There are numerous things to consider when capturing video, underwater or otherwise. To begin with, the ability to record 4K video is now a requirement for any good video camera. The good news is that almost all modern DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and small cameras are capable of 4K recording. You may consider even a video camera that records 6K or 8K. When you shoot in a very high resolution, such as 8K, you can significantly crop your video in post-production, giving you more “broll” viewpoints. But like with photography, the resolution is only one aspect of the video. It would be best if you also thought about how your camera processes the data from your sensor and the size of your sensor. Similar to photography, using a super35 sensor’s larger sensor size enables you to collect more light, improving low light’s dynamic range and quality.
1. Sony A7S III
The Sony A7S III is an amazing full-frame mirrorless camera designed for video and is expected to be the finest camera for underwater video in 2022. Because of the variety of settings, including frame rates, bit rates, codecs, and picture profiles, the A7S III is our favorite underwater video camera. Sony didn’t hold back regarding autofocus settings, giving the camera access to its superior AF tracking and animal eye AF capabilities.
2. The Canon EOS R5
The top 8K video camera available is the Canon EOS R5. The R5 is also one of the greatest cameras for handheld video shooters since, in our opinion, it boasts the best underwater stabilization of any camera.
3. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K & 6K Camera
Despite being small and portable, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K are incredibly powerful video cameras. Both cameras are reasonably priced and have a stylish design and top-notch video camera functionality. While the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses a micro four-thirds mount, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K uses a full frame EF Mount, which is excellent for bokeh images.
4. Canon 1DX Mark III
The Canon 1DX Mark III truly shines while recording underwater footage. It is a strong challenger for professional videographers looking for high-end or movie cameras because it is Canon’s flagship DSLR camera.
5. Canon EOS R6
Alongside the EOS R5, the Canon EOS R6 is the brand’s most recent full-frame prosumer mirrorless camera. The only notable differences from the R5 are a reduction in the photo and video resolution and a decrease in the retail price of $1400. We design it as the “best value” camera of the year.
6. Panasonic S1H
Panasonic is losing ground in the video market despite having a reputation for making top-notch video cameras. We included the Pansonic S1H more on our list as a tribute to Panasonic’s previous market domination.
7. Nikon Z7 II
That’s right. We gave Nikon its category. It is because, over the past three years, Nikon cameras have lagged behind Canon and Sony cameras in terms of technological advancement.
8. Sony A6600 & A6400
Sony’s top-tier cropped sensor mirrorless cameras are the A6600 and A6400. They record UHD 4K up to 30fps and have a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Many of the pro-level capabilities in Sony’s a7 series cameras, like 5-axis image stabilization and S-Log photo profiles, are also present in the Sony A6600.
9. Panasonic GH5S
The Panasonic GH5s continue to be on the list after all this time! Early in 2018, Panasonic unveiled the GH5s, an improved, video-focused version of the GH5. Panasonic decided to replace the Lumix GH5’s 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 10.2MP multi-aspect sensor for the Lumix GH5s.
10. Panasonic Lumix LX10
Possibly the greatest small point-and-shoot camera available for underwater video is the Panasonic Lumix LX10. It has a massive 20MP sensor and produces stunning 4K footage comparable to what you would get from a high-end mirrorless camera.
