The Underwater Photography Guide’s editor-in-chief, Nirupam Nigam, reviews Nikon Z6 III – a versatile hybrid for underwater photographers and videographers

By Nirupam Nigam

Nikon’s Z6III full-frame mirrorless camera combines advanced technology with accessible features, offering a powerful yet user-friendly experience. It’s especially suited to Nikon DSLR users contemplating the switch to mirrorless, as it brings updates in autofocus, image stabilisation, and video recording – all key improvements inherited from Nikon’s Z9 and Z8 series.

The Z6III boasts a new sensor touted as ‘the world’s first partially stacked CMOS sensor’, designed to enhance processing speeds and minimise rolling shutter effects.

However, recent sensor tests indicate a slight reduction in dynamic range at lower ISO compared to the Z6II, which may concern some photographers. Underwater shooters, particularly those who shoot wide-angle scenes with high contrast (such as ‘sunballs’), might notice this in extreme cases.

We conducted thorough testing of the Z6III in an Ikelite Z6III underwater housing while diving our favourite local sites in Southern California, pushing the limits of dynamic range to demonstrate the camera’s performance in the area it has been most critiqued. (Thank you to Dave at Diving Catalina for supporting this review!)

Nikon Z6 III key specifications

• 24.5 MP full-frame partially stacked CMOS sensor
• 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (up to 8 stops)
• EXPEED 7 processor for faster performance
• Z lens mount (compatible with F mount lenses and FTZ adapter)
• 14 fps burst shooting with mechanical shutter and 20 fps with electronic shutter
• 6K/30p, 5.4K/60p, and 4K/60p oversampled video recording
• N-Log, N-RAW, and ProResRAW recording
• Full-size HDMI 2.1 connector
• 1/200 second sync speed
• Enhanced autofocus with subject detection and tracking
• Low light AF sensitivity down to -10 EV
• 10.46 stops of dynamic range at ISO 100
• Dual card slots: CFexpress type B and UHS-II
• Dimensions: 5.5 in x 4 in x 3 in
• Weight: 670 g

A closer look at the Nikon Z6III’s new sensor

With a similar resolution to its predecessors, the Z6III features Nikon’s first ‘partially stacked’ sensor with 3.5x faster readout speeds than the Z6II.

Rolling shutter is nearly eliminated, an advantage for shooting fast-moving subjects in action, wildlife, and underwater photography. Expect crisper images of dolphins, sharks, or sailfish when their speed typically challenges the camera’s performance.

One downside is the Z6III’s reduced dynamic range at lower ISO. In most lighting situations, photographers would be unlikely to notice this. However, many underwater environments require as much dynamic range as possible.

Our testing concluded it is difficult to see a loss in dynamic range in a properly exposed photo; however, in an overexposed photo (above), recovery was slightly more difficult than it would be with the Nikon Z6 or Z6II. In our opinion, this encourages proper photographic techniques rather than being a drawback of the camera.

Improved autofocus

One of the Z6III’s most significant improvements is in autofocus. While the Z6 and Z6II had solid autofocus systems, they often lagged behind competitors like Sony and Canon. With the Z6III adopting the same autofocus system as Nikon’s flagship Z8 and Z9 cameras, tracking and subject detection are much quicker and more accurate.

During underwater testing, focusing on small or fast-moving subjects, like a pyrosome floating in the open water (below), was quick and reliable, making it a game-changer for underwater macro and action photography.

I can’t emphasise enough how much of an improvement the autofocus system is compared to the Nikon Z6II. Even the autofocus box is smaller and more accurate than on the Z6II.

Nikon’s Z6III will produce images of a higher quality when shooting in difficult conditions, such as blackwater diving. This level of precision puts Nikon back in competition with Sony’s α7 IV and Canon’s R6 Mark II in the $2500 price range.

In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS)

The 5-axis IBIS on the Z6III, offering up to 8 stops of correction, is another major highlight. It allows photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing motion blur from camera shake.

This is particularly useful for underwater photographers shooting in low light, where higher ISO is needed, or in conditions where slower shutter speeds can help capture more ambient light for dramatic wide-angle shots.

During our tests in the kelp forests of Catalina Island, we were able to shoot crisp, blur-free images at 1/30s – a testament to the Z6III’s IBIS capability. For underwater videographers, this stabilisation makes handheld shooting much smoother, delivering high-quality cinematic footage.

Category-leading video features

Nikon’s Z6III also shines in the video department. It supports 6K/30p and 4K/60p oversampled video recording with options for N-Log, N_RAW, and ProRes RAW formats. This flexibility is ideal for high-end video production, and the ability to shoot in 4K/60p with no crop makes it a competitive choice for mid-range full-frame cameras.

Though Nikon has historically struggled with setting manual white balance in deeper underwater conditions, we were able to achieve solid results up to 60 feet during our dives.

While the colours still don’t quite match those of Sony or Canon cameras, Nikon has significantly improved in this area. No doubt, following their acquisition of RED, Nikon intends to focus on video innovation in the near future.

Underwater housings

Thanks to the popularity of Nikon’s Z-series cameras, several top brands have already released housings for the Z6III, including the anodised aluminium Nauticam Nikon Z6III underwater housing and polycarbonate Ikelite Nikon Z6III underwater housing.

The Ikelite housing, which we used for our tests, is particularly noteworthy for its user-friendly controls, updated dial design for more effortless operation with gloves, and built-in charging and data transfer bulkhead. We expect upcoming releases from other major manufacturers, such as Marelux, Isotta, and Aquatica.

Recommended underwater lenses for the Nikon Z6III

The Z6III’s versatility extends to lens compatibility, with both Z-mount and F-mount lenses (via the Nikon FTZ adapter) performing exceptionally well underwater. Here are some top choices:

Macro lenses:

• Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 macro: One of the sharpest macro lenses available, although slightly slower than the F-mount version. Its enhanced autofocus makes it my top pick for macro photography.
• Nikon F 105mm f/2.8 macro (with FTZ adapter): Faster than, but not as sharp as, the Z-mount, the F 105mm is perfect for sneaking up on shy macro subjects due to increased working distance.
• Nikon F 60mm f/2.8 macro (with FTZ adapter): Closer focus makes it my favorite choice for blackwater photography. You can also get a 154-degree field of view when paired with the Kraken KRL-09s wide-angle conversion lens.

Wide-angle lenses:

• Nikon F 8-15mm fisheye lens (with FTZ adapter): My favorite fisheye lens, it offers a range of views for close-up reef shots and wide-angle scenes. Perfect for capturing colorful details of reef subjects.
• Nikon Z 14-30mm rectilinear wide lens: Ideal for subjects at a greater distance, such as dolphins and sharks, producing sharp corners. It transforms into a fisheye lens when used with the Nauticam FCP-1.

Conclusion: Nikon’s return to form

The Nikon Z6 III marks a significant step forward in Nikon’s mirrorless journey, offering an excellent balance of still and video features. Its improved autofocus, in-body image stabilisation, and video capabilities make it a strong contender against Sony and Canon models in the same price range.

For underwater photographers and videographers, it provides the tools necessary to capture high-quality, professional images and footage, even in challenging conditions.

While the reduction in dynamic range has raised some concerns online, our tests show that it’s not a deal-breaker for most underwater scenarios. As long as you expose your images properly, the Z6 delivers impressive results, making it one of the best mid-range full-frame cameras on the market today.

MSRP Nikon Z6 III: $2499

www.bluewaterphotostore.com

Nirupam Nigam is an underwater photographer and fisheries scientist, Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo. Check out Nirupam’s photography at www.photosfromthesea.com.

The post Review – Nikon Z6III mirrorless camera appeared first on DIVE Magazine.

The Underwater Photography Guide’s editor-in-chief, Nirupam Nigam, reviews the upgrades to Canon’s flagship camera with the 2024 Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Words and pictures by Nirupam Nigam

Released in 2024, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, the groundbreaking EOS R5, and – thanks to its faster readout speeds, enhanced autofocus system, and video recordings of 8K/60p RAW – substantially better than the EOS R1, which was released at the same time.

The Canon R5 Mark II seems to (almost) have it all. Certainly, for underwater photography, the improvements are quite exciting – although it lacks the global shutter system of Sony’s α9 III, the R5 Mark II is the first mirrorless camera that the team here at Bluewater Photo has used to consistently and successfully track fish, sea lions, and everything in between.

Are these improvements significant enough to warrant an upgrade? If you’ve been holding onto your DSLR Canon 5D Mark IV, switching to the Canon R5 Mark II is an obvious decision. If you’re currently shooting underwater with the Canon EOS R5, however, still one of the world’s most popular underwater cameras, you’ll have more to consider before upgrading to the R5 Mark II.

With compatible underwater housings just starting to hit the market, we took the R5 Mark II in an Ikelite housing to Port Hardy in British Columbia, Canada, to see if the ugrades are as remarkable in the field as they appear on paper – and even in subpar diving conditions, the R5 MkII provides some spectacular results.

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Canon EOS R5 Mark II specifications

• New 45-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor
• RF lens mount
• DIGIC X processor with DIGIC Accelerator co-processor
• 30fps RAW burst shooting in electronic shutter mode
• 1/250 mechanical flash sync speed, 1/160 electronic flash sync speed
• Pre-continuous shooting mode
• New Dual Pixel Intelligent AF and AF modes: Action Priority, improved Canon Eye Control AF
• Improved In-Body Image Stabilization
• 8K/60p and 4K/120p video recording
• RAW and C-Log2 recording capability
• Dual card slots: CFexpress Type B and UHS-II
• 5.76 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• LP-E6P battery with improved power output
• Dimensions: 138.5mm x 101.2 mm x 93.5mm
• Weight: 746 grams

Comparing the Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs Canon EOS R5

At first glance, the two Canon EOS R5 cameras are relatively similar in their dimensions, controls and 45MP sensor, although the bodies are different enough that each camera requires a unique underwater housing.

We found the most impressive upgrades of the R5 Mk II over its predecessor include a new autofocus system – possibly the best system in the world today – new eye movement control AF, a new stacked sensor with burst shooting and faster readout speeds.

Those shooting video may want to consider the R5 Mark II’s incredible specs along with its faster 8K video frame rates and C-Log2 recording capability, but we don’t know as yet if new underwater housings for the R5 Mark II will be compatible with its optional battery cooling grip, so Canon EOS R5 C owners may prefer to wait until we do before upgrading

Key features of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II

With a robust set of new features that look good on paper, we’ll break down the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s essential features, including what they are, what they’re meant to achieve, and whether they are functional improvements in our underwater photography field tests.

Improved readout speeds with a new 45 MP stacked sensor

The latest trend in underwater photography is achieving faster readout speeds, sparked by innovations like Sony’s global shutter with the Sony α9 III. While the R5 Mark II does not feature a global shutter, it compensates with high-speed data transfer from the sensor to the processor, thanks to its DIGIC Accelerator co-processor.

A vital component of R5 MkII’s speed is its new 45MP ‘stacked’ sensor, which reduces the rolling shutter effect, resulting in sharper images of fast-moving subjects using the electronic shutter and minimizing distortion in video footage. In our underwater tests, even handheld video was remarkably stable.

The stacked sensor also enables the R5 Mark II to handle up to 30 frames per second when burst shooting in RAW – seriously impressive for a 45MP camera. Although underwater photographers using strobes may not always need such high speeds, the R5 Mark II can sync with strobes up to 1/160s, even in electronic shutter mode.

Using fast-recycling strobes such as the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Duo or the Marelux Apollo III makes capturing fast subjects in dark water more achievable with the R5 Mark II, even at lower strobe power.

However, as with other stacked-sensor cameras like the Nikon Z8 or Nikon Z6 III, there may be a slight trade-off in dynamic range for the added speed. Petapixel’s initial tests suggest the R5 Mark II shows slightly more noise than the original R5, but the difference was barely noticeable during our underwater tests.

The extra noise won’t be a concern for most photographers, but those frequently shooting scenes with high dynamic range (such as wide-angle shots with sunbursts) may prefer to stick with the original R5. That said, the R5 Mark II holds its own among other top models like the Nikon Z8, Sony α9 III, and Nikon Z6 III, even for sunballs.

The world’s best autofocus system

Canon’s EOS R5 Mark II has arguably introduced the best autofocus system to the market. While Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus is already highly rated – often compared to Sony’s subject-detection autofocus tracking – this new iteration brings even more innovation.

The most significant improvement for underwater photographers is the R5 Mark II’s ability to ignore objects that pass in front of a tracked subject. This is incredibly helpful when photographing multiple fish or moving subjects.

During our dives in the murky waters of the Pacific Northwest, where particles were abundant, the camera consistently stayed locked on the intended subject without issue. Moreover, when we put the camera in autofocus servo with a wide autofocus area, the camera had no problems identifying and tracking fish and sea lions!

The Canon eye control autofocus, which first appeared in the Canon R3, is also present in the R5 Mark II. This feature enables you to move the focus point simply by looking at your subject. Unfortunately, this technology doesn’t perform well enough when using a dive mask or magnified viewfinder to be useful to underwater photographers.

8K video improvements and new recording capability

Canon introduced 8K video recording in a mirrorless camera with the release of the original R5. Now, Canon has built on the technology by offering 8K video at up to 60 frames per second on the R5 Mark II, putting it on par with models like the Nikon Z8 and Z9.

The R5 Mark II also offers improved in-body image stabilization, making handheld underwater video much smoother, as demonstrated in the videos captured during our testing.

Shooting video in 8K resolution provides extra flexibility, particularly for those shooting macro, who can now crop down to 4K for tighter framing or additional b-roll. The R5 Mark III can also record at up to 120 frames per second in 4K, which is perfect for slow-motion shots and added stabilisation.

Moreover, the R5 Mark II supports RAW video recording and a new C-Log2 profile. Log profiles capture more detail in highlights and shadows, offering greater dynamic range and editing flexibility. While RAW video is typically reserved for high-end production shoots, the C-Log2 profile will be a valuable tool for many videographers.

Overheating concerns

Concerns were raised over the original Canon R5’s tendency to overheat when recording at high resolutions and frame rates. In our initial tests, the R5 could only last about 20 minutes when recording 8K or 4K/120p video. A firmware update later improved this, and the Canon R5C was designed with enhanced cooling to eliminate these issues.

The R5 Mark II has an optional cooling accessory grip, though it’s unclear if underwater housings will support it. While we didn’t perform a full overheating test during this review, the R5 Mark II did not overheat while filming 4K/60p video on any of our dives.

Underwater housings for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II

As expected with the release of such a popular camera, the top manufacturers are already offering underwater housings for the Canon R5 Mark II, with Nauticam’s anodized aluminium housing, and Marleux and Ikelite’s R5 Mark II polycarbonate housings among the most highly recommended.

Underwater lenses for the Canon R5 MkII

Underwater photography subjects are as varied as the photographers who shoot them, requiring a selection of lenses. Whether you are into macro and super-macro, prefer to capture larger animals and landscapes, or like to give your images more artistic flair, you’ll find the perfect lens to pair with your EOS R5 Mark II.

Macro lenses

Capturing images of small – or even microscopic – creatures underwater requires a macro lens. Canon enthusiasts heading to one of the top macro photography destinations will want to pack one of Canon’s compatible macro lenses with their R5 Mark II:

• Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: Best for shooting shy critters by allowing a longer working distance. You can also add a macro diopter to shoot super-macro images. Magnification is greater with the RF when compared with the EF, enabling you to capture photos at an impressive ratio of 1.4:1. Note that the Canon RF 100mm’s spherical aberration control ring is not recommended for underwater photography.
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS (with EF-EOS R Adapter): Another great option for capturing small, shy subjects using a greater working distance. When combined with a macro diopter, it’s an essential tool for super-macro photography.
• Canon RF 85mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: While it may seem like a good option at a great price point, its autofocus is practically unusable underwater due to its slow-moving focusing barrel.

Recommended wet diopters

• Nauticam Super Macro Converter: One of the sharpest and strongest diopters on the market, this will help you capture sharp macro and super-macro photos. For super-macro, use it with the Canon 100 mm f/2.8 macro lens.
• Kraken +13 Diopter and Weefine +13 Diopter: Excellent options with spectacular magnification, the Kraken and Weefine offer the same quality as the Nauticam at a more affordable price.
• Bluewater +7 Diopter: Recommended for beginners, the Bluewater +7 may have less magnification than the others. Still, it is suitable for use with mid-range lenses and provides additional magnification to the Canon 100mm macro lens.

Read Bluewater Photo’s full guide to underwater macro wet lenses

Wide-angle fisheye lenses

Capture ultra-wide fields of view using a wide-angle fisheye lens, perfect for photographing the world’s most stunning coral reefs. Images taken with a fisheye lens are often associated with distortion around the corners of the photos; however, this distortion is naturally reduced underwater due to light refraction.

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L circular fisheye (with EF-EOS R Adapter): The best option for a full-frame fisheye lens with optional vignettes. Expect cool, artistic vignettes at 8mm and images free of vignettes when zoomed to 15mm.

Rectilinear wide-angle lenses

Choose a rectilinear wide-angle lens for capturing fascinating topography or large animals without the distortion created with a fisheye. Rectilinear wide-angle lenses are perfect for diving with sharks, swimming with whales, or capturing subjects at a distance.

• Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM: This is our top pick for pairing a wide-angle lens with the EOS R5 due to its incredible corner sharpness. It does produce vignettes at 14mm, so you should use it as you would a 16-35mm.
• Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8 III Ultra-Wide Zoom lens (with EF-EOS R Adapter): If you’re not on a budget, this is an excellent choice.
• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II Wide-Angle Lens (with EF-EOS R Adapter): A top-seller for Canon full frames for years, this lens offers corner sharpness, speed, and a reasonable price.
• Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L Ultra Wide-Angle Lens (with EF-EOS R Adapter): If you’re looking for the widest lens on the market, look no further. While heftier and pricier, the Cannon 11-24mm provides the perspective to shoot enormous wrecks and expansive reefs.

Is the Canon R5 Mark II right for you?

If your photography will benefit from a top-of-the-line autofocus tracking system, the Canon R5 Mark II is the best on the market, enabling you to shoot your subject while ignoring any interference with your view.

Videographers looking for spectacular resolution with 8k video and 60fps will find the EOS R5 Mark II the perfect fit (assuming it stands up to overheating tests).

The bottom line? If you’re looking for the best Canon camera you can buy for underwater photography, this is it.

UPG would like to thank Bluewater Photo, Bluewater Travel, and UB Diving for supporting this review – read the original here.

MSRP Canon EOS R5 Mark II: $4299

www.bluewaterphotostore.com

Nirupam Nigam is an underwater photographer and fisheries scientist, Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo. Check out Nirupam’s photography at www.photosfromthesea.com.

The post Review: Canon EOS R5 Mark II appeared first on DIVE Magazine.

Cameras have become almost essential dive gear, and in the world of 4K social media streaming, the action camera is king. Here are some of the best action cameras for scuba diving currently available

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Inspired by adventurers, explorers and extreme sports enthusiasts, the compact, rugged, action camera design we know today was first conceived as a means for surfers to capture themselves as close to the action as possible. Today, action cameras have become almost de rigueur for a multitude of disciplines, from mountaineering to motor racing, skydiving to scuba diving.

Designed to be held, worn or mounted, their compact size coupled with a fixed-focus fisheye lens allows them to get to those places where conventional cameras cannot reach, especially when mounted on long, extendable poles.

POV (point of view) cameras allow for angles that would be otherwise impossible to obtain, and since shooting in cinematic 4K resolution is now possible for everybody from TV documentary makers to inexperienced amateurs, action cameras have become a staple of the scuba diver’s kit bag – here’s some of the best.

More from DIVE’s equipment guides:

• DIVE’s guide to the best dive computers
• DIVE’s guide to the best scuba diving fins
• DIVE’s guide to the best scuba diving regulators
• DIVE’s guide to the best travel BCDs
• DIVE’s guide to prescription lens masks for scuba divers

GoPro Hero13 Black £399.00

Max Video Resolution: 5.3k/60fps • Max Photo Res:  27MP • Max Angle of View: 177º (with lens mod accessory) • Estimated Battery Life: 90mins at 5.3k/60fps; 2.5h at 1080p/30fps • Depth: 10m (without housing) • Housing: 60m, £49.99 • Preview Screen: Front and rear • Colour Correction: Needs filters • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: Yes

The Hero 13 Black is the latest top-of-the-range GoPro although it’s not substantially different to its Hero 12 predecessor. and probably the best video image quality available in a single-lens action camera. Battery life has been extended slightly to give up to 90 mins runtime at the highest resolution of 5.3K/60fps, and more than 2.5 hours at 1080/30fps. A range of accessories is available for divers, and – like its predecessor – the GoPro Hero 13 Black will withstand depths up to 10m as it comes and up to 60m with the optional £49 housing, although to its disadvantage the camera still relies on old-school filters (£49.99) for in-water colour correction.

VERDICT: THE VLOG KING. Tried and trusted industry standard streaming tech that takes top spot for image quality at a reasonable price.

gopro.com       

DJI Osmo Action 4 (Diving Combo) £348

Max Video Resolution: 4k/120fps • Max Photo Res:  10MP • Max Angle of View: 155º • Estimated Battery Life: 160 min at 1080p/24fps, no display • Depth: 18m • Housing: 60m, included • Preview Screen: front and rear • Colour Correction: Yes • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: No

Drone specialist DJI’s Osmo Action 4 looks, on the surface, rather like its predecessor, but hidden inside is an upgraded 1/1.3″ sensor, 65 per cent larger than the Action 3. The camera’s unhoused waterproof rating has increased to 18m, and – very importantly – the Osmo Action 4 features an in-built colour correction facility to minimise the need for post-processing. Available as a stand-alone camera priced at £379, the diving combo (£438) includes a 60m-rated housing and floating handle. Video resolution is up to 4K/120fps with hyperlapse and timelapse technologies, plus DJI’s RockSteady and HorizonSteady image stabilisation. Front and rear view screens make the DJI Osmo Action 4 an excellent selfie machine, especially with its upgraded ‘InvisiStick’ feature, which digitally removes selfie sticks from your shots.

VERDICT: DJI drone tech brings excellent image stabilisation and a wide FOV to a versatile GoPro-rivalling package at a reasonable price.

www.dji.com 

Insta360 X4 £499.99

Max Video Resolution: 8K/30fps; 4K/100fps • Max Photo Res:  72MP • Max Angle of View: 360º (170º in single-lens mode) • Estimated Battery Life: 135min at 5.7K/30fps • Depth: 10m • Housing: 50m, £97.99 • Preview Screen: front and rear • Colour Correction: Post processing with AI • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: No

Insta360’s X3 took 360º filming to a whole new level and the 2024 X4 took it to another, capable of shooting a 360º movie in up to 80K at 30fps and 5.7K/60fps or 4K/100fps. The X4 also doubles as a single-lens action camera with 170° FOV capable of shooting footage at up to 4K60fps and high-resolution stills with its 72MP, 1/2” sensor. The X4 comes with an excellent suite of AI-powered software enabling creators to ‘shoot first, point later’ by reframing shots from any angle in post-processing, plus a multitude of special effects, including the spectacular ‘bullet time’ mode. The X4 is depth-rated to 10m without a housing, but an ‘Invisible Dive Case’ rated to 50m is available which, when used with Invisible Selfie Stick mode, completely eliminates the camera and stick’s presence from recorded footage, and is available as a dive bundle priced at £648.

VERDICT: Stunning 3D performance with a brilliant range of visual effects at a reasonable price point, but not the best option for single-lens video if you’re not interested in 360º shooting or footage for VR.

www.insta360.com 

OM System Tough TG-7 £499.99

Max Video Resolution: 4k/30fps • Max Photo Res: 12MP • Max Angle of View: 180º • Estimated Battery Life: 29-110min • Depth: 15m (45m with housing) • Housing: PT-059 sold separately at £299.99 • Preview Screen: Yes  • Colour Correction: No • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: Yes

The camera brand formerly known as Olympus sold off its photography department to fellow Japanese manufacturer, OM Systems, in 2021 to focus on its medical imaging technologies. The TG-7 builds on its popular predecessor’s reputation, and, it would seem, much of its specifications. It’s definitely more compact camera than action camera, but has been consistently marketed towards the sector – hence its presence on this list – but it doesn’t come with the mounting kits and accessories for use as such. The TG-7 is a fully-featured stills camera that shoots video, rather than the other way around, but is still capable of 4K/30fps and 1080p/60fps. Battery life is 110mins if no features or zooming is used, but continuous shooting is limited to 29mins. The TG-7 is rated to 15m, which makes it excellent for snorkelling but limited for diving without the £299 underwater housing.

VERDICT: There are better options for those seeking a dedicated ‘action camera’, but the TG-7 would serve well as a robust entry-level compact camera suitable for more adventurous environments for those interested in developing stills skills as well as shooting video.

 www.omsystem.com

Sealife Micro 3.0 £624

Max Video Resolution: 4k/30fps • Max Photo Res: 16MP • Max Angle of View: 100º • Estimated Battery Life: 3+h • Depth: 60m • Housing: Not required • Preview Screen: Yes  • Colour Correction: Yes • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: Yes

Another camera that straddles the border between ‘compact’ and ‘action’ is the Micro 3.0 from underwater photography specialists Sealife. The shock-proof, permanently sealed Micro 3.0 has built-in EIS and can record 4K Ultra HD Video at 30fps and 1080p HD video at 120 fps for super slo-mo imaging (lower res modes also available). Three built-in digital colour correction filters (deep, green and shallow white-balancing modes) greatly reduce the need for post-processing. A 16 MP camera with fast shutter response can burst-shoot 10 shots per second through the 100º wide-angle lens. Battery life is impressive with three hours of continuous recording, or up to 1,000 pictures.

VERDICT: The size and unremarkable appearance of the Micro 3.0 belies the fact that this is a very competent camera made by dedicated underwater photo experts. The price may seem high at first glance, but there is a lot of product under the hood.

sealife-cameras.com

AKASO Brave 8 £239.99

Max Video Resolution: 4k/60fps • Max Photo Res: 48MP • Max Angle of View: 170º • Estimated Battery Life: 90m • Depth: 10m • Housing: 60m, £29.99 • Preview Screen: front and rear • Colour Correction: No • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: No

Launched as a lower-priced competitor to the GoPro Hero 9, the Akaso Brave 8 brings a 4k/60fps camera with 8k timelapse function and a whopping 48MP stills capability to the table. Dual front and rear touch screens clearly signal the Brave 8’s intended market, and it certainly matches much of its rival’s capabilities, with inbuilt image stabilisation and a 170º FOV.

VERDICT: A worthy rival to previous incarnations of the GoPro, offering excellent quality footage to amateur videographers and vloggers – but professionals will find it falls short of expectations.

akasotech.com

AKASO EK7000 Pro bundle £65.99

Max Video Resolution: 4k/25fps • Max Photo Res: 16MP • Max Angle of View: 170º • Estimated Battery Life: 90min • Depth: 0m • Housing: 40m (included) • Preview Screen: Yes  • Colour Correction: No • Electronic Image Stabilisation: Yes • GPS: No 

AKASO is one of the few brands that offers both high-end (see the Brave 8 above) and budget models of action camera for scuba diving, and with a £65 price tag on a camera, housing and accessories package, there is little on the market that offers so much for so little. Although 4K/25fps is no longer top-of-the resolutions, it’s still damn good for a £50 camera, which also handles 108p at 60fps and even manages 120fps at 720p. Image stabilisation is built-in and a 16MP still camera places it above several vastly more expensive options.

VERDICT: BEST BUDGET BUY. No budget camera will produce top-end results, but what you get for the money is a top-value option for beginners

akasotech.com

What to look for in an action camera

Resolution: A measure of the number of pixels available in a frame, which defines the level of detail in the image. 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) is the current standard, and cameras that don’t meet it have all but disappeared from the market. For your average holiday dive, however,1080p HD (or FHD, Full High-Definition) at 30fps is more than enough to enjoy reliving the best encounters. Higher resolutions mean bigger file sizes and shorter battery life.

Frame rate (fps): Frames per second is the rate at which distinct images (frames) are displayed in a video sequence. Although most people will find 30fps comfortable enough to watch, higher frame rates allow for smoother video, and can be used to create slow-motion footage without blurring. Like high resolution, high fps means bigger files and shorter battery life, but most cameras offer a compromise with higher fps at lower resolution settings, and vice versa

Electronic image stabilisation (EIS): Motion sensors in the camera adjust the image to compensate for the shaking of whatever the camera is attached to, making for a smoother image – invaluable for bumpy mountain biking but less important for diving – and it also eats battery life.

View screens: There are few cameras on today’s market that don’t have at least one view screen, but if you’re filming lots of POV (point of view) looking back at yourself, double front-and-rear screens are the way to go.

Colour correction: Light is absorbed by seawater, with more being absorbed the deeper you go and the red end of the spectrum disappearing first, which is why everything looks blue in uncorrected photographs. Coloured filters can help, but also block out more light in the process, and are not available for all housings. Some cameras have associated apps which will auto-correct your footage after its shot, but built-in white balancing and colour correction can make a huge difference in quality without the need for post-processing on a computer.

Battery life: battery capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). Bigger numbers mean longer battery life – but at the cost of greater size and weight – and features such as EIS, zooming and viewscreens all drain batteries rapidly. Manufacturers usually give an estimated time of use, but check what resolution and fps they are using as a reference. Roughly speaking, you can expect approximately 45 mins to 1 hour of filming in 4K/30fps, up to 3 hours in lower resolutions at lower frame rates. USB power packs are essential for surface interval charging away from an electricity supply.

The post The best action cameras for scuba divers in 2025 appeared first on DIVE Magazine.

Insta360’s X4 action camera is capable of filming 360° footage in 8K resolution. Award-winning underwater camerawoman Jenny Stock put one to the test

Review by Jenny Stock

In short, I love the Insta360 X4. Primarily, because it smashes the task I would ask of it: an easy-to-use underwater camera that captures content to share on socials and YouTube. Additionally, it does this with unique, creative, eye-catching visuals.

It’s not going to replace my Sony α1 for shooting television broadcast video, but the X4 over-delivers on capturing engaging footage at its price point.

The first thing to note, as the name suggests, is that it takes footage in all directions at once. It does this by stitching together captured images on two back-to-back 200° lenses, then outputs at 360°. When describing this to people, I give the example of Street View on Google Maps — but with moving video.

After capturing your footage, you can replay the video on the device, phone app, or computer timeline, and pick any angle from which to view it. This gives you the ability to ‘shoot first and frame later’.

You still need to position the camera in front of your subject, of course, but it gives you more flexibility to pick your shot when editing and exporting.

• Related: New Insta360 X4 camera delivers 360° video in 8K

Invisible Insta360 underwater accessories

One superb feature of the Insta360 X4 is the Invisible Selfie Stick, which the camera’s software automatically erases from the footage. If you’re filming yourself it looks as if the camera is floating in front of you – it’s very elegant.

I’ve also seen a video of a diver who attached the stick to the back of their tank, so it looked like they had an underwater drone hovering above them.

Using the stick meant that animals – far away from me and my noisy bubbles – were much less intimidated, so I could get the camera up close to critters in tricky positions, and they were not fussed. You need to keep it reasonably steady, however, or the stick-erasing AI software will not work.

Given my experience of using photographic equipment in saltwater, my advice is to invest in Insta360’s Invisible Dive Case for extra protection for the camera. This allows you to dive the device to 50m/164ft and the case, like the Selfie Stick, is invisible in the footage.

The lens of the Invisible Dive Case accounts for light refraction, therefore images aren’t distorted, which in turn helps the camera’s software stitch underwater images together. The results aren’t always perfect, however, and I have seen reflections of the surface appearing in some images.

Without the case, the device only operates to 10m (33ft), stitching may misalign, and light refraction is not taken into account. You also need to make sure all the little doors of the camera’s body are properly closed to prevent water from getting in, and you must avoid entering the water at high speeds. Please, just buy the case – it’s worth it!

Once inside its case, the X4 only has two buttons available to press, making it very intuitive to use – I could pass it to anyone underwater and they instantly knew what to do with it.

People I met on dive trips were keen to play with the X4, leaving me to shoot with my own camera… then use the footage they’ve shot while experimenting. Everywhere I go, I now have B-camera operators!

The entire package of the camera, case, and stick weighs in at just 517g – extremely lightweight compared to my typical 35kg of equipment!

Battery life is also excellent, lasting up to 75 minutes on a full charge when shooting at 8K x 30fps and 95 minutes at 5.7K at 60fps. Above water, I’ve tested hand gestures and voice activation – both worked well.

The camera does get hot when shooting in 8K, and when the temperature gets too high, there will be an overheating alert and the Insta360 will automatically stop recording. But even my Sony α1 cut out after twenty minutes in sweltering heat in
the Philippines recently.

If necessary, the option to film using only one side of the device is always available, turning the X4 into a single-lens action camera producing 170° footage, with an associated reduction in the amount of data captured.

Colour correction and editing software

Insta360’s software is free to download – a clever marketing move. This means after one of my dive pals has captured some footage on my device, I can give them the data files and they can go home and edit what they’ve taken, all for free, without needing to invest in a camera – but will hopefully be tempted to buy their own if they enjoy it.

I’ve taken the camera on two dive trips so far, and three people have subsequently purchased one!

The physics of water means the deeper you go, the more colours on the spectrum you lose. First, red disappears, followed by orange, yellow, and then green.

Without using lights, I noticed that red animals at five metres were harder to distinguish, however, yellow tangs, pink anthias, and yellow coral near the surface of the open blue water in Egypt were captured beautifully.

Insta360’s editing software has an underwater colour-correcting profile to help with this, but I think there will always be limitations without lights.

All the flexibility of this content capture comes at a cost. Once at the editing stage, you’ll need to factor in more time to make further artistic decisions with the variety of modes available.

‘Field of view’, ‘Deep track’, ‘View Find’, and ‘Me Mode’ are just some of the choices available when you’re adding your keyframes, and the app also allows you to add music, text, stickers, and effects from an online bank – much in the same way as you can on Instagram. This can be fiddly, but the number of options at your fingertips is glorious.

The possibilities of creativity with this device are endless. You can export shots as traditional video or photographs or use the fantastic ability to export shots as ‘equirectangular’ images, which is like taking a 2D map of Planet Earth and turning it back into a 360° sphere. Insta360’s ‘Tiny Planet’ mode is a brilliant example of this when you come to the edit, making the sky look like a huge circle around you. It’s delightful to look at.

Overall, the Insta360 X4 has a far superior video resolution, a significantly longer-lasting battery, and operates better in low light and with less noise than its X3 predecessor.

Other cameras on the market may offer better low-light performance if that’s what you really need, but at its price point and with the versatility of the creative options on offer, the X4 is absolutely incredible.

MSRP:
Insta360 X4 (standard bundle): £499
Insta360 X4 Invisible Dive Case: £97
Insta360 X4 Invisible Dive Bundle: £648

www.insta360.com

The post Review: Insta360 X4 – the 360° 8K action camera appeared first on DIVE Magazine.

Insta360’s groundbreaking 360° action camera received a much-anticipated update in 2024, with the launch of the new Insta360 X4 seeing the company’s flagship action camera now capable of filming 360° video in 8K at 30fps

Those needing higher frame rates for even smoother action and slow-motion shots will appreciate the camera’s versatility in providing 5.7K video at 60fps and 4K at 100fps.

The X4 doubles as a wide-angle action cam with its Single-Lens Mode upgraded to deliver smooth, ultra-wide (up to 170° FOV) footage at up to 4K60fps; and the 72MP, 1/2″ sensor is also capable of shooting high-resolution stills if needed.

A new ‘MegaView’ FOV (field of view) option means divers will be able to fit the whole of that whale shark – or whale, for that matter – into the shot with less distortion around the edges, and experiment with a range of different aspect ratios from old-school 4:3 to UltraWide.

For divers, the Insta360 X4 comes with some fantastic accessories and new AI-powered postprocessing software to create seamless footage free of interference from the housing and its mount. The action camera is waterproof to 10m unaided, but the Invisible Dive Case – which is exactly as it says it is – takes the maximum depth rating to 50m.

The accompanying Invisible Selfie Stick not only perfectly complements the case, it is automatically removed from 360° footage – essentially meaning you can create drone-like shots without the use of a drone, which would be an expensive proposition under the water!

To help users create the best videos – even as a beginner – the X4’s 360º capabilities allow creators to ‘shoot first, point later’, enabling shots to be reframed in post-processing, thus allowing creators to stay in the moment when filming and find the best angles and perspectives once they’ve finished, with the choice to pick from literally any angle if they’ve filmed in 360°.

Insta360’s Studio for Windows and Mac, and app for Android and Apple includes several AI-assisted features that will recommend the best settings for editing, making it easier to find the perfect angles, and a plugin enabling footage to be directly reframed in Adobe Premiere Pro is also available to improve the editing workflow.

Divers will definitely appreciate the editing suite’s AquaVision 2.0 feature, which uses AI to colour-correct underwater footage without the need for external filters.

Another fantastic bonus for divers who are likely to be at sea all day with limited charging options is the longevity of the X4’s battery, which received a 2290mAh capacity upgrade capable of delivering up to 135 minutes of recording time at 5.7K30fps – a huge, 67 per cent increase over its predecessor and up to 45 minutes longer than some of the X4’s leading action camera competitors.

Filming at the top 8K30fps resolution will deliver an excellent 75 minutes of run-time.

There are plenty of other features that will help content underwater creators and influencers to shoot the best underwater footage possible, such as the ‘360° Horizon Lock’ which ensures perfectly level video regardless of how the camera is held, and ‘FlowState Stabilization’ will create smooth, high-quality footage whatever the size of the waves or the strength of the current.

‘X4 will be transformative for creators as reframed video now holds its own alongside footage shot on regular cameras,’ said JK Liu, founder of Insta360 at the X4’s launch.

‘But X4 isn’t just about image quality, it’s designed to be the most robust, easy-to-use 360° action camera ever, no matter your experience.’

Insta360 X4 features

• Gesture and Voice Control to start and stop shooting or take a photo
• Timed Capture – schedule the X4 to power on, record, and shut itself off automatically.
• Bullet Time – our signature Matrix-like slow-mo shot, now up to 5.7K120fps or 3K240fps.
• 8K TimeShift – a ‘mind-bending’ hyperlapse in 8K resolution.
• 11K Timelapse – watch time fly and ‘capture the magic in-between moments’.

Insta360 X4 AI-powered editing

• Quick Edit reframing – simply move the phone or use the X4’s virtual joystick to redirect the camera
• AI Edit – Insta360’s algorithm handles the entire reframing process and is faster, with improved subject detection over the X3.
• Shot Lab – The free-to-use Insta360 app has 30+ viral-worthy effects that can be edited in just a few taps.
• Insta360 Studio – Free-to-use desktop editing tool for desktops, compatible with both 360° footage and regular flat images.
• Both the mobile app and desktop software are also free to use; no subscription is required.
• Insta360 Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro – 360° files shot on X4 can be reframed directly in Premiere Pro for a smoother workflow

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Insta360 X4 specifications:

• Sensor Size: 1/2′
• Aperture: F1.935mm
• Equivalent Focal Length: 6.7mm
• Video Resolution 360°:
  • 8K: 7680×3840@30/25/24fps
  • 5.7K+: 5760×2880@30/25/24fps
  • 5.7K: 5760×2880@60/50/30/25/24fps
  • 4K: 3840×1920@100/60/50/30/25/24fps
• Single-Lens Mode:
  • 4K: 3840×2160@60/50/30/25/24fps
  • 2.7K: 2720×1536@60/50/30/25/24fps
  • 1080p: 1920×1080@60/50/30/25/24fps
• Me Mode:
  • 4K: 3840×2160@30/25/24fps
  • 2.7K: 2720×1536@120/100/60/50fps
  • 1080p: 1920×1080@120/100/60/50fps
• Photo Resolution: 72MP (11904×5952); 18MP (5888×2944)
• Video Modes: Video, Active HDR, Timelapse, TimeShift, Bullet Time, Loop Recording, Pre-recording
• Photo Modes: Photo, HDR Photo, Interval, Starlapse, BurstColor ProfilesVivid, Standard, Flat
• Audio Modes: Auto Wind Reduction; Active Wind Reduction; Stereo; Direction Focus
• Weight: 203g
• Dimensions: (WxHxD) 46×123.6×37.6mmM
• Battery Capacity: 2290mAh
• Run Time: 135 minutes at 5.7K/30fps; 75 mins at 8K/30fps
• Waterproof: 10m without housing; 50m with optional Invisible Dive Case

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MSRP:
Insta360 X4 (standard bundle): £499
Insta360 X4 Invisible Dive Case: £97
Insta360 X4 Invisible Dive Bundle: £648

www.insta360.com

The post Take a dive with Insta360 X4: The best waterproof 360° action camera appeared first on DIVE Magazine.