Best Underwater Cameras for Scuba Diving: My Top Picks
Underwater photography is a great hobby for scuba divers to take up as it offers a unique way to capture the beauty of the ocean. Before getting started, divers need to take some time to choose the right equipment that will suit their needs.
From budget to practicality, selecting the right camera for your underwater adventures is key to getting the best shots. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know to choose the right underwater camera and setup for you.
Ikelite underwater housing with a dome port, washed up on shore after braving the depths.
Before You Start
Before you start trying underwater photography, you must have mastered your diving skills first. Good buoyancy control is crucial as it ensures you can navigate the waters safely and responsibly. Remember that you’ll probably be diving in fragile marine environments like corals, and you don’t want to damage them with your inexperience.
Even if you’re only using a small action camera, proper buoyancy is key to protecting both the ecosystem and the safety of yourself and other divers.
Before taking your camera underwater, you should first master using it above water. It’s much harder to adjust the settings and handle a camera while underwater, and if you’re not familiar with the controls, then you could miss capturing key moments.
If you can become comfortable with your camera on land, then you’ll be more prepared to make quick adjustments and get the perfect shot.
Types of Underwater Cameras
There are several types of underwater camera to choose from.
Action Cameras (Insta 360, GoPro, DJI Action 5)
Action cameras are relatively cheap, small, and easy to use for both videos and photos.
They are usually recommended for taking videos, but you can still capture some great photos with them too. Most brands that sell action cameras have a dedicated app that allows you to edit photos and videos quickly and conveniently.
Nowadays, there are many different action cameras available and they each offer unique features. One that stands out in the market is the Insta 360 which can film at 360 degrees, allowing you to record immersive videos that can later be reframed to focus on the more interesting parts of the dive. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for those who want to create engaging underwater content for social media or storytelling.
Surrounded by a swirl of fish, my wife captures the busy reef with her GoPro.
The Insta360 also offers waterproof housings that enable the camera to reach greater depths, making it suitable for a variety of underwater activities. It is compact and user-friendly, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced divers alike.
Other great action cameras on the market include the GoPro and DJI Action 5.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras (Olympus TG series, Sony RX)
All-around cameras, also known as point-and-shoot cameras, are the best options for divers who are just starting to get into underwater photography and want to expand their skills.
In my opinion, the Olympus TG and Sony RX series are the best all-round underwater cameras on the market right now.
The Olympus TG series is renowned for its durability and versatility, making it one of the best all-around options for underwater photography enthusiasts.
The latest model, the Olympus TG-6, stands out with its rugged, waterproof design that allows it to be used at depths of up to 15 meters (50 feet) without any additional housing. For deeper dives, a compatible underwater housing can be added to extend its depth range.
The camera features specialized modes for wide-angle, macro, and super macro photography, enabling divers to capture both stunning reefscapes and tiny critters with remarkable detail.
Its ease of use, robust construction, and reliable performance make the TG series a favorite among beginners and intermediate underwater photographers.
Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras (Interchangeable Lens Cameras)
For people who are thinking about upping their photography game, I would recommend purchasing an interchangeable lens camera. Having a camera in which the lens can be changed to fit different requirements offers the best optical quality. Keep in mind though, that having a better quality kit also comes with a bigger price tag!
Every lens requires a specific port system, and you’ll likely want a few different lens types so that you’re not limited on what you can shoot. For example, if you purchase a macro lens you will only be able to photograph macro subjects.
Capturing the beauty of the deep with a Mirrorless setup.
The underwater housing gear for interchangeable lens cameras can be pricey and be prepared for the gear to be heavy and bulky. Traveling with bulky and expensive camera gear can be quite challenging, but it’ll certainly be worth it for the moments that you’ll be able to capture.
Wide-angle and macro lenses are the most commonly used in underwater photography, so they will likely be the starting points of your kit. Wide-angle lenses help to capture large subjects like sharks and reefscapes, whereas a macro lens is the best for small, detailed critters.
Underwater Housing
The underwater housing you use with your camera is almost as important as the camera itself.
Nowadays, there are many reputable housing brands that offer different options depending on your diving needs. Some of my personal favorites are below:
Ikelite - Known for their durable and reliable housings, they offer housing that fit a wide range of cameras from action cameras to DSLRs and mirrorless systems. Their clear housings are particularly great as they make it easy to spot any leaks or issues before diving.
Nauticam - Nauticam is a premium brand offering high-quality housings for professional and advanced photographers. Their housings are well-known for their ergonomic design, durability, and innovative features. They also provide a wide range of accessories including lens ports and viewfinders.
Sea & Sea - This brand offers housings for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras, focusing on precision engineering and user-friendly controls. Sea & Sea also produces some of the best underwater strobes on the market making them a go-to choice for photographers looking to enhance their lighting setup.
Aquatica - Aquatica specializes in sturdy aluminum housings that can withstand harsh underwater conditions. They offer housings for various camera models and have a strong reputation for their quality craftsmanship and robust construction.
Subal - A high-end housing brand that is often used by professional underwater photographers. Subal housings are built from high-grade aluminum and are designed to allow a camera’s settings to be controlled precisely. They are known for their reliability and ruggedness, which comes at a higher price point.
Fantasea - Fantasea provides affordable housing options for compact and mirrorless cameras. They are a great entry-level option for those who want to get started with underwater photography without investing too heavily.
Isotta - An Italian brand that offers high-quality, bright-red housings that are easily recognizable whilst underwater. Isotta housings are designed for various camera types and have gained a reputation for their innovative designs and reliable performance.
Face-to-face with a school of vibrant yellow snappers. Equipped with dual strobes, this setup captures the vivid colors and details in low-light conditions.
Importance of Lighting In Underwater Photography
Lighting is a very important element in underwater photography because of the way that water absorbs light and color. This means that even the best cameras can struggle in low-light conditions. As you dive deeper, vibrant colors like reds and yellows will quickly fade leaving your photos looking dull and blue-tinted.
Using strobes or video lights helps to restore these lost colors, bringing your images back to life. This is especially important for cameras with limited low-light capabilities. Investing in good lighting accessories can really improve your photos and make a noticeable difference in the detail of your underwater shots.
lluminating the hidden wonders of the reef, this diver gets up close with a compact underwater macro setup with dual flexible lights.
Things To Consider Before Buying an Underwater Camera
Buying an underwater camera can be a pretty big investment, so it’s important to think things through before making the jump.
In my opinion, these are the most important things you need to consider.
Budget Considerations
Before investing in an underwater camera, it’s important to think about your budget and how often you plan to dive.
For occasional scuba divers, an expensive setup like a full mirrorless or DSLR system may not be the most practical choice.
In many cases, a higher-end action camera or a compact point-and-shoot can give you great results at a fraction of the cost, making them a more sensible option for those who don't dive frequently.
Travel and Practicality
Travel is another key factor to consider when choosing an underwater camera. Action cameras and compact point-and-shoots are much easier to pack and transport, which is especially helpful for divers traveling to remote locations.
Traveling with expensive gear requires more planning, so consider how you will transport your equipment safely and securely during any upcoming dives you have planned.
Upgradability and Future-Proofing
If you are serious about getting into underwater photography, it’s worth investing in a system that allows for future upgrades. A mirrorless setup, for example, offers room to expand over time. You can gradually add accessories like strobes, focus lights, and better-quality underwater housing as your skills improve.
Ergonomics and Handling Underwater
Something that can be overlooked is the ergonomics of a camera, which affects how comfortably you can operate it underwater. Larger cameras, such as DSLRs, usually require both hands to manage which can impact your buoyancy control.
How easy a camera is to use is essential, particularly for beginners, as they need to stay focused on diving safely. Opting for a camera that’s easy to use underwater will make your diving and photography experience more enjoyable.
