One of the best things about going on underwater adventures is that it gives you the opportunity to observe and experience a whole other world—an exciting, mysterious, and almost alien world that one can only find within the depths of the sea. And of course, when one encounters such beauty and wonder, it never hurts to have a trusty waterproof camera on hand for immortalizing those unforgettable sights and experiences.
Underwater photography requires a camera that possesses the features and specifications needed for handling the unique difficulties of underwater shooting. Therefore, when buying an underwater camera, there are a few things you will need to consider, such as depth rating, aperture and ISO range, manual capabilities, and image resolution.
Whether you’re looking to capture stunning coral reefs, majestic marine animals, or mysterious underwater caves, we’ve listed some of the best underwater cameras that are specifically built and designed to help you document your next deep-sea dive.
Best Underwater Cameras for Scuba Diving in 2018
In order to take amazing underwater photos, you’ll need a camera that has impressive low-light capabilities and a depth rating of at least 100 feet. In this article, we’ve listed a few notable cameras (with and without housings) that will fit your skill level and diving photography needs.
- SeaLife SL512 Micro 2.0
- SeaLife SL740 DC2000
- GoPro HERO5 Black
- Intova HD Edge X
- Intova X2
- Canon G7 X Mark II with Fantasea Housing
- Canon G9 X Mark II with Fantasea Housing
- Sony RX100 V with Fantasea Housing
1. SeaLife SL512 Micro 2.0
SeaLife is known for producing some of the best underwater cameras made specifically for scuba diving—much like the SL512 Micro 2.0 Underwater Camera. It’s waterproof up to 200 feet (60.96 meters) without the need for a separate housing and has a compact, ergonomically designed body that is sturdy, shock-resistant, and permanently sealed to eliminate the possibility of flooding.
Armed with a 20mm fisheye lens and a large aperture of f/2.8, this camera allows you to record well-exposed full HD 1296p videos at 30fps (and 1080p at 60fps) or capture sharp, 16-megapixel photos with a 130-degree field of view.
Other special features include a 2.4-inch LCD screen; a picture-in-video function that allows you to take stills while recording a video; time-lapse shooting; and underwater scene modes that help with color correction and automatic exposure control in both shallow and deep waters.
The SL512 has 64GB internal memory, but if you can do with a smaller 32GB memory, you can go for the more affordable SeaLife SL510 Micro 2.0.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 200ft (60.96m)
- 1/2.3in 16MP Sony CMOS Image Sensor
- 20mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens
- Full HD 1296p Video Recording at 30 fps
- 16MP Still Image Resolution (4608×3072)
- Up to 5fps in Burst Mode, 1-2fps in Continuous Mode
- JPEG Image File Format
- ISO Range: 100-800
- 64GB Internal Memory
- 2.4in TFT Color LCD Display
- Wi-Fi, USB Port
2. SeaLife SL740 DC2000
Another favorite from the SeaLife underwater camera line is the SL740 DC2000 Digital Camera, which features a more powerful and enlarged 1-inch Sony® BSI CMOS image sensor that produces higher quality 20-megapixel photos and full HD 1080p videos at a speedy frame rate of 60fps for sharper and clearer imagery.
As expected, this SeaLife camera has the standard waterproof depth rating of 200 feet (60.96 meters) for deep-sea scuba diving. Users will love using its eight shooting modes, one of which offers the freedom to adjust manual exposure settings. Other shooting modes include aperture, shutter, intelligent auto, underwater, land, and panorama to help you achieve the best settings possible for every shooting situation.
The DC2000 also has several advanced features like RAW (Adobe .dng) image format shooting, high-speed autofocusing, fast 0.1-second shutter response, and three digital color correction filters for underwater shooting, making it the ideal underwater camera for both mid-level and advanced underwater photographers who want ultra-fast, high-resolution photography.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 200ft (60.96m)
- 1in 20MP Sony BSI CMOS Sensor
- 31mm f/1.8 Lens
- 1080p Full HD Video Recording at 60fps
- 20MP Still Image Resolution (5472 x 3648)
- 3x Digital Zoom
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Up to 10fps Continuous Shooting
- RAW, JPEG, DNG Image File Formats
- ISO Range: 125-25600
- 3in LCD Monitor (Approx. 920K Dots)
- 80MB Internal Memory
- microSDHC/microSDXC/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
3. GoPro HERO5 Black
If you want a good underwater camera that you can also use for adventures above sea level, GoPro has enabled their latest, sophisticated line of Hero cameras to be used at depths past its regular 33 feet (10 meters) limit with the help of their Super Suit Dive Housing. With this heavy duty protective housing, the GoPro HERO5 Black Edition Action Camera can be used up to 196 feet (59.7 meters) underwater.
Compared to its predecessor, the HERO5 features a brighter and sharper 2-inch touchscreen display on the back panel, which makes it easier to navigate the menu controls (even in shallow waters) and allows you to tap specific areas of the frame for manual exposure control.
The HERO5 captures amazing wide-angle 4K video at up to 30fps, 12-megapixel images (as JPEG and RAW), and takes burst shots at up to 30fps so you don’t miss any moments.
If you want 4K underwater videos with an even faster frame rate of 60fps, you can get the GoPro HERO6 Black with the Super Suit Dive Housing.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 33ft (10m) without housing / 196ft (59.7m) with housing
- 12MP CMOS Sensor
- Ultra Wide-Angle Lens
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30fps
- 12MP Still Image Resolution
- Digital Image Stabilization
- Up to 30fps Continuous Shooting
- RAW & JPEG Image File Formats
- 2in LCD Touch Screen Display
- MicroSD Memory Card Slot
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
4. Intova HD Edge X with Housing
Due to its small, lightweight, and durable body, the Intova HD Edge X Waterproof Action Camera makes for a more affordable option than the GoPro. You don’t get 4K video, but you can record full HD 1080p videos at a whopping 60fps, take slightly bigger 12-megapixel photos at 4000×3000, and capture slow-motion video at 240fps. It also has a motion detection feature that enables it to automatically record video upon detecting movement (and stop after five seconds if there is no further motion) and a useful picture-in-video function—similar to the SeaLife underwater cameras—that allows you to take photos while simultaneously recording video.
The Intova HD Edge X camera’s most unique characteristic is its unibody design, which means its parts are built directly into the rubberized housing. This allows it to be waterproof at up to 330 feet (or 100 meters) underwater. Also, with a fixed 160-degree ultra-wide lens and digital zoom up to 60x, you can fit more of the scene into the frame or capture scenes and subjects from a great distance.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 330ft (100m)
- 1/2.3in 12MP CMOS Sensor
- 160-Degree Fixed Ultra-Wide Lens
- 1080p Full HD Video Recording at 60fps
- 12MP Still Image Resolution (4000×3000)
- Up to 30fps Continuous Shooting
- Slow-Motion Video at 240 fps (848×480)
- 60x Digital Zoom
- 1.5in TFT LCD Display
- microSD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
- Wi-Fi, USB Port
5. Intova X2 with Housing
You’ll notice that the Intova X2 Marine Grade Action Camera is the only camera on this list with a built-in light source, which provides bright 150-lumen flashes or constant light to aid you in taking well-lit photos and videos in dark shooting conditions. It also has an impressive depth rating of 330 feet (100 meters) and takes fairly high-quality 16-megapixel photos and full HD videos at a maximum of 1920x1200p (at up to 60fps) with its f/2.5 wide angle lens.
The camera works with the dedicated Intova App for controlling camera functions, previewing live video feeds, and sharing your media online with your iOS or Android device. Aside from all of those, you get ISO sensitivity of up to 800, burst photo mode up to 30fps, a self-timer up to 10 seconds long, a built-in microphone for capturing clear sound while recording video, and a memory card slot to fit a microSD card that’s up to 64GB so you don’t have to limit your creativity underwater.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 330ft (100m)
- 1/2.3in 16MP Panasonic MN34120 CMOS Sensor
- 170-Degree f/2.5 Wide-Angle Lens
- 1200p/1080p Full HD Video Recording at 60fps
- 16MP Still Image Resolution
- 60x Digital Zoom
- Up to 30fps Continuous Shooting
- JPEG Image File Format
- ISO Range: 100-800 (Auto)
- 2in TFT LCD Display
- Built-In Photo Flash & Video Light
- MicroSD/HC/XC Memory Card Slot
6. Canon G7 X Mark II with Fantasea FG7X II Housing
For this last bunch of cameras on our list, we feature powerful yet compact cameras along with a high-quality Fantasea camera housing that’s specifically built to fit each camera. First is the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II compact digital camera, bundled with a dedicated Fantasea FG7X II underwater housing that gives it a depth rating of 200 feet (or 60.96 meters). The housing itself is ergonomically designed and features labeled controls, allowing it to protect the camera without limiting its functionality.
It can also accommodate 67mm wet lenses and filters from both Canon and Fantasea’s own “F” series line.
As for the camera itself, the G7 X Mark II boasts of a 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows you to capture 20.1-megapixel photos and full HD 1080p videos with its very own 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens. It also features 4.2x optical zoom (aside from the 4x digital zoom) for lossless image magnification, max ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800, high-speed continuous shooting of up to 8fps, the capability to shoot RAW+JPEG images, and a 3-inch wide rear tilting touch screen LCD monitor for incredible shooting versatility and high quality results during every dive.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 200ft (60m) with housing
- 1in 20.1MP BSI CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 Canon Zoom Lens
- 1080p Full HD Video Recording at 60fps
- 20MP Still Image Resolution (5472×3648)
- 4.2x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom
- Intelligent IS Image Stabilization
- ISO Range: 125-12800
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting up to 8fps
- RAW, JPEG, RAW+JPEG Image File Formats
- 3in Tilting Touch Screen LCD Display (Approx. 1.04m Dots)
- SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
- Wi-Fi with NFC, USB 2.0, Micro USB, HDMI D (Micro)
7. Canon G9 X Mark II with Fantasea FG9X II Housing
What’s striking about the Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II is it’s noticeably smaller and more lightweight body compared to the G7 X Mark II. Still, it offers the same impeccable shooting performance and high-quality imaging results.
The zoom lens on the G9 X Mark II is slightly less wide with a shorter focal reach at 28-84mm, but has a comparable f/2.0 aperture for brighter shots. Optical zoom is only up to 3x and the camera can only shoot separate JPEG and RAW images. The wide 3-inch LCD display on the G9 X Mark II is also no longer tiltable, but has the same touch screen capabilities for quick and convenient camera control.
With the matching Fantasea G9 X II housing that’s specifically designed for the G9 X Mark II, you can also take the camera up to 200 feet (60.96 meters) underwater with no flooding or water pressure problems.
Of the three camera-and-housing bundles featured on this list, the Canon G9 X Mark II and Fantasea FG9 X Mark II camera bundle is the more affordable option that will at least give you the same image and video quality in a much slimmer body—without the need to spend more than $1000.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 200ft (60.96m)
- 1in 20.1MP CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 28-84mm f/2.0 Zoom Lens
- 1080p Full HD Video Recording at 60fps
- 20MP Still Image Resolution (5472 x 3648)
- 3x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom
- Intelligent IS Image Stabilization
- ISO Range: 125-12800
- Up to 8.2fps Continuous Shooting
- JPEG & RAW Image File Formats
- 3in Touch Screen LCD Display (Approx. 1.04m Dots)
- SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
- Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, USB 2.0, HDMI D (Micro)
8. Sony RX100 V with Fantasea FRX100 V Housing
Closing this list is the new and improved Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V with its matching Fantasea FRX100 V housing. This compact Sony digital camera features the excellent image quality and high-speed performance that the RX100 V line is known for, thanks to its powerful 1-inch 20.1-megapixel Exmor RS back-illuminated CMOS sensor, BIONZ X Processor, and 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens (with a built-in ND filter).
With the RX100 V, you get higher-quality 4K UHD video at up to 30fps, stunning slow-motion video at 960fps, a highly-sophisticated Fast Hybrid AF System with over 300 phase-detect and contrast-detect AF points, and faster burst mode shooting at up to 24fps. It also has digital zoom up to 11x, a 3-inch wide tilting LCD screen, and a wide ISO sensitivity range of 80-12,800.
Add the Fantasea FRX100 V camera housing and you get to utilize these amazing features both on land and 200 feet (60.96 meters) underwater.
Key Specifications:
- Depth Rating: 200ft (60.96m)
- 1in 20.1MP Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Processor
- 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens with ND Filter
- Internal 4K UHD (2160p) Video Recording at 30fps
- 20MP Still Image Resolution (5472 x 3648)
- 2.9x Optical Zoom, 5.8x Clear Image Zoom, 11x Digital Zoom
- ISO Range: 80-12800
- Up to 24fps Continuous Shooting
- JPEG & RAW Image File Formats
- 3in Tilting LCD Screen (Approx. 1.22m Dots)
- Memory Stick PRO Duo / SD Memory Card Slot
- Wi-Fi, Micro-USB, USB 2.0, HDMI D (Micro)
