Text by Jean Rydberg
Photos © 2023 Nirupam Nigam
There are many systems that work quite well underwater - in fact, almost every camera available today can capture exceptional results. But a few systems make the effort significantly easier and more enjoyable.
It's been a long time since we've been this excited about a camera... After a month of diving with the Canon EOS R10, it's clear that it is the best value underwater camera system ever created. - Nirupam Nigam, Editor Underwater Photography Guide
Full frame mirrorless cameras are operating at a particularly high level across the field - it's hard to go wrong whether you're shooting Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Panasonic. However, most manufacturers' entry-level lines are riddled with nuances and flaws - slow focusing, poor battery life, and other irritations. That was until Canon swooped in and leveled the playing field. In summer 2022 Canon introduced pair of APS-C sensor cameras that offer everything we love about their full frame cameras in a shrunk down form: the more affordable EOS R10 and the more advanced EOS R7.
Nirupam Nigam of Bluewater Photo and Underwater Photography Guide took the Canon R10 out to La Paz, Mexico to put it through its paces and it never missed a beat. Enjoy some of the first captures from this system that is destined to become a perennial favorite.
Close focus wide angle? You got this with the Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye and Canon EF-to-RF converter. • f/20 • 1/160 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
The depth of detail in such a simple photo is stunning. Blue is particularly difficult to replicate (and yet so prevalent underwater). The richness of the blue background is the mark of a quality underwater camera system. • f/22 • 1/160 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
No caption necessary for this sleepy cuteness. • f/11 • 1/100 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
Why not save some money on your system and buy a fantastic lens? Throw the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro for award-winning close-up shots. • f/11 • 1/125 • ISO 400 © Nirupam Nigam
f/14 • 1/160 • ISO 800 © Nirupam Nigam
The speed of a sea lion is difficult for any camera to capture - particularly when flying through the swim-throughs in La Paz. Check out the clarity! • f/14 • 1/125 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
Did you know that there is a variation in color representation between manufacturers? Canon's colors are so accurate and natural, they seem to be made for underwater photography. • f/13 • 1/125 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
Here she comes again - no sweat. You better have fast autofocus and a TTL strobe if you have any hope of capturing this shot. • ff/11 • 1/100 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
TTL strobe exposure with an optional DL5 DS Link Converter works in both macro and wide angle settings, even when the subject(s) are scattered, light colored, and reflective! • f/14 • 1/160 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
The dynamic range of this camera is killer. Most other APS-C or Micro Four-Thirds sensor cameras would struggle with this lighting situation. • f/14 • 1/100 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
The size of the underwater system for the Canon EOS R10 is absolutely tiny. We can't wait for you to experience shooting underwater with such a powerful compact system. • f/4.5 • 1/4000 • ISO 250 © Nirupam Nigam
The system seems even smaller when it's between you and this guy. • f/13 • 1/160 • ISO 400 © Nirupam Nigam
Final Thoughts
Is the Canon EOS R10 right for you? If you're looking for fast autofocus, outstanding dynamic range, and great battery life, then you're in luck. The sizing of the system - about half the size of the 200DL line - makes it so easy to travel with and shoot underwater. This camera is really a great fit for anyone who's work does not require 45MP stills and un-cropped 4K full frame video. We also see it as an outstanding secondary or back-up rig for professionals who can't afford down time on a shoot.
See Nirupam's full review of the Canon R10 camera and 200DLM housing for more of his thoughts on shooting this camera underwater.
Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, at the University of Washington. Nirupam is the editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and Bluewater Photo. He also works as a fisheries observer on boats in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. When he is not at sea, he is traveling with his fiancee and taking photos. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!
Additional Reading
Up Close and Personal: A Guide to Underwater Animal Portraits
New Product Tour // See What We've Been Working on in 2022! [VIDEO]
5 Situations Where You Need a Strobe Underwater [VIDEO]
Customer Photos | Douglas Klug in California's Kelp Forests and Beyond
