility for adjustments without damaging image quality.
Final Tips for Using the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Underwater
To maximize your success, remember these key principles when shooting underwater with the OM-D E-M5:
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Know your camera controls inside out before the dive
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Shoot in manual mode for consistent results.
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Use quality strobes and learn to position them properly.
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Focus on composition, lighting, and storytelling.
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Review your images frequently during the surface interval.s
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Practice patience — the ocean rewards persistence
The more time you spend in the water with your camera, the more intuitive your settings and reactions will become. Underwater photography requires both technical skill and creative vision, and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 provides an excellent platform for developing both.
Conclusion
The Olympus OM-D E-M5, while not the newest mirrorless camera on the market, continues to be a powerful and versatile tool for underwater photography. With proper preparation, thoughtful settings, and reliable accessories, it can deliver professional-quality images and video beneath the surface.
Whether you're shooting vibrant reefs, elusive macro life, or atmospheric wrecks, the OM-D E-M5 handles a wide range of underwater scenarios with grace. Its compact size, customizable controls, and lens options make it a favorite among travel-savvy divers and photographers.
By mastering your camera settings, maintaining your gear, and continuously learning from each dive, you'll elevate your underwater images from snapshots to art. The underwater world is full of wonders — and with the OM-D E-M5 in hand, you're well-equipped to capture them.
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