New Cameras For Underwater Photography

Our underwater photo pro reviews the capabilities of these advanced systems; what you'll get are amazing images and videos — housings not included.

Sony A6500

Price: $1,399.99 | Contact: backscatter.com

The Sony a6500 is a blazing-fast camera both for photo and video shooters. This small, mirrorless camera is easy on the wallet in relation to the superb image quality it delivers. Built around a 24.2-megapixel APS-C “crop” sensor, the a6500 features 4K 30 fps and 1080p 120 fps video in quality that attracts even pro shooters. Other key features include lightning-fast 425-point 4D autofocus, five-axis image stabilization, enhanced buffer for burst shooting and a wide array of mobile apps to support your creativity.

SeaLife DC2000

Price: $1,399 | Contact: sealife-cameras.com

The SeaLife DC2000 brings the excellent image quality of a large, 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor into a compact, tough, easy-to-use underwater camera. This affordable camera is designed around SeaLife’s trademark piano-key controls and large mode dial, which are intuitive to use with bare hands or gloves. A large shutter button ensures you won’t miss the shot, even during fast action. As shooters gain experience, they’ll appreciate the DC2000’s manual settings control, rapid response autofocus lens, full HD video and RAW image format.

• Check out some of the images our editors captured using the DC2000

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Price: $1,999.99 (body only) | Contact: getolympus.com

The E-M1 Mark II is Olympus’ flagship mirrorless camera and a top choice for still photography without the bulk of a DSLR system. The camera features a 20-megapixel Live MOS sensor, 121-point autofocus system, five-axis image stabilization (great for video), 4K video recording and up to 60 fps burst shooting. New features such as Pro Capture mode mean you never miss macro action when using constant lighting techniques. Several programmable buttons help you customize the camera to quickly access the settings you use the most.

Canon 5D Mark IV

Price: $4,599 | Contact: shop.usa.canon.com

The Canon 5D Mark IV is regarded as one of the best DSLRs on the market, combining the exceptional image quality of a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video, low-light performance, 7 frames per second (fps) burst and an advanced 61-point dual-pixel autofocus system. The camera easily tracks moving subjects for photo or video shooting, even in low light. Canon’s deep lens selection (price above includes zoom lens) helps you capture the action, and dual memory card slots keep you shooting longer. The 5D Mark IV delivers bold color, contrast and crisp images.

Nikon D500

Price: $1,799 (body only) | Contact: nikonusa.com

The Nikon D500 is built for serious shooting. It features a 20.9MP APS-C “crop” sensor that provides the field of view required for tight macro and super macro shooting of the smallest critters in the water. The 153-point autofocus system is accurate and tracks moving subjects with ease. Macro shooters have many great lens choices available, all of which work with a number of different diopter systems for increased magnification and perfect framing of the subject. A fast processor ensures the camera responds quickly at the first touch of a control.

Want More? Check out last year's selection of underwater cameras and housings.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

Price: | Contact:

The Panasonic GH5 has been capturing much buzz in the video world, with great specs in a 20MP micro 4/3 sensor and powerful features that pack a punch for underwater shooting. Video quality is excellent, with 10-bit 4K 4:2:2 video recording at 200Mb/s. Let’s just say that these specs are far above the competition, delivering the exceptional color depth and image quality that video shooters crave. The Panasonic GH5 also has a knack for achieving accurate colors when white balanced underwater. The 5-axis image stabilization helps record smooth footage, while a 225-area DFD autofocus system delivers fast, accurate autofocus underwater.