John Holguin
As an avid underwater photographer, capturing the beauty and mystery of the ocean depths has always been a passion of mine. The key to stunning underwater shots lies in having the right equipment, and that’s where mirrorless cameras come in. Their compact size, versatility, and high-quality image output make them ideal for underwater photography.
After years of diving and photographing marine life, I have compiled a list of the best mirrorless cameras that excel in underwater environments. These cameras are not only waterproof and durable but also offer advanced features such as fast autofocus, high-resolution sensors, and excellent low-light performance, ensuring that you can capture stunning images even in challenging conditions.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into underwater photography or a seasoned pro seeking to upgrade your gear, these top picks will help you take your underwater images to the next level. Join me as we dive into the world of mirrorless cameras for underwater photography and discover the perfect tool to unleash your creativity beneath the waves.
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Underwater Photography
When it comes to capturing stunning underwater images, having the right camera is essential. As an underwater photographer, I have tested and used a variety of mirrorless cameras to find the best ones for capturing the beauty of the underwater world.
One of the top choices for underwater photography is the Sony Alpha a7R IV. This camera offers a high resolution sensor, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for capturing sharp and detailed underwater images. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle underwater, while its weather-sealed body ensures durability in challenging underwater conditions.
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III: This camera is another great option for underwater photography, thanks to its fast autofocus, image stabilization, and compact size. The E-M1 Mark III is known for its excellent image quality and impressive performance in low-light conditions, making it a versatile choice for capturing vibrant underwater scenes.
- Panasonic Lumix GH5: The GH5 is a popular choice among underwater photographers for its 4K video capabilities, fast burst shooting, and durable build. It offers a range of underwater shooting modes and custom white balance settings, making it easy to adjust settings for different underwater conditions.
- Nikon Z6: With its full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and 4K video recording, the Z6 is a powerful mirrorless camera for underwater photography. Its robust build and ergonomic design make it a reliable choice for capturing stunning underwater images with ease.
Sony Alpha a7 III
As an avid underwater photographer, I have found the Sony Alpha a7 III to be a game-changer in my photography. This mirrorless camera boasts impressive features that make it ideal for capturing stunning underwater images.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a7 III is its 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, which delivers high-resolution images with exceptional detail. This sensor, combined with the camera’s advanced autofocus system, ensures that I can capture sharp and clear underwater shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
- The camera’s 5-axis image stabilization system helps me achieve steady shots, reducing the impact of camera shake while shooting underwater.
- The Sony Alpha a7 III also offers a wide ISO range, allowing me to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to suit different lighting conditions underwater.
- Its fast continuous shooting speed and impressive battery life are crucial for capturing those fleeting underwater moments without worrying about running out of power.
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is a high-end mirrorless camera that offers exceptional image quality and performance for underwater photography. With its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, the EOS R5 delivers stunning detail and dynamic range, making it ideal for capturing the vibrant colors and textures of the underwater world.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS R5 is its advanced autofocus system, which includes dual pixel CMOS AF II for fast and accurate focus tracking. This is crucial for capturing fast-moving marine life and ensuring sharp images in challenging underwater conditions.
- The Canon EOS R5 is also capable of shooting 8K video, making it a versatile tool for underwater videography.
- Its in-body image stabilization system helps reduce camera shake, resulting in smoother footage and sharper still images.
- The camera’s weather-sealed body makes it durable and reliable for underwater use, while its intuitive controls and customizable settings make it easy to use in the field.
Nikon Z6 for Underwater Photography
When it comes to capturing stunning underwater scenes, the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera stands out as a top choice. Its full-frame sensor delivers exceptional image quality, allowing you to capture intricate details and vibrant colors in your underwater shots.
Equipped with a robust build and weather sealing, the Nikon Z6 is well-suited for underwater photography, providing durability and protection against the elements. Its fast and accurate autofocus system ensures that you can easily focus on your subjects, whether they are moving or stationary, to capture sharp and clear images.
- The Nikon Z6 offers a wide range of compatible lenses, allowing you to choose the best lens for your underwater photography needs.
- With its high ISO performance, the Z6 excels in low-light conditions, making it ideal for capturing underwater scenes where natural light may be limited.
- The camera’s ergonomic design and intuitive controls make it easy to handle underwater, allowing you to focus on composing your shots without any distractions.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
When it comes to underwater photography, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a standout mirrorless camera that offers exceptional image quality and performance. Its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for travel and underwater shooting.
With a 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic IX image processor, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III delivers stunning image quality with sharp details and vibrant colors. It also features a 5-axis image stabilization system, which is essential for capturing sharp images in challenging underwater conditions.
- The camera has a fast autofocus system with 121 cross-type phase detection points, ensuring that you never miss a shot of fast-moving underwater subjects.
- Its high-resolution electronic viewfinder and vari-angle touchscreen LCD make it easy to compose shots from different angles and in various lighting conditions.
- The camera is also weather-sealed and freezeproof, making it durable and reliable for underwater photography adventures.
Panasonic Lumix GH5
When it comes to underwater photography, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a stellar choice. I have had the pleasure of using this mirrorless camera on numerous diving trips, and it has consistently delivered outstanding results.
One of the standout features of the Lumix GH5 is its impressive 20.3-megapixel sensor, which captures stunning detail and clarity in every shot. The camera’s 5-axis image stabilization system ensures that your underwater photos are sharp and free from blur, even in challenging conditions.
- The GH5’s 4K video recording capabilities are a game-changer for underwater videography, allowing you to capture breathtaking footage of the underwater world in stunning detail.
- The camera’s robust weather-sealed construction makes it ideal for use in wet and harsh environments, providing peace of mind during underwater shooting sessions.
- With a wide range of compatible lenses and accessories available, the Lumix GH5 offers versatility and flexibility for underwater photographers looking to expand their creative horizons.
Fujifilm X-T4
If you’re looking for a versatile mirrorless camera for underwater photography, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a great option. With its 26.1MP APS-C sensor and advanced autofocus system, this camera delivers stunning image quality and sharpness even in challenging underwater conditions.
The Fujifilm X-T4 features in-body image stabilization, which is essential for reducing camera shake and capturing smooth, blur-free images underwater. Its fast continuous shooting speed of up to 15fps ensures you never miss a moment of the underwater action.
- The X-T4 is also equipped with 4K video recording capabilities, allowing you to capture high-quality underwater footage with ease.
- Its rugged and weather-sealed body makes it a reliable companion for underwater adventures, and the intuitive controls and customizable settings make shooting underwater a breeze.
- Overall, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a top choice for underwater photographers looking for a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera for capturing stunning images and videos beneath the surface.
Sony Alpha a6600
Having used the Sony Alpha a6600 extensively for underwater photography, I can confidently say that it excels in capturing stunning images beneath the waves. The camera’s impressive 24.2MP APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality with sharp details and vibrant colours.
One of the standout features of the Sony Alpha a6600 is its advanced autofocus system, which ensures fast and accurate focus even in challenging underwater conditions. The camera’s 425 phase-detection autofocus points cover a wide area of the frame, allowing you to track and capture fast-moving subjects with ease. Additionally, the camera’s impressive 5-axis in-body image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharp and clear images.
- The Sony Alpha a6600’s compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for underwater photography, allowing for easy handling and maneuverability underwater.
- The camera’s excellent low-light performance and fast continuous shooting speeds make it well-suited for capturing dynamic underwater scenes with ease.
- With a variety of compatible lenses and accessories available, the Sony Alpha a6600 offers versatility and flexibility for underwater photographers looking to expand their creative possibilities.
Canon EOS RP
When it comes to mirrorless cameras for underwater photography, the Canon EOS RP stands out as a versatile and compact option. I have personally used this camera on multiple underwater shoots and have been impressed by its performance.
The Canon EOS RP features a 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor that delivers excellent image quality even in challenging underwater conditions. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle while diving, allowing me to capture stunning underwater scenes with ease.
- The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, ensuring that I never miss a shot of a moving subject.
- The Canon EOS RP also offers a good range of compatible lenses, allowing me to choose the best lens for different underwater scenarios.
- Its intuitive user interface and customizable controls make it easy to adjust settings underwater without any hassle.
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is a compact mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and impressive autofocus performance, making it a great choice for underwater photography. With a 20.9MP APS-C sensor, the Z50 delivers sharp and detailed images with vibrant colors.
Its 209-point hybrid autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging underwater conditions. The camera also features a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, 11fps continuous shooting, and 4K video recording capability.
Key Features:
- 20.9MP APS-C sensor
- 209-point hybrid autofocus system
- 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD
- 11fps continuous shooting
- 4K video recording
In conclusion, the Nikon Z50 is a versatile and capable mirrorless camera that is well-suited for underwater photography. Its compact size, excellent image quality, and advanced features make it a solid choice for both beginner and advanced underwater photographers.
Best mirrorless cameras for underwater photography
Underwater Camera, UHD 4K 48MP Autofocus Waterproof Camera with 16X Zoom Selfie Dual Screens,11FT Compact Waterproof Digital Camera with 64GB Card,Fill Light...
Features
| Part Number | WDC901 |
| Model | WDC901 |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Color | Black |

| Price history for Underwater Camera, UHD 4K 48MP Autofocus Waterproof Camera with 16X Zoom Selfie Dual Screens,11FT Compact Waterproof Digital Camera with 64GB Card,Fill Light Underwater Camera for Snorkeling(Black) | |
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AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Camera with EIS Ultra HD Underwater Camera 131FT Waterproof Camera Remote Control 4X Zoom Support External Microphone Blue
Features
| Part Number | EK7000BL |
| Model | EK7000BL |
| Warranty | kkkk |
| Color | Blue |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-01-14T00:00:01Z |

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5K 64MP Underwater Camera, 16FT Waterproof Digital Camera with Selfie UHD Dual Screen, Digital Underwater Camera for Snorkeling with WiFi, 16X Digital Zoom,...
Features
| Part Number | WP01-5K-1 |
| Model | WP01-5K |
| Warranty | 1 Year Warranty |
| Color | Blue |
| Size | compact |

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YEEIN Underwater Camera 4K 48MP Autofocus Selfie Dual Screen Waterproof Camera with Floating Strap and 32GB Card, 17FT Compact Waterproof Digital Camera,...
Features
| Part Number | 6810-BU |
| Model | 6810BU |
| Warranty | 1 year warranty |
| Color | Blue |

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Waterproof Digital Camera, Underwater Camera with 32GB Card(Installed), 4K FHD 48MP Dual-Screen Selfie Under Water Camera for Photography, 10FT Waterproof...
Features
| Part Number | FCSWPCAM001 |
| Model | WP09AF |
| Warranty | 1 Year Warranty |
| Color | Blue |
| Size | Compact |

| Price history for Waterproof Digital Camera, Underwater Camera with 32GB Card(Installed), 4K FHD 48MP Dual-Screen Selfie Under Water Camera for Photography, 10FT Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling, Surfing, Rafting | |
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4K Waterproof Camera Underwater Camera Snorkeling 11FT with 64GB Card Dual Screens Selfie 48MP Autofocus 16X Zoom Compact Digital Camera Waterproof with 2...
Features
| Part Number | WDC901 |
| Model | WDC901 |
| Warranty | GILAYGROW customer support team ([email protected]) provides 18-month replacement and lifetime warranty. |
| Color | Blue |
| Size | Compact |

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| Price history for KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 Rugged Waterproof Digital Camera 16MP 4X Optical Zoom 2.7" LCD Full HD Video, Red | |
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| Price history for 33FT Underwater Camera 4K 65MP Waterproof Camera Rugged Dustproof Shockproof, Autofocus Selfie Dual-Screen Underwater Camera for Snorkeling Diving Sport Floatable Digital Camera with 64GB Card(Orange) | |
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Underwater Camera, 5K 64MP 16FT Waterproof Digital Camera, WiFi 16X Digital Zoom Dual-Screen Selfie Underwater Camera For Snorkeling Travel Water Camera with...
Features
| Part Number | WP01-5K-01 |
| Model | WP01-5K-1 |
| Color | Blue-5K |
| Size | compact |


Q&A:
What are some of the best mirrorless cameras for underwater photography?
Some of the best mirrorless cameras for underwater photography are the Sony Alpha a7R IV, Nikon Z7, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, and Canon EOS R5. These cameras offer high resolution, excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and are popular choices among underwater photographers.
What features should I look for in a mirrorless camera for underwater photography?
When choosing a mirrorless camera for underwater photography, look for features such as high resolution, good low-light performance, fast autofocus, image stabilization, and a variety of underwater housing options. It’s also important to consider the size and weight of the camera, as well as the availability of underwater lenses and accessories.
