Canon vs Nikon vs Sony for Underwater Photography

[Nicool]

Hi Scubaboard,
I am one of the very few who has extensively used cameras from the 3 'big dogs' underwater (Canon / Nikon / Sony) over the past 2 years, as I've shot detailed reviews for the Nikon Z9/Nikon Z8/Canon R5 Mark II. I haven't written a Sony review yet, but when Backscatter loaned me a Sony A1 for 2 months earlier this year (it was to review their TTL trigger), I tested the camera beyond the review scope and took extensive notes, for the purpose of deciding whether to move from Nikon to Sony.

To my surprise (and slight disappointment), I didn't feel compelled to replace my bulky Nikon Z9 by the Sony A1 afterwards. I am not writing this to start a Nikon vs Sony argument (I know there are passionate proponents on both sides ), these are 2 excellent cameras, but the A1 just didn't tick enough of my boxes to justify jumping ships. I was quite tempted by the prospect of a smaller system, but other things kept me away.

Later on (June-August) I shot the Canon R5II for a review and eventually decided to buy one and make it my main UW camera (I do have a Nikon Z9 body for sale though ).

Yet, the Canon R5II isn't perfect either, there are things I missed from the Z9/Z8, and others I missed from the A1. These are around usability (in ways that matter most when the camera is locked in a housing), but also in terms of autofocus perfomance, lens compatibility, flash triggering, battery life, and a couple of other things.

I was honestly very surprised to discover things I'd come to expect from a high-end camera on one brand were missing from its direct competitors, and a fair bit of vice-versa. For some shooters, these features/issues won't matter as much as they mattered for me, but conversely, I am glad I had all these test results first-hand when making my own decision on which camera/housing to purchase.

This triggered me to organise a webinar detailing my findings, illustrated with examples and anecdotes from shooting Nikon Z8-Z9, Sony A1 and Canon R5II. I haven't sold my Nikon DSLRs (yet?) and I'll also discuss ways where these cameras remain a very valid option (I have grabbed them for occasional dives in the past 2 years).

This will obviously be a very nerdy session all about equipment, but I'll be using lots of photos and in-water/practical anecdotes as illustration.
Spoiler alert: I am NOT going to recommend buying into any particular brand, because I haven't found the "perfect" underwater camera, even if budget wasn't an issue. They really all have pros & cons, but this session may help you decide if you're on the fence.
This webinar isn't sponsored by any brand, which is why I can't make it free to attend. It's on October 24th US / 25th Asia, registrations here:
https://theunderwaterclub.com/webinar-2025-10-canon-vs-nikon-vs-sony-underwater/

However, my reviews are all free to read:
Canon R5II: Underwater Review
Nikon Z9: Underwater Review
Nikon Z8: Underwater Review

 

[Nemrod]

For some Sony cameras they are crippled with a 1/160 shutter speed and no manual (single) flash without using a trigger which themselves present issues.

Scubaboard is great but this sort of question might be more in the realm of the water pixel forum.

 

[BoltSnap]

Hi Scubaboard,
I am one of the very few who has extensively used cameras from the 3 'big dogs' underwater (Canon / Nikon / Sony) over the past 2 years, as I've shot detailed reviews for the Nikon Z9/Nikon Z8/Canon R5 Mark II. I haven't written a Sony review yet, but when Backscatter loaned me a Sony A1 for 2 months earlier this year (it was to review their TTL trigger), I tested the camera beyond the review scope and took extensive notes, for the purpose of deciding whether to move from Nikon to Sony.

To my surprise (and slight disappointment), I didn't feel compelled to replace my bulky Nikon Z9 by the Sony A1 afterwards. I am not writing this to start a Nikon vs Sony argument (I know there are passionate proponents on both sides ), these are 2 excellent cameras, but the A1 just didn't tick enough of my boxes to justify jumping ships. I was quite tempted by the prospect of a smaller system, but other things kept me away.

Later on (June-August) I shot the Canon R5II for a review and eventually decided to buy one and make it my main UW camera (I do have a Nikon Z9 body for sale though ).

Yet, the Canon R5II isn't perfect either, there are things I missed from the Z9/Z8, and others I missed from the A1. These are around usability (in ways that matter most when the camera is locked in a housing), but also in terms of autofocus perfomance, lens compatibility, flash triggering, battery life, and a couple of other things.

I was honestly very surprised to discover things I'd come to expect from a high-end camera on one brand were missing from its direct competitors, and a fair bit of vice-versa. For some shooters, these features/issues won't matter as much as they mattered for me, but conversely, I am glad I had all these test results first-hand when making my own decision on which camera/housing to purchase.

This triggered me to organise a webinar detailing my findings, illustrated with examples and anecdotes from shooting Nikon Z8-Z9, Sony A1 and Canon R5II. I haven't sold my Nikon DSLRs (yet?) and I'll also discuss ways where these cameras remain a very valid option (I have grabbed them for occasional dives in the past 2 years).

This will obviously be a very nerdy session all about equipment, but I'll be using lots of photos and in-water/practical anecdotes as illustration.
Spoiler alert: I am NOT going to recommend buying into any particular brand, because I haven't found the "perfect" underwater camera, even if budget wasn't an issue. They really all have pros & cons, but this session may help you decide if you're on the fence.
This webinar isn't sponsored by any brand, which is why I can't make it free to attend. It's on October 24th US / 25th Asia, registrations here:
https://theunderwaterclub.com/webinar-2025-10-canon-vs-nikon-vs-sony-underwater/

However, my reviews are all free to read:
Canon R5II: Underwater Review
Nikon Z9: Underwater Review
Nikon Z8: Underwater Review

Thank you so much for putting this effort into the study and sharing it with us.

(I still believe, however, that you should offer a substantial discount on your webinars for Scubaboard members, especially members from Libya.)

One question, you use a CCR for what appears to be recreational diving, is this true? Do you find it worth it for you to use a CCR for just recreational diving (assuming that's what you do)?

 

[davehicks]

One question, you use a CCR for what appears to be recreational diving, is this true? Do you find it worth it for you to use a CCR for just recreational diving (assuming that's what you do)?

I do the same, "Recreational CCR Tech diver". And yes it is valuable for photography, primarily to open up dive profiles. Long times on target, more time at depth.

For example last week i spent about 25 minutes with a Giant Pacific Octopus at 27 meters taking photos and video as it hunted. I had already been at 30 meters for 5 minutes before i found it. Never came closer than 5 minutes to NDL. Ended an 80 minute dive at SurfGF 45.

 

[BoltSnap]

I do the same, "Recreational CCR Tech diver". And yes it is valuable for photography, primarily to open up dive profiles. Long times on target, more time at depth.

For example last week i spent about 25 minutes with a Giant Pacific Octopus at 27 meters taking photos and video as it hunted. I had already been at 30 meters for 5 minutes before i found it. Never came closer than 5 minutes to NDL. Ended an 80 minute dive at SurfGF 45.

View attachment 921366

Thank you for the information. This makes my decision a lot easier. What brand/model CCR are you using?

 

[davehicks]

Thank you for the information. This makes my decision a lot easier. What brand/model CCR are you using?

I use a KISS Spirit LTE mCCR. Light weight, back mount, highly portable, simple, reliable, and entirely user serviceable. I have owned two of these since 2015, and dove a similar predessor model before that since 2007. Never had an issue with them across 1500+ dives that kept me out of the water for more than an hour with some basic tools and spares like orings and O2 sensors.

 

[Nicool]

Thank you so much for putting this effort into the study and sharing it with us.

(I still believe, however, that you should offer a substantial discount on your webinars for Scubaboard members, especially members from Libya.)

One question, you use a CCR for what appears to be recreational diving, is this true? Do you find it worth it for you to use a CCR for just recreational diving (assuming that's what you do)?

Hey BoltSnap,
It depends on your definition of recreational diving, but I've been using my CCRs no deeper than 45 meters, if that's what you meant.
The answer is a big YES, massively helpful for photography, so much so I didn't feel the need to own a BCD/regs open-circuit kit for the first 12 years after I got CCR certified (2011). I only got a wing/regs kit in 2023 because I was attending a shootout-style competition where rebreathers were deemed an unfair advantage (which made sense) and use it only when my work doesn't allow for a rebreather. For travel, I prefer my Mares Horizon (e-SCR), but my rEvo CCR remained my main workhorse.
To date I've done nearly 2,000 hours of rebreather diving, and use them nearly all the time, because (1) I find them more enjoyable to dive, (2) better photo opportunities, (3) keeps my skills fresh.
Rebreathers really let you make the most of every dive, but they bring constraints too, so there are a few pros & cons to consider, and ways to optimise your diving logistics to mitigate the 'cons'. That's massive rabbit hole I could spend too long diving in...

I've given talks at dive shows and published articles on the topic... and you'll be pleased to know there is also a webinar available for TUC members to replay
https://theunderwaterclub.com/webinar-2024-02-rebreathers-for-underwater-photographers-with-nicolas-remy/

Sorry I can't do much on the membership price, but you're getting more for the same price every month we add a new webinar, just sayinn...

 

[Nicool]

For some Sony cameras they are crippled with a 1/160 shutter speed and no manual (single) flash without using a trigger which themselves present issues.

Scubaboard is great but this sort of question might be more in the realm of the water pixel forum.

True! These flash triggers sometimes are the bottleneck. I am testing my 4th trigger and am yet to find one that can access the R5II's max sync speed AND sustain decent burst speed at the same time.

Thanks for suggesting Waterpixel - I don't have an account there but all shares appreciated