Although exposure compensation can be used to accomplish this to a limited degree, setting the shutter speed and aperture yourself is the best way to control the ambient light.Ībility to change lenses underwater (wet lenses only) giving the ability to go from wide angle to macro during the dive Most of the time, but especially when using an external strobe, it is very helpful to have complete control over how much ambient light comes into the camera. Is full manual mode important for a compact camera?Īnyone considering purchasing an external strobe at some point, should get a camera with full manual controls. The cameras I list below are the best ones I feel for underwater photography, especially if you ever want to grow past taking a few snapshots. Most of the Sony, Canon or Olympus cameras will be excellent choices. If you just want to take snapshots underwater, well then there are dozens of cameras that will all produce similar results. Let's look at more advantages and disadvantages of a compact camera, when compared to a dSLR:Īll compacts involve tradeoffs. New models like the Nikon Z7 and the Canon EOS R are setting a new standard for stills and video in one package. The best camera for underwater photography may be a full frame high resolution dSLR or a full frame mirrorless camera. However, a compact camera in the right hands can sometimes take shots that rival a dSLR shot.įor more information on how compacts differ from dSLRs underwater, and how to use your compact camera underwater, read about using compact cameras underwater. Shooting with a dSLR is quite a joy and very few people regret changing. Interchangeable lens cameras also have reduced shutter lag and better focusing capability. You also have more flexibility with different focal lengths and better image quality from superior optics and a larger sensor. This is a significant difference that limits the flexibility of a compact camera, although wet lenses can help bridge this distance to some extent. The obvious advantage is the interchangeable lens choices.

After shooting with a compact underwater camera, many people consider switching to a mirrorless or a dSLR. Which type of underwater digital camera should you buy? What is the best underwater camera? There are compact cameras, mirrorless, and dSLRs each with their own pros and cons.Ĭompact cameras have one attached lens while both mirrorless and dSLRs use interchangeable lenses.

Reefmaster digital camera