Sony Mirrorless Lineup Explained for Underwater [VIDEO]

Featuring Logan Wood

Sony brand mirrorless cameras have become favorites among underwater image makers due to their awesome autofocus systems, excellent video quality, and robust lens line-up. They also have one of the most extensive selections, which can make it challenging to determine the right model for you. 

Ikelite Video Producer Logan Wood breaks down the differences between the latest Sony mirrorless camera models with emphasis on the features that matter most to traveling underwater photographers and videographers.

Scroll down to read the full video transcript.

 

Sony rarely fully discontinues a camera and there are MORE Sony models than what we can effectively cover in a single video. Exclusion from this video does not mean that the model is a bad camera for underwater photography - just that we ran out of time.

 

Sony's got a camera for every type of underwater shooter. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or both. Maybe you just want to take some great shots on your annual dive trip or gearing up for a full on career in underwater imaging. Let’s breakdown the Sony lineup of cameras and figure out which one is best for you.

 

Sony a6700

First up we have the A6700, Sony's latest APS-C camera that packs high-end features inside a budget-friendly and compact body. You get a 26 megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K video at 120 frames per second, and in-body image stabilization. If you're a macro shooter, you'll love the extra reach from crop-sensor lenses while keeping full resolution.

The A6700 fits inside the Ikelite DLM underwater housing, which is small and compact enough to fit in a carry-on and virtually weightless underwater.

Plus, Sony's crop sensor lenses will save you money while still delivering tack sharp images. For around $1500 here in the US, the A6700 should not be overlooked.

See more: Sony a6700 Underwater Photos & Review

Get the gear: 200DLM/E Underwater Housing for Sony Alpha a6700 Mirrorless Cameras # 69123

 

Sony ZV-E1

Next in the compact lineup is the Sony ZVE-1, a small but mighty full frame camera built primarily for video shooters. If you want pro-level image quality in a travel-friendly package, this is Sony's smallest full frame camera they've ever made and it packs some powerful video features.

At its core, the ZV-E1 shares the same 12 megapixel full frame sensor as the A7SIII and FX3, meaning exceptional low-light performance and 4K video up to 120 frames per second. It also features Sony's AI autofocus, making subject tracking incredibly reliable. However, to keep the size down, there are some trade-offs. No EVF, a single SD card slot, and fewer physical controls compared to a more traditional style mirrorless camera.

When it comes to photography, the 12MP sensor isn't designed for high-resolution stills, but it's still good enough for sharing your images on social media. If your focus is on video but you want the option to snap a few images here and there, it’ll get the job done.

For underwater use, we offer the compact DLM housing, making this one of the smallest and lightest full-frame video setups you can take diving. If you’re a travel-focused videographer looking for high-end video quality in a minimal setup, the ZV-E1 is an excellent choice.

At around $2,200, it’s a budget-friendly way to get into full-frame video without sacrificing pro-level features.

See more: Sony ZV-E1 Underwater at Blue Heron Bridge with 16-35mm PZ Lens [VIDEO]

Get the gear: 200DLM/A Underwater Housing for Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Cameras # 69121

 

Sony a7CII

Next up, sticking with compact cameras, we have the Sony A7CII, another full-frame option designed for photographers who want top-tier image quality without the bulk. It’s incredible that Sony managed to pack so much tech into a body nearly the same size as the two previous cameras, and we’re happy to accommodate it inside our compact DLM underwater housing. That means you get a full-frame setup at nearly half the size and weight of a traditional mirrorless system.

The A7CII is essentially a miniaturized A7IV, with the same 33MP full-frame sensor, cropped 4K 60fps video, and 7 stops of image stabilization. But it does have an edge over the A7IV—Sony’s latest AI autofocus processor, delivering amore reliable autofocus system.

Of course, the smaller size comes with trade-offs: you get just one SD card slot and fewer custom buttons. And if you’re an EVF shooter, the A7IV does have a higher-resolution viewfinder. Personally, I don’t find that to be a dealbreaker—I’d take the more compact system underwater any day.

For those of you that want a little more flexibility, especially with this full-frame sensor, we do offer the larger DL underwater housing for the A7CII. This gives you room for a wider range of lenses, an optional external viewfinder for a more immersive EVF experience, as well as the ability to add our USB-C data transfer and charging bulkhead.
So, whether you prioritize compactness or versatility, the A7CII offers some solid options.

See more: Sony a7C II Underwater in Grand Cayman [VIDEO]

Get the gear, DLM style housing: 200DLM/A Underwater Housing for Sony Alpha a7C II, a7CR Mirrorless Cameras # 69124 

Get the gear, DL style housing: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a7C II, a7CR Mirrorless Digital Cameras # 71481

 

Sony a7CR

Released alongside the A7CII, is the the A7CR—think of it as the A7CII’s big brother. Essentially, it’s the powerhouse A7RV packed inside a compact body, making it perfect for photographers who want to advantage of that massive 61MP images for detailed prints or heavy cropping.

Like the A7CII, you’re sacrificing some space, meaning just one SD card slot and fewer custom buttons. However, you are inheriting that A7RV’s AI autofocus, making it a true high-resolution photography machine in a compact, travel-friendly form.

That said, this isn’t the best option for hybrid shooters. The large sensor has a slower readout speed and weaker noise performance in video, so while you can still capture solid 4K60 clips, it’s not as video-friendly as the A7CII.

Because A7CR and A7CII are so similar they fit in that same DLM and DL housings with the exact same mount, so you have the option to stay compact with the DLM underwater housing or go for the larger DL housing, which again gives you the wider range of lens options, optional external viewfinder, and the USB-C bulkhead. 

For around $3,000, the A7CR is a serious tool for photographers who want high resolution without the bulk.

See more: Laowa 10mm FIRST RESULTS Underwater with the Sony a7CR [VIDEO]

Get the gear, DLM style housing: 200DLM/A Underwater Housing for Sony Alpha a7C II, a7CR Mirrorless Cameras # 69124 

Get the gear, DL style housing: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a7C II, a7CR Mirrorless Digital Cameras # 71481

 

Sony a7SIII

Next up is the Sony A7SIII—the ultimate low-light video powerhouse. If the ZV-E1 caught your eye earlier but you want more pro-level features, the A7SIII takes things to the next level with some serious recording flexibility. 

Like the ZV-E1, it features a 12MP sensor that’s optimized for video, delivering incredible low-light performance and clean, noise-free footage at ISO 12800. You get 4K at up to 120fps with no crop, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, and an ultra-fast readout speed that cleanup any rolling shutter issues. But unlike the ZV-E1, the A7SIII gives you dual card slots, a higher-resolution EVF, and more physical buttons for easier control—especially in an underwater setup.

For photography, the 12MP sensor isn’t great to high resolution stills, but if you want to share some quick snapshots on social media, its great for that. If video is your main focus, but you want a more robust camera than the ZV-E1, and a camera that has an EVF, the A7SIII is the better choice.

For underwater use, the A7SIII fits inside the DL underwater housing, this will give you the wider range of lenses, optional viewfinder accessories, and the USB-C data transfer and charging bulkhead, 

At around $3,500, the A7SIII is a serious investment, especially for an older camera, but if you want the best low-light video performance with pro-level features, it’s absolutely worth it.

See more: Sony A7S III Underwater Photos

Get the gear: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a1, a7S III Mirrorless Digital Cameras # 71476

 

Sony a7IV

Now, let’s talk about the Sony A7IV—a workhorse full-frame camera that balances high-end photo and video capabilities. If you want a camera that does both without major compromises, this is it.

With a 33MP sensor, 4K60 video (with a slight crop), and 7 stops of in-body image stabilization, Unlike the A7CII, you get the dual SD card slots, as well as more custom buttons for mapping quick settings inside your underwater housing. The electronic viewfinder is also a step up from the A7CII, offering a higher resolution for those who rely on the EVF for composing shots. And while it may not have the AI autofocus system of the A7CII does, it does still have an incredibly fast and reliable autofocus system that shouldn’t disappoint. 

For underwater use, we offer the A7IV inside the DL underwater housing, this will give you the  wider range of lenses, optional viewfinders, and a USB-C data transfer and charging bulkhead.

For those of you that want a more compact rig, the A7CII might be a better fit, but if you want the dual card slots and more physical buttons, the A7IV for around $2,500 is a solid choice.

See more: Sony a7 IV Underwater Housing Photos and Review

Get the gear: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a7 IV, a7R V Mirrorless Digital Cameras # 71479

 

Sony a7RV

Next is the Sony A7RV— this is for photographers that demand the highest resolution and the smartest AI autofocus system Sony has ever put in a camera. If you’re after ultra-detailed 61MP stills with industry-leading subject tracking, this is the camera for you.

If you’re looking at this camera your primarily shoot stills, but you still have the ability to shoot video at 8K or oversampled 4K650, again the slow readout speed of this massive sensor makes it less ideal for video.

Unlike the compact A7CR, the A7RV offers dual SD card slots, more controls, and a high-resolution EVF. Making it great for composing shots underwater, especially with the optional viewfinders. Plus, with 7 stops of in-body image stabilization, you’ll get razor-sharp handheld shots in the most challenging conditions.

When taking this camera underwater, the A7RV pairs with the DL underwater housing, this will give you the wider range of lenses for that 61 megapixel sensor, optional viewfinder accessories of that high resolution EVF, and the option to add the USB-C data transfer and charging bulkhead. If you want the ultimate stills camera for underwater photography, this is it.

For those who need top-tier image quality and autofocus, for around $3,900 the A7RV is the camera for you.

See more: Sony a7R V Underwater Camera Review with Sample Footage [VIDEO]

Get the gear: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a7 IV, a7R V Mirrorless Digital Cameras # 71479

 

Sony a1 II

Now, if you’ve made it this far and you’re still craving more performance, meet the Sony A1 II—Sony’s flagship camera takes all the features from all of these cameras and packs it into one camera body.

It’s got a great 50MP stacked sensor, 30FPS burst shooting, and  8K video up to 30fps, and the latest AI autofocus to keep you locked onto subjects no matter how fast they’re moving. So whether you're shooting ultra-high-resolution photos or super detailed 8K video, the A1 II is the ultimate hybrid camera.

If you’re seriously considering the A1 II you can check out my video that compares the Mk II to the Mk I. But for around $6,500, the mark two is the top-tier choice for those that demand the very best in both photo and video capabilities.

See more: Sony a1 II Underwater Results // FIRST LOOK 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

Get the gear: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a1 II Mirrorless Digital Camera # 71483

 

Sony FX3

Alright, our final camera is the Sony FX3, designed for shooters who are all about video performance. Though it’s been over 4 years since its release, the FX3 still reigns as the top choice for underwater cinematographers who prioritize video quality.

Like the A7SIII and the ZV-E1, the FX3 offers that 12MP sensor for incredible low-light performance and a fast 1:1 sensor readout at 4K60 video and 4K120 with a 1.6x crop. 
Personally, I like that I can shoot the FX3 in 48FPS for smooth, natural slow motion video, and it’s never let me down in some of the most beautiful underwater environments on earth. And again, this sensor is not set up for photography, but I have switched into photo mode a few times and captured some of my favorite images that have been perfectly suitable for sharing online.

For shooting underwater, the FX3 fits inside the DL housing, this gives professional cinematographers a powerful and reliable system that supports a wide range of lenses.

At around $3,900, the FX3 is the go-to for underwater cinematographers who want the best in video  performance in any environment.

See more: Sony FX3 UNDERWATER RESULTS from Yap, Micronesia // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]

Get the gear: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony FX3, FX30 Digital Cinema Cameras # 71480

 

Alright, that’s the lineup of Sony mirrorless cameras. Hopefully that gives you an insight into which camera is right for you. If you have any questions you can shoot us an email to ikelite@ikelite.com.

 

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Logan Wood is a published photographer, cinematographer, and Producer at Ikelite. Stemming from a great appreciation for the outdoors and living an active lifestyle, his work focuses on capturing and sharing the natural world through the latest technologies. When not in the studio, Logan can be found cruising on his bike, going to concerts, and researching where to go next. You can see more of his work at loganwood.net and on Instagram @jlowood