How to shoot underwater with RX100 Series

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Planning your big summer trip? Always wanted to try underwater photography? Here are our tips, with examples from Sony’s RX100 Series.

MPK-URX100A

Keep dry

First, protect your camera with a quality underwater housing. You want a good fit! Our example for the RX100 Series is the MPK-URX100A; it’s designed as a perfect match for RX100 through to RX100 V and you can use it at 40m depth (130 ft). Large dials and buttons (plus push-button feedback) make it easy to operate. You can adjust exposure, aperture, shutter speed and zoom. It also lets you add on to your system, with an accessory shoe for an external flash and mounts for a grip and a filter.

Carry less

The best camera for underwater use is compact, lightweight and versatile. It will take up less room in your luggage, but also be easier to manoeuvre when swimming.

Although being able to choose and switch to your favourite lens is great on dry land, it’s harder in the water. A compact camera with a fixed lens and zoom capability is a much easier option. Check out the RX100 Series – our choice for great quality for travel and vlogging.

Let the light in

When it comes to underwater shooting, is your camera up to the job? Light is limited under the surface, so you need powerful low-light performance. RX100 Series cameras have large aperture F1.8-2.8 lenses and 1-inch sensors to capture the light. They’re also capable of wide ISO range, boosting light sensitivity while limiting noise (digital interference leading to a grainy look) in your images.

Water absorbs light, so you may well need to use flash. For best results, an external flash will help you avoid reflections from the housing.

 

Keep it steady

Fish move fast! You don’t want to have to think too much in fluid situations (pardon the pun!) so choose a camera with reliable AF. RX100 V has the fastest autofocus system of any compact camera, helping you lock on to your subject. It also has burst shooting at up to 24 fps – perfect for when that beautiful, rare and elusive fish darts past you.

Another feature to look for is camera optical stabilisation, for a little extra help keeping your prize shot looking sharp.

Our top tips:

Shoot RAW. You can expect a blue or green tint to your underwater photos, but RAW settings let you adjust the exposure, contrast, white balance and colour in post production, giving you more flexibility when you shoot in low light.

Pack your anti-fog wipes! Underwater housings are prone to condensation when moving between hot and cold environments.

Good luck with your undersea adventures. Let us know how it goes in the comments below!