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An Introduction to Underwater Image Making

A new world of creative opportunity lies beneath the waves – but using a camera underwater is a completely different ball game

Why underwater photography is different

Light behaves uniquely underwater. Water absorbs light far more quickly than air, with warmer colours like red and orange disappearing first as distance from the light source increases. As a result, contrast drops, clarity is reduced and scenes take on a cooler, bluer cast.

The more water between your lens and the subject, the more colour and detail are lost, which is why underwater photographers are encouraged to get as close as possible. This influences everything from lens choice to handling technique, and it’s one of the biggest adjustments for photographers used to working on land.

Best Fujifilm equipment for underwater photography

At the time of writing, no X Series or GFX System cameras or lenses are designed to operate underwater on their own. To take Fujifilm equipment below the surface, a third-party underwater housing or diving enclosure is required.

Housing compatibility therefore becomes a primary factor when selecting your camera and lens combination, alongside considerations such as handling, quality and performance.

Fujifilm cameras

Ease of control is crucial underwater. Cameras with tactile exposure dials are particularly valuable, as compatible housings allow for quick adjustments even when wearing thick gloves.

It’s also difficult to brace a camera effectively in moving water, especially when reaching out to get closer to marine life. For this reason, in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) can make a difference by helping you achieve sharper stills and steadier video.

Lightweight, well-balanced bodies such as the FUJIFILM X-S20 are well suited to underwater use, offering strong stills and video performance alongside a compact form factor and effective IBIS.

For photographers prioritising resolution, models like the FUJIFILM X-T5 and X-H2 deliver exceptional image quality, while the stacked sensor and rapid readout of the FUJIFILM X-H2S make it particularly handy for fast-moving subjects – including marine wildlife – and hybrid work.

Battery life is another consideration. Once a camera is sealed inside an underwater housing, opening it for a battery change is time-consuming and impractical. Cameras using the high-capacity FUJIFILM NP-W235 battery – which all of the bodies on this list do – allow for longer sessions between charges.

For those seeking the benefits of a larger sensor underwater, the FUJIFILM GFX100 II and GFX100S II offer large format image quality with impressive stabilisation, delivering outstanding detail and tonal depth when paired with a compatible housing.

Fujinon lenses

Wide-angle lenses are the most common choice for underwater photography, allowing image makers to work close to their subject while fitting more of the scene into the frame. Both wide-angle zooms and primes are popular, with faster apertures offering improved light gathering – an important consideration in the often-dark surroundings of the open water.

Longer focal lengths are generally less effective underwater, as increased subject distance quickly degrades colour and contrast. Macro photography is a far more effective approach, particularly for small marine life and details.

As with camera bodies, lens choice will ultimately be influenced by housing compatibility. Underwater housings and domes are typically designed around specific lenses, making it essential to confirm support before committing to a particular optic.

Suitable X Series lenses include:

• FUJINON XF8-16mmF2.8 R LM WR: Offering ultra wide to wide-angle focal lengths with a fixed maximum aperture of F2.8 for effective light gathering.
• FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR: Versatile standard zoom with a minimum focusing distance of 24cm throughout.
• FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR: A fast wide-angle prime with a 20cm close focusing distance.
• FUJINON XF30mmF2.8 R LM WR Macro: Standard lens with a close focusing distance of 10cm, for 1:1 macro functionality.
• FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro: Longer-reach 1:1 macro lens with optical stabilisation for detailed close-up work.

Suitable GFX System lenses include:

• FUJINON GF20-35mmF4 R WR: Delivers ultra wide focal lengths with a fixed F4 aperture and minimum focus distance of 35cm.
• FUJINON GF45mmF2.8 R WR: Lightweight wide-aperture prime at 490g with a focal length equivalent to a full-frame 36mm.
• FUJINON GF55mmF1.7 R WR: Even better light gathering thanks to an F1.7 aperture in a standard prime with a focal length equivalent to 44mm.

Underwater housings for Fujifilm equipment

It’s worth noting that Fujifilm does not manufacture underwater housings for its cameras. There are risks associated with using any third-party housing, and liability for damage sustained to a Fujifilm camera or lens while using such a product lies with the user or manufacturer of the housing. Use of a third-party housing may invalidate the warranty of your Fujifilm equipment – check the terms and conditions of your agreement before use.

With that clear, here are some tips for selecting a housing for your camera. It’s recommended to use a housing designed specifically for your camera model, as this will ensure a better fitment and reduce the risk of leaks.

Some housings incorporate room for a lens, while others require separate attachable domes that fit different lenses. Always make sure your equipment is rated for the specific lens you plan to use.

Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sealing your housing before taking it underwater, then try a few shorter, shallower tests before committing to diving deep with it. This is also a good opportunity to familiarise yourself with the change in your camera’s handling once underwater.

Correctly insuring all equipment for your planned activity is also recommended, as well as familiarising yourself with any guarantees offered by the manufacturer of your housing before taking it underwater.

Camera settings for underwater use

There are a few things you can do to optimise your Fujifilm camera for underwater use. Consider these before putting your housing on and test them out before taking the plunge.

Display settings

It may be harder than usual to see your display while underwater. If you plan to work with the camera’s rear LCD screen, you can boost its brightness by going to SET UP > SCREEN SET-UP > LCD BRIGHTNESS.

If you’d prefer to keep using your EVF, experiment with the dioptre so the display remains in focus through your housing and diving mask. You will also need to deactivate the EVF sensor, which you can do by pressing the VIEW MODE button on your camera or going to SCREEN SET-UP > VIEW MODE SETTING.

Exposure settings

Depending on the functionality of your housing, certain settings may be difficult to change on the fly once underwater. For that reason, consider your exposure needs beforehand to see if anything can be preset or automated.

At lower depths, you’ll have to make the most of any available light. That typically means changing your aperture to its highest setting and leaving it there.

Then use Auto ISO settings to define parameters for your preferred ISO, a maximum ISO and a minimum shutter speed, letting you focus purely on framing your images. Learn more in our article about Auto ISO.

Focus settings

It’s a similar story for focus settings. Think about what you’re aiming to photograph and set up the camera optimised for that subject ahead of time.

For unpredictable marine wildlife, you may find it easiest to set AF MODE to ZONE or WIDE/TRACKING, giving you a wider area to try and frame your subject.

You can also explore the AF-C custom settings (go to AF/MF SETTING > AF-C CUSTOM SETTINGS) depending on your intended target and environment. For instance, custom setting 2 ignores obstacles in order to better track the original target – great for keeping focus locked on a fish that keeps swimming behind pieces of seaweed, for example.

Other settings

As noted already, it can be harder to brace your camera effectively when working underwater, making stabilisation features extra helpful. Go to SHOOTING SETTING > IS MODE and ensure IBIS and OIS are turned on, if available on your camera and lens.

To counteract the blue colour cast caused by underwater light absorption, set your white balance to the underwater setting in IMAGE QUALITY SETTING > WHITE BALANCE.

Explore underwater image making with Fujifilm

Underwater photography may introduce new technical challenges, but it also opens the door to a different creative world. By understanding how light behaves below the surface and preparing your camera settings in advance, you’ll free yourself up to enjoy framing compelling images once you’re in the water.

To learn more photography techniques and creative approaches, explore the rest of the articles on FUJIFILM Learning Centre.

Discover more about FUJIFILM X Series and GFX System, and shop the range today.