Underwater Camera Recommendations For New Underwater Photographers

What is the Best Underwater Camera for Scuba Diving?
At Lembeh Resort, we understand that capturing the underwater world is just as important as experiencing it. Whether a beginner or a seasoned professional, having the right underwater camera and housing when SCUBA diving can make all the difference. Here are our top camera recommendations for underwater photography:
1. Olympus Tough TG-7
This is our top choice for a basic compact camera, particularly when it comes to shooting macro photography on your diving trip. As well as taking excellent 12MP images, the TG-7 can shoot 4K 30p video and has a 4x optical zoom.
This tough and durable option is waterproof on its own to 15m/50ft, but a housing is required for general SCUBA depths. Adding a tray with a small strobe makes this the perfect compact setup for amazing macro photos. Our favorite strobe is the Backscatter Mini Flash MF2, which can be used in manual or fully automatic in combination with the OM System RC flash setting.
With the super macro focus mode you can capture subjects that are practically touching the front of the camera lens, and combined with the zoom this means you can photograph critters that are only millimeters in size.
The only thing missing from the TG-7 is full manual control. Even so, it is a fantastic camera both for the beginner photographer who wants to keep learning, and for the advanced photographer who can harness its full capabilities.
Read more: The Best Dive Light for Diving
2. OM System E-M10 IV
The OM System E-M10 IV is our best-in-class for advanced compact cameras. It offers 20MP stills, with 4K 30p or 1080 60p video. When compared to the TG-7, the larger sensor size means sharper details, better dynamic range, and lower noise.
As a micro four thirds mirrorless camera in a compact body, this camera straddles the line between advanced compact and entry-level mirrorless. While not much larger than the OM System TG-7, the E-M10 IV is a major upgrade, with full manual SLR-like controls, interchangeable lenses, and a larger sensor.
You can still shoot this camera like you would a compact point-and-shoot, with a single camera lens and interchangeable wet elements for macro and wide angle, or use it like an SLR with separate macro and wide-angle camera lenses and ports.
Add the Backscatter Octo-Housing and a pair of video lights or strobes for the ultimate compact package, including an integrated flash trigger for manual or automatic control in combination with the OM System RC flash setting. is our best-in-class for advanced compact cameras. It offers 20MP stills, with 4K 30p or 1080 60p video. When compared to the TG-7, the larger sensor size means sharper details, better dynamic range, and lower noise.
As a micro four thirds mirrorless camera in a compact body, this camera straddles the line between advanced compact and entry-level mirrorless. While not much larger than the OM System TG-7, the E-M10 IV is a major upgrade, with full manual SLR-like controls, interchangeable lenses, and a larger sensor.
You can still shoot this camera like you would a compact point-and-shoot, with a single camera lens and interchangeable wet elements for macro and wide angle, or use it like an SLR with separate macro and wide-angle camera lenses and ports.
Add the Backscatter Octo-Housing and a pair of video lights or strobes for the ultimate compact package, including an integrated flash trigger for manual or automatic control in combination with the OM System RC flash setting.

3. Sealife SportDiver Phone Housing
Today’s smartphones take incredible pictures, and with the Sealife SportDiver housing you can take this tech underwater too. If you are new to underwater photography and have a limited budget, this is the cheapest option.
The SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Housing is an underwater case for smartphones that can go up to 40m/130ft deep. The housing features a vacuum pump and moisture alarm system to ensure the safety of your phone, which we think is a must for any underwater camera setup involving a smartphone housing.
It connects to your phone using the SeaLife SportDiver app, and saves photos and videos direct to your phone. With the app, you have easy control over settings and lens choice on your phone, as well as both photo and video recording.
The housing comes with a red filter for better color rendering at depth, but adding a tray and video lights will allow you to get the most out of this system. In addition, SeaLife offers a lens adapter to attach close-up lenses to the housing, and a wide-angle dome lens, giving you even more flexibility to use your phone for macro and wide-angle shooting.
It fits most smartphones, and you can check the compatibility here.

4. Sony a7R V
If you’re looking to step up from a basic or advanced compact camera, the Sony a7R V is a good full-frame mirrorless option. With a 61 MP full-frame sensor, this camera captures images in incredible detail.
The advanced autofocus system has multiple recognition modes for people, animals, birds, and insects, as well as subject tracking. This is a fantastic feature when trying to nail the focus on moving subjects.
A variety of lens choices are available, either with native Sony E-mount lenses, or using an adapter for lenses from other brands. For macro, the Sony 90mm F2.8 macro lens is our first choice, coupled with a wet lens for those super macro shots.
Add a housing, flash trigger, and strobes and you are ready to create professional images of your SCUBA diving holidays.
5. Sony Alpha A1 (and A1 II)
If you want the best of the best, then this is it. The Sony Alpha A1 has a 50MP full-frame sensor, capable of stunning photos and up to 8K 30p or 4K 120p video.
It also has a flash sync speed of 1/400, giving you much more flexibility to control ambient light in bright scenes (such as when shooting sunballs).
The Sony Alpha A1 II also just came out at the end of 2024 and offers upgrades to the autofocus system, controls, and more, making a superb camera even better.
Combine this camera with a housing, flash trigger, and the Backscatter hybrid flash for both photo and video, and you are ready for anything your dive has to offer.
The Photo Center at Lembeh Resort
Choosing the right camera for underwater photography depends on your experience level, budget, and what you want to achieve. Whether you're just starting or upgrading to a professional setup, there's an underwater camera setup out there to fit your needs.
At Lembeh Resort, we offer a range of resources to help you perfect your underwater photography. If you are not sure which camera is the best option for you, ask our Photo Pro during your stay. We also have a range of cameras available for rent so you can try before you buy!
Want to know more about our special photography packages at Lembeh Resort? Contact us today at reservations@LembehResort.com.
Happy shooting, and we can’t wait to see the incredible images you capture on your SCUBA diving trip in the Lembeh Strait!
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