Cameras are a dying item, that's a fact. If they are surpassed in terms of use - not photo quality - by our smartphones, they remain essential allies when it comes to photographing underwater, as we may be led to do, for example during of a family swim. Finally, obviously, who can do more can do less, if they are comfortable underwater, they will be all the more safe under the spray of our navigations!

We went to seek advice from Léo Lachot, specialist in underwater photography, and himself a diver at the Photo-Denfert store in Paris.

The photographer explains to us: "There are 4 main categories of waterproof cameras. The first is waterproof compact cameras. They offer good quality photos while having double waterproof protection which will avoid any problem in the event of a leak" .

Compact devices and waterproof housing, double safety

In this category, the photographer diver recommends the Olympus TG6 pack with Olympus PT059 housing. The camera itself is already waterproof to 15 meters. The box offers water resistance up to 40 meters.

However, as Leo explains to us: "The housing completes the waterproofness of the camera, in the event of a leak, it is an additional protection which will prevent damage." This pack is complete, moisture absorption sachets included, it is offered at €618.80.

Compact expert and its housing, for high photo quality

"Expert compacts", explains the photographer, "offer better quality photo results. They are intended for more demanding photographers without falling into the madness of all manual settings."

This is where the specialist offers us the Sony RX100 M5A Pack with Ikelite RX100 M5 housing. "In this configuration", he tells us, "the camera is protected up to a depth of 60 meters. All the settings remain easily accessible."

Interesting point, the quantity of accessories available for this housing (flash, filters...) which will only have your creativity as a limit. The pack is offered by Photo Denfert at 1237 €.

Hybrids, a good compromise between size and photo quality

The expert explains to us: "Hybrid cameras are the ideal compromise between quality and size. They have a weight that makes them forget and they will provide very good quality photos to the exceptional amateur diver."

Another strong point that Leo explains to us: "Hybrid devices are generally easy to use and offer a live view on screen, they can be used by the whole family."

In this slice of products, the selection goes for the Nauticam Sony Alpha 7C 28-60 mm pack. This combination allows, according to what the diver explains to us, "to access the best of Sony hybrid technology which will be usable both underwater and on a daily basis. Sony devices no longer have to prove themselves, they are reliable, reputable and proven." For 4999 €, it is the camera, the housing, the porthole, the zoom ring and the carrying case which are included "in what remains the last step before professional equipment", as the photographer explains.

SLRs, top of the basket at maximum prices

"There is a whole world", explains the seller, "between SLRs and the rest. SLR cameras are aimed at demanding users who know and like to spend time tweaking and specifying the settings of cameras that are real all terrain." Already heavy from the start, SLR cameras will be all the more equipped with the housing, out of the question here to simply hold the camera at arm's length, the camera and housing assembly (without lens or additional grip) reached or exceeds 5 kg.

Champion in all categories of this exceptional class "The Nauticam Nikon D850 housing is the Rolls Royce of housings for amateurs", explains Léo. Proposed at €3,558 without the camera (add €2,949 for the naked D-850), the bill amounts to more than €6,500 for this set which could prove to be very complicated to use for simple holiday photos. .

Advantage of being able to photograph on the boat without fear

Whatever the model chosen, the main attraction of these devices and their housings is that they can remain without risk outside (secured so as not to fall into the water, however) of the boat, for photos including out of the water. No fear of a wave or humidity, they are planned for worse than that!