Praise for Compact Cameras vs. Full Frame

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Got you with the clickbait title....Should include; for underwater photography.  But for the moment something different than A71II reviews and Black Friday deals...

"Plan your shoot, shoot your plan" — this rings especially true in underwater photography!  Once you're submerged, changing lenses is not an option. Unless you're using a compact camera! Compact cameras like the Sony RX100IV and custom housings offer the unique advantage of being able to attach “wet lenses” while underwater.   For example, I’ve photographed a 30-foot whale shark and a 2-inch seahorse on the same dive using a compact camera/housing with two wet lenses.

Underwater photography can be complicated. You need a waterproof housing for your camera, to capture vibrant, colorful images, you'll need two strobes and/or video lights.  Additionally, various accessories are required to connect everything together. It's common for the housing, lights, and accessories to cost twice as much than the camera itself.

Costs of Underwater Photography Systems

The price for a “semi-pro” underwater photography setup.

• Full Frame DSLR: $15,000
• Micro Four Thirds (MFT) or Mirrorless: $9,000
• Compact Camera: $5,500

Traveling with Underwater Photo Gear

Underwater photography systems are bulky, and many airlines impose carry-on weight limits, often around 17 lbs. A DSLR system typically exceeds this limit. Here are the approximate travel weights for complete systems.

• DSLR System: 40 lbs
• MFT System: 25 lbs
• Compact System: 14 lbs

Compact Camera Pros

• Versatility Shooting Wide & Macro While Underwater: There are three rules in underwater photography, get close, get closer and get even closer.  Using wet lenses you have the ability to switch between wide-angle and macro underwater. This is crucial due to the limited time you have underwater, typically 1-1.5hrs, per dive.
• Affordability: Compact systems are typically 30%-60% less expensive than DSLR or mirrorless setups.  If you flood your housing, rare occurrence, replacing your compact is a fraction of a high end DSLR and quality lens.  In fact you can pack two compact cameras, just  in case. 
• Size & Portability: Compact cameras are lightweight and easy to handle both above and below the water. They're also easier to maneuver in surf zones and drag around airports.
• Image Quality: At 20MP the Sony RX100IV delivers excellent image quality for most underwater settings when supported by strobes and/or video lights.
• Reliability: Fewer buttons and controls mean less chance of malfunctions, especially once the camera is housed.  One button not aligned properly in the housing can render the camera useless once you are submerged.  
• Simplicity: Not having to worry about what lens to use on each dive makes things simple and dive guides happy.  Every time you open the housing you are inviting problems.   
• Ease of Travel: A compact camera system fits easily into overhead compartments and fit in most camera daypacks.  

Compact Camera Cons

• Image Quality: Anything good all-around is rarely “great” at any one thing.  While compact cameras offer good quality images, they don’t match the performance of full-frame DSLRs parried with high end 90mm macro or 17mm wide angle lenses.  However, Photoshop and good lighting can significantly close the gap.
• Macro: Some compacts have a Microscope mode for amazing macro, while others require wet diopters.  But the working distance to capture images of live subjects can be very tight vs. a good 90mm macro lens. 
• Autofocus: Compact cameras have slower and less accurate autofocus compared to DSLR systems.
• Flash Speed: The flash recycle time on compact cameras is slower than that of DSLRs electronic triggers, which is a limitation.  The compact on-camera flash is what triggers your external strobes underwater.  With a compact you can’t just “shoot away” you have to think about when you push the shutter.
• High ISO Performance: Obviously, compact cameras lag behind full-frame sensors in high ISO performance.  When shooting natural light underwater noise can become noticeable.  

Conclusion

After years of shooting with various DSLR and Micro Four Thirds systems, the Sony RX100 IV has become my go-to camera for underwater photography. Its image quality, durability, and flexibility make it an excellent choice for anyone who isn't shooting for National Geographic or have a very large budget. For most underwater photographers compacts offer the best balance of performance, portability, and value.

The following were all taken with a Sony RX100 series camera, the majority with a wet lens  put on while underwater.

More images at: www.aquabluedreams.com

 

Edited November 27 by aquabluedreams.com