Hi everyone,

I'm finally upgrading from my Sony A7R III Ikelite setup to a Nauticam system and trying to decide between two Sony options. I'm a hobby photographer with a focus on nature and wildlife.

Option 1: Sony A7R V

Pros:

• Lower overall cost

• Nauticam Housing would also fit my existing A7 IV, giving me a backup body for an upcoming remote 5-week dive trip to French Polynesia in August.

Cons:

• Older camera

• Electronic shutter not usable

• slow / high rolling shutter
  

Option 2: Sony A7R VI

Pros:

• Latest generation body

• No rolling shutter, good for speed for most photo situation (prob not fast action in Magbay or South Africa)

• Better video

• Probably a better long term option

Cons:

• No backup body (housing only supports one)

• More expensive

My main setup will likely be the WACP-C with the Sony 28-60, as most reviews seem to favor it over the traditional 16-35 + dome combination.

My main questions are the following:

• Would you prioritize having a newer body with the latest specs or having a backup body on a remote trip?

• Is the A7RV still considered a great underwater option in 2026, or would you go straight to the A7R VI?

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks guys!

Just buy the new one. That is if you can afford it and can get the housing in time for your trip. If you have time, wait for a few weeks for some actual UW reviews on the body.

I wouldnt put any weight on fitting a older body in the housing as backup, there is something seriously wrong if you have to do that and you are probably thinking about that instead of diving.

That being said, A7RV is still a magnificent body and produces great results. Maybe make a compromise and get the A7RV and change WACP-C to WACP-1. Although in Polynesia has alot of split opportunities (blacktips in the shallows with nice beach/ect backgrounds), so the traditional with a dome route might be better (maybe even the Canon 8-15 with TC).

Maybe have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXlG9Fkd1-Y for some ideas. Alex and Matthew has a small video on the A7RVI also.

6 minutes ago, Sokrates said:

Just buy the new one. That is if you can afford it and can get the housing in time for your trip. If you have time, wait for a few weeks for some actual UW reviews on the body.

I wouldnt put any weight on fitting a older body in the housing as backup, there is something seriously wrong if you have to do that and you are probably thinking about that instead of diving.

That being said, A7RV is still a magnificent body and produces great results. Maybe make a compromise and get the A7RV and change WACP-C to WACP-1. Although in Polynesia has alot of split opportunities (blacktips in the shallows with nice beach/ect backgrounds), so the traditional with a dome route might be better (maybe even the Canon 8-15 with TC).

Maybe have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXlG9Fkd1-Y for some ideas. Alex and Matthew has a small video on the A7RVI also.

Thanks for your response it's very much appreciated! I think I agree with you, I get more excited when researching the newer model. I'll be leaving end of august so not sure if underwater reviews will be out on time, I think the nauticam releases the housing end of this month.

Regarding the dome route, I already own the 16-35mm f/2.8 II, so that could definitely be a great option! I don't have the Canon fisheye, and I don’t think I want to invest in one right now. I was actually looking for a versatile middle ground, which is what led me to the WACP-C since it fits my budget perfectly.