We asked a few photo pros to weigh in on how the game is changing and what is yet to come.

Higher ISO

“I view higher ISO with less noise as the singularly most exciting advancement in photography since the Nikon D1X. Previously impossible shots, like this stingray split at dusk (above), will only get easier as ISO and noise continue to improve.” — Courtney Platt

Reverse Ring Macro

“Macro photographers can now use any lens and make it into a macro lens by simply inverting and using a step up/down ring or reverse ring adapter. The technique not only gives you magnification, but also crazy bokeh (selective blurness).” — Imran Ahmad

Drones

“One of the hottest new products to hit the underwater photography world has nothing to do with underwater photography. Consumer drones, like the DJI Phantom 4 (shown above), unlock the vertical axis for freedom of camera movement, and photographers have been bringing them to dive destinations worldwide. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard about a dive trip that doesn’t include at least one drone.” — Eric Cheng

Super Macro

“Recent products, like the Nauticam SMC and Multiplier one, have taken super macro to a whole new level. I can now fill the frame with a subject that is only about 3 mm in size, and I am frequently shooting subjects that are about the size of a pinhead. If you have patience, it opens a new unseen world.” — Todd Winner

Fisheye

“Our favorite new — or shall we say revived? — gear trend is the round fisheye lens. Using a round lens enables photographers to showcase 180-degree views of subjects. I think this works especially well for round subjects (like the brain coral, above).” — Andy Sallmon and Allison Vitsky Sallmon

Continuous Lighting

“As technology and engineering improve, I hope to see lights that reduce weight, last longer and decrease disposable-battery waste. Using continuous lighting adds to creative image-making and effective fill lighting for both still images and video. ” — Mike Bartick