Best Underwater Cameras

The R100 pairs a 24.1MP APS-C sensor with Canon’s RF mount in a body that’s genuinely small and light, so it slips into Ikelite’s compact DLM housing and makes for an easy-travel rig. In the water, it delivers clean, detailed files with impressive dynamic range for the price—exactly what beginners and budget-minded enthusiasts need to grow their skills without overcomplicating the setup. 

There are tradeoffs. The autofocus system and burst rates are a step down from Canon’s pricier APS-C bodies like the R10, and the 4K tops out at 24p. In practice, we found one-shot AF with a single point to be the sweet spot—quick and reliable for reef scenes, blennies, and even playful sea lions—while continuous tracking was less dependable underwater. For video, Full HD/60p is the practical choice for action; 4K/24p is fine if you can hold steady with a wide lens. 

Where the R100 really shines is value. It’s Canon’s most affordable RF-mount APS-C body, and with a lightweight Ikelite package, you can be in the water with a capable interchangeable-lens system at a price that’s hard to beat. Image quality is on par with the R10/R50 thanks to the shared sensor, and the compact housing/port options keep the whole kit nimble on boats and in currents. If stills are your priority and you want the most image quality per dollar, the R100 is an easy recommendation. 

Underwater performance—our experience:

• Excellent value: with an Ikelite 200DLM/D housing, you get a lightweight, compact package that travels easily and balances well with a single strobe—great for first rigs. 

• Image quality holds up: colors and detail are impressive for reefs and kelp forests when lit properly; the sensor gives you pleasing files to edit. 

• Practical compromises: autofocus and continuous shooting are noticeably slower than models like the R10, and 4K video has a crop—fine for casual clips but not our pick for serious video work. 

Pros

• Best-in-class image quality for the price; easy upgrade path with RF/RF-S lenses. 

• Small, travel-friendly rig with Ikelite housing; comfortable to shoot one-handed. 

• Simple, reliable operation—ideal for new underwater photographers. 

Cons

• Slower AF tracking and burst rates limit fast action (fast fish, sea lions). 

• 4K is cropped and basic; no IBIS—lens choice matters for stabilization. 

• Fixed, non-touch rear screen can feel dated topside. 

Bottom line
For divers prioritizing stills on a budget, the R100 is a standout starter system that leaves room to grow with lenses and lighting—without overcomplicating your first housing build. If you need faster AF, higher burst rates, or more flexible 4K, consider stepping up to the R10; otherwise, the R100 nails the essentials where it counts underwater.

The R8 brings full-frame image quality and Canon’s latest autofocus to a body small enough to fit Ikelite’s travel-friendly DLM housing—an unusual perk for a full-frame rig. In the water we saw clean files with strong dynamic range and low-light latitude; focusing was quick and reliable, with subject/eye detection locking onto reef fish even in mixed lighting. For the price, it’s a compelling gateway into full-frame underwater photography.

There are real trade-offs. The R8 lacks in-body image stabilization and uses an electronic first-curtain shutter (EFCS) with a single mechanical rear curtain. In practice, that’s a non-issue for strobe-lit stills (you’ll be at or below sync speed), but cold-water videographers and those who handhold in surge will miss IBIS. Burst speed with the mechanical/EFCS drive is 6 fps—plenty for strobes—while the electronic shutter can sprint to 40 fps for ambient-light sequences topside.

Value is where the R8 shines. You get the same sensor/processor pairing as the R6 Mark II with oversampled 4K/60p 10-bit recording and Canon Log 3—solid tools for wide-angle scenes and sunballs—without the bulk or cost of higher-tier bodies. Battery life proved better than expected underwater; we comfortably covered multiple dives on a single LP-E17 pack. If your priority is full-frame stills and you want a light, confidence-building kit, the R8 + Ikelite combo delivers a lot of camera for the money.

Pros (underwater)

Full-frame image quality and dynamic range in a compact, travel-friendly housing package.

Fast, dependable AF with eye/subject tracking that works well underwater.

Strong video feature set for the price (4K/60p 10-bit, C-Log3).

Better-than-rated battery life in real-world diving.

Cons

No in-body image stabilization; steadiness relies on technique/lens IS—felt most in video or surge.

EFCS/single mechanical curtain can limit high-shutter-speed bokeh topside (not a factor at strobe sync).

1/200 s sync speed is conservative for bright, shallow scenes.

Bottom line:
The Canon R8 is our pick for maximum full-frame performance per dollar underwater: pro-level AF and image quality in a remarkably small rig, with thoughtful compromises most still shooters won’t feel below the surface. If you need IBIS or deeper buffer/burst tools for action video, step up the line; otherwise, the R8 nails the essentials.

The R6 II is a true hybrid: it delivers clean, detailed full-frame stills, excellent dynamic range, and noticeably better video than the original R6—all in a body that feels familiar and confidence-inspiring in the water. Canon’s reorganized AF with subject detection made fish-eye contact shots more consistent for us, and 5-axis IBIS helped stabilize slow-shutter ambient-light scenes in dark, green water.

In real use, we appreciated the dedicated photo/video toggle for quick mode changes mid-dive and found battery life easily covered a full day of shooting. 4K/60p oversampled from 6K (no crop) produced crisp wide-angle footage, and C-Log3 gave us welcome grading latitude. The camera’s strengths are balanced by practical limits—flash sync tops out at 1/200s and while AF tracking is excellent, we still preferred single-point for the most precise macro work.

If you’re after a capable full-frame rig that nails both stills and video without stepping up to flagship size or price, the R6 II is an easy recommendation—especially with today’s robust housing options.

Underwater housing options

Ikelite 200DL (polycarbonate): affordable, lightweight; fits both R6 and R6 II; we liked the trim and lever ergonomics underwater.

Marelux (aluminum): compact, customizable colors; accessories like smart VF, auto vacuum, hydrophone.

Nauticam NA-R6II (aluminum): pro ergonomics, N120 port system, supports RF and EF (via adapter).

Pros (underwater)

Excellent hybrid performance: class-leading 4K/60p with strong full-frame stills.

Fast, reliable AF with useful subject detection; easy photo/video toggle underwater.

Effective IBIS enables steady ambient-light shots and smoother macro video.

Broad, well-supported housing ecosystem (Ikelite, Nauticam, Marelux).

Cons

1/200s flash sync is limiting in bright, shallow scenes.

AF tracking is great, but single-point is still the most precise for tiny macro subjects.

External RAW requires a recorder and micro-HDMI setup.

Bottom line:
The R6 Mark II hits a sweet spot for underwater shooters who want pro-leaning stills, robust 4K/60p video, and excellent ergonomics in the water—without the heft or cost of higher-tier bodies. Pair it with the right housing and ports, and you’ve got a dependable full-frame platform for both reefscapes and macro.

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.

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera launched by OM Digital Solutions as the successor to the original Olympus OM-1. While retaining the same 20.4 MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor and compact, weather-sealed body as its predecessor, the OM System OM-1 Mark II introduces improved in-body image stabilization (up to 8.5 stops with supported lenses), expanded buffer capacity, enhanced AI-based autofocus subject detection, and refined ergonomics. It supports up to 50 fps continuous AF shooting and internal 4K 60p 10-bit video recording.

This camera continues the Olympus design lineage under the OM System brand, offering a robust platform favored by wildlife, sports, and underwater photographers who need high frame rates, reliable autofocus, and portability.

While using the OM System OM-1 Mark II underwater, we found it to be a very stable and responsive camera. The compact form factor allowed us to maneuver easily through reef structures without fatigue. The autofocus tracking locked onto fast-moving reef fish more reliably than the original OM-1, especially in low-light conditions around 20–30 m depth. The improved subject-detection algorithms appeared to recognize marine life better than before, reducing the number of missed focus shots.

However, we also observed that while the 8.5-stop in-body stabilization worked well for ambient-light scenes, it was less beneficial when using strobes at fast shutter speeds, where motion blur is already minimized. The menus were somewhat challenging to navigate with gloves on, though the larger control dials on the Mark II helped compared to the OM-1.

Upgrades from OM-1 to OM-1 Mark II observed during use:

• Higher buffer depth (165 RAW frames at 50 fps vs. ~96 on the OM-1) — useful for burst shooting underwater subjects.

• Improved AI subject detection accuracy and faster acquisition, particularly beneficial for schooling fish and large pelagic subjects.

• In-body stabilization improved from 7 stops to 8.5 stops with supported lenses.

• More tactile dials and buttons, which are easier to operate with gloves.

• Refined Live ND filter (up to ND128 vs ND64 previously), occasionally helpful for long-exposure underwater scenes.

The OM System OM-1 Mark II builds upon the Olympus OM-1 platform with improved autofocus, stabilization, and buffer performance while maintaining the same rugged and compact design. Underwater, these upgrades yield better tracking of marine life and longer bursts without frame drops, though its Micro Four Thirds sensor still requires careful exposure and strobe use in deeper, darker conditions. With widely available housings, established lens options, and refined control ergonomics, it remains a capable and efficient underwater imaging tool when paired with proper lighting and technique.

The Sony a7CR offers a unique blend of compact size, unparalleled resolution, and cutting-edge features. The mirrorless camera boasts an impressive 61-megapixel sensor, delivering breathtaking image quality that rivals even the flagship a7R V. With its compact and lightweight design, the a7CR challenges the notion that high-resolution photography requires a bulky, cumbersome setup.

At the core of the a7CR's autofocus capabilities is a hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection system, with a staggering 693 autofocus points covering approximately 93% of the image sensor. This dense array of focus points, combined with the camera's advanced subject recognition and tracking algorithms, ensures that the a7CR can reliably acquire and maintain focus on a wide range of subjects, from fast-moving action to intricate portrait details. One of the standout features of the a7CR's autofocus system is its ability to intelligently recognize and track a variety of subjects, including people, animals, birds, insects, vehicles, and even airplanes. 

At the core of the a7CR's video capabilities is its ability to record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, with the option to utilize the full width of the sensor or a Super 35mm crop mode for added flexibility. The camera also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth, providing ample room for post-production color grading and ensuring that your footage retains exceptional detail and color fidelity. The Sony a7CR also offers a range of advanced video features, including S-Log3 and S-Cinetone color profiles, which allow for greater dynamic range and a cinematic look, as well as the ability to record in XAVC S and XAVC HS codecs for optimal file quality and flexibility. Additionally, the camera's in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system provides up to 7 stops of shake correction, effectively minimizing the impact of camera movement and delivering smooth, stabilized footage

Canon’s R5 II brings a faster 45MP back-illuminated stacked sensor, up to 30 fps RAW bursts, and significantly upgraded AF with Eye Control. In the water, we found tracking sticky and confident—even with sea lions darting through the frame—and color straight out of camera is excellent. Video steps up to 8K/60p (plus 4K/120p) with C-Log2; we didn’t hit heat limits on cold-water dives at 4K/60p, though long, high-resolution sessions in warmer conditions may still warrant caution. 

On our cold-water test trip in Port Hardy, BC, the R5 II proved to be a truly balanced hybrid: 45MP stills with excellent dynamic range, plus 8K/60p and 4K/120p that hold color well after manual white balance at depth. The headline upgrade underwater is autofocus—Eye Control and the new tracking modes consistently locked onto our intended subject and “ignored” drive-by distractions like sea lions and backscatter; we rarely felt the need to switch to manual focus. In fast action we leaned on the mechanical shutter for reliability, but the 30 fps electronic burst is there when you need it. Thermal behavior felt improved versus the original R5; we didn’t see heat warnings during 4K/60p in cold water, though long, high-res clips in warmer conditions may still require planning. Compared with the original R5, the R5 II’s biggest wins for divers are AF, readout speed, and higher-frame-rate video; if those matter to your shooting, the upgrade is meaningful. Note that most brands require a dedicated R5 II housing (Ikelite uniquely offers an upgrade path from some R5 housings), and we found Nauticam, Ikelite, Marelux, Seacam, and Aquatech options compelling for different budgets and use cases. 

Underwater housing options we carry/support

Ikelite — Polycarbonate value pick with robust TTL integration (great with DS230 strobes). We used Ikelite in our review testing.

Marelux — Anodized aluminum, excellent ergonomics; depth-rated to 100 m; innovative accessories (smart viewfinder, wireless strobe controller).

Seacam — Premium build and buoyancy/trim; our “Rolls-Royce” option.

Aquatech Edge Pro — Surf/snorkel-oriented, rated to ~10 m/30 ft; lightweight topside-to-water crossover.

Isotta — Now available for R5 II; compact fit, distinctive red anodized aluminum and precise controls.

Nauticam NA-R5II — Pro ergonomics, full control, N120 system, great if you want specialty optics (EMWL, FCP).

Aquatica / others — Additional pro aluminum housings for R5 II continue to roll out.

Pros (for underwater use)

Autofocus you can trust: sticky subject tracking that ignores backscatter and distractions surprisingly well.

High-res + high-speed: 45MP stills with up to 30 fps RAW—great for fast pelagics.

Top-tier video: 8K/60p and 4K/120p with C-Log2; strong colors and very usable manual WB at depth.

Stabilization & handling: IBIS up to ~8–8.5 stops helps steady wide scenes and macro framing.

System flexibility: RF native plus EF support via adapter; broad port/lens ecosystems.

Cons 

Thermals to watch: extended 8K/high-frame-rate video can still trigger heat limits in some conditions; cooling grip compatibility in housings is uncertain.

Upgrade calculus for R5 owners: if you don’t need the AF jump or 8K/60p, the gain over the original R5 may feel incremental.

Housing/port investment: new body requires dedicated R5 II housings for most brands; plan for ports/adapters if reusing EF glass.

Bottom line:
The R5 II is our current go-to Canon body for serious underwater hybrids. If autofocus reliability, high-res files, and best-in-class 8K/60p matter, it’s a standout—and we can match it with the right housing from Nauticam, Ikelite, Marelux, Seacam, Isotta, or Aquatech to fit your diving style and budget.