Canon EOS R5

❤️8.6K
Picture of the Canon EOS R5 camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 🎬6K Video
  • 📽️8K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R5 Pros

  • High-Resolution 45MP Sensor: Captures exceptional detail useful for cropping or printing underwater shots.
  • Advanced Autofocus System: Tracks marine life accurately with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, even in low-contrast scenes.
  • Excellent 8K and 4K Video: Delivers cinematic-quality underwater footage when paired with waterproof housing.

Canon EOS R5 Cons

  • Expensive Setup Required: Requires a high-end waterproof housing system, significantly increasing the total cost.
  • No Built-In Flash: Underwater lighting must be added externally for proper exposure and color.
  • Large File Sizes: High-resolution photos and 8K video require substantial storage and processing power.

Canon EOS 90D

❤️8.2K
Picture of the Canon EOS 90D camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 90D Pros

  • 32.5MP APS-C Sensor: High resolution ideal for detailed reef and macro photography.
  • Optical Viewfinder with Fast AF: Great for action shots with fish or fast-moving subjects underwater.
  • Long Battery Life: Outlasts most mirrorless models — beneficial for longer underwater sessions.

Canon EOS 90D Cons

  • Limited Wide-Angle Lens Support: APS-C crop factor may make it harder to get wide reef shots unless using specialized lenses.
  • Requires Bulky Housing: DSLR form factor makes underwater rig large and less streamlined.
  • No In-Body Stabilization: More prone to motion blur during handheld underwater shooting.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

❤️8.1K
Picture of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Pros

  • Full-Frame Sensor: Excellent image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance underwater.
  • Weather-Sealed Build: Adds an extra layer of protection inside an underwater housing.
  • Reliable Autofocus and Burst: Performs well in fast-paced underwater environments.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Cons

  • Heavy DSLR Body: Adds bulk and drag when used with an underwater housing.
  • No IBIS: Lacks in-body stabilization for handheld video underwater.
  • No Articulating Screen: Limits flexibility for composing from awkward underwater angles.

Canon EOS R

❤️8.0K
Picture of the Canon EOS R camera

$1,499.99

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R Pros

  • Full-Frame Sensor: Captures vivid colors and high-quality detail underwater.
  • Compact Mirrorless Body: Easier to manage underwater compared to bulkier DSLRs.
  • Customizable Controls: Quick adjustments even inside a housing unit.

Canon EOS R Cons

  • Single Card Slot: Riskier for critical dives where backup is important.
  • Limited Burst Rate: Not ideal for fast action like darting fish or diving scenes.
  • Older Autofocus System: Slower tracking than newer models like the R5 or R6 Mark II.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II

❤️7.9K
Picture of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera

$588.99

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF-M

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

❤️7.9K
Picture of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera

$1,999.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Pros

  • Full-Frame Sensor with Excellent Low-Light: Ideal for darker underwater environments or deeper dives.
  • In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): Helps stabilize handheld video or stills in current or movement.
  • Improved Heat Management: Performs reliably during extended 4K underwater video shoots.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Cons

  • High Cost with Accessories: Underwater housings and ports add significantly to the total investment.
  • Moderate Resolution: 24MP may not offer as much cropping flexibility as higher-res models.
  • Battery Life Shorter than DSLRs: May require spares for all-day underwater shooting.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

❤️7.8K
Picture of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera

$1,199.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

DSLR

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon EF

Features

  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Pros

  • Full-Frame Sensor: Offers better low-light performance for deep underwater scenes.
  • Vari-Angle LCD: Flexible screen helps with composition inside underwater housings.
  • Weather Sealing: Adds an extra layer of confidence in humid or splash-prone prep areas.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Cons

  • No 4K Video: Limited to 1080p, which may not be sufficient for high-end underwater filmmaking.
  • Slower Autofocus in Live View: Makes tracking moving marine life more difficult in some cases.
  • Large Housing Requirement: Bulky and heavy when fully rigged for underwater use.

Canon EOS M50

❤️7.8K
Picture of the Canon EOS M50 camera

$549.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF-M

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS M50 Pros

  • Compact and Lightweight: Portable for diving trips and snorkel adventures.
  • Articulating LCD: Makes it easier to compose creative angles in a housing.
  • Great Image Quality for APS-C: Produces sharp, vibrant images underwater.

Canon EOS M50 Cons

  • No Weather Sealing: Extra care needed during setup to avoid moisture issues.
  • No IBIS: Relies solely on lens stabilization when handheld.
  • Basic Autofocus System: Not as fast or intelligent as newer models like the R6 Mark II.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

❤️7.4K
Picture of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera

$1,389.95

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Point-and-Shoot

Sensor

Lens Mount

Fixed Lens

Features

  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Pros

  • Fast f/1.8–2.8 Lens: Ideal for low-light reef scenes and macro underwater photography.
  • Compact and Dive-Friendly: Perfect size for snorkeling or casual underwater photography.
  • Good Image Quality for a Compact: 1-inch sensor provides better results than standard point-and-shoots.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Cons

  • No 4K Video: Limited to 1080p, which might not meet videographers' needs.
  • No Viewfinder: Composing in bright surface light can be difficult.
  • No Manual Flash Control: Harder to balance artificial light with ambient underwater light.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

❤️6.9K
Picture of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera

$4,299.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 🎬6K Video
  • 📽️8K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Pros

  • 45MP Full-Frame Sensor: Delivers incredible detail for large prints or tight crops.
  • Advanced IBIS and Autofocus: Helps steady shots and lock focus on moving marine life.
  • Improved Heat Dissipation: Supports longer underwater video recording in 4K or 8K.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Cons

  • Expensive Housing and Gear: Professional setup comes with a premium price.
  • High Storage Requirements: Large files demand fast, high-capacity storage cards.
  • No Built-In Flash: External lighting setup is mandatory for good underwater shots.

Canon EOS R3

❤️6.9K
Picture of the Canon EOS R3 camera

$4,499.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 🎬6K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R3 Pros

  • Top-Tier Autofocus: Excellent for tracking fast fish and divers in complex scenes.
  • High-Speed 30 FPS Burst: Ideal for capturing split-second underwater motion.
  • Weather-Sealed and Durable: Built for demanding environments and works well with rugged housings.

Canon EOS R3 Cons

  • Lower 24MP Resolution: Not as flexible for cropping as higher-res models like the R5.
  • Very Expensive Setup: Camera and housing are out of reach for most enthusiasts.
  • Heavy and Bulky: Can be cumbersome for casual underwater photography.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

❤️6.7K
Picture of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III camera

$1,347.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Point-and-Shoot

Sensor

Lens Mount

Fixed Lens

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Pros

  • Compact and Lightweight: Perfect for travel diving without adding bulk.
  • 1-Inch Sensor and f/1.8 Lens: Captures clean, bright images in varied lighting conditions.
  • Improved Autofocus and 4K Video: Great for content creators capturing underwater footage.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Cons

  • No Viewfinder: Can be tricky to use in glare-heavy surface water.
  • Short Battery Life: May need multiple spares for full dive days.
  • Limited Manual Controls: Less flexibility compared to mirrorless or DSLR setups.

Canon EOS R5 C

❤️6.7K
Picture of the Canon EOS R5 C camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

Full-Frame

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 🎬6K Video
  • 📽️8K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💾Dual Card Slots
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R5 C Pros

  • Cinema-Grade Video Capabilities: Records up to 8K 60p in Cinema RAW Light — ideal for professional underwater filmmaking.
  • Dual System Functionality: Switches between photo and cinema OS for full control over both workflows.
  • Robust Build and Cooling: Excellent heat dissipation for extended underwater video sessions.

Canon EOS R5 C Cons

  • No IBIS: Requires steady housing or lens stabilization for smooth handheld shots underwater.
  • High Power Demands: Consumes battery faster than most, requiring multiple spares for dives.
  • Complex Interface: Cinema OS may be overwhelming for beginners or hybrid shooters.

Canon EOS R7

❤️6.3K
Picture of the Canon EOS R7 camera

N/A

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon RF

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS R7 Pros

  • 32.5MP APS-C Sensor: Great resolution for macro and cropped compositions underwater.
  • Advanced Autofocus: Reliable subject tracking for dynamic marine life.
  • IBIS with 4K 60p: Delivers stabilized, high-quality video for reef and dive documentation.

Canon EOS R7 Cons

  • Crop Sensor Limitations: Narrower field of view than full-frame models — less ideal for wide underwater scenes.
  • Limited Lens Compatibility Underwater: RF-S lens lineup is still growing for underwater-friendly glass.
  • Requires Custom Housing: Fewer housing options than more popular full-frame bodies.

Canon EOS M6 Mark II

❤️6.2K
Picture of the Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera

$1,488.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Mirrorless

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Canon EF-M

Features

  • 🎥4K Video
  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon EOS M6 Mark II Pros

  • 32.5MP APS-C Sensor: Offers impressive resolution in a small package — perfect for compact rigs.
  • High-Speed Shooting: Captures up to 14 fps, ideal for tracking fast fish or divers.
  • Lightweight Design: Excellent choice for travel and lightweight underwater kits.

Canon EOS M6 Mark II Cons

  • No Built-In Viewfinder: Composing in harsh light can be difficult underwater.
  • No IBIS: Handheld underwater video may show camera shake without stabilized lenses.
  • Discontinued Mount: EF-M lens mount limits future-proofing and underwater lens availability.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III

❤️4.9K
Picture of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III camera

$879.00

Price Updated from Amazon: 12-06-2024

Type

Point-and-Shoot

Sensor

APS-C

Lens Mount

Fixed Lens

Features

  • 📶Bluetooth
  • 💡Built-In Flash
  • 🔄Flip Screen
  • 🤳Image Stabilization
  • 📱Touchscreen
  • Weather-Sealing
  • 🌐Wi-Fi

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III Pros

  • APS-C Sensor in a Compact Body: Uncommon combination allows for DSLR-quality images in a small housing.
  • Weather-Sealed Construction: Adds confidence during setup or in splash zones before diving.
  • Built-In Zoom Lens: Convenient for varying compositions without needing to change lenses underwater.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III Cons

  • Slow Lens Aperture: f/2.8–5.6 limits light intake, especially deeper underwater.
  • Limited Video Capabilities: Only supports 1080p — not suitable for professional underwater videography.
  • Small Battery: Short battery life may require swaps between dives.

Best Canon Cameras for Underwater Photography in 2025

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These are the best Canon cameras for underwater photography, offering high-resolution sensors, excellent low-light performance, and durable build quality to capture stunning marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and deep-sea adventures with remarkable clarity. Whether you're a professional underwater photographer, a scuba diver, or a snorkeling enthusiast, the right camera must provide sharp image quality, strong dynamic range, and reliable autofocus to ensure crisp, well-exposed images in challenging underwater lighting conditions. Canon’s lineup includes full-frame, APS-C, and compact cameras that excel in low-light shooting, fast subject tracking, and compatibility with underwater housings, making them ideal for underwater wildlife photography, freediving, and ocean conservation work. One of the best options is the Canon EOS R5, a 45MP full-frame mirrorless camera featuring incredible resolution, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, IBIS, and 8K video, making it the ultimate choice for professional underwater photographers who need extreme detail and superior low-light capabilities. For those looking for a more budget-friendly full-frame option, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II offers a 24.2MP sensor, IBIS, 4K 60p oversampled video, and superb autofocus, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving marine life with clarity and precision. If you prefer a DSLR with proven reliability for underwater photography, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a top choice, featuring a 30.4MP sensor, excellent color accuracy, and strong low-light performance, making it a trusted workhorse for professional underwater imagery. Another excellent DSLR option is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, featuring a 26.2MP full-frame sensor, Dual Pixel AF, and strong dynamic range, making it a great choice for divers and photographers needing a reliable underwater setup. For APS-C users, the Canon EOS R7 is an excellent mirrorless option, featuring a 32.5MP sensor, IBIS, and advanced autofocus tracking, making it ideal for capturing high-detail underwater images with accurate subject focus. If you're looking for a compact, waterproof camera that doesn’t require an additional housing, the Canon PowerShot D30 offers a rugged, waterproof design up to 82 feet, Full HD video recording, and built-in GPS, making it a great option for casual snorkelers and adventure travelers. When choosing a Canon camera for underwater photography, you can expect high-ISO performance for low-light shooting, fast autofocus for capturing marine life, strong dynamic range for vibrant underwater colors, durable weather-sealed bodies for compatibility with waterproof housings, and compatibility with wide-angle and macro lenses like the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L or RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM for capturing both expansive ocean scenes and intricate underwater details. While full-frame cameras provide the best image quality and low-light capabilities for deep-sea photography, APS-C models and compact waterproof options offer a lightweight and budget-friendly alternative for casual divers and travel photographers. If you're looking for the best Canon camera for underwater photography, explore these top models and find the perfect fit for your ocean exploration and marine photography needs.

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