The Backscatter team spent hundreds of hours testing the best underwater cameras to find the best and not-so-good cameras for underwater photography. We publish this article annually from the results of our tests. This article is updated as new cameras are released and tested.2024,2021,best,top,underwater,camera,photography,scuba,diving,waterproof,snorkeling,2021,2020,review,best,underwater,point,shoot,camera,photography,waterproof,scuba,diving,gh5,hero5,gopro,canon,sony,olympus,nikon,hero9,hero7,hero,7,2019,2018,2020,9,hero 9,hero8,hero 8,8,flip8,flip8/9,flip9

Best Underwater Cameras of 2025: Compact Cameras

Not an Open Box Review - This is Rigorous Underwater Testing The Backscatter team spent hundreds of hours testing the best underwater cameras to find the best and not-so-good cameras for underwater photography. We publish this article annually based on the results of our tests. This article has been updated as new cameras have been released and tested. [ Latest update May 2025 ] Summary of the Best Underwater Compact Cameras for 2025Best Compact Video Camera GoPro HERO13SEE THE HERO13 REVIEWVideo Camera Runner-up #1 iPhone 16SEE THE iPHONE REVIEWBest All Around Compact Camera OM System TG-7SEE THE TG-7 REVIEWBest Advanced Compact Camera Olympus E-M10 IVSEE THE E-M10 IV REVIEWAdvanced Camera Runner-up #1 Sony a6700SEE THE α6700 REVIEWAdvanced Camera Runner-up #2 Canon EOS R10SEE THE R10 REVIEWAdvanced Camera Runner-up #3 Canon EOS R50SEE THE R50 REVIEWAdvanced Camera Runner-up #4 Canon G7 X IIISEE THE G7X III REVIEWAdvanced Camera Runner-up #5 Sony RX100 VIISEE THE RX100 VII REVIEWKeep reading for more information about each camera and our testing criteriaWhy use a compact camera? Compact cameras are some of the best options for shooting underwater. They are typically easy to learn, travel-friendly, and less expensive than their SLR counterparts, while still delivering outstanding image results. Traditional compact cameras were once characterized by their smaller sensors and fixed, non-interchangeable lenses. For many years, these cameras were the main solution for pocket-sized image-making. However, with the continuous improvement of smartphone cameras, the compact camera market has slowed significantly. You may notice there are few traditional fixed-lens compact cameras on this list, as most manufacturers have shifted their focus to interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras, and new compact camera releases are increasingly rare. For this reason, we have had to redefine what a compact camera is. Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 200 | ƒ13 Compact mirrorless cameras have largely taken over the entry-level niche formerly held by traditional fixed-lens compact cameras. These cameras have the same lower price point and small size of traditional compacts but feature larger sensors, better image quality, rapid-fire triggering, and the ability to use interchangeable lenses. This is a major advantage, as it allows users to either shoot them simply with mid-range zooms, complemented by wet wide angle or wet macro lenses. You may find yourself never removing the camera lens if you prefer to shoot like a fixed-lens compact camera. If you outgrow the kit lens and wet lenses, you can also use dedicated lenses just like high-end full-frame systems, and in some cases, at a fraction of the cost and size. The adaptability and flexibility of compact mirrorless cameras makes them a better long-term investment. As users grow more experienced, they can expand their systems without needing to upgrade to an entirely new setup. Compact mirrorless cameras also rely less on built-in camera flashes to trigger strobes. This eliminates the slow recycling times associated with the small, built-in camera flashes found on traditional fixed-lens compacts. Fast flash triggering is not only critical for fast-action shooting, but also general photography when capturing as many frames as possible will let you pick your favorite subject behavior and composition.This means a greater chance of capturing "keeper" images and fewer missed opportunities during fleeting moments. Backscatter compiles this guide annually to eliminate the stress of selecting the best compact camera and underwater housing for your photo and video needs. Whether you’re a beginner in underwater photography or an experienced image maker seeking the latest compact rig, this roundup of the best current compact cameras for underwater photography is your ultimate resource to find the perfect underwater setup. Our Breakdown of CategoriesWe divided our top picks into three categories:Best Compact Video CameraBest All Around Compact CameraBest Advanced Compact Camera There is no one camera that is the best at everything. One may be the best for image quality but cannot execute a custom white balance underwater for video. Another may be the fastest shooting camera that we’ve ever seen, but cannot focus close for macro. Because of this, we also included runners-up in this review in addition to our top pick. Our top picks are our best all-around choices, taking into consideration serving the needs of the broadest segment of users for both photo and video. Depending on an individual’s shooting style, subject interest, and shooting goals, a runner-up may be a better option than one of our top picks for that particular individual. The staff at Backscatter have extensive experience with every camera in this article and can help guide your decision about which camera for underwater photography is best for your individual needs. How We Selected: Our 2025 Test CriteriaTarget UsersNew underwater photographer wanting an easy point-and-shoot camera with growth potential.Advanced underwater photographer wanting a compact camera solution.Camera Feature RequirementsGreat to excellent image quality.A camera must be compact and lightweight when used topside.A camera must be point-and-shoot easy but offer intermediate to advanced controls.Underwater housing must offer wide-angle potential.A camera must allow for manual flash triggering. The camera must have TTL shooting options. Wide Angle Lenses - A Necessity for Big Scenes Fixed lens compact cameras and kit lenses included with compact mirrorless cameras have an awkward focal length for shooting underwater. These lenses are great for general topside photography, while underwater they are too long for wide angle and too short for macro. This makes them somewhat limiting, suitable mainly for mid-ranged shooting such as fish portraits. Wide angle wet lenses are essential for shooting wide angle with a fixed lens compact camera or a compact mirrorless camera with a kit lens. Wet wide lenses expand the field of view, improve overall sharpness, and most critically, allow closer focusing. Without this close-focusing capability, you cannot get close enough to your subject to fill the frame with it and light it effectively. If you’re too far away, you lose contrast, color, and clarity gained by using lighting. Many compact cameras are incompatible with underwater wide-angle lenses. Most of these cameras feature a 5X or greater zoom lens, which, while attractive for topside photography, requires housings designed with long lens ports. Accessory wide-angle lenses must mount to the end of these ports and suffer from severe vignetting (dark corners) when the camera is zoomed out. You can zoom in the camera lens to clip out the dark corners, but an extreme zoom will negate any benefit of using a wide angle lens. Most compatible compact cameras now require two different ports to shoot wide angle and macro. A short port is used to limit how far the lens can zoom in, keeping it within the usable range of a wet wide lens. The standard long ports accommodate full zoom for tighter macro shooting. Unfortunately, this adds a layer of complexity to shooting a compact camera with just a single lens choice. Our compact camera finalists in this review offer great wide-angle lens solutions by the original manufacturer or a high-quality third-party solution. TTL - An Abundance of Choice for Automatic Flash Exposure TTL, or through the lens, is an automatic flash exposure system used by cameras. TTL is a great choice for beginners looking to have flash power controlled automatically, while focusing on other fundamental skills, or experienced users who want the convenience of instantly updated flash power when rapidly changing camera settings. Though convenient, TTL is not perfect for every shooting situation, making the ability to also shoot with manual strobe power important. The type of TTL offered by the compact camera is an important consideration. Here are several different types of TTL systems used by underwater housings and flashes with varying degrees of accuracy and setup required. Hardwired TTL is a direct electronic connection between the camera, housing, and flash using electronic sync cables and bulkheads. This system is highly accurate and consistent. Though highly accurate, direct electronic connections are maintenance intensive, requiring you to regularly clean and grease several o-ring connections between the electronic sync cables and bulkheads to prevent leaks. Any water that contacts the sensitive electronic connections can result in the flash system failing. Electronic sync cables are also heavier and more expensive than more simplistic fiberoptic cables. Digital Optical TTL such as Smart Control Optical TTL (Backscatter’s proprietary TTL system), is a highly accurate form of automatic exposure, on par with hardwired systems. Basically, the flash trigger is in direct communication with the camera, and sends a digital code to the flash via fiberoptic cable resulting in super accurate flash exposures. This is similar to how fiberoptic telecommunication systems work. This system utilizes fiberoptic cables which are lightweight, inexpensive, and low-maintenance. S-TTL, also known as slave or mimic TTL, is a common system used by many strobes. Slave TTL mimics the camera’s built-in flash for an automatic flash exposure. S-TTL can put you in the ballpark of a good exposure, but is less consistent and accurate as other types of TTL. Video - Great Results Are Not Just for the Big Rigs Video capabilities of compact cameras have evolved from a novelty to the level of those that can rival primary video cameras. Many of the cameras in our lineup produce video that is surprisingly good considering the cost of the camera. Now that most compact cameras offer advanced video features - like focus peaking and zebra striping - that were once only found in pro-level video systems, an underwater shooter can truly use one compact system without significant compromise to capture both video and photo. All cameras in this review are capable of shooting 4K video, with the main limitation being color accuracy at depth. Custom White Balance - Getting Accurate Color in Camera Shooting good looking underwater video requires an accurate custom white balance. A custom white balance is a user telling the camera what area of the picture is white and the camera building the rest of the colors off of that baseline input. Correct white balance makes the video look more natural, and helps to bring back colors that are filtered out by water when shooting at depth. Even when using a color correction filter such as a Magic Filter, a custom white balance setting can yield superior results. Unfortunately, getting an accurate white balance is not a given on a compact camera. On some cameras it is a convoluted process, on others, an accurate reading is not even possible underwater. Choosing a camera that makes it easy to get an accurate reading is essential if you're planning to use it for shooting video. We gave additional points to cameras that have an easy to set an accurate white balance. White balance in video is so critical in natural light shooting that it is more important than what video resolution or frame rate the camera is capable of. The best resolution doesn't matter if the colors look bad. Best Compact Video CameraBACK TO TOPThe GoPro HERO13 Black Edition With Sharp Wide Lens Pro Lens & Filters SystemCamera, Housing & Lens Kit Starting at $696Key Info on the HERO13:4K 120p and 5.3K 60p video make this the most advanced video camera specs in this reviewShoot Longer with New Bigger, Better BatteriesImproved Thermal Management & Bug FixesHypersmooth 6.0 Stabilization Provides Unbelievable Stability BoostNeeds Lenses and Filters to Get the Best Performance The Best Compact Video Rig The GoPro HERO13 Black is the latest action camera from GoPro and is still our favorite compact video camera thanks to its incredible image stabilization, good color with filters, resolution and frame rate options as well as a network of tried and true accessories that will bring your GoPro footage to the next level. This is still the smallest, most capable video rig on this list, and can shoot up to 4K 120p, or 5.3K 60p, while most other cameras on this list can only shoot up to 4K 30p without significantly cropping the sensor. Watch our review for the GoPro HERO13. The GoPro HERO13 features a new battery that has massively improved battery life and GoPro has completely overhauled and improved the heat management system. The GoPro HERO13 now allows you to name your custom presets in-camera, making finding your favorite settings easier than ever. The GoPro GoPro HERO13 has the same body as the HERO9-12 and shares the same housing. This means if you have the GoPro HERO9 Protective Housing, Isotta, Anglerfish, or AOI UH-GPX housing for HERO9-12, you will not need to upgrade to a new housing. Further good news is that the housing accessories are the same as well. FLIP13 Filters, Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro, and +15 MACROMATE MINI will all carry over. Lenses and Color Filters - The Keys to Pro Looking Footage The GoPro HERO13 utilizes lenses and color correction filters to overcome the limitations of the camera. GoPros cannot perform a custom white balance and require filters in order to capture accurate color at depth. GoPro cameras also have a fixed focus distance (about 12”), making macro shooting or close focus wide angle shots soft and out of focus without the help of lenses. The Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro is our absolute favorite accessory for wide angle shooting with the GoPro. The Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro widens the field of view to 140 degrees for more dramatic footage while sharpening the entire frame, corner to corner. You can now shoot larger subjects and scenes than previously possible with GoPro cameras. Another major advantage of the Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro is its close focusing ability. Using this lens, you’ll capture sharp close focus wide angle clips while making your video lights more effective due to the closer working distances. This significantly boosts color, contrast, and clarity of your video. The Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro uses slide-in color correction filters providing excellent color with the DIVE filter from 20-45 feet and 45-80 feet using the DEEP filter. Overall, we can’t imagine shooting wide angle without the Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro due to how significantly it improves GoPro video. The Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro dramatically increases the field of view, while increasing sharpness and decreasing the focus distance. For an inexpensive solution for GoPro color correction FLIP Filters have you covered. FLIP Filters are a modular system allowing you to use filters, close up lenses, and macro lenses with your GoPro HERO13. FLIP Filters can use the standard DIVE filter which covers 20-45 feet and the DEEP filter which is tailored for 45-80 feet. Combining filters with video lights is now a possibility with the HERO 13, resulting in punchier more, more saturated color. The FLIP Filter system can also use the +15 MACROMATE MINI, which brings the focus point of the GoPro to about four inches, filling the frame with golf ball sized subjects. The +15 MacroMate along with a tripod and video light is a must-have for capturing macro video with the GoPro HERO13. Use FLIP Macro Lenses for Stunning Macro Photography.Great for Video, Bad for Photography Though the GoPro HERO 13 boasts impressive specs for video, better than any other camera on this list, it is a poor choice when it comes to photography. This is largely due to the fact that GoPro cameras cannot sync with a flash, as it has no way to trigger one. This seriously holds the GoPro back as a camera for still photography. The only lighting option available for GoPros are video lights. These work well for boosting exposure, contrast and clarity when shooting video, but lack the punch that flashes provide for still photos. For this reason, we cannot recommend the GoPro HERO13 for photography. If you are at all interested in photography, consider one of the other options on this list. FLIP Filters bring back color that would otherwise be missing at depth such as these sponges shot at 34 ft (10m). CONCLUSION The GoPro HERO13 is a great step up for existing GoPro shooters, looking to get the latest and greatest as well as new video shooters who want a powerful and compact video camera. With additional accessories, such as the Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro Package and FLIP Filters, you can easily overcome some of the limitations of the camera for more vibrant, sharp, dramatic footage. Though you can use video lights, without the ability to sync with a flash, the GoPro HERO13 is not recommended for photography. For more information on the GoPro HERO13, check out our in-depth review article & best settings guide.GoPro HERO13 ReviewGoPro HERO13 Best SettingsBest Filter for your GoProGoPro Wide Angle Lens & Filter SystemProsSignificant Battery Life UpgradeImproved Underwater Color Over HERO12 with FiltersWorks Well with Filters and Lights at the Same TimeExcellent Stability Great Wide Angle and Macro Lens Options ConsCan’t Sync with a Strobe in Photo Mode Needs Filters or Lights after 20 feet (6 meters) Footage can be Noisy in Dark Environments GoPro HERO13 CameraORDER NOWGoPro Protective HousingORDER NOWIsotta GoPro HousingORDER NOWAOI UH-GPX HousingORDER NOWBackscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro PackageORDER NOWFLIP13 Pro PackageORDER NOWBest Video Compact Camera Runner UpBACK TO TOPThe iPhone 16 Pro with The SeaLife iPhone SportDiver Underwater HousingHousing starting at $349Key Info on the iPhone 16 Pro:Up to 4K 60 fps12MP DNG RAW imagesSeaLife SportDiver app with auto & manual controlsIncludes external underwater color-correction filterDual Leak Alarms – Includes internal moisture alarm and internal vacuum pressure alarmSummary Smartphones have become the primary topside camera for most people and are more advanced than ever when it comes to camera features. Though smartphone cameras have become a staple for nearly everybody for capturing snapshots above water, they still have a long way to go to become a viable underwater shooting option. We won’t get into the Android vs Apple debate here, instead, let’s consider the practicality of using a smartphone underwater and what type of user might find them the most appealing. First off, most smartphone housing requires an app to use such as our favorite housing is the SeaLife iPhone SportDiver. The app is straightforward and allows you to change the phone’s camera settings: adjust zoom, exposure (EV), auto/manual focus, white balance, tint, lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, video frame rate, and resolution. The photo and video files are saved to the iPhone’s native Photo app, ready for you to post to your favorite social media platform immediately after your dive. Since you are using the app, it is important to note that you will not have access to all of your phone camera’s features you would when using the native camera app. The SeaLife iPhone SportDiver supports color correction filters, like the SportDiver Bluewater Filter and SportDiver Greenwater Filter, as well as the SportDiver Yellow Filter for fluorescence shooting. The SeaLife Sport Dive also has the ability to use two lenses, including the SportDiver 6-inch Dome Port and SportDiver 52mm Wide Lens. The SportDiver 6-inch Dome Port snaps on the front of the housing, while the SportDiver 52mm Wide Lens requires the SportDiver Threaded Adapter. The SportDiver 52mm Wide Lens is a little awkward to use. Since smartphone cameras have multiple lenses, you will need to line the SportDiver 52mm Wide Lens with the camera lens that is in use to avoid vignetting. There is no other camera on this list that needs such attention when using a wide angle wet lens. Though a bit of a hassle, this provides an improvement in image quality over shooting through the standard port with no optics. Smartphones share the same Achilles heel that GoPros have for underwater shooting: they are unable to sync with flash for underwater photography. This is a major drawback, making them best reserved for video shooting, as still images without a flash will lack contrast, color and clarity. You can use video lights along with a smartphone, but they simply don’t provide enough light for still photos. Because of this, we cannot recommend using a smartphone for still photography underwater and recommend using them for video. Smartphones are best used by a diver who may be backpacking or diving, and image-making is only a footnote in a larger trip that requires you to pack light. Since all you need to get started is the phone, a housing, and a filter, this is one of the easiest systems to pack and include. If you are planning on a major dive trip and want to capture the highest quality video and images, consider a different camera from this list that will yield better results. ProsConvenience, everyone has a smartphoneQuickly share images onlineDual Leak AlarmsConsUnable to use strobes Overall cost including a smartphoneSeaLife iPhone SportDiver HousingORDER NOWSeaLife iPhone SportDiver S HousingORDER NOWOther iPhone HousingsDiveVOLK SeaTouch4 MAX Plus HousingORDER NOWKraken KRH08Universal Smart Phone Housing V2ORDER NOWKraken KRH07Universal Smart Phone Housing V2ORDER NOWOceanic iPhoneDive HousingORDER NOWBest All Around Compact CameraBACK TO TOPThe OM System Tough TG-7 CameraCamera & Housing starting at $750The OM System TG-7 shares the same features as the TG-6, and is just as easy to use.Check out our comprehensive review of the Olympus TG-6. The OM System TG-7 has the exact same features and all information seen here is relevant.The OM System TG-7 will produce the same stunning video quality as the Olympus TG-6. We are shocked by what the camera can do shooting macro video with just a tripod and video light.Key Info on the TG-7:One of the all-time easiest-to-shoot and easiest-to-learn underwater point-and-shoot camerasGreat image quality from a small sensor and camera bodyThe best macro shooting ability right out-of-the-box, no accessory lenses requiredSuper Macro 4K 30p video capability, the easiest-to-use compact macro rigExpanded control over shutter speed and exposure than previous modelsCan use fast shooting manual strobe triggering, convenient S-TTL, or super accurate RC mode TTLGreat wide angle lens support Summary From Our Complete Review The OM System TG-7 is the successor to the Olympus TG-6, one of our all-time favorite cameras for underwater shooting. What sets TG cameras apart is their exceptional super macro shooting capability without requiring additional accessory lenses. The OM System TG-7 continues this legacy, as one of the most powerful macro cameras—more so than any DSLR—straight out of the box. This easy-to-use compact can capture the tiniest macro subjects without expensive close-up lenses. As if this wasn’t enough, it also produces beautiful wide angle lenses when paired with the Backscatter M52 Wide Angle Air Lens & Backscatter M52 Wide Angle Lens. Overall, the OM System TG-7 is largely unchanged from its predecessor; it does feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a newer LCD screen, and an updated grip. Thankfully, the OM System TG-7 is compatible with the same Olympus PT-059 housing and accessories designed for the Olympus TG-6. The OM System TG-7 can shoot great wide angle shots with a wide angle accessory lens such as the Backscatter M52 Wide Angle Lens.OM System TG-7 | 1/500 | ISO 400 | ƒ8 Like the Olympus TG-6, the OM System TG-7 has the ability to shoot super macro in Aperture Priority Mode. Shooting through aperture priority allows for more control than previous TG cameras such as the TG-5 and TG-4. Our preferred method of shooting the OM System TG-7 is to set two custom modes, one for wide angle and one for macro. Since the camera is so simple, you can easily switch between wide angle and macro on a single dive, offering an incredible amount of flexibility that is unheard of with other camera rigs. The image quality of the OM System TG-7 is still superb, with fine, sharp detail, especially when shooting macro.OM System TG-7 | 1/100 | ISO 100 | ƒ18 The OM System TG-7’s flash capabilities are versatile. Using the built-in flash it can manually trigger flashes, use S-TTL, and support RC Mode TTL with compatible strobes. No extra TTL converters or triggers required. Manually triggering strobes allow rapid firing to capture action shots or critical moments that would be difficult with a fill-in flash, which requires longer recycle times for the built in flash. The OM System TG-7 can set its built-in flash to 1/64 power, allowing for faster recycling and rapid strobe triggering. The OM System TG-7 also supports S-TTL for convenient TTL shooting or RC Mode for ultra-precise TTL when paired with compatible strobes like the Backscatter Mini Flash 2, Backscatter Hybrid Flash, AOI Q1 RC, AOI UIS-P1, or Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo. This accurate TTL system simplifies shooting and enhances the OM System TG-7’s ease of use. Like its predecessor the Olympus TG-6, the OM System TG-7 allows you to use manual flash triggering for rapid strobe firing to capture action and critical moments.Olympus TG-6 | 1/500 | ISO 400 | ƒ8 The OM System TG-7 is also hands down the simplest-to-use macro video rig of any camera on this list. With just a tripod and a video light, you can capture macro video that is the envy of high-end full-frame systems. Thanks to the OM System TG-7’s simple controls and powerful super macro focus, you don’t need any external close-up lenses that will decrease your depth of field and make focusing a challenge. Shooting at higher f stops results in more depth of field, which was not possible with the Olympus TG-5 in microscope mode.OM System TG-7 | 1/100 | ISO 100 | ƒ18 For multiple generations now, TG cameras have been the ultimate balance between performance and simplicity. They have consistently been the go-to choice for both new underwater image makers and advanced shooters that are looking for a simple macro machine. The OM System TG-7 incorporates the same major improvements in focus options and exposure control as the Olympus TG-6, that completely changes the shooting experience of previous models, making it easier to use. It’s the ultimate camera for the new shooter or first-time underwater photographer, and it’s our pick for Best All Around Compact Camera. For more information on the OM System TG-7, check out our in-depth review article & best settings guide.OM System TG-7 ReviewOM System TG-7 Best SettingsProsOutstanding image quality in both wide angle and macro from the smallest sensor in this review.Super Macro focus options make it even easier than before to get insanely good super macro.The easiest-to-use compact macro video rig available.Can shoot both wide and macro using Aperture Priority Mode.The ultimate blend between simple operation, easy-to-learn menus, advanced settings, and great image quality.On-board flash allows for rapid-fire manual, S-TTL, and accurate RC Mode TTL triggering options.The best choice for brand-new underwater shooters searching for a simple point-and-shoot that will grow with their skills.ConsAfter years of begging, still no manual mode.No major changes from the Olympus TG-6.OM System TG-7 CameraORDER NOWOlympus PT-059 HousingORDER NOWIkelite TG-6 HousingORDER NOWKraken TG-PRO HousingORDER NOWIsotta TG-6 & OM System TG-7 HousingORDER NOWNauticam NA-TG7 HousingORDER NOWCompact Mirrorless In recent years, the compact camera market has scaled back significantly, with fewer and fewer compact cameras being released by manufacturers. Instead, we have seen an increase in smaller, simpler mirrorless cameras that fill similar gaps in terms of price and size. The main difference with these cameras is their ability to use interchangeable lenses, providing greater versatility and larger, more megapixel-dense sensors, leading to better image quality and no shutter lag. These cameras have largely taken over the market once dominated by advanced compact fixed lens cameras and are fantastic options for photographers looking for a smaller, less expensive system they can easily grow with. Best Advanced Compact CameraBACK TO TOPThe Olympus E-M10 IVCamera & Housing starting at $1,799The Best Bang For Your Buck: Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing.Key Info on the E-M10 IV:Our pick for Best Advanced Compact Camera, given its overall shooting versatility, controls, and lens optionsFeatures an advanced SLR-like control set on a compact camera body.Built-in automatic TTL flash power with RC Mode compatible strobes and rapid-fire manual triggering.New control layout with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more.The most diverse lens selection of any underwater camera system. Excellent image quality, more affordable than similar rigs, and compact enough for travelers and novice shooters - is this the new Best Bang For Your Buck in underwater photography? That’s a 10-4, good buddy! Watch our complete video review of the Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing.An Even Better Bang For Your Buck The last few years have seen a major rise in the popularity of compact mirrorless cameras for underwater photography. The Olympus E-PL10 was our pick for the Best Bang For Your Buck when paired with the limited edition Backscatter E-PL10 Octo Housing because of how well it balanced performance, ease of use, and value. That camera has now been officially discontinued, so it’s time for something even better to come along: enter the Olympus E-M10 IV and Octo Housing Package. Say hello to our new overall favorite compact mirrorless camera system for underwater photography: The Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing.What’s upgraded with the E-M10 IV?Image quality improved from 16 to 20 megapixelsDedicated exposure controls: ISO, shutter speed, & apertureMore ergonomic shutter activationAutomatic TTL flash power with Backscatter Mini Flash 2 & Hybrid Flash via LED flash trigger The Olympus E-M10 IV can still be used like a point-and-shoot camera with external wet conversion lenses or used like an SLR with dedicated wide angle and macro lenses and ports. Keep it simple and versatile, or go for the best image quality possible – the choice is up to you. The camera and housing system includes everything you need to start shooting straight out of the box. The interchangeable ports and lenses make it easy to upgrade and configure your rig for any type of shot - from ultra-wide angle down to super tight macro. The integrated LED flash trigger features automatic TTL flash power and High Speed Sync when used with Backscatter Mini Flash 2 and Hybrid Flash, making good lighting results easier to pull off and better looking than ever. At $799.99 for the camera with lens and $999.00 for the housing, it’s easily the best bang for your buck in underwater photography - not to mention one of the coolest looking rigs around thanks to the custom ‘Octo’ tentacle print (a Backscatter limited edition). Resolution Boosted to 20 Megapixels, Excellent Image Quality The Olympus E-M10 IV gets a healthy resolution boost over the Olympus E-PL10 from 16 to 20 megapixels, producing an image that has satisfyingly sharp image detail. High-key highlights don’t look blown out, and dark shadows aren’t noisy or grainy. Color saturation is vibrant and packs plenty of pop. Whether shooting backlit sunballs or black-background macro, the results across the board were excellent and comparable to current-gen Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras, including the flagship OM System OM-1. When compared to the OM System TG-7, the larger sensor of the Olympus E-M10 IV creates much sharper image detail, better dynamic range, and lower noise in low-light situations. Given the relatively minor size increase of the Olympus E-M10 IV body, the user gets all the benefits of a larger sensor and higher-end camera without significantly adding to the weight or size of the underwater rig. Wide angle image results have great dynamic range detail and vibrant colors.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/60 | ISO 200 | ƒ11Macro results maintain dark backgrounds and sharp details on tiny subjects.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ11Small, Lightweight, Easy for Travel The Olympus E-M10 IV is remarkably compact and lightweight for what it can do, making it ideal for frequent travelers who need to watch their camera gear volume and weight requirements closely. The interchangeable lens is the biggest variable in overall system size, ranging from compact-sized when using the Olympus 14-42mm EZ kit lens to more SLR-like with lenses like the Olympus 8mm fisheye, Olympus 60mm, or even topside telephoto zoom lenses like the Olympus 75-300mm lens. Overall, the lenses used by the Olympus E-M10 IV are significantly smaller and lighter weight than all other compact mirrorless cameras. This really sets the Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus cameras apart from other mirrorless systems in terms of size and weight. Tired of lugging around an SLR, or frustrated with compact cameras not having enough controls? The combination of portability, performance, and an uncompromising control set is one of our favorite parts of the Olympus E-M10 IV. Even when fully equipped with a pro lens and dual arms for lighting the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing isn’t much larger than a compact camera, like the beginner-favorite OM System TG-7. Considering the number of controls, interchangeable ports, built-in LED flash trigger, and vacuum and leak detection features, it’s pretty astonishing that the overall housing size is able to remain so compact. The upgraded and more ergonomic shutter release is easy to use both while holding the housing in your hand or reaching it from the grip of a tray. The Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing is about the same size as most point-and-shoot rigs but features way more power and potential.There is a surprisingly minor size difference between the body of the mirrorless Olympus E-M10 IV and the massively popular compact OM System TG-7.Both the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing and the Olympus PT-059 housing for OM System TG-7 are remarkably similar in size, but the Olympus E-M10 IV is an infinitely more capable camera.The Most Diverse Lens Selection of Any Underwater System The Olympus E-M10 IV has a suite of lenses that can be used when shooting underwater, more than any other camera system. To shoot the Olympus E-M10 IV like a compact, you can use the Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens along with an AOI UWL-09 PRO wet wide lens for wide angle shooting or a close-up diopter for macro. For dedicated lenses, you can use the extremely sharp Olympus 8mm fisheye. OM System also has the choice of two macro lenses. The Olympus 60mm Lens, which is small, inexpensive, and easy to integrate with wet close-up lenses, and the OM System 90mm macro lens, which is the sharpest macro lens we have used yet. The OM System 90mm allows the photographer to switch between shooting farther away in 1:1 mode and super close in 2:1 mode for super macro subjects. This makes it extremely versatile, and no other manufacturer currently offers a lens that is this unique. An Ideal Upgrade from TG Cameras If you’re one of the thousands of underwater photographers who have fallen in love with their Olympus TG-series compact camera but are now ready to take their gear to the next level then look no further than the Olympus E-M10 IV. Any Olympus user will feel right at home with the familiar menus, controls, and operation of the camera. The ability to swap between such a wide variety of lenses is the standout feature of this camera when compared to the OM System TG-7 because it allows the user to get wider shots, more macro working distance, and sharper overall results. When shooting macro with the Olympus 14-42mm EZ and a diopter you’ll have a much greater working distance to the subject than with the OM System TG-7, which will make macro shots much easier to pull off. Fast-action scenes where rapid firing is required are much easier to pull off with the Olympus E-PL10 than the OM System TG-7. The Olympus E-M10 IV offers full manual exposure control, which is a major advantage over the OM System TG-7 when it comes to obtaining great underwater image results easily. This is especially helpful for wide angle background exposure control, which is where shutter speed control becomes essential. The OM System TG-7 offers limited shutter speed control at best, and never without an Auto-ISO caveat. The Olympus E-M10 IV can completely separate shutter speed from ISO just like any other fully manual camera providing the user with complete exposure control for the perfect image. For shooters that are ready to graduate from their tried-and-true TG camera but aren’t quite ready to go all-in for a full-frame SLR, then the Olympus E-M10 IV is the best choice for a major step up in performance at a fraction of the price of other options. Balancing perfect foreground and background exposures is made much easier thanks to the full manual control of the Olympus E-M10 IV.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/100 | ISO 400 | ƒ11Perfect Lighting with Automatic TTL Flash Power The Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing includes an LED flash trigger that features automatic TTL flash power when shot with RC Flash mode compatible strobes, such as the Backscatter Mini Flash 2, Backscatter Hybrid Flash, AOI Q1 RC, AOI UIS-P1, and Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo. RC Flash mode is Olympus’ proprietary automatic TTL flash power synchronization method. This produces perfect lighting results, even in challenging macro situations, with a snoot, breaking down a challenge that often frustrates novice shooters. Thanks to the automatic TTL flash power of RC Flash mode-enabled strobes the Olympus E-M10 IV is able to achieve outstanding lighting results with ease.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ18Manual Rapid-Fire Strobe Sync Thanks to the built-in LED flash trigger of the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing, the camera can shoot rapid-fire by completely bypassing its own pop-up flash. It will fire faster than any compact or mirrorless that has to rely on a pop-up flash, creating more opportunities to capture the perfect frame in a fast-action sequence. This camera will fire as fast as the paired strobe can recycle, so at lower strobe powers it can do astoundingly fast rapid shooting. This also has the benefit of keeping the housing small because it does not need to accommodate the pop-up flash. Maximum Exposure Control With HSS The Olympus E-M10 IV can utilize High Speed Sync (HSS) when using the Backscatter Mini Flash 2 and Hybrid Flash strobes to blow past traditional flash sync limits for maximum exposure control. Sync with strobes up to the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 to completely eliminate ambient light from your scenes. This can be activated by turning on the Super FP mode within the RC Flash menu. When not using HSS, the Olympus E-M10 IV can shoot up to 1/200, or up to 1/160 if using the HSC-02 in RC mode. Create shallower depth of field and more bokeh in macro by shooting at a more open aperture, and preserve dark backgrounds - even during the daytime - thanks to the unlimited shutter speed of HSS.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/4,000 | ISO 200 | ƒ4Much Improved Exposure Controls Previously, the Olympus E-PL10 only used one control dial which required toggling to control aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. Now the Olympus E-M10 IV features dedicated dials and controls for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO for massively improved overall operation. It’s now much faster and easier to dial in the best recommended settings for any shooting situation. Dedicated controls for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO make changing exposure settings much easier than before. The rest of the control layout is intuitive, matches the placement of the camera well, and provides an ergonomic, comfortable experience. We especially like the offset angled button for back-button autofocus, as it stands out well and is easy to separate from other controls by feeling alone. Record Video in Either 4K 30p or 1080HD 60p The Olympus E-M10 IV offers a maximum recording spec of 4K at 30p or 1080HD at 60p. There is a relatively heavy 4K crop factor, so for general use, it is recommended to set the video to 1080 60p. 1080 resolution will be easier to review and edit than 4K for most amateur or hobbyist video editors. More frames per second also offers more flexibility for slow-motion effects, which is always a favorite among underwater editors. Natural Video Color Looks Great up to 45 Feet Executing an ambient light custom white balance is easy to do, and produces great looking natural-light color down to about 45 feet. There are 4 custom white balance banks for storing multiple depth color settings, or for shooting with or without video lights. One minor quirk of the camera is that it must be set to photo mode in order to capture a manual white balance. It’s still possible to cycle between the 4 stored banks while in video mode, but the camera must be set to photo mode in order to actually capture a new white balance. Limited Edition Backscatter Underwater Housing We teamed up with AOI to produce the Limited Edition Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing. As if the simple operation, compact and well-laid out ergonomics, affordable price point, changeable ports, and built-in LED trigger and vacuum system weren’t enough, we just had to go and make it the coolest looking housing around too thanks to custom tentacle-themed graphics. High performance, ease of use, and cool graphics make this one well-rounded housing. The size of the housing overall is barely larger than most compact cameras and is smaller than most similarly-spec’d Micro Four Thirds underwater rigs. When compared to systems like Panasonic GH6 and OM System OM-1 II the Olympus E-M10 IV stands out as being easier to handle and smaller enough to pack for travel. Even with the overall compact nature of the housing, there is plenty of room for ergonomic control access, even for those with smaller hands or wearing thick cold water dive gloves. Whether you prefer to hold the housing directly or prefer to use a handle grip, you can easily access the improved trigger-pull style shutter release without moving your hand. Integrated Vacuum Detection, Moisture Alarm, & LED Flash Trigger One of the coolest features of the housing is the integrated Multi-Control Device. This USB-rechargeable unit is what controls the LED flash trigger and the vacuum/moisture detection for peace of mind before, during, and after the dive. Connect the cable to the camera's hot shoe for rapid-fire LED flash firing, and seal up the housing and port in order to pump it down for vacuum protection. By drawing a vacuum prior to the dive, the housing's integrity can be verified so that it can be taken underwater with full confidence of being leak-free. If by some chance there is any moisture present inside, an alarm will alert you so that it can be addressed before any serious damage occurs. CONCLUSION The Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing are the latest “best bang for your buck” in underwater photography. Together they can be operated as easily as a compact camera by utilizing wet-mount conversion lenses. Alternatively, the system can be set with dedicated lenses and ports for either wide or macro just like an SLR, but at a mere fraction of the overall SLR system price, Starting at $799.99 for the camera and lens, and $999.00 housing and included accessories you need to start diving with it right away. The image quality produced by the camera looks at least as good as any other current Micro Four Thirds sensor camera, with sharp detail, vibrant colors, and great dynamic range detail. Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ13 This rig is both an ideal fit for new underwater shooters seeking their first rig, or as an upgrade for someone who desires the next step up on the performance scale from an OM System TG-7 or similar non-interchangeable lens camera. The custom tentacled graphics of the Limited Edition Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing are sure to turn heads and get some cool points, as well as serve as an easy way to pick your rig out of a crowded camera table. This is our favorite, most recommended system for striking an ideal balance between affordability, high-end performance, and simple ease of operation. For more information on the Olympus E-M10 IV, check out our in-depth review article.Olympus E-M10 IV ReviewProsSignificantly upgraded 20 megapixel image quality over E-PL10, excellent photo results.Built-in automatic TTL flash power with RC Mode compatible strobes.High Speed Sync compatible with Mini Flash 2 for unlimited exposure range.Vacuum and leak detection built-in for peace of mind before, during, and after dive.New control layout with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more.ConsNew Custom White Balance can only be captured in photo modeNo dedicated viewfinder support, though LCD screen viewfinder accessories are availableOlympus E-M10 IV Camera BodyORDER NOWOlympus E-M10 IV Camera and 14-42mm EZ LensORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Underwater HousingORDER NOWPACKAGES:Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Most Versatile Lens PackageORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Compact Lens PackageORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Pro Lens PackageORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Macro Addict PackageORDER NOWBest Advanced Compact Camera Runner UpBACK TO TOPThe Sony a6700Camera & Housing starting at $2,594Key Info on the a6700:Highest Resolution Sensor on this List (26MP) 4K 60p with Extremely Minor 1.04x Sensor Crop Great Autofocus Capabilities Viewfinder Compatible with Nauticam HousingUses Dedicated Lenses or Wet Lenses (Ikelite housing uses only dedicated lenses) Good Underwater White Balance Most Expensive Camera on this List Full Frame Macro Lens Includes Full Frame Price Tag and Size 1/160 Flash Sync SpeedSummary The Sony a6700 is the latest of the compact crop sensor a6000 series, featuring all of the newest tech that has trickled down from Sony full-frame cameras. The Sony a6700 is the most expensive camera on this list at $1399.99 but still maintains a small body and compact housings while having a relatively high resolution sensor and great video capabilities. The Sony a6700 uses a 26MP APS-C sensor that provides great image quality and dynamic range. The autofocus tracking is also fast and accurate, with similar performance to full-frame Sony cameras. The Sony a6700 can also shoot video at 4K 60p with an extremely minor 1.04x crop. It is the only camera on this list to not have a significant crop at 4K 60p other than the GoPro HERO13. 4K 60p is the sweet spot for resolution and frame rate, as it allows for high 4K resolution, while recording at a speed that can be played back normally or slowed down for smoother, longer clips. Unlike the GoPro, the Sony a6700 can execute a custom white balance, and can achieve accurate color at nearly any depth, much like its bigger full-frame siblings or the Canon cameras in this review. Sony a6700 | Sony 16-50mm Lens | 1/125 | ISO 80 | ƒ14 The Sony a6700 has a few drawbacks. The camera has a 1/160 flash sync limit, meaning that is the fastest shutter speed you can use with a flash during normal operation. This is fine for general photography, but it can present issues during scenes that require fast shutter speeds, such as capturing sunballs or other high ambient light-type shots. Without being able to reach faster speeds like 1/200 or 1/250, like many of the other cameras on this list, you might have to rely on more global changes like aperture or ISO to get the shot in high ambient light. If you want to use a dedicated macro lens or a fisheye lens, the Sony a6700 runs into the same problems as the Canon EOS R10. Dedicated fisheye lenses will require an adapter, which adds extra expense, and both compatible fisheye lenses are either discontinued and in very short supply. The Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens in particular, is larger, heavier, and more expensive ($1249.00 with a $249 adapter) than the Olympus 8mm ƒ1.8 fisheye lens ($1099.99). The Canon 8-15mm lens is also in extremely limited supply, making it near impossible to find in some cases. To shoot macro, you will also need a full frame lens in the form of the Sony 90mm ƒ2.8. This lens is also more expensive and larger than micro four-thirds options like the Olympus 60mm Lens. Sony a6700 | Sony 16-50mm Lens | 1/160 | ISO 50 | ƒ8 The Sony a6700 has housings available from both Nauticam and Ikelite. The Nauticam housing is more expensive, but can use wet lenses alongside a flat port and the Sony 16-50mm lens. The ability to use a wet wide lens is particularly appealing, this way, you don’t have to rely on larger, more expensive full-frame lenses, lens adapters, and port adapters. This combination is especially strong with the Nauticam WWL-1B, which allows for super sharp 130° of coverage at 19mm. This lens setup is great for photography, and video shooters in particular will appreciate the flexibility. The Nauticam NA-A6700 housing can use a manual LED flash trigger for super-fast manual strobe triggering. The other housing option for the Sony a6700 is from Ikelite. This housing is lightweight and inexpensive but you’ll have to choose between a housing with a fixed port that can use wet lenses with the 16-50, or an interchangeable port housing that cannot use wet lenses. Going with interchangeable ports only will add to the cost and travel size, especially if you use the Canon 8-15mm lens and adapter. The Ikelite housings have a multitude of flash triggering options. Out of the box, you can use electronic sync cables to rapid-fire most electronic sync-capable strobes. You can also use Ikelite’s accurate TTL system with Ikelite strobes and the Ikelite DL5 DS Link TTL. The Ikelite Sony a6700 housing can also manually trigger strobes optically using the Ikelite Manual Fiber Optic Transmitter. Sony a6700 | Sony 16-50mm Lens | 1/125 | ISO 100 | ƒ8 The flash triggering ecosystem has never been better for the Sony a6700, as previous versions of the camera relied on painfully slow pop-up flashes, much like the Sony RX100 VII. This resulted in a lot of missed shots and frustration with older a6000 series cameras and we are happy to see it resolved. The Sony a6700 is one of the most capable cameras on this list, with great image quality from its 26MP APS-C sensor, 4K 60p video, and an accurate underwater white balance. All these features come with a price, as it is the most expensive camera on our list, which uses larger, more expensive full-frame lenses for macro and fisheye shooting. The 1/160 flash sync speed also presents a problem for photographers looking to use a flash in high ambient light. Overall, if you want the smallest rig with the highest resolution sensor and 4K 60p video despite the high price tag, this is the best option in the review. ProsHigh resolution 26MP APS-C Sensor4K 60p video with negligible cropGood autofocus capabilities Good underwater white balance Housing and flash triggering options ConsMost expensive camera in this reviewMacro shooting will require a full-frame lensFull-frame fisheye lenses require an adapter and are discontinued Full-frame macro lenses are larger than micro 4/3 options1/160 flash sync speedSony a6700 CameraORDER NOWSony a6700 Camera and 16-50mm lensORDER NOWIkelite Sony a6700 HousingORDER NOWIkelite Sony a6700 Deluxe Housing PackageORDER NOWNauticam NA-A6700 HousingORDER NOWBest Advanced Compact Camera Runner UpBACK TO TOPThe Canon EOS R10Camera & Housing starting at $2,495Key Info on the R10:Great Underwater White BalanceMore Dedicated ControlsGood Image Quality and AutofocusExcellent Entry Level Photo RigPlenty of Lens OptionsViewfinder CompatibleManual and Hardwired TTL Flash TriggeringCost of Lenses and Accessories Can Add UpNo Support for Wet Wide LensesSummary The Canon EOS R10 is equipped with a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and can shoot 4K 30p video with no crop. The Canon EOS R10 delivers great image quality, fast autofocus, and excellent in-camera color for video that we have come to expect from Canon. While the Canon EOS R10 is capable of producing a white balance that is vivid and accurate color straight out of camera, the process is clumsy and more time-consuming compared to other camera brands. The Canon EOS R10 is billed as a more advanced camera than the Canon EOS R50, with more dedicated controls, a more robust body, and improved autofocus in comparison. The Canon EOS R10 is compact, lightweight, and simple to operate and will be instantly familiar to any Canon shooter. Currently only Ikelite makes a housing for the Canon EOS R10. The Canon EOS R10 has an abundance of lens options, and can use mid-range zoom lenses such as the Canon RF-S 18-45mm ƒ4.5-6.3 and Canon RF-S 10-18mm ƒ4.5-6.3, the Canon 8-15mm ƒ4 fisheye with the Canon EOS Mount Adapter, or a dedicated macro lens such as the Canon RF 100mm ƒ2.8 macro lens. The Canon EOS R10 is unable to use the wet wide lenses, which are an excellent choice for flexible and sharp wide angle zoom shooting, especially for video. As a result, the Canon EOS R10 has more of an SLR-style shooting experience rather than a traditional compact system using wet lenses. Though there are a number of lens options, some are more expensive and larger than their Olympus/OM System counterparts. For example, if you want to shoot macro, The Canon RF 100mm ƒ2.8 L will set you back $1,199.00, while the Olympus 60mm Lens is $549.99. The full-frame Canon 8-15mm Fisheye ƒ4 is also large, and expensive, adding bulk to this otherwise compact system. The Tokina 10-17mm, the best crop sensor fisheye lens ever for underwater shooting, has also been discontinued for a number of years, making finding one in good shape difficult. Both lenses would require the Canon EOS Mount Adapter, increasing the price by at least $129.99. With compatible fisheye lenses being large, expensive, and difficult to find, and no compatibility with 130° wet wide lenses, that leaves you with the Canon RF-S 10-18mm ƒ4.5-6.3 as the widest, current option, which is only about 107°. This places the Canon RF-S 10-18mm ƒ4.5-6.3 as more of a mid-ranged wide angle lens when compared to 130° wet lenses or 180° fisheye lenses. The Canon EOS R10 has an abundance of flash triggering options. Out of the box, the Ikelite Canon EOS R10 Housing can use hardwired, electronic sync with compatible strobes for rapid fire manual triggering. Ikelite also offers the Ikelite Manual Fiber Optic Transmitter, allowing you to fire most manual optical strobes. If you use Ikelite strobes, you can take advantage of either hardwired Ikelite DL5 DS Link TTL, or Ikelite TT5 Canon TTL Fiber Optic Transmitter and Ikelite RC2 TTL Receiver. Both options provide you with rapid-fire manual control or highly accurate TTL using a hardwired system or digital optical TTL. The Canon EOS R10 has no options for slave TTL, and if you wish to shoot TTL at all, you will need extra components and must remain in Ikelite’s flash ecosystem. The Ikelite Canon EOS R10 Housing is also compatible with expanded viewfinders, which is a huge bonus to shooters looking for added convenience and comfort of an angled viewfinder. For more info on why we love expanded viewfinders, check out our Why You Need an Expanded Viewfinder video. Overall, thanks to the multiple lens and flash triggering options, dedicated controls, fantastic underwater white balance color, improved autofocus system, and viewfinder compatibility, the Canon EOS R10 is an excellent choice for a flexible, compact mirrorless system, especially when used for photography. ProsGreat Underwater White Balance Uncropped 4K 30 Good Image Quality and Auto FocusMore Dedicated ControlsMany options for Flash triggering Greater Lens Choice ConsCropped 4K 60pClunky Manual White Balance ProcessNo support for wet wide lenses Lenses are larger and more expensive than Olympus/OM SystemCompatible fisheye lenses are discontinuedCanon EOS R10 CameraORDER NOWIkelite Canon EOS R10 HousingORDER NOWIkelite Canon EOS R10 Housing Deluxe PackageORDER NOW Canon EOS R10, Lens, Ikelite Housing, & Dome PackageORDER NOWBest Advanced Compact Camera Runner UpBACK TO TOPThe Canon EOS R50Camera & Housing starting at $3,500Key Info on the R50:Great Underwater White Balance Bridges the Gap Between GoPro and Full-Frame Mirrorless Video System Uncropped 4K 30p Nauticam Produces Only Available Housing Limited Camera Lens Choice Supports Nauticam Wet Lenses Summary The Canon EOS R50 is an entry level compact mirrorless camera using a 24.2 APS-C sensor, much like the Canon EOS R10. The image quality from the Canon EOS R50 is solid, producing excellent color and good dynamic range. With a maximum flash sync speed of 1/250th, the Canon EOS R50 is ideal for capturing sunballs or shooting in bright ambient light where a faster shutter speed is advantageous. Currently, only Nauticam produces a housing for the Canon EOS R50. The Nauticam NA-R50 housing includes a built-in port for the Canon RF-S 18-45mm ƒ4.5-6.3 kit lens. This means there are no other lens options, just like a traditional fixed-lens compact camera. In order to shoot wide angle or macro, the Canon EOS R50 will need wet lenses such as the Nauticam WWL-C, Nauticam CMC-1 and Nauticam CMC-2. Nauticam optics provide sharp results, but the lens selection is still somewhat limiting compared to other options. The Nauticam WWL-C is an easy solution for wide angle shooting, but the lack of a dedicated macro lens in particular is a drawback with this system. Diopters also have nowhere near the same magnification as a dedicated macro lens and will severely limit your focus range and capability. Shooting through a close-up diopter will also decrease your depth of field and overall autofocus performance. For this reason, the Canon EOS R50 is best used for wide angle with the Nauticam WWL-C wet wide lens. Canon EOS R50 | Canon RF-S 18-45mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 100 | ƒ11 The Canon EOS R50 makes an excellent compact video rig, shooting 4K 30P from oversampled 6K without a crop. You can also shoot up to 4K 60P with 1.56X crop, and at 1080P for higher frame rates with no crop. Like most Canon cameras, the Canon EOS R50 produces an excellent underwater white balance, resulting in accurate colors at most depths. The small size and more advanced features of the Canon EOS R50 allows it to bridge the gap between GoPro and full-frame mirrorless cameras. Unfortunately, the Canon EOS R50 uses the same clunky, multi-step process for executing a custom white balance that has plagued Canon users for years. Though less streamlined than other brands, longtime users will adapt to the procedure and the accurate color results are definitely worth it. The housing uses the camera’s built-in flash to trigger strobes, supporting both manual and S-TTL modes. Though this is conveniently built into your camera, meaning you won’t need an additional flash trigger. You can decrease the power of the manual flash for more rapid-fire shooting, which is key to capturing fast action and critical moments. S-TTL can be used with compatible strobes, however, this is the least accurate method of TTL shooting compared to digital optical and hardwired systems. Since S-TTL uses the fill-flash, this will significantly decrease the rate in which you can trigger the strobe, as the on-board triggering flash will take extra time to recycle. Overall, the Canon EOS R50 is an excellent choice for shooters looking for a compact-style system that uses wet lenses. The field of view, sharpness, and flexibility offered by the Nauticam WWL-C makes the Canon EOS R50 especially a good choice for a compact, entry-level video system. ProsGreat Underwater White Balance Uncropped 4K 30 Good Image Quality & AutofocusSmall SizePrice PointConsMust Use Wet Lenses for Macro & Wide Angle Cannot Use Dedicated Macro Lenses Cropped 4K 60Clunky Manual White Balance ProcessS-TTL is Only Automatic Exposure Option Fewer Dedicated Controls Canon EOS R50 CameraORDER NOW Canon EOS R50 Camera & 18-45mm LensORDER NOWNauticam NA-R50HousingORDER NOWNauticam NA-R50 Housing PackageORDER NOWBest Advanced Compact Camera Runner UpBACK TO TOPThe Canon Powershot G7 X IIICamera & Housing starting at $1,100Key Info on the G7 X III:Our pick for Best Manual White Balance Color1” sensor produces sharp, detailed images Produces the best white balance color out of every camera in this reviewFirst G7 X Camera with 4K video Requires separate ports for wide angle and macro lens compatibilitySummary The G7 X series from Canon has consistently been our top pick for best manual white balance color for fixed lens compact cameras. While we absolutely love the color produced by the camera when executing a custom white balance for video, the process to do so is the most convoluted and requires over ten button activations. The Canon G7 X III is the first of the G7 X line to be able to shoot 4K video, however, this is less impressive in 2025 when 4K is now basically standard. The 1” sensor produces a beautiful 20.1 megapixel still image with great image quality, and if using this camera as purely a still shooter then there is little doubt the user will be pleased with the photo results. Similar to the Sony RX100 VII, the user must swap between dedicated ports for macro and wide angle, preventing in-water shooting style swaps. Unlike the Sony RX100 VII, the Canon G7 X III has a shorter overall focal length, and though less versatile for topside photography, it is significantly easier for macro shooting. The Canon G7 X III has the option to use manual flash power to trigger a strobe. This can be set at a lower intensity allowing for much faster triggering than with TTL-only flashes like that of the Sony RX100 VII. Like the Sony RX100 VII, the Canon G7 X III is nearing six years of age, making it one of the older cameras in this review. With a camera of this age, and with the limitations of a fixed lens system, it is worth considering some of the compact mirrorless options for a newer and easier-to-use system. ProsGreat custom white balance colorImage quality in both wide angle and macro is vibrant and sharpManual flash exposure option for rapid-fire shootingCons10+ button push custom white balance procedureShort port required for wide angle accessory lensOlder camera (will turn 6 years old in 2025) No digital optical or hardwired TTL optionsCanon G7 X III CameraORDER NOWFantasea FG7X III HousingORDER NOWIkelite G7X III HousingORDER NOWIsotta G7XIII HousingORDER NOWNauticam NA-G7XIII Housing PackageORDER NOWBest Advanced Compact Camera Runner UpBACK TO TOPThe Sony DSC-RX100 VIICamera & Housing starting at $1,895Watch our underwater test video of the Sony RX100 VII.Key Info on the RX100 VII:24-200mm zoom lens is great for topside shooting, less ideal for underwater Good autofocus systemSpecial housing & port accommodations are necessary for 200mm lens underwaterDifficult to shoot macro withLack of manual flash triggering option means long waits between shots4K 30p videoCustom white balance looks good, but only to about 35 feetThough wide angle images with a wide angle conversion lens come out looking sharp with great color and detail, capturing an image like this is dumb luck due to the slow recycle time of the camera. It is extremely easy to miss behavior or other key moments because of the slow triggering speed of the built-in flash.Sony RX100 VII | 1/125 | ISO 100 | ƒ8Summary The Sony RX100 VII will be turning six years old this year, making it very long in the tooth in the world of electronics. Now in 2025, the Sony RX100 VII is difficult to recommend. Its autofocus capabilities, though still quite impressive, are not as outstanding as it once was, with many of the compact mirrorless cameras on this list having similar or better performance. The long lens of the Sony RX100 VII is extremely impressive and flexible for shooting on land, but underwater it ends up being more of hindrance. The Sony RX100 VII requires a short port to limit its focal length for wide angle, this way a wet wide lens won’t vignette because of the longer port. To shoot macro, you will use the included port along with a diopter. With port swaps a requirement to go between wide and macro, you might as well step into a compact mirrorless with dedicated lenses is a serious consideration because of the easier shooting experience. Though capable of shooting macro images, it is truly an act of patience with the Sony RX100 VII, as the depth of field is razor thin with extremely short working distances, making achieving critical focus difficult. The Sony RX100 VII is one of the most difficult cameras to shoot macro with, any other camera on this list is an easier choice for shooting small subjects. One of the biggest issues shooting the Sony RX100 VII is that it only uses a TTL fill-flash to trigger strobes. Due to the small capacitors and battery, the flash takes a painstaking amount of time to recycle, making it slow to trigger strobes. Because of this, it is extremely easy to miss out on key moments and action. Other cameras that have a manual flash option or use flash triggers will allow you to capture significantly more frames while the Sony RX100 VII is waiting to take its next shot. The Sony RX100 VII has significantly improved white balance over its predecessor, the Sony RX100 VI, and can get good color down to 35 feet. This was impressive back in 2019 when Sony cameras struggled to capture accurate color for video. Modern Sony full-frame and APS-C cameras rival Canon in white balance accuracy, making the Sony RX100 VII feel even more like a blast from the past. With several options from Canon available on this list, the Sony RX100 VII is one of the weaker contenders for underwater video. The Sony RX100 VII also retails at $1299.99 making it one of the more expensive cameras on this list. The sticker shock of the camera, along with housing, and potentially multiple ports and wet lenses is hard to justify for a camera that is nearly six years old. At this point, we would only recommend this camera as an underwater system if you already own it, want a compact camera for topside photography with a long zoom range, and have no intention of having a separate camera for your underwater system. To get a macro shot like this nudibranch, a +5 macro lens and a lot of patience are necessary due to the extremely small working distance of the Sony RX100 VII at longer focal lengths.Sony RX100 VII | 1/2000 | ISO 100 | ƒ11 For more information on the Sony RX100 VII, check out our in-depth review article.Sony RX100 VII ReviewProsSmallest camera with a 24-200mm lens equivalentSolid wide angle performance with a wet wide lens4K 30 video quality is excellentGood AF tracking in continuous modeCons24-200mm lens requires different ports for true wide angle and macroManual white balance limit is about 35 feetBuilt-in flash is TTL only, meaning excruciatingly slow recycle timesExtremely difficult to shoot macro Price is not far off from a Full-Frame MirrorlessSony RX100 VII Compact CameraORDER NOWFantasea RX100 VII HousingORDER NOWIkelite RX100 VII HousingORDER NOW Isotta Sony RX100 VII HousingORDER NOWNauticam NA-RX100VII Housing PackageORDER NOWCONCLUSION We hope you have enjoyed this in-depth survey of the underwater compact camera market. At Backscatter, our team is staffed with active divers who get out and shoot with all of the equipment that we sell. Our sales staff have direct experience with the gear you purchase with us and are just a phone call away if you ever need help. It's that level of expertise that we put into this annual roundup of compact cameras so that we can share with you what we've learned, and why we recommend certain cameras over others. Please support the development of more content like this by purchasing your gear from us. WHY BUY FROM BACKSCATTER?Free lifetime tech support with every purchase. We will beat any advertised price. 20+ years of in-house warranty service and repair. Free shipping to USA and Canada and low-cost international shipping.Learn more!BACK TO TOPRelated PostsSupercharge Your Underwater GoPro Video With The Best Techniques & Gear Are you a diver who just wants to capture a few cool moments underwater? 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