Scuba Diving Underwater Cameras, Lights and Accessories Buyers Guide
Our 2021 scuba diving Gear Buyers Guide will help you find the best underwater camera, lights and accessories to fit your skill level.
UNDERWATER CAMERAS
SEALIFE MICRO 3.0
Jon WhittleSealed, flood-proof design provides peace of mind for underwater shooters.
$599.95 | sealife-cameras.com
SeaLife’s compact, user-friendly camera is fully sealed and waterproof to 200 feet (60 meters). The ergonomic piano key controls and intuitive operation are similar to previous models. New features include the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames a second. The 16-megapixel camera also features image stabilization, RAW image capture and an internal 64gb memory.
SEALIFE REEFMASTER RM-4K
Jon WhittleUltracompact 4K video camera captures brilliant underwater footage.
$299.95 | sealife-cameras.com
An ergonomic design allows this action camera to be hand-held, but it also can be mounted to a camera tray. It features a 14-megapixel image sensor and can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second. The included housing uses a pressure-lock thumbscrew and has a dedicated spot for SeaLife’s Moisture Muncher desiccant packs. It is depth-rated to 130 feet (40 meters).
SEALIFE REEFMASTER RM-4K PRO 2000 SET
Jon Whittle4K action camera and a high-powered light provide a complete underwater video rig.
$599.95| sealife-cameras.com
This set combines the Sea Dragon 2000F photo/video light with the Reefmaster RM-4K action camera for a compact imaging combination that boasts natural-looking color and 4K video capabilities. The light’s wide beam angle perfectly complements the camera’s wide fi eld of view. The included Flex-Connect Micro Tray and Grip make it easy to quickly assemble and disassemble the rig.
SEALIFE MICRO 3.0 PRO 5000 SET
Jon WhittleVersatile package combines two video lights with a compact, 4K-capable camera.
$1,299.95 | sealife-cameras.com
Photo caption: Versatile package combines two video lights with a compact, 4K-capable camera.
Using a pair of Sea Dragon 2500F lights minimizes shadows while their combined 5,000 lumens of illumination brilliantly capture vivid and natural underwater colors. Partnered with the ergonomic, leakproof Micro 3.0 camera, this set makes it easier than ever to capture high-quality 4K video and RAW 16mp images while diving. Dual Flex-Connect tray and grips are included.
SEA&SEA DX-6G PRO SET
Jon WhittleCompact camera rig with all the tools you need to get started in underwater photography.
$699.99 (camera and housing); $1,299.95 (Pro set) | seaandsea.com
The DX-6G can take 16mp images and shoot HD video at 30 frames a second. It features built-in macro shooting and underwater color modes, and is waterproof to 46 feet (15 meters); the compact underwater housing allows it to dive to depths of 180 feet (55 meters). The Pro set includes a camera tray and arm.
UNDERWATER CAMERA LIGHTS AND ACCESSORIES
SEALIFE SEA DRAGON 2000F
Jon WhittleWide-angle beam is ideal to pair with compact action cameras.
$299.95 | sealife-cameras.com
Designed to mimic natural sunlight, the Sea Dragon 2000F’s COB LED array has a temperature of 5000K that produces colorful images. The light delivers up to 2,000 lumens in a 120-degree-angle beam that is well-suited to underwater shooting. The corrosion-proof light head is rated to 330 feet (100 meters). A single push button cycles between three power levels and two emergency flash functions.
SEALIFE SEA DRAGON 2500F
Jon WhittleFlat panel COB LED technology closely mimics sunlight for natural color.
$399.95| sealife-cameras.com
With a single push-button operation and a corrosion-proof light head depth-rated to 330 feet (100 meters), the Sea Dragon 2500F provides shooters an easy way to illuminate the depths. With a CRI of 90, the sunlike light brings out amazingly rich, natural colors in underwater photos and video. The light uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and will run for a whole hour at max power.
SEALIFE SEA DRAGON 3000F AUTO
Jon WhittleFeatures auto-flash detection for use in conjunction with underwater strobes.
$499.95| sealife-cameras.com
Using a single push button, this light quickly cycles between power modes, including a red “stealth” mode and an emergency flash. In addition to three manual power settings, an automatic mode allows the light’s photocell to automatically regulate brightness. The 120-degree angle, 3,000- lumen beam falls evenly without a hotspot. The 3000F Auto will run for 60 minutes at full power or 240 minutes on low.
SEALIFE SEA DRAGON 5000F AUTO
Jon WhittleRed LEDS provide a stealth mode for approaching nighttime sea creatures.
$699.95 | sealife-cameras.com
This 5,000-lumen light can be used with strobes thanks to its Auto Flash Detection, which turns off the light for a second when a strobe flash is detected. Brightness can be manually adjusted to 100, 75, 50 and 25 percent power, or it can be automatically controlled by the built-in photocell light sensor. The COB LED is designed to mimic natural sunlight for realistically-colored images and video.
SEALIFE SEA DRAGON FLUORO DUAL BEAM
Jon WhittleVersatile light can switch from fluorescent-friendly blue beam to normal white light.
$499.95 | sealife-cameras.com
By emitting a specific wavelength of blue light, the Sea Dragon Fluoro Dual Beam brings out the fluorescent wonders of the reef for eye-popping images and video. The Fluoro Dual Beam can also fire a 15-degree spot of white light at 800 lumens so you can use it as a primary dive light or to assist in finding the creatures divers seek at night. This versatile model also includes a pair of yellow filters for a mask and a universal lens cover.
SEALIFE SEA DRAGON UNIVERSAL FLASH/STROBE
Jon WhittlePowerful strobe offers divers both TTL functionality and manual control.
$399.95 | sealife-cameras.com
Compatible with all SeaLife DC-series cameras and any other camera with a built-in flash, this flash provides light and color for underwater images and is depth-rated to 200 feet (60 meters). The strobe has an automatic TTL mode for simplified shooting and 10 power level settings for fine-tuning manual exposure control. The strobe comes with a snap-on diffuser, fiber-optic cable and universal flash link adapter. A SeaLife Flex-Connect tray and grip are also included.
SEA&SEA YS-D3
Jon WhittleUpdated target light is now bright enough for use as a dive light.
$849.95 | seaandsea.com
The YS-D3 can fire continuously at lower power levels and near-continuously when outputting at max capacity. Shutter availability is enhanced by a two-stage recycle-time function that allows underwater shooters to fire before the strobe is fully recharged. Controls are backlit and color-coded for easy operation in dark environments. The YS-D3 strobe also can be outfitted with a dome diffuser, snoot and other accessories.
SEALIFE AQUAPOD MINI
Jon WhittleLightweight collapsible monopod easily travels in carry-on luggage. Shown with SportDiver Underwater Housing for iPhone attached.
$49.95 | sealife-cameras.com
Capture amazing close-up photos or underwater selfies with this collapsible, corrosion-resistant shooting pole that is designed to hold almost any camera, including smaller action cameras. The rugged Aquapod Mini is made of anodized aluminum, with stainless steel hardware with a textured grip and includes a standard ¼-20 and GoPro mount. Extends from 15.5 inches (39 centimeters) to 38 inches (97 centimeters).
SEALIFE PHOTO PRO BACKPACK
Jon WhittlePadded water-resistant compartment has six adjustable dividers.
$129.95 | sealife-cameras.com
With adjustable interior compartments to keep gear safely stowed, the Photo Pro Backpack is great for photographers who want to stay light on their feet. The photo gear compartment is lined with water-resistant material and has two large drainage holes to release excess water from the backpack. The soft-lined, padded dry compartment can accommodate 13-inch computer laptops or tablets.
SEALIFE SPORTDIVER
Jon WhittleUnderwater housing compatible with all iPhones from iPhone 7 onward.
$299.95 | sealife-cameras.com
This Bluetooth-enabled iPhone housing lets you put your smartphone’s camera to work underwater. Using a free iOS app, shooters have access to all of the phone’s automatic and manual settings, including background blur and live photo. An ergonomic design allows for easy handheld shooting, but it can also be outfitted with a tray and lights. Depth-rated to 130 feet (40 meters), the SportDiver has a vacuum seal and dual leak alarms for additional security.
