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 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 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 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 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.

Best Canon Cameras for Underwater Photography in 2025

* Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

* Imaginated.com may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. Learn more here.

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.

Cameras by use case:

© 2025 Imaginated.com