Best Compact Cameras of Summer 2016

For underwater photographers looking for a compact camera setup, there are many different options to choose from. And with so many similarities between camera names and specs, the comparison process can be a bit confusing.

In this article, we will look into the compact cameras that we recommend for underwater photography, weather they are available now or coming later this summer. We consider things like image sensor size, megapixels and lens specs. To find specific housings and Bluewater Photo's complete underwater kit recommendations, you can check out the 2016 Compact Camera Buyer's Guide.

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Olympus TG-4   |   Sony RX-100 IV   |   Canon G16

  Canon G5x   |   Canon G7x Mk II   |   Canon G9x

Camera Comparison Charts   

 Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses 

 Underwater Housing Availability 

Be sure to check out Bluewater Photo's Compact Cameras Buyers Guide to learn which camera and housing is best for you

Olympus TG-4

The Olympus Tough TG-4 is a tough camera that is waterproof down to 50ft even without the housing. RAW photo recording (new for the TG-4) allows for greater post-processing options while a new Microscope mode lets shooters capture intricate macro details. Read our complete Olympus TG-4 Camera Review.

Quick Specs:

• Size: 112 x 66 x 31 mm

• Weight: 247g

• Sensor: 16MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor

• Processor: TruePic VII

• Lens: 25–100 mm F2.0 - F4.9 Zoom Lens

• Video: 1080P, Timelapse feature

• Wifi: Yes

• Battery Life: 380 Shots

• Other features: Waterproof upto 50ft. (15m), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Face Detection Focusing, Built-in GPS

Olympus TG-4 Housing $299
Recsea TG-4 Housing $690
Nauticam TG-4 Housing $800 

Sony Rx-100 Mk IV

The Sony RX100 Mk IV is a versatile and advanced compact camera with 1 inch sensor that produces high resolutions photos.  It also excels on capturing videos, with 4k and slow motion high bit rate capabilities. Read our complete Sony RX100 IV Camera Review.

Quick Specs:

• Size: 102 x 58 x 41 mm

• Weight: 298g

• Sensor: 20MP - 1" BSI-CMOS Sensor

• Processor:  Bionz X 

• Lens: 24–70 mm F1.8 - F2.8 Zoom Lens

• Video: 4K (3840 x 2160 video resolution)

• Wifi: Yes

• Battery Life: 280 Shots

• Other features: Image Stabilization, Articulating Screen, Electronic Built-in Viewfinder, Face Detection Focusing,1.229k dots LCD Resolution, Viewfinder

Sony RX-100 Mk IV Underwater Housing Options

Canon G16

The Canon G16 features a 12.7 MP sensor and delivers excellent image quality, even in low light. It is able to shoot in RAW with full manual mode and comes equipped with a fast and high-quality zoom lens.

Quick Specs:

• Size: 109 x 76 x 40 mm

• Weight: 356g

• Sensor: 12MP - 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS Sensor

• Processor: Digic 6

• Lens: 28–140 mm F1.8 - F2.8 Zoom Lens

• Video: 1920 x 1080 video resolution

• Wifi: Yes

• Battery Life: 360 Shots

• Other features:  Image Stabilization, Face Detection Focusing, Timelapse Recording, 1/4000s High Shutter Speed

Canon G16 Underwater Housing Options

Be sure to check out Bluewater Photo's Compact Cameras Buyers Guide to learn which camera and housing is best for you 

Canon G5x

The Canon G5X features 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder, large 1 inch sensor and fast zoom lens. It is also fitted with numerous physical controls, including a dedicated exposure compensation dial, front dial, control ring and control dial for quickly customizing various shooting settings.

Quick Specs:

• Size: 112 x 76 x 44 mm

• Weight: 353g

• Sensor: 20MP - 1" BSI-CMOS Sensor

• Processor: DIGIC 6

• Lens: 24–100 mm F1.8 - F2.8 Zoom Lens

• Video: 1920 x 1080 video resolution

• Wifi: Yes

• Battery Life: 210 Shots

• Other features: Image Stabilization, Articulating Screen, Touch Screen, Electronic Built-in Viewfinder, Face Detection Focusing, Timelapse Recording, 2360kdot Viewfinder Resolution

Canon G5x Underwater Housing Options

Canon G7x Mk II

The Canon G7x Mk II is notable for imaging qualities; camera has a 20.1 MP sensor, new DIGIC 7 processor with faster startup, less noise when shooting at higher ISOs, better autofocus tracking, enhanced image stabilization, longer battery life and faster continuous shooting. It records 14-bit RAW files which have more data and more room during post processing. Read our complete Canon G7 X Camera Review.

Quick Specs:

• Size: 106 x 61 x 42 mm

• Weight: 319g

• Sensor: 20MP - 1" BSI-CMOS Sensor

• Processor: DIGIC 7

• Lens: 24–100 mm F1.8 - F2.8 Zoom Lens

• Video: 1920 x 1080 video resolution

• Wifi: Yes

• Battery Life: 265 Shots

• Other features: Image Stabilization, Articulating Screen, Touch Screen, Face Detection Focusing, 31 Focus Points, Timelapse Recording

Canon G7x Mk II Underwater Housing Options

Canon G9x

Canon G9X has a 20.2 MP sensor and DIGIC 6 image sensor which delivers clean, clear image quality, sensitivity to ISO 12800, continuous shooting up to 6 fps and Full HD 1080p/60 movie recording. It has a notable intelligent image stabilizer which helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting in difficult lighting conditions. 

Quick Specs:

• Size: 98 x 58 x 31 mm

• Weight: 209g

• Sensor: 20MP - 1" BSI-CMOS Sensor

• Processor: DIGIC 6

• Lens: 28–84 mm F2.0 - F4.9 Zoom Lens

• Video: 1920 x 1080 video resolution

• Wifi: Yes

• Battery Life: 220 Shots

• Other features: Image Stabilization, Touch Screen, Face Detection Focusing, 1.040k dots LCD Resolution, Timelapse Recording and offers 2 colors to choose from.

Canon G9x Underwater Housing Options

Be sure to check out Bluewater Photo's Compact Cameras Buyers Guide to learn which camera and housing is best for you 

Camera Comparison

Physical

Shooting Features

Sensor

Lens

Video 

Summary of Strengths & Weaknesses

Underwater Housing Availability

Learning how to use your new camera

What to learn how to use your new underwater setup? Join one of our photo trips, which are perfect for people with their first underwater setup, their first GoPro, or a new underwater setup.