These are the best Olympus cameras for underwater photography, selected for their image quality, compatibility with waterproof housings, and ability to perform reliably in challenging aquatic environments. Whether you’re diving among coral reefs, snorkeling in tropical lagoons, or photographing marine life in freshwater environments, Olympus offers compact yet capable systems that make capturing the underwater world easier and more rewarding. Image quality is critical when shooting underwater, where light is limited and colors shift with depth. Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds cameras deliver sharp, detailed images with excellent dynamic range, preserving the subtle textures of marine life and the vibrant hues of coral. Shooting in RAW allows divers to adjust white balance in post-processing, restoring reds and yellows lost in deeper water. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a major advantage for handheld underwater shooting. Even with the natural buoyancy and movement of diving, IBIS helps keep images sharp and video footage steady—reducing the need for bulky stabilizing rigs. Autofocus performance is equally important in underwater photography, where subjects may move quickly and unpredictably. Olympus’s advanced AF systems, with subject tracking and face/eye detection, help maintain focus on fish, divers, or other points of interest, even in low-light aquatic conditions. Ruggedness is essential, and while most Olympus cameras are not waterproof on their own, they are fully compatible with high-quality underwater housings from brands like Nauticam, Ikelite, and Olympus’s own PT-series. These housings allow access to essential controls while ensuring protection at depths from casual snorkeling ranges to well over 100 feet for advanced diving. Ergonomics play a big role underwater. Olympus cameras have intuitive control layouts and customizable buttons that remain accessible within housings, making it easier to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO while wearing gloves or managing buoyancy. Fully articulating LCD screens are also helpful for composing shots from unconventional angles or when using a housing with an angled viewfinder. Battery life matters for underwater excursions, especially on multi-dive days. Olympus cameras are efficient in power use, and many mirrorless models support USB charging—allowing you to recharge between dives without removing the camera from its housing unnecessarily. Lens compatibility gives Olympus users significant creative flexibility underwater. Wide-angle and fisheye lenses excel at capturing expansive reef scenes or large marine animals, while macro lenses are ideal for photographing small creatures like nudibranchs and shrimp. The Micro Four Thirds system’s 2x crop factor also enhances macro capabilities, letting you get tight compositions without being too close to skittish subjects. For those who prefer a simpler setup, Olympus’s rugged waterproof compact cameras—such as the Tough TG series—can be used without a housing at moderate depths, making them ideal for casual snorkelers, kayak trips, or shallow freedives. While they can’t match the image quality of interchangeable-lens systems, they’re reliable, travel-friendly options for everyday underwater shooting. Whether you’re a scuba diver, freediver, or underwater photography enthusiast, the best Olympus cameras for underwater photography offer the resolution, stability, and adaptability needed to capture the beauty of aquatic life.