Camera Reviews

Detailed camera reviews for underwater photo and video, including specs, key features for u/w photography and camera comparisons.

Nikon is Back on Our Radar
By Nirupam Nigam

Nikon Z9: Initial Thoughts & Review

Nikon Z9: Initial Thoughts & Review
Nirupam Nigam
Nikon is Back on Our Radar

Three years ago, Nikon released the Nikon Z7 and it quickly became our favorite camera for underwater photography. But within two years (a lifetime in the camera arms race), both Canon & Sony had pulled lightyears ahead of Nikon in technological feats. Nikon's Z line of cameras and lenses left a lot to be desired and dire financial warnings left some wondering if Nikon would pull through as a company.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


Canon's newest top camera
By Nirupam Nigam

Canon EOS R3 Initial Review

Canon EOS R3: Initial Thoughts & Review
Nirupam Nigam
Canon's newest top camera

A year after the Canon EOS R5 was debuted as Canon's best camera ever created, the Canon EOS R3 was announced in September of 2021. As a direct response to the groundbreaking Sony A1, the Canon EOS R3 was designed for insanely fast burst shooting speeds of 30 frames per second with a 24.1 MP BSI stacked sensor.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


After diving with the Canon R5 for a year, these are our favorite (and least favorite) things about it....
By Nirupam Nigam

Why the Canon EOS R5 is Still Our Favorite Underwater Camera a Year Later

Why the Canon EOS R5 is Still Our Favorite Underwater Camera a Year Later
Nirupam Nigam
After diving with the Canon R5 for a year, these are our favorite (and least favorite) things about it....

In today's fast-moving camera market, it's very rare that a camera has significance for over a year. But a year later, the Canon EOS R5 is still, by far, our favorite all-around full frame camera for underwater photo and video. In fact, it will likely take our top spot for at least another year or two as supply chain disruptions brought on by the covid-19 pandemic slow down R&D across camera manufacturers. 

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


Breaking Down Two Heavy Hitters
By Nirupam Nigam

Sony A1 vs Canon EOS R5

Sony A1 vs Canon EOS R5
Nirupam Nigam
Breaking Down Two Heavy Hitters

The Canon EOS R5 and the Sony A1 are arguably the world's two best cameras for underwater photo & video. However, they clock in at very different price points and offer a different set of features - despite very similar specs overall. In this article, we're going to break down the differences between these two cameras and which one we think is best for underwater photo and video. 

 

US MSRP Canon EOS R5: $3899

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


1 Camera to Rule the All? An underwater review of the Sony A1 - Sony's best, full-frame camera.
By Nirupam Nigam

Sony A1 Review

Sony A1 Review
Nirupam Nigam
1 Camera to Rule the All? An underwater review of the Sony A1 - Sony's best, full-frame camera.

As soon as we got done saying the Canon EOS R5 is the best full-frame camera for underwater photo and video, Sony decided to announce their flagship full-frame camera, the Sony A1.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a solid upgrade from the original BMPCC 6K with better battery life and built-in ND filters
By Nirupam Nigam

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Initial Thoughts & Review

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Initial Thoughts & Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a solid upgrade from the original BMPCC 6K with better battery life and built-in ND filters

Blackmagic has done a great job carving out a niche among underwater video shooters that want professional, cinema-quality video for a relatively affordable price point. The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K pro is a new upgrade from the original BMPCC 6K. Both cameras are a step up from the very popular Blackmagic 4K which featured a micro four thirds lens mount and 4K/60p RAW recording.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Best Nikon Cameras for Underwater Photo and Video
By Nirupam Nigam

Nikon Z7II & Z6II Review

Nikon Z7II & Z6II Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Best Nikon Cameras for Underwater Photo and Video

 

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The world's smallest full-frame mirrorless camera (with IBIS) is also one of our top picks for an entry-level full-frame underwater camera!
By Nirupam Nigam

Sony a7C: Initial Thoughts & Review

Sony a7C: Initial Thoughts & Review
Nirupam Nigam
The world's smallest full-frame mirrorless camera (with IBIS) is also one of our top picks for an entry-level full-frame underwater camera!

The photo market is not like other electronics markets. While the rest of the world trends small, the mirrorless market began that way and then everyone just decided they liked the original DSLR form factor and cameras stopped shrinking. That is...until the Sony a7C. The a7C is Sony's answer to those who want a camera with professional image quality, but really can't compromise when it comes to size. If the travel-ability of a camera is everything to you and you don't need a real EVF, then the a7C should be your go-to camera.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Canon EOS R6 is the best value underwater camera with a 20.1 MP full-frame sensor capable of 12 fps burst shooting, 4K video @ 60fps, and IBIS
By Nirupam Nigam

Canon EOS R6 Review

Canon EOS R6 Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Canon EOS R6 is the best value underwater camera with a 20.1 MP full-frame sensor capable of 12 fps burst shooting, 4K video @ 60fps, and IBIS

The Canon EOS R6 is Canon's newest prosumer level EOS R camera model released alongside the groundbreaking EOS R5. Despite being released alongside a formidable older sibling, the R6 is not to be overlooked. For underwater photographers and videographers that don't need ultra high resolution photos and video, the R6 is most certainly the camera of choice for creatives that need the best bang for the buck in a full-frame camera.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


The Sony A7S III is Sony's newest full frame mirrorless video-oriented camera with 4K @ 120fps capability and a wide range of recording options for any workflow. Our full review includes sample underwater photos and video.
By Nirupam Nigam

Sony A7S III Review

Sony A7S III Review
Nirupam Nigam
The Sony A7S III is Sony's newest full frame mirrorless video-oriented camera with 4K @ 120fps capability and a wide range of recording options for any workflow. Our full review includes sample underwater photos and video.

The Sony A7S III is a testament to the fact that Sony truly listens to its constituency. This new, video-oriented full frame mirrorless camera is designed with video workflow and low light performance as the centerpiece of Sony's engineering. A crisp, practically noise-less 4K image can be squeezed from the darkest of situations - where we find that even ISOs of 16,000 and higher are useable.

Reviews: 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.

 


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