Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Sharon Advik
Are you an underwater photographer looking for the right camera to capture those moments beneath the waves?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
Moving your photography equipment into a watery environment can seem daunting, but Nikon cameras explicitly designed for those depths make capturing breathtaking images easier.
Read on to discover what makes the best Nikon cameras stand out, and find one that fits your budget and photo needs – there’s something here for everyone!
Are you an underwater photographer looking for the right camera to capture those moments beneath the waves?
Then you’ve come to the right place!
Moving your photography equipment into a watery environment can seem daunting, but Nikon cameras explicitly designed for those depths make capturing breathtaking images easier.
Read on to discover what makes the best Nikon cameras stand out, and find one that fits your budget and photo needs – there’s something here for everyone!
Which is the Best Nikon camera for underwater photography?
Here are my recommended top 6 Best Nikon camera for underwater photography:-
Nikon D850: (Best Nikon camera for underwater photography)
Capturing the wildlife at Baja California Sur with my camera was a dream come true.
I had been planning this underwater photography trip for months and was excited to finally begin.
When I arrived at Baja California Sur, I was blown away by the beauty of its turquoise waters, white beaches, and bright sunshine.
It was the perfect destination for taking pictures of its abundant marine life.
To start, I put on my scuba gear and descended into the depths of this aquatic paradise.
Underwater, I met with dozens of majestic sea turtles swimming gracefully through the coral reefs.
With my underwater camera, I captured many shots of these graceful creatures as they glided elegantly through the water.
Features:
- Model: Nikon D850
- Sensor: 45.7 MP back-side illuminated CMOS sensor
- Image processing: EXPEED 5 Image Processing
- ISO sensitivity: 64-25,600 expandable upto 102,400
- Autofocus: 153 point AF system with autofocus down to -4EV
- Video resolution: 4k UHD
- Connectivity: built-in wifi, Bluetooth
- Sensor size: 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm
- Effective Pixels (Megapixels): 45.7 million
- Shutter Type: Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane
- Screen: TFT tilting touchscreen
- Viewfinder: Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex Viewfinder
ISO/ shutter speed:
I love to do experiments and try new things; here, to take extra vigilant 4k videos of a sea turtle swimming through the coral reefs, I set my camera ISO level at 200 and a shutter speed at 1/500.
At this level, I could grab the perfect marine life shots.
With this camera, I could capture the best tapes even at this price range.
Aperture/ Depth of field:
Next, I set the Aperture of f16 as this was critical for having an excellent depth of field near my subject and not yielding any motion blur or blurry background.
I used a wide angle to ensure I captured the entire scene.
White balance/ frame rate:
I was aiming for wide angles.
I chose to keep the white balance at auto mode to allow my camera to set automatically according to the light condition of the surroundings.
Then I go for a frame rate of up to 60fps as I always prefer this frame rate for marine life shoots to get quality 4k videos.
Why is this the best camera?
The Nikon D850 is one of the best cameras for my underwater adventure.
This highly capable camera helped me to capture stunningly sharp images of marine life and has a wide variety of features and focusing modes that allow me to perfect shots every time.
Its most outstanding feature is that it’s the best Nikon camera for underwater photography, as it has thoroughly sealed buttons and ports to keep water away from my delicate electronics.
Conclusion:
Its internal focusing motor also allows me for fast autofocus and 8fps continuous shooting – essential when capturing split-second shots underwater.
Whether on land or under the waves, you’ll be pleased with the performance this DSLR offers!
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Nikon Z6: (Best Nikon camera for underwater photography)
After that thrilling experience, it was time to move on to something even more spectacular: underwater coral reef photography!
As we descended deeper into these colorful habitats filled with vibrant aquatic life, we could observe schools of tropical fish darting around us and some fascinating marine plants swaying gracefully in slow motion.
We took countless photographs here and were amazed by each image’s unique beauty – from brightly colored corals to clownfish peeking out from their homes amongst the anemones!
Overall, this trip was a fantastic success – not only did we get some great shots for our portfolios, but we also got to witness firsthand some truly magnificent creatures.
Features:
- Model: Nikon z6
- Effective pixels: 24.5 million
- Screen: tilting TFT touch screen LCD 3.2 inch.
- ISO sensitivity: 100-51200
- Sensor: 35.9 mm x 9 mm FX CMOS sensor
- Viewfinder: 27-cm/0.5-in. Approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED
- Shutter type: Electronic
- Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec.
- Autofocus system: Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
ISO/ shutter speed:
To capture the sea turtle while swimming around, I Set ISO to the lower side of 200 to ensure I get clear, sharp photos and videos, and I wisely select a shutter speed of 400 to get exquisite beats captured in the camera.
Aperture/ Depth of field:
For the wide angle, I selected an aperture of f11 to achieve enough depth of field with my 35mm long focal length lens to turn scenes alive.
White balance/ frame rate:
A native white balance will give me a full control set white balance during post-production, and a frame rate of 60fps helped me to get high-resolution 4k stunning and explicit shots.
Why is this the best camera?
The Nikon Z6 camera is the best choice for aspiring photographers looking to capture images underwater.
Whether you’re an enthusiast scuba diving with friends or a professional on a photographic expedition, its 24.5-megapixel resolution allows me to see bright, vibrant visuals that’ll bring my marine life adventure memories to life.
Conclusion:
Its hybrid phase-detection Autofocus system allows for speedier image processing and accuracy across any focal point in the ocean’s depth.
This fantastic camera is lightweight yet eco-friendly, making your adventure easier without hurting the marine environment!
It is the best Nikon camera for underwater photography.
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Nikon Z7: (Best Nikon camera for underwater photography)
A trip to the Vava’u Tonga is always an exciting adventure for photographers, especially those interested in macro underwater photography.
During my most recent visit, I took my camera and the following shots: humpback whales, jellyfish, octopuses, and squid.
A unique feature of this area of the South Pacific is that it is filled with numerous photogenic and fascinating creatures.
Before arriving at Vava’u Tonga, I researched the types of animals I should expect to find there and what techniques would best capture them on film or digital media.
My first stop was near the shoreline, where I set up my equipment to get some close-up shots of humpback whales in their natural environment.
My camera was equipped with powerful lenses and lights so that I could capture the intricate details of their black-and-white skin patterning as they swam by.
Witnessing these majestic creatures gracefully glide through the waters around me was truly remarkable.
Features:
- Model: Nikon z7
- Effective pixels: 45.7 million
- Screen: tilting TFT touch screen-LCD, 3.2 inch
- Sensor: 35.9mm x 23.9mm Fx CMOS sensor
- Viewfinder: 27-cm/0.5-in. Approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED
- Shutter type: electronically controlled
- Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec.
- ISO sensitivity: 64-25,600
- Autofocus: Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
ISO/ shutter speed:
I set ISO at 800 to shoot this marvelous varmint, ensuring enough light in the camera lens and not causing grain in photographs.
After that, I kept the shutter speed at 1/500 to not lose a single moment of this jaw-dropping moment.
Aperture/ Depth of field:
I wanted to shoot the subject with an immaculate background, so I aimed for a wide depth of field and a longer focal length of 150mm lens by keeping the Aperture at f/16 to make them more realistic and cinematic results.
White balance/ frame rate:
After that, the daylight white balance was ideal for shooting this scene for some sharp stills and capturing even the slightest details of the object’s body, including the colors and 30fps frame rate, without causing any motion blur.
Why is this the best camera?
The Nikon Z7 is the best camera for folks who want a top-performing device with many features.
It boasts 45.7 megapixels of resolution, which helped me to get high-class photos of aquatic life.
And with the autofocus system, I could lock onto the subject with blazing speed.
Moreover, with awe-inspiring low-light performance, I even captured shots in the deep ocean; in-body image stabilization helped me get smooth video shots.
Conclusion:
Best of all, this cutting-edge camera is waterproof, making it perfect for taking stunning photos underwater!
If you’re into scuba diving or other aquatic exploration, you can rest assured that this will capture every gorgeous detail like a pro.
Considering all the features and the performance, it is the best NIKON camera for underwater photography.
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Nikon Z7II: (Best Nikon camera for underwater photography)
The next day, while scuba diving in deeper waters, I encountered jellyfish floating around me in all directions — a stunning sight!
Because they move slowly in the water, I can position myself close enough without disturbing them and snap away from different angles with my Nikon Z7 II camera.
The result was some beautiful macro images of these translucent creatures illuminated by sunlight from above.
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z7 II
- Sensor: 45.7MP BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO: 64-25,600
- Video resolution: 4K/60p video with 93% coverage of the sensor
- Effective pixels: 45.7 million
- Image stabilization: 5-axis in-body stabilization
- Shutter type: Electronic
- Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec.
- Autofocus: Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
- Screen: 3.69M-dot EVF, 3.2″ 2.1M-dot screen
- Lens: –3EV focusing with F2.0 lens
- Card slots: 1 CFExpress / XQD card slot, 1 UHS-II SD card slots
- Battery: New EN-EL15c battery, CIPA rated to 420 shots (LCD)
- Compatibility: Compatible with new MB-N11 battery grip with vertical controls
ISO/ shutter speed:
Using ambient light, I kept ISO at 400, not causing grain in shots, and a shutter speed of 1/250 to avoid any motion blur in images.
This would also benefit me in capturing sun rays to make them enchanting, so my photos had better colors.
Aperture/ Depth of field:
Shooting at f/5 for this scene helped me get a shallow field depth and achieve the desired results.
As for the macro shot, using a wider Aperture is ideal while blurring unnecessary details.
White balance/ frame rate:
Now, I chose a white balance of 5000k as I was deep in the ocean, where if I don’t choose a white balance wisely, my photos or videos will appear greenish.
I want to block out this, so this was ideal for me, and a frame rate of 60fps helped me to get some high-resolution 4ks and stills.
Why is this the best camera?
This camera is an excellent choice for amateur and professional photographers alike.
It has outstanding image quality, superior autofocus capabilities, and the best Nikon camera for underwater photography.
With its fast autofocus system, I got some stunning shots of the subject before they disappeared into deep water.
Conclusion:
Best of all, its user-friendly design makes it easy to operate, no matter your level of expertise.
Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or already an experienced photographer, this will appeal to you – and make capturing those breathtaking shots even more enjoyable!
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Nikon W300: (Best Nikon camera for underwater photography)
Once I had some nice shots of jellyfish, it was time to look for octopuses and squids hiding among the coral reefs below.
With patience and creativity as my companions, I ventured into deeper depths, searching for these remarkable cephalopods.
After swimming around for quite some time without success, luck finally shone upon me when I spotted an octopus hovering above its den made from rocks and coral fragments — success!
Everything seemed easier; soon enough, I had collected a trove of captivating photos captured through a Nikon W300 featuring colorful octopuses with long tentacles extended outward like little arms reaching me.
Features:
- Model: Nikon W300
- Effective pixels: 16.0 million
- Screen: 3.0 inch, TFT LCD, anti-reflection coating, up to 6 level brightness adjustments
- ISO: 125-1600 in manual mode
- Sensor: CMOS, 4608 X 3456
- Lens: 5X optical zoom, NIKKOR glass lens
- Autofocus: contrast detect autofocus
- Shutter type: mechanical and electronic
- Shutter speed: 1/4000 sec. (maximum speed during high-speed continuous shooting)
- 25 sec.
ISO/ shutter speed:
I set my camera ISO at 800 and shutter speed at 1/400 to capture every possible motion without losing the quality of images.
As for shallow water, using a low ISO bit for deeper depths is advisable.
Choose ISO of higher ranges, not too high, that will impact the quality.
This was the perfect ISO and shutter speed, as octopuses are always found underwater.
Aperture/ Depth of Field:
While striving for a close shot, I held the Aperture at f/4 to gain a shallow field depth and obscure unnecessary elements from the scene.
White balance/ frame rate:
My camera preselected Auto Web mode, and a frame rate of 60fps for fast-motion videos helped me to get surprising results.
I acquired some high-quality stills, and when I considered them in post-production, they seemed true-to-life, so I got lost in these scenes.
Why is this the best camera?
If you’re looking for a reliable camera that will capture your underwater adventures, this camera is truly top-of-the-line.
With its durable, waterproof, and shockproof design, this Nikon camera is ideal for all the rigors of sea life.
Not only does it have 4K Ultra HD video capabilities, but it also has five underwater picture modes to choose from.
Conclusion:
It even has a built-in waterproof microphone to capture audio up to 10 meters away.
Furthermore, with its fast autofocus system, you’ll surely take advantage of every moment!
In short, this is one of the highest-rated Best Nikon cameras for underwater photography today.
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Nikon D500: (Best Nikon camera for underwater photography)
The last subject on my list was squids, which proved more elusive than expected due to their fast speed when swimming away from potential threats in their environment — namely me!
After several unsuccessful attempts at pursuing them underwater, however, it all paid off on one particular dive when suddenly several squids emerged from a dark corner behind me — just in time for me to point my camera towards them before they disappeared again into the darkness!
With those shots added to my collection, it felt like a mission accomplished!
Features:
- Model: Nikon D500
- Effective Pixels: (Megapixels) 20.9 million
- Sensor: Size, 23.5 mm. x 15.7 mm. CMOS. DX
- ISO Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 51,200
- Movie: 4K UHD 3,840×2,160 / 30 fps. 4K UHD 3,840×2,160 / 25 fps
- Monitor Size: 3.2 in. diagonal
- Storage Media: SD. SDHC. SDXC
- Monitor Type: TFT touch-sensitive LCD
- Viewfinder: Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex Viewfinder
- Shutter type: electronically controlled
- Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec
- Autofocus: -4 to +20 EV (ISO 100, 68°F/20°C)
ISO/ shutter speed:
I kept my Camera ISO at 300 and shutter speed at the faster side 1/500 to stop the motion before they disappeared.
After that, I got some stunning, sharp, and clear images.
Even more minor details were viewable, and the colors were so vibrant in the photos.
Aperture/ White Depth of field:
I set the Aperture at f12 to achieve enough depth of field as my subject was the prime focus, and I didn’t want any far-away elements at this moment.
White balance/ frame rate:
3200k white balance and frame rate of 30fps.
I chose to capture this scene.
I was able to capture some incredible shots of squids that were emerging behind me.
Why is this the best camera?
If you’re a passionate underwater photographer, there’s no doubt the Nikon D500 is one of the best cameras you will find in the market.
With its 20.9MP full-frame sensor, 153-point Autofocus System, and 4K UHD video capabilities, this camera offers many features for capturing color-rich images and videos that bring aquatic life to life.
All the features in this camera make it the best NIKON camera for underwater photography.
Conclusion:
In addition to its excellent underwater focusing abilities, the Nikon D500 also offers lightning-fast burst shooting (up to 10 frames per second) and impressive battery life — making it an ideal option for capturing those stunning shots beneath the waves.
But if it’s crisp underwater images with incredible detail and color range you’re after, this is worth your consideration!
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CONCLUSION:
Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.
Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?
Which is your Best Nikon camera for underwater photography?
Is there a camera you love to use for underwater photography that I didn’t mention in this article?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
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Best cameras for underwater photography:
I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.