When taking pictures on a DSLR it’s not just about the lens but also about the camera you use for it. There are different kinds of lenses for videos and especially for photography — some are better than others. Let me show you the best landscape lens for nikon z6 in this blog post.

There are plenty of landscape lenses for Nikon cameras out there, but they don’t all fit your budget, your specifications and your photography style. This guide is designed to help you choose the perfect landscape lens for your Nikon F-mount mirrorless camera.

Best underwater camera for kids

If you are into photography then the best landscape lens for nikon fx is the nikon af-s nikkor 70-200mm f/4g if you don’t have a lot of money and need to go with a cheaper alternative then go with the nikon d7500 it doesn’t have as many megapixels but I think it’s worth it.

How do you take landscape photos with a DSLR camera? The answer is easy: You use a lens designed for taking landscape photos. Nikon uses the brand name “Nikon G prime” and there are three main options that are used by photographers worldwide.

Using the right lens for your camera is essential for creating beautiful landscape photography. The wrong lens will create blurry shots that look unattractive. However, lenses aren’t just for cameras; they’re also used on cameras phones and even point and shoot models. I have tested many different lenses ranging from budget to professional models in my quest to find the best landscape lens for nikon z6 or any other camera.

I’m a huge fan of photography and the land around us. So much so, I didn’t just take this lens out of the box but used it for three days straight. This is one of my favorite lenses for nikon dx because it captures amazing landscapes in a way that’s hard to get with other lenses.

Best Scuba Diving Camera For Beginners

In this post, I will share with you the best scuba diving camera for beginners. If you’re struggling to decide on what the best underwater camera is for you, then continue reading for some tips and recommendations.

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We provide the best professional underwater camera anywhere in the world with great designs, values, and styles.  You can choose from a variety of Samsung camera designs. The solaroidenergy official website is the best place to purchase the best budget underwater camera. Samsung cameras are among the most popular cameras on the market. Find out more about the best gopro for scuba diving 2021 on our site. You can choose from a variety of scuba diving cameras right now. Choose now!

Best Scuba Diving Camera For Beginners

BEST SCUBA DIVING CAMERAS FOR BEGINNER UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHERS IN 2021

Best Scuba Diving Cameras For Beginner Underwater Photographers in 2021

The links below may be affiliate links. If you shop through them, I’ll earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.

In this post, I will share with you the best scuba diving camera for beginners. If you’re struggling to decide on what the best underwater camera is for you, then continue reading for some tips and recommendations.

One of the most common questions I get asked is “What underwater camera do you use?” or “What camera do you recommend for scuba diving?”

While it is easy to blurt out the brand and model, the truth is sometimes it’s not as simple as that. I have purchased several “first scuba diving camera” Mostly because of the many stages of diving and learning I was in.

To help you determine the best scuba diving camera for you, I will share with you my personal experience, thought process and considerations when choosing my first scuba diving camera.

I will share with you how I ended up with the brands and models I now use as well as my experience with using them. Hopefully, my personal experiences will help you choose the best scuba diving camera for you.

This list contains recommendations for scuba divers who have minimal or no experience in photography. If you want to take an underwater camera with you on your next dive trip, here are my top recommendations for the best scuba diving cameras for beginners.

BEST UNDERWATER ACTION CAMERAS

  • Nikon Coolpix W300 on Amazon
  • GoPro Hero 9 on Amazon
  • Paralenz Vaquita on Amazon

BEST UNDERWATER COMPACT CAMERAS

  • Olympus Tough TG6 on Amazon
  • Canon Power Shot G7X Mark III on Amazon
  • Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII on Amazon

This list has been updated based on the latest models in the market and my personal choices which I would consider buying at this point in time.Table Of Contents

  1. My Personal Choice of Underwater Camera for Scuba Diving
  2. Best Underwater Action Cameras Recommendations for 2021
  3. Best Underwater Compact Camera for Beginners Recommendation for 2021
  4. Criteria for Choosing the Best Scuba Diving Camera for You

MY PERSONAL CHOICE OF UNDERWATER CAMERA FOR SCUBA DIVING

After a ton of research on what was the best scuba diving camera for beginners, I ended up purchasing a Nikon AW130 as my first point and shoot underwater camera. This was back in 2016.

NIKON COOLPIX AW130

I decided to get this particular model because of the following reasons:

  • Point and shoot camera which meant I didn’t have to think about the settings.
  • It had an underwater mode which helped reduce the blue or green color cast at certain depths.
  • Excellent depth rating. It is a waterproof camera that can go up to 100 feet. This was a huge consideration for me as I did not want to buy an underwater housing due to bulkiness and budget constraints. When the Nikon AW130 was released it had one of the best depth ratings going 10 feet deeper than its competitors in the waterproof camera category.
  • It fit my budget. I didn’t want to purchase anything expensive. At the time of purchase (in 2016) I was only diving one 1-2x a year.
  • Easy to travel with for someone who liked traveling light. The unit itself could fit in my pocket and it didn’t have a bulky charger.
  • I could use it for other outdoor activities and not just for diving.

For me, the major downside of getting the Nikon AW130 was that there was limited opportunities to grow as an underwater photographer. I realized that I also enjoyed sharing my dives to a larger audience and ultimately wanted to advocate for the ocean.

And while the Nikon AW130 was great to document memories, you can only do so much with a point and shoot camera in terms of quality. I also realized that I enjoyed taking underwater videos as much as I loved photography. I did not consider this when I purchased the Nikon AW130.

While it was able to deliver as mentioned above eventually I felt very constrained and limited. I had quickly outgrown the Nikon AW130 because of my desire to create and share my work.

I would recommend it to someone who just wants photos for keepsake purposes. The Nikon AW130 is great for anyone who does not have a background in photography but simply wants some souvenir of their adventures underwater.Buy a Nikon Coolpix AW130 on Amazon

CANON POWER SHOT G7X MARK II + FANTASEA HOUSING

Canon PowerShot Digital Camera G7 X Mark II
Fantasea FG7X II A Vacuum Housing Compatible with Canon G7 X Mark II Camera

When I realized I enjoyed both underwater photography and videography, I decided it was time for another upgrade. After doing another round of research on the best scuba diving camera for beginners, I decided to get a Canon Power Shot G7X Mark II with a Fantasea Underwater Casing (my review).

Underwater Camera Gear Flatlay
My current camera gear and accessories: Canon G7X M2 + Fantasea Housing

This underwater camera for scuba diving checked almost all the requirements I had.

  • Able to take quality photos and videos
  • Able to shoot in RAW for post-processing
  • Multiple camera settings like Manual Mode that will allow me to shoot in different conditions on land and underwater
  • Versatile so I can use it for both scuba diving and travel photos
  • Fits my budget
  • Compact and easy to travel with
  • Something I can use with strobes and wet lenses

I have been using this underwater camera since 2018 and have no complaints. Most of the photos and videos you see on my website were taken using this underwater camera. I think this is the best underwater camera for scuba diving because it’s been able to deliver in terms of quality and budget.Check price of Canon Power Shot G7X MII on AmazonCheck price of Fantasea Housing on Amazon

BEST UNDERWATER ACTION CAMERAS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2021

From the time I purchased my underwater cameras a few years ago, many newer models have been released into the market. Here are my top choices for point and shoot, underwater cameras that are simple to operate and use.

Nikon W300 Waterproof Underwater Digital Camera with TFT LCD, 3', Black (26523)
GoPro HERO9 Black - Waterproof Action Camera
PARALENZ Vaquita Underwater 4K Camera – 12MP, OLED Display, Waterproof to 350m, WiFi, GPS, Automatic Depth-Controlled Color Correction, Dive Camera

Camera Specifications Comparison:

SpecificationsNikon Coolpix W300GoPro Hero9 Paralenz Vaquita
Max Resolution4608 x 3456
Effective Pixels16 megapixels20 megapixels12 megapixels
Sensor Size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
ISOAuto, 125-6400
White Balance5 Presets with Custom White Balance
Photo FormatJpegRawRaw and Jpeg
VideoUp to 4KUp to 5KUp to 4K
Focal Length24–120 mm
Optical Zoom5x
Max ApertureF2.8–4.9
Screen Size3″2″0.95″
Live ViewYesYesYes
Battery Life (shots)280
Built-in FlashYesNoNo
Aperture PriorityNoNoNo
Shutter PriorityNoNoNo
ManualModeNoNoNo
WaterproofUp to 30m (100ft)Up to 10m (33ft)Up to 350m (1149 ft)
Year ReleasedMay 2017September 2020April 2021

NIKON COOLPIX W300

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is a waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof camera you would want to take with you in your adventures. It can take 4K Ultra HD video and 16 MP photos. It has 20 common Scene Modes like Night Landscape or Portrait. Additional features include built in GPS, eCompass, altimeter, depth gauge Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®.

If you’re considering getting a Nikon AW130, I would recommend upgrading to this instead. This is the more recent and upgraded version of that model.

This camera costs one of the more affordable underwater diving cameras for beginners in this recommendation list.

NIKONW300 PROS

  • waterproof up to 30m (100 feet) so no underwater casing required
  • Underwater Scene Mode to enhance colors
  • easy to use for different activities
  • budget friendly
  • 4K video recording

NIKON W300 CONS

  • waterproof only up to 30m limited to use for deeper dives
  • short battery life
  • limited options for accessories

Buy Nikon Coolpix W300 on Amazon


GOPRO HERO 9

The GoPro is a popular choice as an underwater action camera for beginners. I am thinking of getting this one next to add on to my existing setup.

GO PRO HERO 9 PROS

  • point and shoot easy to handle
  • front-facing LCD perfect for selfies underwater 1.4-inch front color display,
  • action camera great for any outdoor activity above or underwater
  • can deliver quality videos up to 5K
  • great for wide-angle
  • availability of casing and accessories

GO PRO HERO 9 CONS

  • waterproof to only 10ft, underwater housing required
  • challenging to take macro or close up shots, will need to purchase accessories
  • additional costs for housing and accessories

Buy GoPro Hero 9 on Amazon


PARALENZ VAQUITA

Paralenz Vaquita is a small yet powerful underwater camera developed primarily for divers. It’s is able to capture ocean life while displaying your dive profile like current depth and temperature.

One of the outstanding features of the Paralenz Dive Camera is its patented depth-controlled color correction (DCC). This means that it can automatically adjust the white balance of your recording to the depth you’re diving at.

The Paralenz Vaquita is among the higher priced point and shoot underwater camera.

PARALENZ VAQUITA PROS

  • developed primarily for scuba diving
  • depth-controlled color correction
  • has a unique set of sensors that automatically track ocean data which scientists can use
  • does not need underwater casing and filters
  • shaped to fit nicely in the palm of your hand and can easily be operated with neoprene gloves
  • attachable to your mask or gear
  • waterproof up to 350m

PARALENZ VAQUITA CONS

  • designed mostly for underwater
  • small LCD screen
  • more expensive compared to other point and shoot cameras

Order a Paralenz Vaquita


BEST UNDERWATER COMPACT CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS RECOMMENDATION FOR 2021

If you have a bit more experience with photography and are looking for something that will give you opportunities to grow as an underwater photographer, here are the three compact diving cameras you might want to consider.

OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera, Red
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III Digital 4K Vlogging Camera, Vertical 4K Video Support with Wi-Fi, NFC and 3.0-Inch Touch Tilt LCD, Black
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)

Camera Specifications Comparison:

SpecificationsOlympus Tough TG6Canon Powershot G7X MIIISony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII
Max Resolution4000 x 30005472 x 36485472 x 3648
Effective Pixels12 megapixels20 megapixels20 megapixels
Sensor Size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI-CMOS1″
(13.2mm x 8.8mm) BSI-CMOS
ISOAuto, 100-12800Auto, 125-12800 (expandable to 25600)Auto, 125 – 12,800
White Balance6 Presets, 4 custom WB for Photo Only6 Presets with Custom White Balance10 Presets with
Custom White Balance
Photo FormatRaw and JpegRaw and JpegRaw and Jpeg
Video FormatUp to 4KUp to 4KUp to 4K
Focal Length25–100 mm24–100 mm24–200 mm
Optical Zoom4x4.2x8.3x
Max ApertureF2–4.9F1.8–2.8F2.4-4.5
Screen Size3″3″3″
Live ViewYesYesYes
Battery Life340235260
Built-in FlashYesYesYes
Aperture PriorityYesYesYes
Shutter PriorityNo1/2000 – 30 sec1/2000 – 30 sec
Manual ModeNoYesYes
WaterproofUp to 15m (50ft)No (purchase UW housing)No (purchase UW housing)
Year ReleasedMay 2019July 2019July 2019

OLYMPUS TOUGH TG6

OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera, Red
OLYMPUS PT-059 Underwater Housing for The TG-6

The Olympus Tough TG6 is a favorite among scuba divers. While it does not have a manual setting mode, its macro capabilities are the rave among divers. It is also considered to be in the budget-friendly price range among the three with a basic set up costing below $1000.

You can easily upgrade your camera set up by adding 67mm thread wet lenses and strobes.

PROS

  • waterproof to up to 50 feet so you can use it without a case for shallow dives
  • underwater casings are available if you dive deeper
  • allows for additional accessories like wide-angle lenses and strobes
  • built-in underwater mode setting
  • comparatively longer battery life
  • 4K Video
  • budget-friendly

CONS

  • has a smaller sensor at 1/2.3″
  • no manual mode
  • confusing menus according to some users

Buy Olympus Tough TG6 on AmazonBuy Olympus Tough TG6 Underwater Casing on Amazon


CANON POWER SHOT G7X MIII

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III Digital 4K Vlogging Camera, Vertical 4K Video Support with Wi-Fi, NFC and 3.0-Inch Touch Tilt LCD, Black
Fantasea FG7X III

As previously mentioned, I currently use the Canon G7X MII which is the predecessor of the Canon Power Shot G7X MIII. The biggest difference between the two models is the 4K capabilities of the latest one.

Compared to the Olympus TG6, the Canon Power Shot G7X M3 is a bit more pricey at an estimated cost of USD750 for the camera and at least USD400 for the underwater casing. However, the bigger sensor, resolution, and its other feature like manual mode might be worth the additional cost for you.

I would recommend the Canon Power Shot G7X Series to anyone who wants to grow as a photographer. Similar to the TG6, the underwater casing available for the Canon G7X series allows for wide and macro 67mm wet lenses and filters. You can also add strobes and video lights to help enhance your photos and videos.

CANON G7X MIII PROS

  • quality photos and videos
  • underwater pre-sets and manual mode settings
  • variety of choices for underwater casing and accessories
  • considered to be one of the best vlogging cameras in the market

CANON G7X MIII CONS

  • requires underwater housing
  • shorter battery life compared to its predecessor
  • more expensive compared to the the MII considering the minimal upgrades

Buy Canon G7X MIII on Amazon Buy Canon G7X MIII Underwater Casing on Amazon


SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-RX100 VII

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera with 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor (DSCRX100M7)
Fantasea Line FRX100 VI Limited Edition for Sony RX100 VI with DiveCatalog's Coil Lanyard

Most underwater photographers are split between the Canon’s G7X Series and the Sony RX100 Series. In terms of camera specifications, there are not much difference between the two. So in my opinion it boils down to brand loyalty and pricing.

As someone who has been a Canon user most my life, brand was the reason why I ended up NOT purchasing the Sony RX 100. Using a Canon interface and menu was more simple for me. After trying the Sony RX100 in a camera store, I realized I did not want to go through the pains of having to learn a completely different interface. My familiarity with the brand was a big tipping point for me.

Another factor is pricing. The latest Sony RX100 VII is more expensive and it can be hard to justify the huge pricing disparity against the Canon G7X MIII. The Sony RX100 VII can retail at approximately USD1300 and underwater housing is approximately USD350 for the Fantasea FRX100 VI Limited Edition Housing.

PROS

  • quality photos and videos
  • excellent reviews from underwater photographers
  • variety of choices for underwater casing and accessories
  • better battery life and focal length compared to the Canon G7X MIII

CONS

  • requires underwater housing
  • more expensive than its competitors

Buy Sony RX100 VII Buy Sony RX100 VII Underwater Casing


Want to know what some of the professionals are using? Check out this post where these photographers share what cameras they use: 15 Amazing Women Underwater Photographers You Should Follow on Instagram

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING THE BEST SCUBA DIVING CAMERA FOR YOU

If you are buying a scuba diving camera for the first time, it helps to be clear on the following things:

  • why you want to get into underwater photography and your objectives
  • the budget you are working with
  • setting your requirements for camera features

Let’s get into the details below.

WHAT ARE YOUR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GOALS?

There are many reasons why scuba divers get into underwater photography or videography. You might want to do it just as a hobby while others might want to make money from photography.

Are you just using it just for your own personal memories? Maybe you want it to remember your dives and have something to look back to. Maybe once in a while, you want to show your family and friends what you did on your dive vacation.

You might be someone who is obsessed with logging your dives and maybe you want photo records of the different marine creatures you saw and where you saw them.

Does the thought of capturing what you experience underwater and showing it to the rest of the world excite you? Maybe you want to use your photography to create awareness about our oceans.

Or maybe you already know a bit of photography and want to expand your skills and experience.

You might be a a scientist or researcher and you need to buy a underwater camera for the first time for your work. Or maybe you dream of becoming a professional underwater photographer or videographer someday and don’t know where to start.

Understanding how you will be using your underwater camera will help you narrow down your options.

HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND FOR A DIVING CAMERA?

One of the biggest considerations when buying an underwater camera for scuba diving is the price. Buying underwater photography gear can be addicting and expensive!

Knowing your photography goals will help you plan long term and avoid costly mistakes. You could be buying something within your budget only to find out it’s not meeting your photography objectives.

When you’re buying underwater camera you will also have to consider the underwater housing and accessories you will need to buy. While you do not need buy everything at the same time, these are things you might want to consider budget-wise.

It’s great if you have a large disposable income and money is not an issue. But if you are not so lucky, then you need to find a good balance between what you think is the best underwater camera for you to achieve your goals while considering what you can afford.

Remember that a more expensive camera will not always mean better photos or videos. Underwater photography and videography require skills, talent, and experience. Many photographers are able to capture award-winning shots even by using underwater cameras recommended for beginners.

Tip: Write down all the needs and wants you have for your underwater set up. This will give you an idea as to how much you might be spending if you decide to go with a specific brand and model.urn:uuid:8626b0ef-ab42-b133-b4e6-b133ab428626

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN UNDERWATER CAMERA?

TYPE OF CAMERA

There are a lot of underwater camera you can choose from depending on where you are in your photography journey. Underwater cameras can be loosely classified as DSLRs, Mirrorless, and Compact.

DSLR Cameras works like the traditional film camera except it’s digital. It uses optics and mechanism of a single-lens reflex camera (SLR) with a digital imaging sensor serving as its film. Because of these mechanisms dSLRs tend to be heavier and bulkier.

The mirrorless camera is a recently developed camera. With the main difference that it no longer contains a mirror which the DSLRS needed to capture images. Instead light goes directly into the image sensor and you can get a preview of the image on the electric viewfinder or LCD monitor. Mirrorless cameras tend to be lighter and less bulky than dSLRs.

Mirrorless cameras and DSLR have more features and stronger shooting capabilities which is why professionals prefer using either of these two. Another distinct differentiation of the mirrorless and DSLR cameras is having interchangeable lenses. Having the option to change lenses that can make a huge difference in the outcome of an image. Because they are able to produce higher quality images and videos they are generally more expensive.

Compact cameras as the name suggests are smaller-sized cameras. They are basically the point-and-shoot cameras that do not require you to have much experience and photography knowledge to use them. Action cameras can also be classified in this category.

While they’re simple to operate compact cameras can still deliver quality results depending on the features and how much you are willing to pay.

If you have little to none knowledge and experience in photography or videography, compact cameras are a good place to start for beginners. They’re affordable and easy to use.

QUALITY OF PICTURES AND VIDEOS

Depending on your underwater photography goals, the quality of pictures and videos of each camera will play an important role in your decision making. To help you decide, you can check the specification resolution, effective pixels and sensor size of each model you are considering.

Is it a bad indicator if these specifications have “lower values”? Not necessarily! Again it all boils down on your personal goals and preference.

PHOTO FORMAT

There are a lot of scuba diving cameras available in the market and another important consideration is its ability to shoot in JPEG and in RAW.

While some people might be content in shooting in JPEG, you might want to consider having a camera shooting in RAW especially if you intend to post-process your work. To get the correct colors you will have to use softwares like Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance your image.

You can still edit JPEG photos, however, according to experts, shooting in RAW is better because it retains more information about the captured scene.

VIDEO FORMAT

You might want to check the video capabilities of your camera if you intend to take underwater video footage. Find out what size and quality your videos are able to take. Shooting in 4K setting seems to be all the rage now, but you might just be content in shooting in High Definition (HD) Settings.

If you are planning on selling your clips as stock footage, then you might need to find a camera that can deliver in the highest quality possible. You might also want to consider what format or minimum requirements you will need if you intend to do some video editing work.

SHOOTING MODES

Another criterion that you might find important is the shooting modes available. While some of you might be happy with a simple point and shoot camera, others might want something that has an aperture priority or manual setting.

Having a manual mode gives photographers more freedom and flexibility when it comes to camera settings. You can assign your own aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and many more settings. This gives you more control over the output of the photo.

CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE

You probably learned in your open water scuba diving course that at certain depths colors “disappear” or change. The deeper you go, the more blue or green everything seems.

As a photographer, you’ll even be more conscious of this. To compensate you can use accessories like video lights, strobes, filters. But you can also use your camera’s white balance.

If you know how to use your custom white balance setting, you can calibrate how your camera sees colors at any depth. The colors are rendered with more accuracy which is super important in underwater photography.

Some camera are able to give you custom white balance while others will not have this feature. The ability to set custom white balance is something you should consider when buying and underwater camera for beginners.

UNDERWATER HOUSING AND ACCESSORIES

Another consideration for choosing is the availability of underwater housing and accessories.

Best Scuba Diving Camera for beginners with Casing and Accessories

If you are buying an underwater camera for scuba diving for the first time, you might be surprised to know that some camera models can only go to certain depths without underwater casing. And if you do want to bring the best camera for you, most likely you will need to buy an underwater housing and it can get pretty pricey!

Having options and alternatives is always good so you can choose what fits your style and budget. There are several companies that specialize in underwater camera housing and they sell camera cases for specific models.

Being able to use underwater accessories like strobes, video lights, trays, wet lenses and filters, might be important for you. You might want to choose a camera and underwater casing that will allow these upgrades down the road.

OVER-ALL USER EXPERIENCE

Are you able to use the buttons of the camera properly? Is the menu easy to navigate? Are the LCD screens or viewfinder easy to use? Do I have to keep changing the batteries often?

Remember that you will be using this camera underwater while thinking about 100 million other things about scuba diving.

Find out what other divers are saying about their experience while using the camera in different dive conditions. Sometimes the specifications look great on paper however, the user experience might indicate otherwise.

If you are still window shopping, you should visit a camera shop that will allow you to explore the model you are eyeing and see for yourself how you feel while using it. This is also helpful when buying underwater casing and accessories as well.

Related Articles:
5 Underwater Photography Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid As A Beginner

10 Underwater Photography Etiquettes You Need to Master

85 of the Best Tips on Underwater Photography for Beginners

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Which underwater camera do you use? Do you have a recommendation for the best scuba diving camera for beginners? Leave a comment below!urn:uuid:126c756d-fb53-1b6f-769c-1b6ffb53126c

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Best Underwater Cameras for Beginners

The Best First Underwater Cameras – A Comparison

Beginner Camera Guide

GoPro Hero9 Black   |   Olympus TG-6   |   SeaLife Micro 3.0   |   Canon G7X Mark IIISmart Phone Housing   |   Other Camera Options


You’ve just completed your open water certification, you’re getting more and more comfortable in the water, and you think it’s time to invest in your first underwater camera to record your dive adventures. The question is, which camera is best for entry level photographers? At Bluewater Photo, we’re happy to share our expert advice. Here are our top beginner cameras and briefly lay out the pros and cons of each.

 

GoPro Hero9 Black

GoPro Hero9 Black

Best for Video

 PROSCONS 
 Ergonomic – Easy to operateNo complete manual control settings 
 Front & Back Touchscreen DisplayNo viewfinder 
 Expandable Mods SystemNo zoom capabilities underwater 
 5k video at 30 FPS – great for slow motion playbackRequires wet macro lens for subject closer than 12 inches, macro capabilities still not effective as TG-6 
 Hypersmooth 3.0 Stabilization  
 Horizon Leveling  
 Removable battery – 1720mAH lithium-ion  
 WiFi capabilities  
 Low price point for camera and housing – $450  
 Water resistant to 30 feet without housing; with housing (only $50) – rated to 196 feet  

If your emphasis is video and not stills, the GoPro is a great choice.

Recommended Accessories

    
 PolarPro Divemaster Filter Kit for Hero9 Black Protective HousingPolar Pro Shutter Collection for Hero9 Black 

GoPro Sale!

Olympus TG-6

Great Option for Stills with Good Video Quality

 PROSCONS 
  Best option for still photography Larger size vs. GoPro and Paralenz 
 Optical zoom abilityNo viewfinder 
 More sensitivity to light – ISO 100-12800No manual control settings which limits creative wide-angle options 
 4k video with super macro autofocus$750 price point for camera and housing makes it the most expensive of the “starter” options 
 4k timelapse video  
 LCD screen   
 Raw and JPEG shooting  
 Action track sensors record location, temperature, direction and altitude data   
 WiFi capabilities  
 Works well with wide angle wet lenses – Kraken KRL-02, AOI UWL-04  
 Only requires housing below 50 feet  
 Housing ($300) rated to 147 feet/45 m  

Hint: You can save money and get the Olympus TG-5

Recommended Housings

  
 Olympus PT-059 HousingNauticam NA-TG-5, TG-6 Housing 
  
 Ikelite TG-5, TG-6 HousingIsotta TG-5, TG-6 Housing 
Recsea TG-6 Housing

Recsea TG-5, TG-6 Housing

SeaLife Micro 3.0

Best Image Quality & Solid Wet Lens Options

 PROSCONS 
  1” 16MP Sony sensorNo zoom capabilities 
 RAW and JPEG shootingWhen shooting in RAW, frames per second is limited 
 4K Video @ 30fpsWhen shooting in RAW, frames per second is limited 
 Full manual mode, great for wide-angle64Gb Internal Memory 
 Good wide-angle wet lens available$600 price point 
 2.4” LCD display  
 WiFi capabilities  
 Camera includes housing rated to X feet  
 200ft depth rating  
    

The Sealife camera is great for stills & video, and is the easiest underwater camera to use and maintain.

Recommended Packages

 SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro 3000F SetSeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro 5000 Duo Set 

Check out other SeaLife Products & Accessories

Canon G7X Mark III

Recommended Housings

 Nauticam Canon G7X Mark III HousingIsotta Canon G7X Mark III 
 Fantasea Canon G7X Mark IIIIkelite Canon G7X Mark III 

Smart Phone Underwater Housings:

Kraken Sports KRH04 Smart Phone Housing

SeaLife SportDiver Smartphone Housing

Nautismart Smart Phone Housing

Other Camera Options:

There are other cameras in the market which is also quite affordable that is also great for underwater photography and video. 

 

Top Underwater Photo & Video Systems for Under $2000
Sony RX100 VII Camera 

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