The Canon 7D Mark II is a powerful DSLR camera well-suited for semi-professional photographers, especially those diving into the world of underwater imaging. Its advanced features, such as a 20.2 MP dual-pixel CMOS AF sensor, a fast and reliable 65-point all cross-type autofocus system, and dual DIGIC 6 image processors, give it the capability to capture vivid underwater scenes in both photo and video formats. With full HD video and support for Servo AF in Live View, the camera offers an exceptional level of flexibility and precision.
The camera has become a favorite among underwater photographers due to its robust performance, rugged build, and excellent autofocus tracking even in low-light environments. Its compatibility with various underwater housings also increases its accessibility for a wide range of users.
This guide focuses on setting up the Canon 7D Mark II for optimal performance in underwater photography and videography. Whether you're documenting coral reefs, marine life, or wide-angle seascapes, configuring your camera properly before each dive is essential.
Setting Up the Canon 7D Mark II Menu for Underwater Use
When preparing the 7D Mark II for underwater photography, the first step is to configure the camera’s internal menu system. This section explains the most relevant settings that should be adjusted from their default values to enhance your results beneath the surface.
Shoot Menu Tab
Starting with the Shoot Menu Tab, there are several adjustments that contribute to image quality, exposure control, and post-processing flexibility.
Image quality should be set to RAW. This format retains the most data and allows maximum flexibility in post-processing. For those who prefer capturing both RAW and JPG simultaneously, the JPG quality can also be customized to match your needs.
Image review duration can be set to two seconds. This provides a brief window to inspect your shots on the LCD without draining the battery unnecessarily.
The beep function should be disabled. This minimizes distractions during diving, creating a more immersive and silent shooting experience.
Disable the release button without a card. By switching this to off, the camera will not capture images if a memory card is absent, preventing situations where you think images are being recorded when they are not.
Lens aberration correction is useful underwater, where wide-angle and fisheye lenses are often used. Enabling peripheral illumination and chromatic aberration correction helps reduce vignetting and color fringing in JPEGs. While RAW images can be corrected during editing, it is still helpful to enable these settings for in-camera previews and workflow efficiency.
Flash control is an essential setting for underwater photographers using strobes. If you are working with manual strobe power, the built-in flash should be set to manual mode and adjusted to the lowest power output, typically 1/128. This configuration allows for faster flash recycle times and consistent lighting.
Further Adjustments in the Shoot Menu
Auto Lighting Optimizer should be turned off. This prevents the camera from making automatic adjustments to exposure, giving the photographer complete control over light balance.
Picture Style can remain on Standard. This provides a realistic preview of the final image as it might appear after post-processing. However, users may choose Neutral or other custom styles based on personal preference and intended editing workflow.
Additional screens in the Shoot Menu (Screens 4 through 6) generally do not require adjustments unless you are an advanced user with specific needs. These options allow for fine-tuning, but beginners and intermediate users can rely on default settings for consistent performance.
Autofocus Menu Tab for Underwater Use
The Autofocus Menu Tab offers deep customization of the camera's AF system. Fortunately, for underwater photography, the default settings are often adequate for most shooting conditions. The 65-point cross-type AF system is reliable and responsive, providing good focus tracking even in dynamic or low-light underwater environments.
If desired, advanced users can later return to these settings to tweak parameters like tracking sensitivity and acceleration based on their experience and environment. But for most dives, especially with wide-angle lenses or macro subjects, the camera's stock settings offer a solid starting point.
Playback Menu Tab Settings
Playback settings control how your images are displayed after capture. While the first two screens in the Playback Tab do not need changes, the third screen contains two valuable settings for underwater review.
Enable Highlight Alert to see blown-out highlights blinking during image playback. This visual feedback helps avoid overexposed areas in subjects, such as fish scales or coral, which often reflect light sharply underwater.
Enable AF Point Display. This shows a red square over the focus point used by the camera, helping you quickly verify if the focus was correctly placed on a subject’s eye or another important detail. This feedback becomes useful when reviewing images between dives.
These options allow for a more efficient and informed shooting experience, helping you correct any issues before taking additional photos.
Setup Menu Tab: Critical Adjustments
The Setup Menu Tab contains essential functions that support your overall camera usage. Screen 1 includes the card format option, which should be used before every dive to ensure your storage is clean and ready. Always format your cards in-camera for best compatibility.
On Screen 2, set Auto Power Off to around two minutes. This conserves battery life without causing too much interruption during underwater shooting.
Date, Time, and Zone should also be configured accurately. Having correct metadata is important for organizing images, synchronizing logs with dive computers, and maintaining an accurate archive.
Other settings in the Setup Menu can typically remain on default, but users should revisit these screens regularly to ensure the camera remains optimized.
Custom Function Menu Tab
The Custom Function Menu is intended for advanced camera behavior configuration. Underwater photographers who are just starting with the Canon 7D Mark II can safely skip this menu for now.
However, more experienced users can customize exposure steps, assign back-button focus, or adjust metering and shutter controls to suit their preferences. These tweaks allow the camera to respond more precisely to the fast-paced and varied lighting conditions of underwater environments.
My Menu Tab: Personalization and Efficiency
The My Menu Tab is a helpful feature that allows photographers to bookmark frequently used settings. This includes functions like formatting cards, flash control, and white balance adjustments.
By customizing this menu, you can access key settings quickly while underwater. Consider setting the My Menu as your default tab when pressing the Menu button. This ensures that you won’t waste time navigating through multiple pages to access essential features.
This level of personalization boosts your efficiency and allows more focus on composing and capturing great underwater images.
Camera Settings for Underwater Photography
Once the Canon 7D Mark II has been properly configured through its menu system, the next step is to explore the most effective camera settings for underwater photography. These settings are foundational for capturing clean, sharp, and well-lit images, whether you're working with wide-angle reefscapes, fast-moving fish, or macro critters.
Exposure Settings: Manual Mode Mastery
For underwater photography, shooting in manual mode is highly recommended. This gives you complete control over the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and ensures that your results are consistent regardless of ambient lighting changes caused by water depth or moving subjects.
A good starting point for wide-angle shots with external strobes is an aperture between f/8 and f/11, a shutter speed around 1/125 to 1/160 seconds, and ISO 100 to 400. Aperture controls depth of field, especially important when shooting close-focus wide-angle scenes. The shutter speed should be fast enough to freeze motion and prevent blur from camera movement or swimming fish. ISO should be kept as low as possible to maintain image quality and avoid unnecessary noise, especially in darker water.
For macro photography, similar principles apply, although your aperture may be higher—f/11 to f/22—to maximize depth of field in close-up shots. Shutter speeds can also vary depending on strobe performance and subject behavior, but 1/200 seconds is common.
The 7D Mark II’s dual DIGIC 6 processors make it capable of handling higher ISOs when needed. However, it is always best to avoid going above ISO 800 unless necessary. As with all underwater photography, proper lighting with strobes is the best way to control exposure while maintaining quality.
White Balance Considerations
White balance plays a crucial role in color accuracy underwater. Without adjustment, underwater images tend to appear overly blue or green due to the absorption of red and warm tones.
For photographers shooting in RAW, white balance can be corrected in post-processing, so keeping it on Auto White Balance is acceptable. However, for those shooting in JPEG or better LCD previews, consider using custom white balance or choosing presets like "Cloudy" to warm up your images.
When shooting with ambient light only (no strobes), custom white balance becomes more important. It should be set based on the available light at your working depth, which might require taking a test shot of a white or gray slate underwater.
Focus Modes and Techniques
The Canon 7D Mark II excels in autofocus performance, and underwater photographers can leverage this in different ways. One-shot AF is useful for still subjects, while AI Servo AF can track moving marine life, especially in wide-angle scenarios.
Back-button focus is a preferred technique among many underwater shooters. By separating the focus action from the shutter release, it prevents accidental refocusing, allowing you to lock focus and recompose. This is particularly valuable in macro photography, where a small shift in position can throw the subject out of focus.
Using the center focus point or a small group of points often provides the most reliable results. The camera’s 65-point all cross-type system ensures fast and accurate focusing, even in low-contrast underwater scenes.
Metering Mode Selection
Evaluative metering is typically the best choice underwater. It considers the entire scene and determines exposure based on a balanced analysis of highlight and shadow regions.
Spot metering can be useful for macro work when the subject is small and isolated against a dark background. It allows you to expose correctly for the subject, though you need to be cautious of background overexposure.
Partial and center-weighted metering offer additional control options for advanced users, especially when shooting in ambient light or silhouette situations.
Flash and Strobe Use
Underwater lighting is arguably the most important part of achieving professional-level images. Without strobes or video lights, colors tend to be muted, and contrast is low.
The Canon 7D Mark II allows control over the built-in flash, which can be set to trigger external strobes via optical sync. In manual flash mode, set the built-in flash output to the lowest setting to save battery and minimize recycle time.
When using TTL, the camera adjusts strobe output automatically, but this can sometimes lead to inconsistent exposures depending on scene complexity. Manual strobe control gives more consistent results and is preferred by experienced underwater shooters. Settings vary by strobe model, but typically you'll match your strobe power and camera exposure to your subject's distance and reflectivity.
Drive Mode and Frame Rate
The Canon 7D Mark II offers a fast burst mode of up to 10 frames per second. This is especially helpful when photographing fast-moving subjects like sharks, dolphins, or fish schools. Set the drive mode to High-Speed Continuous for action shots.
For macro photography or precise compositions, Single Shot mode may be more appropriate, allowing careful timing and controlled shooting.
The camera's buffer size allows for a significant number of RAW frames before slowing down, making it suitable for long burst sequences during high-action scenes.
Underwater Video Settings and Techniques
In addition to still photography, the Canon 7D Mark II is highly capable of shooting full HD video. With thoughtful configuration, this camera can produce stunning underwater footage, whether you're capturing reef life, documenting scientific dives, or filming cinematic sequences.
Video Resolution and Frame Rates
The 7D Mark II supports multiple resolutions and frame rates. For most underwater video, set the resolution to 1080p at 30fps or 24fps. These frame rates provide a cinematic look and are compatible with most editing platforms.
If you're shooting fast action scenes or planning slow-motion edits, consider using 60fps. This allows for smoother playback or slowed-down sequences without loss of detail.
The camera does not shoot 4K, but its 1080p footage is sharp, detailed, and suitable for most purposes when combined with proper lighting and focus.
Movie Servo AF and Autofocus Options
One of the standout video features of the 7D Mark II is Movie Servo AF. With dual-pixel CMOS AF technology, the camera maintains continuous autofocus during recording, which is especially helpful underwater when tracking moving subjects.
To maximize the benefits of Movie Servo AF, use lenses with STM (stepping motor) or USM (ultrasonic motor) for quiet and smooth focusing. Continuous AF during video is beneficial for reef scenes with complex movement or for maintaining focus on a swimming diver.
Touch focus is not available on the 7D Mark II since it lacks a touch screen. Instead, use the camera’s joystick or control dial to select focus points before or during recording.
Manual Exposure in Video Mode
Manual exposure control in video mode is essential for consistency. In automatic exposure modes, the camera can shift brightness mid-shot, creating undesirable visual flicker.
Set the mode dial to video mode and use manual exposure. Typical video settings might include f/5.6 to f/8 for wide depth of field, a shutter speed double the frame rate (1/50 for 24fps, 1/60 for 30fps), and ISO adjusted based on available light and lighting gear.
Using neutral density filters may not be practical underwater, so proper exposure often requires balancing ISO and strobe/video light output. When working without video lights, expect to use higher ISO values, but keep them as low as your lighting conditions allow.
Audio Settings and Considerations
Audio recording is possible with the internal microphone or an external mic, though underwater, this is often irrelevant unless you're capturing diver narration or ambient bubble sounds.
Most underwater housings do not support external microphones, and the internal mic can pick up motor noise and water movement. If audio is not essential, consider disabling audio recording or planning to overlay background music or narration during editing.
For topside shots or interviews, use an external mic with a windscreen to minimize environmental noise and improve clarity.
White Balance for Underwater Video
Unlike RAW still photos, video clips are recorded in compressed formats, making white balance much more important at the time of recording. Use custom white balance for the most accurate color reproduction.
Set custom white balance before each dive or at varying depths using a white slate. This ensures that reds, oranges, and skin tones appear natural. In shallower waters with good sunlight, presets like Cloudy or Shade can work, but deeper scenes require manual calibration.
Some videographers use color-correcting filters, such as red filters, to enhance color in ambient-light video. These should be matched to depth and water color, and they require white balance adjustment before shooting.
Stabilization and Handling
The 7D Mark II does not include in-body image stabilization, so stability must come from good buoyancy control and steady housing handling. Using a tray dual-handle system greatly improves shot stability.
For macro video, a tripod or steady bottom support may help reduce camera shake. Consider slow, deliberate movements when tracking subjects or panning across reefscapes.
Avoid jerky movements or excessive zooming, which can distract from the natural flow of underwater scenes. Practice helps refine your technique over time.
Video Lighting
Ambient light fades quickly underwater, so artificial lighting becomes critical for high-quality video. Dedicated video lights should provide a wide beam angle (90 degrees or more), consistent color temperature (around 5000K), and sufficient lumens (at least 2000–4000 per light for wide-angle scenes).
Use dual lights to reduce shadows and illuminate wider areas. Position them slightly above and to the sides of your lens to minimize backscatter. Lights should be turned on before beginning your shot and kept consistent throughout the scene.
For macro video, lower-power lights may suffice, and focus beams can be used for additional control. Always test your setup on land or in shallow water before committing to a dive.
Focus and Depth of Field Considerations
In video mode, depth of field is shallower due to the wider apertures often required for low-light recording. As a result, precise focus becomes more important.
Use focus peaking if available (through an external monitor or viewfinder) or zoom in digitally before recording to confirm sharpness. Remember to refocus when changing framing or subject distance.
To increase depth of field, use smaller apertures when lighting allows, or choose wide-angle lenses that naturally offer deeper focus planes.
Lenses, Housings, Accessories, and Field Techniques
Choosing the right lenses, housing setup, and accessories plays a critical role in the success of underwater photography and video with the Canon 7D Mark II. This section explores the tools and field strategies that help maximize image quality, ensure comfort and efficiency underwater, and protect your equipment.
Selecting the Best Lenses for Underwater Use
The Canon 7D Mark II uses an APS-C (crop sensor), which impacts the field of view of each lens. For underwater photography, this crop factor must be considered when choosing lenses for wide-angle, macro, or general-purpose shooting.
One of the most popular lenses for wide-angle underwater photography with the 7D Mark II is the Tokina 10–17mm fisheye. This lens offers excellent image quality, minimal distortion underwater, and allows for close-focus wide-angle compositions that emphasize depth and foreground subjects.
For rectilinear wide-angle options, the Canon EF-S 10–22mm and the Sigma 10–20mm lenses are excellent choices. These lenses provide a more natural perspective and are ideal for photographing shipwrecks, reefscapes, and divers in clear water.
Macro photography is another major focus underwater. The Canon EF-S 60mm macro lens and Canon EF 100mm macro lens are two top choices. The 60mm is great for mid-sized critters and general-purpose macro, especially in clearer water. The 100mm allows for more working distance from tiny subjects, making it ideal for shy fish, nudibranchs, and detailed invertebrates.
When selecting a lens, consider its minimum focusing distance, compatibility with your dome or flat port, and whether it supports autofocus efficiently. Each of these factors contributes to your ability to capture crisp, vibrant images in challenging conditions.
Housing Options and Port Selection
The Canon 7D Mark II is supported by a number of underwater housing manufacturers, each offering different ergonomics, materials, and pricing. Housing choices often come down to budget, availability, and preference for handling controls.
Polycarbonate housings are more affordable and lightweight, while aluminum housings provide increased durability and better long-term sealing reliability. Regardless of material, ensure that your housing supports all essential controls, including shutter release, aperture, shutter speed, focus point selection, and playback.
The choice of port is equally important. Dome ports are used with wide-angle and fisheye lenses to preserve the field of view and correct for underwater refraction. Flat ports are used with macro lenses, allowing the full use of magnification and sharpness. Ensure that your port is properly matched to your lens in terms of diameter, length, and compatibility.
Some advanced housings allow interchangeable viewfinders or include vacuum systems for added safety. These features are beneficial for long-term use or advanced shooting scenarios.
Essential Accessories for Underwater Photography
In addition to the housing and camera, a variety of accessories help streamline your underwater workflow and enhance image quality.
Strobes or video lights are the most essential accessories. For photography, dual strobes provide even lighting and minimize shadows. For video, continuous lighting with wide beam angles and consistent output is key. Brands and models vary, but look for units that are rated for deep diving and have adjustable output.
Arms and clamps allow you to position lights at different angles, critical for creative lighting and backscatter avoidance. Floating arms help balance the negative buoyancy of the housing setup and reduce arm fatigue.
A focus light is helpful for macro work or shooting in low light. Mounted near the lens port, it illuminates your subject to assist autofocus and composition without triggering strobes.
A moisture alarm or vacuum system adds an extra layer of protection against housing leaks. These systems provide early warnings or prevent dives with improper seals.
Color-correction filters can also be used in ambient light shooting, especially when diving without strobes. These red or magenta filters help restore color balance and work well in clear, tropical water.
Lanyards, trays, handle grips, and lens holders all contribute to secure and efficient equipment handling. When diving from a boat, a good lanyard keeps your camera safe during entry and exit. A double-handle tray stabilizes your video and allows for controlled composition.
Field Techniques for Better Underwater Shots
Getting great shots underwater is not just about camera gear—it’s about technique, patience, and understanding the environment.
One of the most important skills is mastering buoyancy. Perfect neutral buoyancy allows you to hold your position without damaging coral or stirring up sand. It also stabilizes your shots and minimizes motion blur.
Approach subjects slowly and predictably. Most marine animals are sensitive to movement and will flee if startled. Using slow fin kicks and gentle approach angles helps you get close without spooking your subject.
Anticipate behavior. Many fish and marine creatures follow patterns—whether circling coral heads, resting under ledges, or interacting with other animals. Observing these patterns before shooting allows for better timing and framing.
Use the rule of thirds and leading lines for stronger compositions. Position subjects off-center, frame them with foreground elements, and guide the viewer’s eye through the image. With wide-angle photography, get close to your subject to enhance contrast, sharpness, and color.
For macro, pay attention to background simplicity. Position your camera and lights to isolate the subject against a clean, dark, or colorful background for a more striking image. Use small apertures for better depth of field and keep focus on the eye or point of interest.
Shoot in bursts when capturing motion or expressions, and review images during surface intervals to learn what works and what needs improvement.
Underwater visibility, current, and lighting vary with location and time of day. Adapt your strategy to conditions, and don’t hesitate to abort a shot or dive plan if safety or quality is compromised.
Conclusion:
The Canon 7D Mark II stands as a powerful and versatile tool for underwater image-makers. With its fast autofocus, high-resolution sensor, robust build, and advanced manual controls, the camera is well-suited for both beginners and seasoned divers looking to capture the vibrant world beneath the surface.
Success in underwater photography depends on far more than pressing the shutter. It begins with correctly configuring the camera’s menu and exposure settings, mastering the balance between light and shadow, and understanding the behavior of marine life. It continues with thoughtful lens and housing selection, careful equipment maintenance, and continuous field practice to refine your technique.
By shooting in manual mode, controlling white balance, using appropriate lighting, and developing patience and awareness underwater, photographers can elevate their images from casual snapshots to expressive visual stories. The camera becomes an extension of your creativity, enabling you to share the wonders of the ocean with viewers on land.
Whether you are drifting over coral gardens, capturing a fleeting glance from a sea turtle, or zooming in on a tiny shrimp camouflaged in the sand, the Canon 7D Mark II offers the performance and flexibility to tell your story with sharpness, color, and emotion.
Your journey in underwater photography is a continuous learning process. Embrace experimentation, review your results critically, and seek feedback from other divers and photographers. Over time, your images will improve in technical quality and visual impact.
With the Canon 7D Mark II in your hands and the vast ocean before you, the possibilities are as endless as the blue. Dive confidently, shoot deliberately, and let your camera reveal the magic hidden beneath the waves.