Underwater Cameras for Scuba Diving – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

So you’re in the market for your first underwater camera, but you have no idea how to start, no background in photography, and are utterly lost. Picking a camera that is right for you can be a mine field and an information overload, especially when you’re spending a lot of money and investing in equipment. So you need to make sure you won’t be disappointed with your underwater camera’s abilities once you start using it.

We’ve spoken before about underwater photography tips, but in this article we will help you compare the differences between types of underwater cameras, then look at features to look for in cameras when making your decision on which one to purchase. It’s a beautiful world down there, so let us help you capture it in the best way possible!

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What are the different types of cameras?

Action Cameras

These simple point and shoot cameras, such as GoPro, usually feature a built-in fish eye lens. More recently, some even have a 360º lens. These are super simple to use and are an easy way to document your dive. However, if you’re really looking to get into underwater photography or videography you may find the features quite limiting.

Compact Cameras

These are essentially point and shoot cameras. Compacts come with a huge range of features depending on how much money you want to spend. While the cheaper ones can leave a lot to be desired, the top of the range models pack some incredible capabilities.

Some can even rival DSLRs for a fraction of the price. These are a great place to start with underwater photography – they will allow you to grow your skills without being too overwhelming to start off with. 

Mirrorless Cameras 

Mirrorless cameras are a great middle ground between compacts and DSLRs. They offer better optics, larger sensors, interchangeable lenses and great image quality. They are smaller than DSLRs, but still produce high-quality photos.

DSLR Cameras

DSLRs are the best type of camera you can get. They provide the best images as they have the best sensors, best lenses and all-round best performance. They often have very little lag between pressing the shutter button and capturing the shot.

However, they are huge, they weigh a lot, and the camera and housing will easily set you back a few thousand pounds. It’s important to note that buying great gear doesn’t equal great shots, so wait until your photography has really developed before splashing the cash on the professional rigs. 

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Deciding factors when picking a camera

• Can it shoot in full manual mode?

If you can considering purchasing an external strobe at some point, you really need to be able to shoot in manual and have full control over exposure and how much ambient light enters the camera.

• Housing availability 

Does the camera you’ve chosen have housings available from different brands so you can shop around? And are they reasonably priced? Are all of the camera’s controls accessible through the housing? What type of connections are available for external strobes? Can you get wet lenses to fit this housing?

• Good macro mode and the ability to get close to your subject

Look at the closest focussing distant. This is usually around 5cm in compacts (although some can get closer… Olympus TG5!)

• Ability to shoot in RAW

Always good to have the option, especially if you plan on working on your images afterwards in Lightroom or Photoshop

• Manual white balance

This makes a huge difference in underwater photography, make this feature high on your priority list. Especially important if shooting with ambient light as it will reduce the overwhelming “blueness” of your photos. A red filter on the front of your lens will not do anywhere near as good a job as custom white balance.

• Housing accessibility

Can you adjust aperture and shutter speed easily underwater? Are all features on the camera accessible through the housing?

• Strobes 

Can you attach strobes easily and how do they fire? Some use sync cords, others use the cameras pop up flash which can be slow to recycle and can use up battery life.

• Megapixels vs Sensor size

Don’t be fooled by the megapixel count, sensor size is a much more indicative measurement of image resolution.

• Other features

Shutter lag time, battery life, ability to view a histogram, good auto focusing capability.

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The best underwater cameras and their pros and cons