When the opportunity came to shoot high-resolution images of Catalina Island’s kelp forests, the limitations of a 16MP Nikon D7000 quickly became apparent. For the level of detail required, a full-frame camera was essential. The Nikon D800, with its 36.3MP sensor, offered the perfect solution. Around the same time, the new Ikelite D800 underwater housing became available, making it possible to test both in real-world diving conditions. Despite less-than-ideal underwater visibility, several dives with this combination provided valuable insights into its capabilities and performance.
Transition from the D7000 to the D800
Having used the Nikon D7000 extensively with the Sea & Sea housing, and being familiar with Ikelite housings through previous work with a Nikon D90, the D800 represented a significant step up. It was also the first experience with a full-frame camera underwater. With limited preparation time before the trip, the settings were adjusted to mirror the D7000 as closely as possible, allowing for a smoother transition. All test images during the dives were shot using a Nikon D800, Sigma 15mm fisheye lens, Ikelite housing with an 8" dome port, and dual Ikelite strobes, providing a balanced setup for underwater photography.
Key Observations About the Nikon D800
The first thing noticeable about the Nikon D800 was its build quality and weight compared to the D7000. The camera felt more solid, with a comfortable grip and responsive controls. The larger multi-selector pad made navigating settings straightforward, though the ISO button placement on the top left required adjustment. As a full-frame camera, the D800 presented a shallower depth of field, clearly visible when shooting close-focus wide-angle compositions. This difference emphasized the need for precise focusing, especially with subjects near the lens. File sizes were another significant factor; uncompressed RAW images measured 75MB each, highlighting the need for high-speed memory cards to avoid delays when reviewing shots underwater.
Performance and Specifications in Diving Conditions
During dives, the Nikon D800 performed reliably. The 100% viewfinder coverage ensured that compositions were accurately framed with no surprises at the edges. The autofocus system was fast and consistent, even in the low-light conditions of kelp forests. Video recording was straightforward using the dedicated Live View and record buttons, adding versatility for capturing moving scenes underwater. Key specifications such as the 36MP sensor, compatibility with both CF and SD cards, ISO range of 100–6400, and 51 autofocus points all contributed to its strong performance in challenging underwater environments. While the large file sizes and slower burst speed of 4fps imposed some limitations, the detail and color range produced by the camera were impressive, especially when photographing marine life and wide-angle reef scenes.
Performance Underwater: Real-World Testing
One of the first things noticeable when testing the Nikon D800 underwater is the incredible sharpness. The 36.3MP full-frame sensor captures extraordinary details, even in low-light conditions typical of deeper dives. The combination of the camera and Ikelite’s optical-quality acrylic dome port ensures minimal distortion and preserves edge-to-edge clarity.
Using lenses like the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 or the 105mm macro produces professional-level images. The D800's dynamic range makes it possible to recover shadows and highlights during post-processing, which is essential for underwater photography where lighting can be unpredictable.
Color Reproduction and White Balance
Color accuracy is crucial underwater since reds and yellows disappear quickly with depth. The Nikon D800 performs well in this regard, especially when shooting RAW. Custom white balance settings paired with Ikelite’s efficient strobe compatibility help restore natural hues.
With Ikelite DS161 strobes, the housing communicates TTL exposure data flawlessly. This ensures well-exposed images without needing manual power adjustments for every shot.
Handling and Ergonomics
Ikelite designed the housing with functionality in mind. All essential controls are accessible and labeled, making it intuitive for divers wearing gloves. The large control knobs for shutter speed and aperture are smooth and responsive.
Despite being a polycarbonate housing, it is durable and lightweight compared to aluminum alternatives. The transparent back allows easy inspection of O-rings and seals, minimizing the risk of leaks.
Weight and Buoyancy
Underwater, the housing is slightly negative in buoyancy, which many photographers prefer as it keeps the rig stable. Adding flotation arms can make it neutrally buoyant if needed. On land, the setup is heavy, so carrying straps or support systems are recommended.
Autofocus and Low-Light Performance
The D800’s 51-point autofocus system is fast and reliable. Even in dim conditions at 20–30 meters depth, it locks onto subjects accurately. Macro shooting benefits from the focus precision, capturing small marine life with ease.
ISO Performance
Noise levels are impressively low up to ISO 3200, which is beneficial for ambient light shots. Combined with the wide dynamic range, this gives photographers flexibility without always relying on artificial lighting.
Durability and Maintenance
Ikelite housings are known for their ruggedness, and this one is no exception. The double O-ring seal provides excellent water resistance up to 60 meters. The buttons are spring-loaded, ensuring longevity with proper care.
Care and Cleaning
After every dive, it’s essential to rinse the housing in fresh water. Ikelite’s design makes maintenance easy, with removable O-rings and simple controls. Regular lubrication and inspection help extend the lifespan.
Video Capabilities
The Nikon D800 records full HD video at 24p, 30p, and 60i, delivering cinema-quality results. Combined with the Ikelite housing, it’s suitable for both amateur filmmakers and professionals capturing documentaries.
Manual Controls
Full manual control during video recording allows adjustment of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The housing’s buttons provide smooth operation without jarring movements, which is vital for steady footage.
Battery Life and Storage
The D800’s battery life is sufficient for 2–3 long dives, depending on usage. Shooting RAW and video simultaneously can drain power faster, so carrying spare batteries is recommended.
Memory Card Management
With dual card slots, the camera allows for backup recording. For high-resolution RAW files and video, using fast UDMA 7 CompactFlash cards ensures smooth performance.
Price and Value
The Nikon D800 body is a significant investment, and the Ikelite housing adds to the cost. However, for serious underwater photographers, this setup offers professional results at a price lower than many aluminum housings.
Who Is It For?
This combo is ideal for:
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Professional underwater photographers
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Dive enthusiasts upgrading from compact cameras
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Videographers need high-quality underwater footage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Exceptional image quality and dynamic range
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Reliable TTL strobe compatibility
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Durable housing with intuitive controls
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Affordable compared to aluminum housings
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Easy maintenance and transparent design
Cons:
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Heavy on land
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Slightly negative buoyancy underwater
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No 4K video (limited to 1080p)
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Bulkier than mirrorless setups
The Nikon D800 paired with the Ikelite housing is a powerhouse for underwater photography. Its ability to capture stunning detail, accurate colors, and handle low-light environments makes it a top choice. While not as compact as newer mirrorless systems, the reliability and performance are unmatched at this price point.
The Nikon D800 is one of the most versatile DSLR cameras for underwater photography, offering an impressive 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, exceptional dynamic range, and the ability to retain incredible detail even in challenging lighting conditions. When paired with a high-quality underwater housing such as Ikelite, it transforms into a professional-grade tool capable of capturing both macro and wide-angle scenes with outstanding clarity. This part focuses on advanced techniques, lighting mastery, and post-processing workflows designed to help you harness the full potential of the Nikon D800 beneath the surface.
Understanding Light Underwater
Light behaves in a completely different way underwater compared to on land. As you descend, water absorbs and scatters light rapidly, causing a loss of color and contrast. The first color to disappear is red, followed by orange and yellow, leaving mostly blue and green hues at depth. Even though the Nikon D800 is capable of recovering some color information due to its exceptional RAW files, proper lighting techniques are crucial to achieve vibrant and true-to-life images. Ambient light photography works best in shallow waters with clear visibility, usually less than ten meters. In such cases, setting the D800 to aperture priority with slight exposure compensation helps retain highlights and prevent overexposure. However, for depths beyond this or in low-light environments, strobes become essential. They restore lost colors, add contrast, and allow you to highlight subjects with precision. When using strobes, angling them slightly outward is key to reducing backscatter, which can ruin otherwise perfect shots.
Camera Settings for Optimal Results
To achieve professional-quality underwater images, shooting in manual mode is highly recommended. It gives you full control over the exposure triangle, ensuring consistent results across different lighting situations. A typical starting setup for the Nikon D800 underwater involves an ISO between 200 and 400, an aperture of f/8 to f/11 for macro work or f/5.6 to f/8 for wide-angle scenes, and a shutter speed between 1/125 and 1/250 seconds to freeze motion effectively. One of the most powerful tools in the D800 for underwater photography is the histogram. Rather than relying solely on the LCD preview, which can be misleading underwater, the histogram allows you to ensure your exposure is balanced without clipping highlights or shadows. This is especially important for maintaining the camera’s excellent dynamic range in post-processing.
Macro Photography with the Nikon D800
Macro photography is one of the most rewarding aspects of underwater shooting, and the Nikon D800 excels in this area due to its high-resolution sensor. For best results, pairing the camera with lenses such as the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR provides the perfect working distance for small or shy subjects. Wet diopters or close-up lenses can be added for super-macro work without changing ports. Achieving precise focus is critical in macro photography, and using the AF-ON back-button focus technique allows you to lock onto tiny subjects with ease. Combining this with continuous autofocus and subject tracking helps maintain sharpness on moving marine life. Lighting for macro work requires a more controlled approach. Positioning two strobes close to the lens port and diffusing them helps reduce harsh shadows and create a soft, even illumination. For translucent or semi-transparent subjects, backlighting can add a dramatic effect, emphasizing textures and details that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Wide-Angle and Wreck Photography
The Nikon D800’s ability to render fine details makes it perfect for capturing wide-angle underwater landscapes and wrecks. Using lenses such as the Nikon 16–35mm f/4 or a fisheye lens provides expansive fields of view while maintaining edge-to-edge sharpness. A dome port is essential to correct underwater distortion and preserve corner sharpness, especially when shooting close-focus wide-angle compositions. One of the key techniques in wide-angle photography is balancing the exposure between the ambient light in the background and the subject illuminated by strobes. Exposing for the blue water first and then adjusting strobe power to light the foreground creates a natural, three-dimensional look. In wreck interiors, using a slightly slower shutter speed between 1/60 and 1/100 seconds allows ambient light to fill in shadows and add atmosphere. Compositionally, getting close to your subject is critical to reduce the amount of water between the camera and the scene, minimizing haze and maintaining clarity. Incorporating leading lines found in wreck structures can help guide the viewer’s eye, while including divers in the frame provides a sense of scale and adds a storytelling element to the image.
Mastering Strobes
Learning how to use strobes effectively is one of the defining skills of a professional underwater photographer. The Nikon D800 supports both TTL (Through-The-Lens) and manual strobe control, but manual is often preferred for its consistency and precision. Starting with strobe power around one-quarter and adjusting based on distance and subject reflectivity offers a good baseline. Avoiding backscatter requires careful strobe positioning. Keeping the strobes wide apart and angling them outward prevents light from reflecting off suspended particles in front of the lens. Creative lighting techniques such as side-lighting can enhance textures on corals or wrecks, while using snoots can isolate small macro subjects against a dark background, creating striking, high-contrast images. For silhouettes, natural light can be used effectively by placing the subject between the camera and a light source, often at sunrise or sunset dives where the water column glows with soft ambient light.
White Balance and Color Correction
Achieving accurate color underwater requires a combination of proper white balance and careful post-processing. Setting a custom white balance at the depth you are shooting can dramatically improve the accuracy of your colors. Using a white or neutral slate as a reference allows the D800 to calibrate correctly. However, since you are shooting in RAW, you also have the flexibility to adjust white balance during post-processing. Nikon D800 RAW files retain an impressive amount of color information, making it easier to restore reds and oranges that are often lost at depth. In post-processing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, starting with white balance adjustments followed by contrast and clarity enhancements helps create a natural and vibrant look without over-saturating the image.
Post-Processing Workflow
A professional post-processing workflow begins the moment you return from a dive. Importing and organizing images in Lightroom using catalogs based on dive sites or subjects ensures an efficient editing process. Renaming files for easy reference also helps maintain a clean library. The first step in editing is adjusting white balance, as this sets the foundation for the rest of the corrections. Balancing exposure, recovering highlights, and opening shadows should be done carefully to avoid over-processing, which can lead to unnatural results. Sharpening should be applied selectively to maintain texture without introducing artifacts, while noise reduction can be used for higher ISO shots. The D800’s low-light performance allows for moderate noise reduction without sacrificing detail. When exporting, choosing the right format is crucial. For web use, JPEG in sRGB color space with a long edge of around 2000 pixels maintains quality while keeping file sizes manageable. For print, exporting as TIFF in Adobe RGB at 300 DPI preserves maximum detail and color accuracy.
Maintenance and Safety
Taking care of your Nikon D800 and housing is just as important as mastering shooting techniques. After every dive, rinse the housing thoroughly in fresh water to remove salt and debris. Lightly lubricating the O-rings and inspecting them for sand or hair is critical to preventing leaks. Performing a vacuum check before every dive adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring the housing is sealed properly. When traveling, carrying the camera and housing as hand luggage protects them from rough handling and temperature changes. Adding silica gel packs inside the housing can help prevent condensation, especially when moving between different climates. In case of an emergency leak, ascending slowly, keeping the camera upright, and drying the electronics immediately with desiccants can sometimes save the gear from permanent damage.
Building a Professional Workflow
If you aim to take your underwater photography to a professional level, building a strong workflow and portfolio is essential. The Nikon D800’s high-resolution sensor gives you the freedom to crop creatively without losing image quality, allowing you to produce a diverse range of compositions from a single dive. Developing a portfolio that includes macro, wide-angle, behavior shots, and environmental portraits demonstrates versatility to potential clients. Selling your work can involve submitting images to dive magazines, contributing to stock photography agencies, or offering fine art prints to dive shops and resorts. The D800’s video capabilities also open doors to underwater videography. Shooting in manual exposure
Mode with continuous lighting produces cinematic clips that complement your still photography portfolio and can be used for documentaries, promotional content, or online platforms.
Mastering the Nikon D800 for underwater photography is a journey that combines technical skill, artistic vision, and a deep understanding of the underwater environment. Its full-frame sensor, excellent dynamic range, and ability to handle challenging lighting conditions make it an outstanding tool for capturing the beauty of marine life and underwater landscapes. By learning how light behaves underwater, mastering manual settings, using strobes effectively, and developing a solid post-processing workflow, you can create images that stand out on both technical and creative levels. With dedication and consistent practice, the Nikon D800 can help you produce world-class underwater photography that not only documents but also celebrates the mysterious and vibrant world beneath the waves.
Building a Career in Underwater Photography with the Nikon D800
Transitioning from an enthusiastic diver with a camera to a professional underwater photographer is a gradual process that combines skill development, consistent practice, and strategic networking. The Nikon D800 provides an excellent foundation due to its professional-grade image quality, making it suitable for both commercial and editorial work. To build a career, the first step is mastering technical consistency. Clients expect reliable results regardless of conditions, so developing the ability to deliver sharp, well-exposed, and color-accurate images on every dive is critical. Practicing in different environments—reefs, wrecks, caves, and open water—ensures versatility and prepares you for diverse assignments.
Equally important is building a recognizable style. While technical precision matters, your artistic vision sets you apart. Some photographers are known for vibrant, close-focus wide-angle shots, while others excel at intimate macro scenes or atmospheric wreck photography. Experiment with lighting angles, color grading, and composition to develop a signature style that becomes associated with your work. Over time, your portfolio should reflect this identity, making it easier for potential clients to recognize and hire you.
Creating a Professional Portfolio
A strong portfolio is the bridge between your passion and professional opportunities. With the Nikon D800’s 36.3MP resolution, you can create a collection of images that showcase both fine detail and dramatic underwater scenes. Aim to include a balance of macro, wide-angle, and behavioral shots to demonstrate versatility. Your portfolio should not only display technical skills but also tell a story about the underwater world.
When curating your work, quality matters far more than quantity. Ten extraordinary images will have a greater impact than fifty average ones. Each photograph should highlight your ability to manage light, composition, and post-processing with precision. Online platforms like SmugMug, Squarespace, or Adobe Portfolio offer elegant ways to present your images, while physical prints can be used to approach dive shops, magazines, or exhibition opportunities. The D800’s high-resolution files are perfect for large-format printing, making your images stand out in galleries or trade shows.
Networking and Collaboration
In underwater photography, who you know can open as many doors as what you know. Collaborating with dive resorts, liveaboard operators, and marine conservation organizations can provide both exposure and income opportunities. Offering to shoot promotional material for a dive center in exchange for dive credits is a common way to build experience while forming valuable connections.
Social media is another powerful tool for networking. Platforms like Instagram and 500px allow you to share your Nikon D800 images with a global audience. Consistency is key; posting regularly and engaging with your audience builds a loyal following that can attract sponsorships or paid collaborations. Tagging locations, dive operators, and equipment brands increases the chances of being featured, further boosting your reach.
Monetizing Your Work
There are multiple avenues to generate income from underwater photography. Stock agencies such as Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are always looking for high-quality underwater imagery, and the D800’s resolution ensures your files meet their standards. Licensing images to magazines or educational publishers can also provide steady income streams.
Another growing trend is selling fine art prints. The vibrant, otherworldly nature of underwater scenes appeals to art collectors and interior designers. Offering limited-edition prints adds exclusivity, and the D800’s high-resolution images allow for large-scale printing without loss of detail. Teaching is another path to monetization. Once you have built credibility, conducting underwater photography workshops or guided photo dives can generate significant income while sharing your knowledge with aspiring photographers.
Video Opportunities with the Nikon D800
Beyond still photography, the Nikon D800 also offers strong video capabilities that can complement your portfolio. Shooting in full HD with manual exposure control allows you to create cinematic underwater sequences. When combined with continuous LED lighting, the camera produces smooth, high-quality footage suitable for documentaries, promotional content, or social media campaigns. Developing basic video editing skills can significantly expand your career options, especially as many clients now look for mixed media content for marketing.
Challenges and Solutions in Professional Underwater Photography
While the Nikon D800 is a powerful tool, professional underwater photography comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest is maintaining consistent quality in unpredictable conditions. Visibility, currents, and lighting can change rapidly underwater. Preparing for these variables by carrying multiple lens options, backup strobes, and redundant systems helps ensure you never miss a shot.
Another challenge is the high cost of gear and travel. Building relationships with brands can lead to sponsorships or equipment discounts. Leveraging your growing portfolio to approach potential sponsors requires professionalism and a clear demonstration of how your work aligns with their brand values. Time management is also critical. Professional photographers often spend as much time in post-production and marketing as they do shooting. Developing an efficient workflow for editing and delivering client images ensures timely turnaround, which is essential for repeat business.
Conservation and Storytelling
Underwater photographers have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to contribute to ocean conservation. The Nikon D800’s ability to capture fine details and rich colors makes it an ideal tool for documenting marine life and ecosystems under threat. Partnering with conservation organizations to produce impactful imagery can both raise awareness and establish your reputation as a photographer with purpose. Storytelling is central to conservation photography. Rather than just creating aesthetically pleasing images, focus on documenting behaviors, relationships, and environmental issues. A single powerful image can inspire action and generate global awareness.
Developing Long-Term Career Goals
As you progress, defining long-term career goals helps guide your path. Do you want to focus on commercial work for dive resorts and tourism boards, or move toward editorial and conservation assignments? Are you interested in teaching, creating workshops, or producing fine art? The Nikon D800 can serve as a cornerstone in any of these paths, but success requires clear direction, consistent branding, and ongoing skill development.
Investing in continuous education, whether through advanced lighting courses, video production classes, or marine biology studies, can also add depth to your career. The more you understand about the subjects you are photographing, the more compelling your work will become.
Conclusion
Mastering underwater photography with the Nikon D800 is not just about learning technical settings or buying the right gear; it’s a journey of creativity, patience, and discovery. From the first time you descend with the camera in its housing to capturing world-class images in challenging environments, every dive becomes a new opportunity to refine your craft.
The D800’s exceptional image quality, dynamic range, and versatility make it a long-term companion for both aspiring and professional photographers. Whether you are shooting delicate macro subjects, vast wrecks, or vibrant coral reefs, the camera delivers files that hold up to rigorous post-processing and professional output standards.
Building a career in this field requires more than technical expertise. It demands storytelling, business acumen, and a deep respect for the underwater environment. By developing a signature style, building strong networks, and leveraging platforms to share your work, you can turn your passion into a profession.
Ultimately, underwater photography is about more than images. It is about connecting people to a world that most will never see firsthand. Through your Nikon D800, you become both an artist and an ambassador, capturing fleeting moments beneath the surface and preserving them for future generations. With dedication, creativity, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can build a legacy of images that inspire wonder, respect, and protection for the oceans we all depend on.