Best Underwater Cameras in 2023

Canon G7X Mark III

Best Value Compact Camera

The Canon G7X III is a tiny camera with a large 1-inch, 20 MP sensor, directly competing with the higher-end Sony RX100 series cameras. It is an excellent, fast-focusing camera with excellent image quality. The camera also boasts 4K video, slow motion video, a bigger image buffer, a new stacked sensor, a better image processor, and quicker burst shooting over the G7X II.

Sealife Micro 3.0

Easiest-to-Use Underwater Compact Camera

The SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera might be the easiest underwater camera to use for both photo & video. We recommend it to any diver looking for a no-frills, ergonomic source of underwater content. These shooters may not be looking to get a professional image but need a simple tool to document their dive and what they see in the beautiful underwater environment. The SeaLife Micro 3.0 is designed to be permanently sealed, making it flood-proof for the camera's lifetime. There is no need for any o-ring maintenance and no need to worry about flooding. The battery life is also excellent - it can be operated for more than three hours which is perfect for a full day of diving.

Sony RX100 VA & Sony RX100 VII

Best High-End Compact Camera

The Sony RX100 VA & Sony RX100 VII cameras are the latest additions to the Sony RX100 series and are packed with many awesome underwater photography features. They are the top of line compact cameras to date. Autofocus is lightning quick in both cameras, which is great for shooting fast animals like sharks and sea lions. All three cameras feature a large 1" sensor with 20 MP resolution. Each camera is equipped with excellent image quality, fast autofocus, useful video modes (like slow motion), and full manual controls. The RX100 VI's key upgrade is its enhanced zoom using a 24-200 mm f/2.8 – 4.5 lens, whereas the RX100 VA's key upgrade is 24fps sequential shooting, enhanced image buffer, and a customizable menu system. The RX100 VII has some minor improvements over the VI, including quicker autofocus with a better autofocus tracking system, burst modes without blackout, and faster processing. The RX100 VII comes at a heftier price tag. Still, it's an excellent option for people who want to take advantage of its autofocus tracking system, especially for video, which you can now capture for unlimited time.

1. The 1-inch sensor size is larger than most other compact cameras besides the Canon G7X Mark II and III. The larger sensor produces better image quality and improved low-light performance due to the larger pixel size.
2. The auto-focus speed is faster than traditional compact cameras.
3. The advanced 4K video features available in the RX100 series are top-of-the-line for compact camera video systems.

The RX100 VA is an upgrade from the RX100 V with an increased image buffer, burst shooting up to 24fps, and customizable menus. This is excellent for photographers seeking to capture quick pelagic animals that need good burst speed and more processing power. The RX100 VA still carries all of the advantages of the RX100 V, including the 315-point phase-detection autofocus system and the 20 MP/1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor. The main advantage of the RX100 VA over the VI and VII is that the RX100 VA can shoot with both macro and wide-angle wet lenses on the same dive. This is because the lens is shorter and has less zoom capability than the RX100 VI. You also don't need to purchase additional ports/adapters for dedicated wide-angle and macro setups.

Canon EOS R50

Best Beginner Cropped Sensor Mirrorless Camera

We've selected the Canon EOS R50 as the best APS-C mirrorless camera designed for beginner shooters due to it's amazing price point, excellent image quality, and surprisingly professional autofocus system. That said, this camera does one major limitation for underwater photography - it only has one dial for aperture and shutter speed control. This makes it necessary to toggle between your two main exposure settings. Make sure you check out the Canon EOS R10 which is a little more expensive for better ergonomics and better video specs.

The Canon EOS R50's 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is a standout feature, producing high-quality, high-resolution images with rich details and vibrant colors, even in low-light underwater conditions. The advanced autofocus system is also remarkable, featuring 4,779 manually selectable AF points that allow for precise subject tracking and focus, whether you're shooting underwater stills or video.

Additionally, the autofocus system is highly customizable, enabling you to adjust your focus settings to meet your specific shooting needs. The Canon EOS R50 is not just an excellent camera for stills but also an exceptional option for underwater videography. The camera is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 30 frames per second.

Canon EOS R8

Best Beginner Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

A Canon EOS R8 full-frame mirrorless camera is an incredible value for just $1500. It is small enough to fit into underwater housings that would normally house APS-C cameras, making it the perfect camera for travel. But more importantly the 24.2 megapixel sensor provides excellent image quality. The R8 has the same incredible autofocus system found in the R7 and R10 - with animal eye and subject autofocus tracking.

This camera is a great beginner camera for video shooters as well. It is capable of shooting 4K/60p videu, uncropped. For those who would like to do a lot of color grading in their post processing, the R8 can film in C-Log3, 10-bit 4:2:2.

The trade off for such a low price point is a lack of the 5-axis in-body image stabilization commonly found in full frame cameras. While this makes it more difficult to shoot at low shutter speeds or to keep your video steady, it does keep the camera small.

Even though we list this camera as a "beginners" full frame camera, it's not missing a whole lot. Most underwater photographers would be happy with the Canon EOS R8 as their primary camera for years and we can't wait to take the camera diving in our upcoming Galapagos underwater photo workshop.

Mantis Sub RS 360 Housing

Best Beginner Underwater VR System

The Mantis Sub Housing for Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 Edition is the only consumer-grade underwater VR system on the maket. The Insta 360 One RS 1-inch edition allows you to capture stunning 360 underwater 6K video and amazing photos with its 21MP sensor. The camera features a 1" sensor with Leica lenses which excellent even in low light condition. The housing is much more affordable than it's older brother - the professional Mantis Sub Housing for the Insta360 Pro2. It is designed with 4" domes that provide a clean zenith and effortless stitching using the Insta360 Studio Application. It also features a M6 bulkhead for offboard power or remotee connection via USB-C connection.

The housing is very easy to use and very versatile. It's perfect for exploration diving, ROV operation, underwater asset inspection or even leisure shooting.

Olympus TG-6 & Olympus TG-5

Best Compact Camera for Macro Underwater Photography

We grouped the Olympus TG-6 and TG-5 together as there are very minor differences between the two cameras. The TG-6 will work in TG-5 housings. So if you're really on a budget, take a look at the TG-5 camera. This section applies equally to both the TG-5 and the TG-6.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Best Semi-Pro Underwater Camera for Hybrid Shooters

We chose the Canon EOS R6 Mark II as the best hybrid camera for prosumers because it has been upgraded with a higher resolution 24.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and better video features than the original R6.

One of the most noteworthy features of the EOS R6 Mark II is its fast and accurate autofocus system, which utilizes Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology to quickly lock onto subjects and track their movements. The camera also offers up to 8 stops of image stabilization, which makes it easier to capture sharp, blur-free photos and videos even in low light or when using slower shutter speeds.

Additionally, the EOS R6 Mark II boasts a range of advanced features and customization options, including a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 4K video recording, and dual SD card slots. The video features on the R6 Mark II have been revamped to include 4K/60p recording and C-Log3 recording. This makes it a great camera for dedicated underwater videographers as well as underwater photo shooters. Overall, this camera is an excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers who demand the best in terms of image quality, performance, and versatility.

Sony A7 IV

Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera for Enthusiasts

Canon EOS R7

Best Professional Cropped Sensor Mirrorless Camera

The  Canon EOS R7 is Canon's newest and highest performing APS-C mirrorless camera. It is an excellent option for those looking for an incredible value in an underwater camera - both for photo and video. At $1499 for the camera body, the R7 is capable of capturing 32 MP photos with 5-axis in-body image stabilization and 4K/60p video. It is also equipped with a top of the line dual-pixel autofocus system brought over from the popular Canon EOS R5 - capable of tracking animal eyes. In fact, this autofocus system has even been reorganized and improved upon.

The R7 was announced alongside the  Canon EOS R10, its "little brother" with less features, but an even lower price point of $980 for the camera body. Though the two cameras are similar, they represent slightly different tools for different markets. Ultimately, the Canon EOS R7 is the highest-end APS-C camera available on the market for an excellent price point.

Olympus (OM System) OM-1

Best Micro Four Thirds Camera for Underwater Photography

The OM System OM-1 is the first camera to be released by OM Digital Solutions which purchased Olympus in 2021. As a micro-four thirds mirrorless camera, it shows similarities to previous OM-D cameras made by Olympus. While it is currently the best option for an upgrade for micro four thirds shooters, if you are not invested in micro four thirds lenses, we don't recommend the OM System OM-1. This is because there are many other full-frame and APS-C cameras on the market that offer better image quality and better features for a lower price point.

Panasonic GH6

Best Micro Four Thirds Camera For Video

The Panasonic GH6 is a micro four thirds camera that offers exceptional video quality and features. It's a reliable workhorse that many professional photographers, both topside and underwater, have come to depend on. With a range of codecs available for recording and the ability to capture 5.7K/60p video, the GH6 is a highly capable camera that showcases Panasonic's reputation for producing top-notch micro four thirds video cameras. The camera's 25.2-megapixel sensor enables photographers to shoot high-resolution photos and video, making the GH6 an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile camera that excels in both areas.

Canon EOS R5

The Best Value Professional Underwater Camera

Sony A1

Best Hybrid Photo & Video Camera

The Sony A1 is Sony's flagship full-frame mirrorless camera and is considered the best full-frame mirrorless camera in the world in its own right. A monstrous 50-megapixel sensor captures stunning 4K/120p and 8K/30p video and super detailed stills. Having such a high-resolution sensor also means underwater photographers can crop in on their videos and photos if they couldn't get as close to their subjects as they would have liked. The Sony A1 also has a 1/400s strobe sync speed which means photographers can recover an additional stop of exposure which is great for shooting sun balls and freezing action. We also successfully fired Ikelite strobes with Ikelite TTL and the electronic shutter, a first for underwater photography.

Sony A7R V

Best High Resolution Camera

The Sony A7R V is a new addition to Sony's imaging lineup and represents the latest generation of technology. With a 61 MP full-frame sensor, it takes over from the popular Sony A7R IV as the company's top high-resolution camera. In fact, the Sony A7R V boasts the highest resolution full-frame sensor in the world. One of its major improvements is in autofocus, thanks to a new AI processor that's specifically designed for machine learning and autofocus operations. Moreover, there are significant enhancements to its video features, enabling it to shoot at 8K/24p and 4K/60p. Additionally, the A7R V's in-body image stabilization system now offers up to 8 stops of stabilization thanks to its 5-axis stabilization feature. Considering all these impressive features, the Sony A7R V has become this year's most popular underwater camera. We think the images and video speak for themselves.

Sony A7S III

Best Professional Camera for Underwater Video

The Sony A7S III is one of the best video-focused cameras both above and below the waves. We consider it the best underwater camera for video in the professional level category. Being able to shoot 4K video up to 120fps for slow-motion and stable video, with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, makes it ideal for capturing smooth cinematic video footage from your underwater adventures. There is also a wide range of frame rate options available, as well as various codecs and picture profiles.