Selects: Top 6 Cameras for Underwater Photography

If you’re interested in getting started with underwater photography but you aren’t sure what kit to get, this article will get you started. Whether you’re looking for cameras with or without waterproof housing, keep reading to learn more.

Cameras without waterproof housing

Want to dive in straight away without having to fix waterproof housing around your camera? These cameras from Nikon and GoPro are ready to use underwater.

1. Nikon 1 AW1

The Nikon 1 AW1 allows you to capture imagery above and below the water, capturing all your underwater adventures with a single, waterproof camera. With the ease of a DSLR, and the creative versatility of a compact, and tough housing to withstand extreme temperatures and saltwater, you can get closer to the action than ever before.

You can take this camera diving at a depth of 15m [49ft] and track your underwater depth with the dual altimeter/depth gauge. It has special settings for some undersea artistry and reproduces colours beneath the ocean, lake, or pool in all their natural beauty. The extra space between control buttons makes it easier operation if you are wearing and the outdoor display mode makes it easier to read when shooting in murky underwater conditions. It features a built-in, compact flash that helps illuminates your subject, which is helpful for shooting fish and coral.

2. GoPro HERO 7 Black

Whether you're a first-time GoPro user or a seasoned veteran, the GoPro Hero7 Black is a great action camera to capture your underwater subjects. It’s small and rugged, captures 1080p video, and 12-megapixel photos and features pretty good image quality. The Hero7 is waterproof to 10m [33ft] without housing. Smart capture options mean the camera automatically sends footage to your phone when it's shot. And with a new dedicated button, you can share your highlights as soon as you're done without missing a beat.

3. The GoPro HERO5 Black

Or, if you’re on a tighter budget, the GoPro Hero5 Black is still a powerful tool for shooting underwater video, whether snorkelling, freediving or scuba diving. It delivers professional-level video, is small and easy to travel with, and comes at a great price point compared to a compact camera and housing kits. The HERO 5 is also the first GoPro that holds its own in underwater photography, aided greatly by the built-in screen and RAW file format.

Cameras with underwater housing

If you’re happy dealing with a little extra bulkiness when you’re shooting underwater, then these cameras are a great fit for the many options of underwater housing available.

4. Panasonic DMC-LX100

The Panasonic DMC-LX100 brings 4K video capabilities to the table. This camera features a tiltable screen, opening up options for taking photos above and below the water. It also has a very fast shutter speed, making it a perfect fit for divers who want to capture beautiful moments quickly and easily. You will need housing at an additional cost to use this camera underwater.

5. Sony RX100 VII 

The Sony RX100 VII performs well above the waves and underwater—all you need is your waterproof housing. It has amazing stabilisation and a 24-200mm lens that helps capture clarity and depth in every detail. Its updated sensor and single burst shooting allows you to freeze those underwater subjects.

6. Olympus E-M1 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a lightweight and durable camera, featuring high-speed shooting, a 20-megapixel sensor, image stabilisation and 4k video recording. For more control, you can set up an advanced autofocus system to aid in your underwater photography. Accessories are available for this camera, including the PT-EP14 UW case, making it waterproof to up to 60m [196ft].