Camera Reviews

Detailed camera reviews for underwater photo and video, including specs, key features for u/w photography and camera comparisons.

The Sony A7S III is Sony's newest full frame mirrorless video-oriented camera with 4K @ 120fps capability and a wide range of recording options for any workflow. Our full review includes sample underwater photos and video.
By Nirupam Nigam

Sony A7S III Review

Sony A7S III Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Sony A7S III is Sony's newest full frame mirrorless video-oriented camera with 4K @ 120fps capability and a wide range of recording options for any workflow. Our full review includes sample underwater photos and video.

The Sony A7S III is a testament to the fact that Sony truly listens to its constituency. This new, video-oriented full frame mirrorless camera is designed with video workflow and low light performance as the centerpiece of Sony's engineering. A crisp, practically noise-less 4K image can be squeezed from the darkest of situations - where we find that even ISOs of 16,000 and higher are useable.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Insta360 One R action camera introduces a modular design for multifaceted fields of view with 5.3K video, 360 video, FlowState Stabilization, Hyperlapse, and a wide range of accessories
By Nirupam Nigam

Insta360 One R Underwater Review

Insta360 One R Underwater Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Insta360 One R action camera introduces a modular design for multifaceted fields of view with 5.3K video, 360 video, FlowState Stabilization, Hyperlapse, and a wide range of accessories

 

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The GoPro Hero9 Black is an excellent underwater action camera capable of 5K video, 8X slow motion, 20 MP photos, and improved Hypersmooth stabilization
By Nirupam Nigam

GoPro Hero9 Black Review

GoPro Hero9 Black Review
Nirupam Nigam
The GoPro Hero9 Black is an excellent underwater action camera capable of 5K video, 8X slow motion, 20 MP photos, and improved Hypersmooth stabilization

The GoPro Hero9 Black just might be the best underwater action camera currently available for underwater video. While it doesn't replace a dedicated underwater video camera, it is an excellent option for scuba divers and content creators who need an ultra-small, compact camera to capture video on the go in the toughest environmental conditions. This year, improvements to the new GoPro are all very exciting for underwater shooters.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The easiest to use underwater compact camera on the market featuring 4K video @ 30 fps and 16 MP images
By Jenna Szerlag

SeaLife Micro 3.0 Review

SeaLife Micro 3.0 Review
Jenna Szerlag
The easiest to use underwater compact camera on the market featuring 4K video @ 30 fps and 16 MP images

SeaLife delivers again with their third generation Micro 3.0 compact camera. It is fully sealed which means no housing is needed and features SeaLife’s undeniably easy to use trademark piano key design and replaces its predecessor with 4k @ 30fps video and the option to capture jpeg or RAW images.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a long-time Hawaii resident, Jenna moved to Maui in 2002 to pursue her interest in diving. Discovering the beauty of the islands and the desire to show it to the world led Jenna into her passion for nature photography. She pursued her education by attending hands-on workshops and conferences with respected educators mastering the camera topside before taking her photography underwater.  

Jenna is a certified Hawaii Marine Naturalist and enjoys travel and adventure. Her images have been published in Forbes Magazine, Travel and Leisure, calendars and several other publications. She has been a professional contributor for Pacific Stock since 2012, the largest worldwide curated stock photography agency exclusive to the Hawaii and Asia Pacific Regions. You can find her images at www.jennaszerlag.com and on Instagram @seaofphotos.

 

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Canon EOS R5 is one of the most exciting cameras of 2020 for underwater photo and video featuring 8K video, a new 45 MP CMOS sensor, in-body image-stabilization, and 12 fps burst shooting!
By Nirupam Nigam

Canon EOS R5 Review

Canon EOS R5 Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Canon EOS R5 is one of the most exciting cameras of 2020 for underwater photo and video featuring 8K video, a new 45 MP CMOS sensor, in-body image-stabilization, and 12 fps burst shooting!

The Canon EOS R5 is no doubt the most popular camera to hit the market in the last decade. It's also a testament to the amazing technological progress made in the mirrorless camera field in recent years. With the ability to shoot 8K RAW video, 4K video at 120 fps, 45 megapixel still images, and image stabilization capable of 8 stops of recovery, the R5 is the elusive dream camera....at least on paper.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Nikon Z5 full-frame mirrorless camera is the newest, most affordable entry level full-frame camera on the market with 24.3MP of resolution!
By Nirupam Nigam

Nikon Z5: Initial Thoughts & Review

Nikon Z5: Initial Thoughts & Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Nikon Z5 full-frame mirrorless camera is the newest, most affordable entry level full-frame camera on the market with 24.3MP of resolution!

In the heart of the full-frame mirrorless camera arms race, entry level cameras are increasingly overlooked. But for an underwater photographer looking for their first full-frame underwater camera, mirrorless technology is the way to go -  with benefits like edge to edge focusing points, great live-view autofocus systems, and quicker shooting speeds. The Nikon Z5 is Nikon's first entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera packed with great features at a very affordable price.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the top micro four thirds camera for underwater photography, similar to the Mark II
By Nirupam Nigam

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Review

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the top micro four thirds camera for underwater photography, similar to the Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the newest top-shelf micro four thirds camera on the market as of 2020. Although it proves to be similar to the Mark II, it's the best option out there for underwater photographers looking to use high quality Olympus and Panasonic glass on the highest quality body.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Nikon D780 is a revolutionary new full-frame DSLR with phase detect live view AF, AF tracking, 12 fps burst shooting, and 4K video
By Jenna Szerlag and Nirupam Nigam

Nikon D780 Review

Nikon D780 Review
Jenna Szerlag and Nirupam Nigam
The Nikon D780 is a revolutionary new full-frame DSLR with phase detect live view AF, AF tracking, 12 fps burst shooting, and 4K video

The Nikon D780 is a testament to the photographic community's continued love of DSLR cameras. But Nikon took DSLR cameras one step further with this new release. The Nikon D780 is particularly exciting because the camera represents an elegant hybridization of mirrorless and DSLR technology. This is evident in the D780's new phase-detect AF system in live view that is capable of autofocus tracking.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a long-time Hawaii resident, Jenna moved to Maui in 2002 to pursue her interest in diving. Discovering the beauty of the islands and the desire to show it to the world led Jenna into her passion for nature photography. She pursued her education by attending hands-on workshops and conferences with respected educators mastering the camera topside before taking her photography underwater.  

Jenna is a certified Hawaii Marine Naturalist and enjoys travel and adventure. Her images have been published in Forbes Magazine, Travel and Leisure, calendars and several other publications. She has been a professional contributor for Pacific Stock since 2012, the largest worldwide curated stock photography agency exclusive to the Hawaii and Asia Pacific Regions. You can find her images at www.jennaszerlag.com and on Instagram @seaofphotos.

 

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


An overview of cinema cameras for underwater use
By Robert Bailey

Best Underwater Cinema Cameras

The Best Underwater Cinema Cameras
Robert Bailey
An overview of cinema cameras for underwater use

Cameras of the God's?

Here we enter the realm of Hollywood cinematography!  You will need very deep pockets for some of these cameras. Pardon the pun but taking these cameras underwater will mean your pockets need to be even deeper.  Albeit, modern technologists have risen to the challenge, and filled the niche.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert has worked professionally on commercial television sets doing production photography, shot modern dance for the art department at the University of Calgary, and has worked in a freelance capacity shooting a variety of subjects. Rob worked as a NAUI scuba instructor, and then instructor trainer for the University of Calgary from 1993-1999. He is still an avid diver, and never dives without a camera. 


He moved to Europe in the late 1990s and now resides in the UK. 

 

Robert has enjoyed success in both national and international underwater photography competitions over the years. As a result his images have been published in national magazines, books, scientific publications, and newspapers in the UK. He’s an active committee member for the British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP), and the website administrator for the Bristol Underwater Photography Group (BUPG). He’s written several articles for national dive magazines, and often gives presentations on his own underwater photography and photographic technique for photographic clubs in the UK. 

 

Robert worked as a technical specialist, and then technical account manager in the IT industry for many years, and now works part time as a photographer, and full time as editor for the Underwater Photography Guide. 

 

You can see more of Robert's work at www.robertbaileyphotography.com

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Canon 1DX Mark III is Canon's top DSLR ever made. It features a incredible processing power resulting in a record breaking buffer, 5.5K video with RAW recording up to 60 fps, and more!
By Nirupam Nigam

Canon 1DX Mark III: First Look & Review

Canon 1DX Mark III: First Look & Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Canon 1DX Mark III is Canon's top DSLR ever made. It features a incredible processing power resulting in a record breaking buffer, 5.5K video with RAW recording up to 60 fps, and more!

The Canon EOS-1DX Mark III is Canon's top DSLR camera, to date. It's an exciting piece of equipment during a time when many DSLR skeptics are declaring DSLR's "dead". The 1DX Mark III is DSLR that is equally photo and video oriented, making it a perfect tool for both underwater photography and underwater video. And upgraded sensor and processor pave the way to new functionality in the top-of-the line Canon camera.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Now he works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


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