Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Mobile phones haven't just democratized communication, they have also played a massive role in the development of everyday photography & video making. Only a few years ago, shooting an HD (nevermind 4K) video or high-resolution photos would cost you a fair bit in specialized equipment, whereas now you can do it all on your phone. What about the underwater realm though? Can phones cut it or are there better alternatives for your buck? Alchemy content creator Livio Fakeye looks at the best underwater camera options below $1000.
"Cameras can be very expensive. Pair them with underwater housings and they can cost a fortune. Luckily there are still cheaper options out there! The cameras chosen below are all beginner-friendly. All of them offer custom features for the best results. A lot of reviews can be found online, as well as tutorials for the best settings to use for each camera. Here are 5 different solutions for your first underwater adventure".
"If you own a smartphone with an awesome camera, why not use it underwater as well? You will save money and you will have your photo ready for social media! This is probably the best choice for beginners to start with, as all of us own a smartphone and we are already familiar with how to use it".
Brands: SeaLife, Nautismart, Valstech.
Price: starting at 200 euros.
"The GoPro has always been a freedivers’ favorite due to its compact size and price. Year after year, GoPro gave us more power and better sensors in smaller cameras. The video quality is really amazing and you can expect to create amazing content. Super slow motion, 5k recording, literally amazing. Their photography part is a bit less powerful and should not be considered as a photo camera, even though GoPro now has RAW format, meaning better editing options afterwards. If you want to bring your GoPro to the next level, make sure to check Hugyfot Vision Hero, with their deep housing, extra battery, and bigger screen integrated".
Video 5k
Up to 240fps
RAW photo
20.0 MP sensor
Wide and Super Wide angle
10m no case and 30m+ with the housing
Price: +- 350 euros
"An all-in-one camera. The series «Tough» is an amazing option. It’s a versatile camera you can use on land and underwater. The best companion for traveling, shooting under the rain or extreme conditions. Keep in mind you can also buy an extra housing to take it deeper with you. An awesome option is the possibility to choose between underwater mode and white balance. This will help you to get the « real » colors you are looking for and it shoots RAW files".
12.0 MP sensor
RAW photo
4K resolution
Up to 120 fps
Five underwater shooting modes
Three underwater white balance modes
Depth 15m
Extra housing available to go deeper
Price: +- 450 euros
"Since the first RX 100, Sony has offered powerful compact cameras. Each of them has different qualities depending on what you are looking for. The third version is perfect for underwater shooting. Combined with underwater housing, you can feel the power of the camera. This is surely one of the best image quality you can get in a compact camera in terms of photography".
Amazing Image quality
RAW photo
20MP sensor
Built-in ND filter helps both video and stills shooting in bright light
Full HD (no 4k)
120fps
Price: +- 500 euros
"Canon has always been on top of the game. Now the battle is hard with their opponents, nevertheless, this camera is still a top choice for the price. The image quality is amazing and allows you the best results. Macro photography is also something great with this camera".
20.1 MP
Great image quality
Very good macro photo
RAW photo
4.2x optical zoom lens (24-100m f/1.8-2.8) with optical image stabilization
120 fps in 1080p (no 4k)
Price: +- 1000 USD (Fantasea G7X Mark III Camera and Housing Bundle )