What Makes The "Best Underwater Camera?"
This artisinally curated list includes the best underwater cameras for beginners, semi-professionals and professionals. We also threw in a few underwater smartphone housings for those looking for a cost-effective and quick way to begin their underwater photography journey. In order to create this list, our dedicated staff at Bluewater Photo dived with over 35 modern camera system on hundreds of dives all over the world. We've considered several things when putting this list together: the overall size of each system, whether the camera is more video or photo-oriented, the sensor size, and more. If you like, use the 'jump to' section below to skip to the most relevant section for you.
Features To Look For When Choosing The Best Underwater Camera
Underwater Camera Improvements in Recent Years
Jump To:
Best Underwater Camera:
For Beginners
Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera for Beginners
Sony A7C

Key Features
- Full-frame sensor
- 24.2 megapixels
- BIONZ X image processor
- 693 point hybrid AF system
- 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization
- ISO: 100 to 51200 (extended: 50 to 204800)
- Dimension: 124 x 71.1 x 59.7 mm
Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Sony A7C Underwater Housing
- Isotta Sony A7C Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Sony A7C Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Sony A7C Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Sony A7C Underwater Housing
Best Cropped Sensor Mirrorless Camera for Beginners
Sony A6600
The Sony A6600 is the same size and shape as the Sony A7C mentioned above but comes with an APS-C sensor. Some might see this as a disadvantage, but it depends on the photographer and their personal preferences as to whether this is true. The A6600 comes with 24.2 megapixels, just like the A7C, so there's no loss in resolution. The main difference is the lenses that this camera uses natively. Lenses made for APS-C cameras are smaller and lighter than full-frame versions, a big bonus for anybody looking for a lightweight system. The downside is that if you were ever to upgrade to a full-frame system in the future, it would probably mean upgrading your lenses. Having said that, this is still an excellent underwater camera in its own right!
Key Features
- APS-C sensor
- 24.2 megapixels
- Exmor CMOS sensor
- 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization
- Sony NP-FZ100 battery for longer battery life which is essential to minimize opening the housing for battery changes
- UHD 4K video capablie of capturing 4K video @ 30fps and 4x & 5x slow-motion with its 120fps recording. No recording limit.
Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Sony A6600 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Sony A6600 Underwater Housing
- Fantasea Sony A6600 Underwater Housing
- Isotta Sony A6600 Underwater Housing
Best DSLR Camera for Beginners
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
World’s smallest DSLR camera
APS-C DSLR camera, 24.1 MP
Price: $649.00
Read our Full Review of the Canon SL3
The popularity of DSLRs has undoubtedly diminished over the last few years, and we prefer to recommend mirrorless and compact cameras when people ask about which are the best cameras for underwater photography. However, the Canon SL3 is still a great option, especially for beginners. The main reason we like the SL3 is that it is the world's smallest DSLR camera, rivaling or beating the size of many cropped sensor mirrorless cameras. It's a simple camera, it isn't full of advanced features, and its ergonomics are designed for photographers who are new to professional bodies. However, when paired with an excellent lens such as the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye, it produces stunning image quality for a beginner's camera. Combined with an Ikelite housing and a wide-angle lens, this system is the best value wide-angle DSLR system on the market.
Key Features
- 24.1 MP APS-C format (22.3 X 14.9 mm) CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- Built In flash
- Compatible with Canon EF Lenses
- Dual Pixel Auto Focus
- 9 AF points
- 1/200sec sync speed
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Underwater Housing Options
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Packages
- Ikelite Canon SL3 Camera, Housing and Lens Package
- Ikelite Canon SL3 Deluxe Kit
- Ikelite Canon SL3 Wide Angle Package
Sample Image
Kelp crab captured with the Canon SL3, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens, dual DS 161 strobes, Ikelite Housing. 1/160, f/9, ISO 200
Easiest-to-Use Underwater Compact Camera
SeaLife Micro 3.0
Read the SeaLife Micro 3.0 Review
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.
Key Features
- 16 Megapixel Sony CMOS image sensor
- Permanently sealed
- 3+ hours battery life
- Built-in 64GB memory card
- Easy operation
- "Easy Setup" feature
- Capable of manual white balance and RAW format for post-processing
- 100° Lens
SeaLife Micro 3.0 Packages
Check out other SeaLife Products & Accessories
Sample Image
School of Ta’ape Lanai,HI. SeaLife taken with SeaLife Micro 3.0
Best Value Compact Camera
Canon G7X III
1” CMOS Sensor, 20 MP
Manual Control Available (unlike TG-6)
Price: $749.00
Read the Canon G7X Mark III Review
The Canon G7X III is a tiny camera with a large 1-inch, 20 MP sensor, directly competing with the Sony RX100 series cameras. It is an excellent, fast-focusing camera with excellent image quality and has dedicated macro focus. 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.
Key Features
- 20.1 megapixel 1.0” stacked CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 image processor
- 4.2x optical zoom lens (24-100m f/1.8-2.8) with optical image stabilization
- 3.0 inch touch panel LCD screen with tilt option of 180 degrees for selfies and vloggers
- Compatible with USB charge/power supply
- Contrast-detection autofocus (no dual pixel autofocus)
- 20 fps burst mode (upgraded from 8fps)
- 70 shot RAW buffer (upgraded from 21 shots)
- Slow motion video (120 fps in 1080p)
Canon G7X III Underwater Housing Options
Canon G7X III Packages
- Nauticam Canon G7X Mark III Pro Package
- Fantasea G7X Mark III Camera and Housing Package
- Fantasea Canon G7X Mark III Housing and YS-01 strobe Package
- Fantasea Canon G7X Mark III Housing and YS-03 strobe Package
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Sample Images


Best High-End Compact Camera
Sony RX100 VA and Sony RX100 VII
1” CMOS Sensor, 20 MP
Price: $998.00 & $1,299.99
Both are excellent for image quality, autofocus speed, & shooting video
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.
- 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.
- The auto-focus speed is faster than traditional compact cameras.
- The advanced 4K video features available in the RX100 series are top-of-the-line for compact camera video systems.
Why Choose the RX100 VA or VII?
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.
RX100 VII Key Features
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RX100 VA Key Features
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Sony RX100 Mark VA and VII Underwater Housing Options
There are a lot of underwater housing options for the Sony RX100 VA and VI on the market, check out the list below:
Nauticam Housings
Isotta Housings
Ikelite Housings
Fantasea Housings
Sea & Sea Housings
Sony RX100 V/VA Underwater Packages
- Nauticam Sony RX100 V/VA Ultimate Package
- Nauticam Sony RX100 V Housing Pro Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 V Housing and Camera Bundle
- Fantasea Sony RX100 V Housing, Camera and YS-01 Strobe Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 V Housing, Camera and YS-03 Strobe Package
Sony RX100 VII Underwater Packages
- Nauticam Sony RX100 VII Housing Pro Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 VI IHousing and YS-03 Strobe Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 VII Housing, Camera and YS-03 Solis Strobe Package
Best RX100 Series Wet Lenses
- Nauticam WWL wet wide-angle lens
- UWL-09 super-wide lens
- Kraken KRL-01 wide-angle lens
- Kraken KRL-11 wide-angle lens (52mm thread)
- Kraken KRL-12 wide-angle lens (67mm thread)
- Bluewater +7 macro lens
- Nauticam CMC-1 Macro Lens
- Nauticam CMC-2 Macro Lens
Sample Image
Day Octopus Sony RX100 VII f/6.3 1/250 ISO 10
Best Video Camera for Beginners
Panasonic LX10
1” CMOS Sensor, 20 MP
Price: $699.99
We recommend the Panasonic LX10 as the best compact underwater camera for video. Its 4K video delivers a high-quality video experience with a four times larger resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) than Full HD, resulting in a much higher level of detail. Moreover, the camera also features 4K photo modes.
Key Features
- 20.1MP 1" CMOS Sensor
- 5-Axis HYBRID Optical Stabilization
- 24-72mm Lens Equivalent
- 4K Photo Mode
- 4K Video @ 30p
- Post Focus and Photo Stacking Modes
Panasonic LX10 Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Panasonic LX10 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Panasonic LX10, LX15 Underwater Housing
- Isotta Panasonic LX15, LX10 Underwater Housing
Panasonic LX10 Packages
Best Compact Camera for Macro Underwater Photography
Olympus TG-5 or Olympus TG-6
½.3” CMOS Sensor, 12 MP
No Manual Mode
Price: $299.99 & $449.99
Best Beginner Underwater Cameras
The Olympus TG-6 is the same size as the TG-5 and has very minor improvements, which you can read about in the review above. 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. These cameras are waterproof and can be used without a housing. The TG-5 is just as good as the TG-6, and we have a great deal on it.
Key Features
- 12MP Hi-Speed Image Sensor for Improved Low Light Performance and Noise Reduction
- Dual Quad Core TruePic™ VIII Image Processor
- F2.0 High Speed Lens
- 4K and High Speed Video
- Field Sensor System w/ GPS, Manometer, Compass & Temperature Sensor
- Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof
Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Olympus TG-5/TG-6 Underwater Housing
- Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing PT-058
- Recsea Olympus TG-5 and TG-6 Aluminum Underwater Housing
- Recsea Olympus TG5 POM Underwater Housing
- Isotta Olympus TG5, TG6 Underwater Housing
Aluminum Housings
Olympus TG-6 Packages
- Olympus TG-6 Perfect Exposure Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Starter Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Wide Angle Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Fluorescence Photography Starter Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Ultimate Package
- Olympus TG-6 Housing and Strobe Package
- Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera and Housing Bundle
Best TG-6 Wet Lens
- Kraken KRL-02 wide-angle lens
- Kraken compact wide-angle lens
- Kraken KRL-11 wide-angle lens (52mm thread)
- Kraken KRL-12 wide-angle lens (67mm thread)
- Bluewater +7 macro lens (for supermacro)
Wolf Eel photographed with the TG-6
Best Action Camera
GoPro Hero 10
1/2” CMOS Sensor, 23 MP, 5.3K/30p
Price: $449.99
The HERO 10 is the newest action camera in GoPro's lineup. It builds upon everything we loved about previous generations and add improved stabilization, a brand new super-fast processor and up to 5.3K video resolution. It's an excellent, affordable option for people looking for a tiny camera that can be used underwater as well as in other situations. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for something small that can be thrown into a bag or carried around in your pocket without getting in the way. The biggest and most significant upgrade is the all-new processor, something that's needed to process 5.3K 60p and 4K 120p video footage.
Key Features
- GP2 processor
- 5.3K 60p + 4K 120p video resolution
- 23 megapixels photos
- HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization
- Automatically upload footage to the cloud when charging
- Waterproof to 33ft
Underwater Housing Options
- Isotta GoPro Hero9, Hero 10 Black Underwater Housing
- Recsea GoPro Hero9, Hero 10 Black Underwater Housing
- Anglerfish GoPro HERO9 & HERO10 Large Underwater Housing
Best Smartphone Housings For Underwater Photography
SeaLife SportDiver Smartphone Housing


Reefscene Captured with a Samsung Galaxy S20 in a SeaLife SportDiver Housing
Kraken Sports KRH06 Universal Smartphone Housing

Kraken Sports KRH06 Packages

Nautismart Smartphone Housing

AquaTech AxisGo 13 Smartphone Housing

Other AquaTech AxisGo Housing Options
- AquaTech AxisGo 12 Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 11 Pro Max Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 11 Pro Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 11 Housing
AxisGo 13 Packages
Best Underwater Camera:
For Semi-Professionals (Prosumers)
Best Underwater Camera for Hybrid Shooters
Canon EOS R6
Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 20 MP, 4k/60p video
Price: $2,499.00
Read our Full Canon EOS R6 Camera Review
Released with the popular R5, the Canon EOS R6 is a prosumer level full-frame mirrorless camera. It is the ideal first step for anybody looking to get into full-frame photography as it packs many of the same great features as the R5 but costs $1400 less. It has proven to be very popular with underwater photographers thanks to features like 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 4K 60 fps video capabilities, animal eye autofocus, 12 fps in stills mode (increased to 20 fps with the electronic shutter) and 100% AF coverage. Overall it is our top choice for underwater photographers who want the best underwater camera with first-class image and video capabilities without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- 20.1 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and Digic X processor
- Canon's first 5 axis In-Body Image-Stabilization (IBIS) which works in conjunction with optical IS RF and EF lenses. Up to 8 stops of correction
- Improved Dual Pixel II Autofocus
- ISO 100-102400
- 100% of the sensor has AF coverage!
- Animal eye AF detection (for birds, cats, and dogs) - we'll see if it works for fish!
- 12fps burst shooting with mechanical shutter
- 20 fps burst shooting with silent (electronic shutter)
- Dual card slots - 2x SD UHS-II
- Internal C-Log recording
- 4K video up to 60 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 (16:9, 1.07X crop)
- 3.69 million dot EVF
Underwater Housing Options
- Ikelite Canon EOS R6 200DL Underwater Housing
- Nauticam Canon EOS R6 Underwater Housing
- Isotta Canon EOS R6 Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Canon EOS R6 Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Canon EOS R6 Underwater Housing
- Marelux Canon EOS R6 MX-R6 Underwater Housing
- AquaTech Canon EOS R6 Edge Water Housing
Sample Underwater Image and Video
This image shows the beautiful image quality and dynamic range that the R6 is capable of capturing. This anemone was photographed with the Canon EOS R6 and Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens in an Ikelite EOS R6 housing. The image was slightly underexposed and adjusted in post processing. This image shows the quality of the details recovered. f/13, 1/60, ISO 320
Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera for Enthusiasts
Sony A7 IV
Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 33 MP, 4k/60p video
Price: $2,498.00
Read our Full Sony A7 IV Camera Review

Key Features
- 33MP Back-Illuminated full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
- BIONZ XR Processor
- Up to 10 fps shooting
- In-body stabilization rated up to 5.5EV
- Full-width oversampled 4K from 7K, up to 30p
- 4K/60p oversampled from 4.6K with Super35 / APS-C mode
- 10-bit video or HEIF stills capture
- H.265 video, S-Cinetone color mode
- 3.69M dot OLED viewfinder
- Twin card slots (1x CFe A/UHS-II, 1x UHS-II SD)
- Full-time Bluetooth LE connection
Underwater Housing Options
- Marelux Sony A7 IV MX-A7IV Underwater Housing
- Nauticam Sony A7 IV Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Sony A7 IV Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Sony A7 IV Underwater Housing
Sample Underwater Image and Video
Best Cropped Sensor Mirrorless Camera
Nikon Z50
APS-C Mirrorless Camera, 20.9 MP
Price: $856.95
Read our Nikon Z50 Full Camera Review
Typically APS-C mirrorless cameras have been the domain of Sony and Canon, but that changed with the introduction of the Nikon Z50. The Z50 combines the best of both worlds from the Nikon D500 and the Nikon Z6. However, it was a rocky start to life for the Z50. Many people doubted this camera when it first came to market because of the lack of Z-mount lenses, and the available lenses were considerably larger than their Sony or Canon counterparts. With these initial doubts, it might seem strange that the Z50 finds a place in an article trying to identify the best underwater camera.
Key Features
- 20.9 Megapixel Resolution CMOS sensor (APS-C - DX format)
- Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist, 209 points
- 11 fps sequential shooting
- 4K Video @ 30/25/24 fps
- FHD video up to 1080/120p
- ISO range of 100-51200
- Lens mount system: Z-mount, can use F-mount lenses with FTZ adaptor
- 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen monitor. It can also be flipped for selfies and vlogging
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
Underwater Housing Options
Sample Underwater Image

Best Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera For Photo
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
MFT Mirrorless Camera, 20.4 MP
Price: $1,499.00
Read our Full Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Camera Review
The last camera Olympus put out before selling their imaging business is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. It's a micro four thirds mirrorless camera that is able to produce stunning image and video quality from its 20.4-megapixel sensor. It's an excellent mid-range camera for underwater photographers who have already bought into the Olympus range of cameras and who already own some Olympus glass, but perhaps not the best underwater camera for people who are totally new to Olympus systems.
Key Features
- 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
- TruePic IX Quad Core Processor (faster upgrade to Mark II)
- 121 point cross-type phase detect AF system
- 5 axis image stabilization up to 7 stops
- 2.36M dot electronic viewfinder
- 3 inch touch LCD
- Weathersealer
- 15fps [H]/10 fps [L] burst shooting with mechanical shutter
- Topside features including handheld high res shot mode, live ND filter, electronic shutter
- 4K video @ 30 fps with an OM-Log mode
Underwater Housing Options
- Isotta OM-D E-M1 Mark IIII Housing
- Nauticam NA-EM1III Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Housing for OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Sample Underwater Image
Beautiful low light wolf eel portrait captured with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera, Ikelite OMD EM1 Mark III housing, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes w/ Ikelite TTL converter, Olympus 7-14mm Pro lens.
Best Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera For Video
Panasonic GH6
MFT Mirrorless Camera, 25.2 MP, 5.7K/60p video
Price: $2,197.99
Panasonic GH6 Initial Thoughts and Review
When it comes to video quality and features on a micro four thirds camera, it's hard to beat that Panasonic GH6. It's a solid workhorse that many topside and underwater photographers have come to rely on. The GH6 provides a range of codecs to record in and offers 5.7K/60p video recording functionality. Panasonic has a great history of producing highly capable micro four thirds video cameras, and this is no exception. A 25.2-megapixel sensor enables photographers to shoot high-resolution photos mode as well as video, making the GH6 more than just an extremely capable video camera.
Key Features
- 25.2MP high-sensitivity MOS sensor
- Micro four thirds sensor (x2 crop)
- 5.7K/60p, 4K/120p video recording
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- CFexpress & SD card slots
- Built-in cooling fan
- ProRes 422 HQ, V-Log and DR Boost
- 14 fps mechanical shutter and 75 fps electronic shutter
- HDMI output
- Tilting LCD touchscreen
- 3,680,000 dot electronic OLED viewfinder
- Magnesium alloy construction
- 100MP handheld high-resolution mode
Underwater Housing Options
- Ikelite Housing for Panasonic GH6
- Nauticam Panasonic GH6 Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Panasonic GH6 Underwater Housing
- Isotta Panasonic GH6 Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Panasonic GH6 Underwater Housing
Lenses
Sample Underwater Video
Best Underwater Camera:
For Professionals
Best Value Professional Underwater Camera
Canon EOS R5
Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 45 MP, 8K/30P & 4K/120P Video
Price: $3,899.00
Read our Full Canon EOS R5 Review for Underwater Photography

Key Features
- New 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and Digic X processor
- Canon's first 5 axis In-Body Image-Stabilization (IBIS) which works in conjunction with optical IS RF and EF lenses. Up to 8 stops of correction
- Improved Dual Pixel II Autofocus
- 5,940 AF points
- 100% of the sensor has AF coverage!
- ISO 100 - 51,200
- Animal eye AF detection (for birds, cats, and dogs) - it works on macro fish 20-40% of the time!
- 12fps burst shooting with mechanical shutter
- 20 fps burst shooting with silent (electronic shutter)
- 180 shot RAW image buffer
- Dual card slots - 1x CFexpress and 1x SD UHS-II
- 8K video @ 30p, 10- bit 4:2:2 - using the full width of the sensor!
- Internal RAW and C-Log recording
- 4K oversampled video up to 120p, 10-bit 4:2:2
Underwater Housing Options
- Aquatica Canon EOS R5 Underwater Housing
- Nauticam Canon EOS R5 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Canon EOS R5 200DL Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Canon EOS R5 Underwater Housing
- Isotta Canon EOS R5 Underwater Housing
- Marelux Canon EOS R5 MX-R5 Underwater Housing
- AquaTech Canon EOS R5 Edge Water Housing
Sample Underwater Image
Spectacular resolution with the Canon EOS R5. Photo of a mosshead warbonnet captured with the Canon EOS R5 in an Ikelite housing, Canon 100 mm macro lens, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes, Kraken +13 diopter, and Ikelite Canon TTL converter. f/16, 1/160, ISO 100
Best Hybrid Photo & Video Camera
Sony A1
Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 50 MP, 8k/30P & 4K/120P Video
Price: $6,499.99
Read our Full Sony A1 Camera Review
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 Sont A1 also have 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.
Check our our detailed comparison of the Sony A1 vs the Canon R5
Key Features
- New Full-Frame 50MP Exmor RS Stacked CMOS Sensor
- 15 stops of dynamic range with improved colors, tones, and gradation
- New BIONZ XR Processor
- Continuous shooting up to 30fps w/ electronic shutter and 10fps w/mechanical shutter at full resolution - AE and AF operable throughout
- Updated Carbon-Fiber Mechanical Shutter for a more quiet and vibration-free performance
- Records video up to 8K/30p (oversampled from 8.6K), 4K/120p (oversampled)
- Improved electronic shutter - greatly reduced rolling shutter and flicker under artificial light
- THE ELECTRONIC SHUTTER WORKS WITH EXTERNAL FLASHES (and strobes, with a TTL converter)
- FLASH SYNC SPEEDS: up to 1/400sec (mechanical shutter; 1/500 in APS-C mode), 1/200 (electronic)
- Lightning-quick AF with its 759 phase-detection points with 425 contrast-detection areas - covering 92% of the sensor
- AF system recalculates 120 times per second - 30% more accurate than A9II
- Better animal eye AF that can track birds - does not track fish
- 5 axis IBIS with 5.5 stops of recovery
- 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with 16-bit RAW external recording
- Full range of Log recording options - Cine, HLG, and S-Log
- Viewfinder: Electronic (OLED) - 9.44 million dots
- Dual CFexpress Type A / UHS-II SD Card
- Dimensions: 5.07 x 3.81 x 2.74 in (128.9 x 96.9 x 69.7 mm)
- Weight: 1.6 lb (737g)
Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Sony A1 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Sony A1 & Sony A7S III Underwater Housing
- AquaTech Sony A1 Edge Housing
- Isotta Sony A1 Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Sony A1 Underwater Housing
- Marelux Sony A1 MX-A1 Underwater Housing
Sample Underwater Image
Autofocus tracking on the A1 resulted in sharp rhinophores on this nudi. Janolus nudibranch photographed with the Sony A1, 90mm macro lens, Ikelite A1/A7S III housing. f/22, 1/200, ISO 200
Highest Resolution Camera
Sony A7R IV
Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 61 MP
Price: $3,499.99
Read our Sony A7R IV Review
If you're looking for a megapixel monster, the Sony A7R IV is the best camera on the market. It's a continuation of Sony's popular high-resolution mirrorless camera line but with some notable improvements over the previous Sony A7R III, such as the 61-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, 567 phase-detection AF points and importantly for underwater photography, an all-new animal eye AF tracking system. Sony cameras are generally known for their excellent autofocus systems, and the A7R IV is no different. As far as high resolution underwater cameras go, it doesn't get any better than the Sony A7R IV!
Key Features
- 61.0 MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- BIONZX Image processor
- 567 phase detection AF points, 425 contract detection AF points which cover 99% of the height of the sensor and 74% of the width
- Autofocus tracking system updated with touch tacking AF and Eye AF in movie mode
- New Eye Animal AF Tracking!
- ISO sensitivity of 100-32000
- 15 stops of dynamic range at low ISO
- 4K video @ 30P
- 1/250s flash sync speed
- 5-axis in-body image-stabilization
- Continuous shooting Hi+: 10fps, Hi: 8fps
- 530 shot battery life
Underwater Housing Options
- Isotta Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing
- Nauticam NA-A7R IV Underwater Housing
- Marelux Sony A7R IV MX-A7R IV Underwater Housing
- AquaTech Sony a1, A7S III, A7R IV, A9 II Edge Water Housing
Camera Body & Lenses
Sample Underwater Image
One of the world's first underwater photos with the Sony A7R IV. Taken with the Ikelite A7R IV housing, dual Ikelite DS 161 strobes, and the Sony 16-35mm rectilinear wide lens aboard the Socorro Vortex liveaboard. 1/250, f/10, ISO 320
Best Camera For Underwater Video
Sony A7S III
Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 4K/120p
Price: $3,499.99
Read our Full Review for the Sony A7S III Camera
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.
Key Features
- 12 MP BSI CMOS Full Frame Sensor
- Bioz XR Image Processor
- ISO 80-102,400
- "Low Base" and "High Base" (effectively dual gain) ISO capability for better low light shooting
- 4K video up to 120 fps
- No recording time limits. Could be limited by heat (4K @ 60p for at least an hour)
- 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
- S-LOG, HLG, Cine logarithmic picture profiles available
- 4K @ 60p, 16-bit RAW recording with an external recorder
- 5 axis in-body image-stabilization (IBIS)
- Dual card slots (either SD or CFexpress Type A)
- 9.44 M dot Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) - the best resolution on the market!
- Movie File Formats: XAVC S (Long GOP, H.264 MP4); XAVC HS (Long GOP, H.265 HEVC); XAVC S-1 (All-Intra, H.264 MP4)
- AF tracking with human and animal eye AF capability
- 759 point hybrid AF system with 425 contrast detection points
Underwater Housing Options
- Ikelite Sony A7S III 200DL Underwater Housing
- Nauticam Sony A7S III Underwater Housing
- Isotta Sony A7S III Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Sony A7S III Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Sony A7S III Underwater Housing
- Marelux Sony A7S III MX-A7SIII Underwater Housing
- AquaTech Sony a1, A7S III, A7R IV, A9 II Edge Water Housing
Camera Body & Lenses
Sample Underwater Video
Best Nikon Camera
Nikon Z7 II
Full frame mirrorless camera, 45MP
Price: $2,996.95
Read our Full Nikon Z6 II, Z7 II Camera Review
We're going to break the mould of this article so far and give a manufacturer a category all of their own. Nikon has been playing catch up over recent years, with Canon and Sony taking all the plaudits, but they've recently been making up for lost ground. When it comes to mirrorless cameras, not many people turn to Nikon, they have their loyal fans in the DSLR world, but that success is yet to translate to the mirrorless world. But the Nikon Z7 II changes that.
Key Features
- 45.7 megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor (no lowpass filter)
- ISO 64 - 25,600
- 5 axis in-body image-stabilization (IBIS)
- dual Expeed 6 processors
- 3.6 million dot EVF
- 1/200s flash sync speed
- Dual XQD and UHS-II (SD) card slots
- 10 fps burst shooting
- 77 image buffer @ 12-bit lossless RAW files
- 493 point phase detect hybrid autofocus system
- -3 EV low light AF sensitivity
- 4K video recording up to 60 fps
- 10 bit 4:2:2 recording with N-Log over HDMI output
- 360 shot battery life
- Weight: 615 grams
- Size: 5.3 X 4 X 2.8 inches
Underwater Housing Options
- Isotta Nikon Z6, Z7, Z 6II, Z 7II Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Nikon Z6, Z7, Z 6II, Z 7II Underwater Housing
- Aquatica Nikon Z6 II, Z7 II Underwater Housing
- Sea & Sea Nikon Z6 II, Z7 II Underwater Housing
- Nauticam Nikon Z6 II, Z7 II Underwater Housing
Sample Underwater Image
Whale shark photographed with the Nikon Z7II and the Nikon 8-15mm wide angle lens. 1/125, f/13, ISO 640
*Honorable Mention
Nikon Z9
Full-frame, 46MP, 8K 30p video
Price: $5,496.95
The Nikon Z9 has everything you could want in a camera, except size and affordability. It's not a top choice for underwater photographers, which is why it only gets an honorable mention. Still, it's an excellent option for topside and Nikon shooters who need an upgrade. It truly is a professional camera in every sense of the word. It has an insane max FPS of 120, which works almost flawlessly with autofocus tracking and autoexposure thanks to its EXPEED 7 processor, which is 10x faster than the processor in the Z7. If you are an existing professional Nikon user who has outgrown their system and needs to upgrade, you can't go wrong with the Z9; it is the best topside camera Nikon has ever made.
Key Features
- Nikon Z-mount
- Full-frame CMOS sensor
- Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF
- 493-point phase-detection AF system
- 46MP
- 5-axis image stabilization
- Up to 8K 30p video resolution
- 4K 120p video resolution
- 5.9 in. (149 mm) x 5.9 in. (149.5 mm) x 3.6 in. (90.5 mm)
- 2x CFexpress type B slots
- ISO - 64 to 25,600 (Extended: 32 to 102,400)
- HDMI video output
- USB-C output
Underwater Housing Options
Best Cinema Camera
Canon EOS C300 Mark III
Super 35 Sensor, 9.6 MP, 4K/120p & 2K/180p video
Price: $10,999.00

Key Features
- Super 35mm CMOS sensor
- 4K/120fps
- 16+ stops of dynamic range
- Dual CFexpress slots
- 4K 4:2:2 10-bit
- Dual pixel CMOS AF phase-difference technology
- 12G-SDI interface
- Built-in ND filters
- Modular design
Underwater Housing Options
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