In 2010, there was a major turn in the mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera market when Sony announced their first mirrorless models—the NEX-5 and NEX-7. At the time, DPG Publisher Matt Weiss noted, "Sony has never been a major player in the underwater photography game, and the Micro Four-Thirds format is taking a while to catch on in the industry."
Ah, how times have changed. Mirrorless cameras have come a long way in underwater photography over the last five years. No longer are they the great underwater photography experiment. Modern mirrorless models have features that rival many DSLRs and continue to push video capabilities in still cameras.
While five years ago there were only a handful of mirrorless cameras, housings and lenses to choose from, today there are dozens and dozens of possible combinations. These can range from modest setups that fit in your carry-on cases for under $1,000 to professional video rigs that can cost upwards of $5,000. The choice is desirable for a diverse group of underwater image-makers, but it can also be dizzying. Here's your guide to the top mirrorless cameras of 2016.
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Sony a7R II
BEST IMAGE QUALITY
Key Features
Price $3200 (body) Sensor (size) 42.4 megapixels (full frame) Max image size 7952x5304 pixels ISO range 100–25,600 Continuous shooting 5fps RAW format Yes Max video resolution (rate) 4K: 3840x2160 (30p)Full HD: 1920x1080 (60p) LCD 3-inch 1.23M dot Max strobe sync speed 1/250sSony's trio of a7 II cameras dominated much of the mirrorless headlines in 2016. Each provides unique benefits (and drawbacks), but if you're looking for the best overall image quality on the market then the a7R II is the mirrorless for you. With the highest resolution of the series, the a7R II's 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated structured CMOS sensor limits the amount of noise when working at higher ISOs. It also features top-level autofocus for a mirrorless, with 399 phase detect (25 contrast detect) autofocus points. Oh, and having the ability to record 4K-resolution video doesn't hurt either. DPG Review www.sony.net | www.backscatter.com
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When it comes to overall image quality, the a7R II reigns supreme, producing pictures with resolution and dynamic range that rival flagship DSLRs
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
BEST FOR VIDEO
Key Features
Price $1500 (body) Sensor (size) 16.1 megapixels (4/3") Max image size 4608x3456 pixels ISO range 200–25,600 Continuous shooting 12fps RAW format Yes Max video resolution (rate) 4K: 4096x2160 (30p)Full HD: 1920x1080 (60p) LCD 3-inch 1.04M dot Max strobe sync speed 1/250s
All 4K recording isn't created equal. The Panasonic GH4 (and subsequent upgraded GH4R) is capable of true Cinema 4K (4096x2160) with a maximum bit rate of 200Mbps for the best quality 4K video. By comparison, the top GoPro records 4K video (UHD 4K) at just 60Mbps. There's also lots to like for still imagery—16 megapixels on a Four-Thirds CMOS sensor—but this is really a camera meant to empower those looking to take broadcast quality video. www.panasonic.com | www.backscatter.com
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Sony a6300
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Key Features
Price $1000 (body) Sensor 24.2 megapixels Max image size 6000x4000 pixels ISO range 100–25,600 Continuous shooting 11fps RAW format Yes Max video resolution (rate) 4K: 3840x2160 (30p)Full HD: 1920x1080 (120p/60p) LCD 3-inch 0.92M dot Max strobe sync speed 1/160sArguably the most anticipated mirrorless camera of the year, Sony's a6300 returns to the prosumer roots of the NEX series as the a7 II series appeals to more advanced shooters. But don't think the lower price point and impressively compact size means a sacrifice in specs and features. The camera boasts a 24-megapixel APS-C cropped sensor with a maximum continuous shooting rate of 11fps. We also see several improvements over previous models that really stand out and elevate this camera: Hybrid AF (with 425 phase detect AF points), 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and an impressive battery life of 400 images. DPG Review Forthcoming www.sony.net | www.backscatter.com
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With solid 4K video and excellent still image quality in a slim package, the Sony a6300 is a great first mirrorless camera for underwater photography
Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
BEST VALUE
Key Features
Price $650 (body) Sensor (size) 16.1 megapixels (4/3") Max image size 4608x3456 pixels ISO range 200–25,600 Continuous shooting 8.5fps RAW format Yes Max video resolution (rate) Full HD: 1920x1080 (60p) LCD 3-inch 1.04M dot Max strobe sync speed 1/250sThe OM-D E-M10 II should be viewed less as an improvement over its predecessor and more of a mimic of its more expensive, larger big brother—the OM-D E-M5. There is an impressive amount of pro-level features on a camera that's priced more for amateurs: 5-axis image stabilization, 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and 1080/60p video are just some of the finer features. Another big change is the switch from a mechanical shutter to an electronic one, which means the main image sensor is always exposed to light—improving the autofocus performance in less-than-ideal-light conditions (aka underwater). www.getolympus.com | www.backscatter.com
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 II
GREAT ALL-ROUNDER
Key Features
Price $1100 (body) Sensor (size) 16.1 megapixels (4/3") Max image size 4608x3456 pixels ISO range 200–25,600 Continuous shooting 10fps RAW format Yes Max video resolution (rate) Full HD: 1920x1080 (60p) LCD 3-inch 1.04M dot Max strobe sync speed 1/250sThe biggest change headlining the announcement of Olympus' OM-D E-M5 II isn't necessarily useful for underwater photography: the 40-megapixel multi-exposure mode. This is where the camera combines eight images to form one massive, high-resolution photo—not exactly practice in an underwater setting. But with the OM-D E-M5 II, it's the small tweaks, adjustments, and improvements that really stand out for the underwater shooter. For stills, take note of the improved continuous shooting (up to 10fps), 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, and faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s for some sweet sunballs. Video gets some significant improvement with the ability to shoot 1080/60p at a bit rate of 77Mbps (compared to the original E-M5's 1080/30p at just 17Mbps). DPG Review www.getolympus.com | www.backscatter.com
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Minor improvements in video recording and shooting features have made the OM-D E-M5 II a great choice for photographers who also want to dabble in video
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Source: 2016 Top Mirrorless Cameras and Housings for Underwater Photography
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