Best Underwater Cameras – 2021

Best Full Frame Mirrorless Underwater Cameras

Sony A7R IV

The Sony A7R IV is a full frame mirrorless camera that while still smaller and lightweight competes with larger dSLRs when it comes to image and video quality. The A7R IV’s sensor is a giant leap from the A7R III, boasting 61MP back illuminated full frame sensor. The means incredible image quality, unmatched dynamic range and superb low light capabilities. Autofocus speed and accuracy have improved over previous models, particularly in low light. The camera has room for two memory cards and battery life has improved.

The A7R IV is a top performer for video as well, shooting 30fps 4K which is initially sampled from 6K as opposed to 5K on the predecessor. This means better quality video overall. It also utilizes AI technology for subject recognition as well as Real-Time Eye AF ensuring that every subject you shoot is tack sharp and focused on the eyes.

This camera is great for the underwater shooter because it has lots of customizable buttons, focus peaking in manual focus mode shows focused areas highlighted with color to guarantee image focus. White balance has improved from the previous model and is better than most other mirrorless cameras, although it still isn’t perfect for blue water. The pixel shift feature lets image makers create super high res composite images, however, while taking the images the camera must be completely still (like on a tripod) for it to work. The A7RIV competes with dSLRs for quality but in a smaller package.

A7RIV Highlights

Underwater Housing Options for the Sony A7IV

Nikon Z6/Z7/Z6 II/Z7 II

Nikon’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z6 and Z7 do not disappoint. The Z6 is a 25 megapixel camera and the Z7 is 46mp. Consistently compared against the dSLR, Nikon d850; this camera comes close to producing comparable images and some of the best results from any mirrorless camera. The autofocus is fast and accurate (and although still slower than a dSLR, one of the best when compared to other mirrorless cameras.) The Z mount for lenses allows for the use of Z mount lenses and there is an adapter to use F mount lenses (Nikon.)

This mirrorless has an improved electronic viewfinder than other mirrorless cameras which often lack dynamic range and detail, which leaves a photographer uncertain of the final image when reviewing underwater. You can also review playback images in the viewfinder, so you never have to take your eye away from the viewfinder.

The Nikon Z7 has the same video specs as the Nikon D850 with no crop factor which is great for wide angle video, although it is possible to crop to DX mode which is better for macro video. The main difference between the Z6 and Z7 is megapixels (sensor resolution) and autofocus, with the Z7 being better at both. The video capabilities are the same, so if video is most important, the less expensive Z6 is for you and if the ability to shoot larger images is required, then the Z7 would be your choice.

Nikon Z6 / Z7 Highlights

Underwater Housing Options the Nikon Z6 / Z7 / Z6 II / Z7 II

Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5 is Canon’s most recent challenger in the full-frame mirrorless market, particularly aimed at competing with the powerful Sony A7R IV.

Building off the popular DSLR workhorse, the Canon EOS 5D IV, the R5 inherited similarly solid ergonomics but with a bevy of new features in a mirrorless body. With a new, full-frame 45MP Dual-Pixel CMOS sensor, in-body image stabilization, 8K video recording, and fast shooting speeds, Canon has raised the bar in their commitment to high-end mirrorless cameras.

Underwater photographers will be especially pleased with the excellent resolution and dynamic range, and for motion shooters, the increased burst shooting rates.

Underwater Housing Options for the Canon EOS R5

What to consider when choosing the best DSLR Camera for Underwater Photography?

Even with the advancements in technology and the introduction of mirrorless cameras, DSLR cameras still hold an important place among professional and enthusiast underwater photographers. Some say it’s the optics, some talk about sensors and others simply prefer the big camera feeling above water and end up getting housing for their topside camera. Either way, the reality is that DSLR cameras are still very popular among underwater photographers who are willing to lug this massive setup around the world, pay excess baggage fees and impress their fellow divers with their big rigs.

If you do plan to get a DSLR setup, the main things you want to look at are:

1. Brand
   Get a Canon or Nikon. Don’t bother with the rest. They simply aren’t supported. The DSLR underwater market is rather small, so manufacturers don’t produce housings for any cameras that aren’t mainstream. They simply don’t justify the costs of engineering an underwater housing.
   If you already have an older Fuji or Sony DSLR, consider changing to the leading brands before getting into underwater photography.
2. Budget
   Housing a DSLR is not cheap. In addition to the housing itself, you will also need ports, zoom gears, extensions and perhaps adapters, for every lens you choose to use. Take all of that into account before spending too much on a camera and lenses, then realizing you can’t afford the housing and accessories! Not to mention strobes or video lights, which are quite necessary with a system like this.
3. Diving Skills
   Handling a big rig like this underwater isn’t easy. Make sure your buoyancy is perfect and you are experienced enough to handle emergencies while carrying that big rig with you. Even without any emergencies, you don’t want to break any corals that took hundreds of years to grow just because you found a cool nudibranch to shoot…
4. Strobe Triggering
   Some DSLR’s include a pop-up flash, some don’t. Some housings allow using the pop-up flash, some don’t (Ikelite). Some cameras have an optical trigger available for them and some don’t. Check this with us before making your decision so that you know what to expect when adding strobes to your system.
5. New vs Old Models
   New DSLR housings cost the same for new DSLR models or old ones (if still available). Since housing is quite a significant investment, we highly recommend getting a newer model rather than an old one that may become obsolete quite fast, leaving you stuck with the housing.
   If you already have all your lenses and an older body, consider upgrading the camera before purchasing a housing.

Best DSLR Cameras for Underwater

Nikon D850

For shooters looking for great images and video, the full frame D850 does it all. Capabilities include extensive dynamic range, beautiful color and sharp detail. It shoots true full frame 4K video and has one of the fastest and most accurate autofocus systems (153 AF points and 99 cross type). It does well even at extreme ISO ranges including low light situations where even when getting an underexposed shot, details can be pulled from the black in post processing. Shooting 7 frames per second with 51 shot buffer allows you to take many images before the processor slows down to catch up. It also makes switching from video to still very easy and fast as it holds the previous settings from both.

The d850 does well in all underwater situations from lightning fast autofocus on tiny, fast moving, macro subjects to extreme detail in deep and dark ambient light situations like wreck diving. It also has some of the best 4K video capabilities in a dSLR.

Nikon D850 Highlights

Underwater Housing Options the Nikon D850

Canon 5D IV

The Canon 5D IV is a full frame, 30mp camera that shoots 4K video is known for its autofocus capabilities in video mode. This camera performs well in high ISO levels creating images with little noise and takes high quality images. The white balance in underwater settings with ambient light is one of the best on the market. Its ability to shoot live autofocus means shooters do not have to lock autofocus and refocus as the situation changes. It does have a 1.64x crop, but this can be advantageous in macro video. The Nikon d850 has a slightly higher image quality, but if video is your main concern, this camera wins.

Canon 5D IV Highlights

Underwater Housing Options for the Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3

The Canon SL3 is a unique camera in the dSLR space. Nicknamed “mini-dSLR”, this tiny interchangeable lens camera packs some incredible features, just like its larger counterparts, but without compromising on size.

For underwater photographers – this is perfect! We all want excellent quality but hate lugging huge gear across the world.

Thanks to the small size of the SL3, Ikelite’s engineers managed to fit it into their standard mirrorless housing which makes it easier to travel with and more affordable.

Cropped sensors are often favored by underwater photographers because the cameras are slightly smaller and lighter than full frame dSLRs and the crop factor gives extra magnification in macro photography. It allows for the use of the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens, which is a favorite among underwater photographers. DSLRs outcompete mirrorless cameras when it comes to fast-action photography such as big animals because autofocus is faster and this is key when you may only have one change to get the shot of a shark or dolphin.

Ikelite’s housing allows you to use all important lenses – Tokina 10-17mm and Canon 10-18mm for wide angle, Canon 60mm and Canon 100mm for macro.

Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 Highlights

Underwater Housing Options for the Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3

Conclusion

Choosing the best underwater camera for you might sounds like a daunting task, but remember this – it’s not the camera, but the person behind it!

With the right tool, it may be easier or faster to get good results, but in the end it’s all about improving your photography skills, deepening your understanding and knowledge of the technical terms and the artistic elements, practicing as much as you can and, most important – improving your diving skills! Great underwater photography starts from your fins and works its way up. Not the other way around.

Improving your diving skills is by far the most important thing you can do to become a better underwater photographer.

If you need help choosing the best camera for you, don’t hesitate to contact us via the online chat on the website!