I’d been getting terrific underwater photos using my Sony a6300 with an Ikelite Underwater Housing and two Ikelite strobes but always wondered whether going full-frame would make a noticeable difference.
Enter the Sony a7CR, a new, smaller full-frame with an incredible 63 megapixel sensor. Mike Rabideau, Ikelite Technical Guru, pointed out that one of the two new housings just developed by Ikelite for the Sony a7CR was compatible with the ports I had been using previously with the housing for my Sony a6300. Thus, I saved some money even as I upgraded to a new housing.
Not only was my rig just as easy to manipulate as the old Sony a6300, I was amazed at the resolution I got using the new camera and housing together underwater.
Just look at the detail on this (enlarged) photo taken near Raja Ampat. © Tony Doggett
Or the overall depth and warmth of this photo of Mrs. Nemo and the kids. © Tony Doggett
Here’s another crystal clear shot of some Golden Sweepers. © Tony Doggett
Nudibranch © Tony Doggett
Mantis shrimp © Tony Doggett
Octopus © Tony Doggett
I am totally sold on using the a7CR for underwater photography, mostly for the image quality, but also because of its manageable size and awesome autofocus. The Sony a7CR and Ikelite are a good marriage, at least in my experience!
Clinton "Tony" Doggett became captivated by the sea the moment he stuck his head into the water off the coast of Na Trang, Vietnam at the age of twelve. Later in life he joined the U.S. Foreign Service and was posted to Egypt, where he was certified and became an avid underwater photographer. More of Tony's underwater photos and other shots from around the world can be found at his website.
