Whether you’re trying to capture the mesmerizing beauty of turquoise-blue waters or striving to get the perfect watersport shot for your Instagram, having the best waterproof camera can make all the difference! Investing in a waterproof digital camera would especially be a smart decision if you’re into exploring the underwater world or exciting sports like scuba diving or snorkeling.
With the best underwater camera, one could click pictures inside and around the water without worrying about damaging the electronics. In this handy guide for prospective buyers, we’ve presented waterproof camera reviews for the 10 best products along with some great tips to help newbies in spending on the right one.
Best Waterproof Camera Review - Our Top 10 Picks
Performance at a Glance
The Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera is designed to maximize the photography experience for those with an adventurous spirit. Its sleek and stylish looks are complemented by an extremely tough and robust build. It's not just another waterproof digital camera, it is the ultimate experience! It is also dustproof, crushproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and antifog. With this beauty, you can click vivid photographs while enjoying snorkeling at a depth of 15 meters. It can withstand a force of 100kgf and temperatures as low as -10oC. Its high-resolution F2.0 lens allows you to capture praiseworthy underwater shots. It is a power-packed product with an amazing 8x zoom, true pic VIII, and a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. It offers 5 exciting underwater shooting modes. Moreover, the variable macro system with 4 macro shooting modes would make you fall in love with it.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Waterproof, dustproof, crushproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and anti-fog features.
· High-resolution F2.0 lens with 8X zoom
· Loaded with 5 exciting underwater shooting modes and 4 macro shooting modes.
· Lightweight and Compact
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 12 megapixels
· Video resolution: 4K UHD 2160p, 2K DCI 1080p
· Waterproofing: 15 meters
· Color: Red and Black
Performance at a Glance
Hailing from the house of Fujifilm – one of the pioneers of cameras, FINEPX XP130 is the latest addition to the XP series. It is a truly impeccable waterproof digital camera with the ability to perform incredibly at 20 meters underwater. Not only does it remain freezeproof when the temperature hits negative numbers, but it also exhibits excellent dust resistance as you enjoy sandy beaches and desert safaris. Moreover, it would not break a sweat when facing a shock of up to 5.8ft. Flaunting an internal 5x optical FUJINON zoom lens and an Intelligent Digital Zoom feature, it increases the zoom range to up to 10X and eliminates image degradation. To take it all one notch up, it features a 16.4 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor that enhances picture quality at low light settings. Additionally, it offers a large 3-inch 920K-dot LCD display. Enjoy great 1920 x 1080-pixel full HD video and high-speed movie recording options. Bluetooth, Auto Time Adjustment & Geotagging Functions are a big plus too.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof.
· 16.4MP BSI CMOS Sensor with Fujinon 5x wide-angle optical zoom
· Large LCD display
· Bluetooth and Geotagging capability
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 16.4 megapixels
· Video resolution: 1920 x 1080-pixel full HD resolution
· Waterproofing: 20 meters
· Color: Blue, Lime, Silver, Yellow, and White
Performance at a Glance
AKASO EK7000 is an incredible camera that provides a professional touch to your photos and videos. Its highly effective waterproof casing makes it your adventure partner at water depths of up to 30 meters. Equipped with a 4K Ultra HD resolution and 170° wide-angle lens, it allows you to dive deep and capture breathtaking underwater shots with a more expansive field view. It is ideally designed for outdoor activities such as diving, swimming, and water-skiing. It has in-built Wi-Fi and HDMI, which enables you to connect with your smart devices and share your memories on social media. This camera package also includes a splash-proof remote through which you can control the movement of your camera from a distance. You can toggle from photo mode to video mode with just a click on the remote. The long battery life, loop recording, burst, and time-lapse are attractive features as well.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Incredible 30-meters waterproof depth
· 4K Ultra HD action camera
· Wireless wrist remote control
· Two batteries with long life
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 12 megapixels
· Video resolution: 4K 25FPS/2.7K 30FPS/1080P 60FPS
· Waterproofing: 30 meters
· Color: Black, Blue, and Silver
Performance at a Glance
Whether you are driving down a picturesque road or deep diving in the ocean, Campark ACT74 4K Ultra HD Wi-Fi Underwater Waterproof Camera is just the product for you. With an adjustable 170 Degree Wide Angle Lens and a 2-inch HD screen, this underwater digital camera provides you with an amazing visual experience so that you record your adventures and recall your favorite ones whenever you want. It offers an impressive 16MP and 4K/30fps video recording capability. Most importantly, it comes with an impressive 30-meters deep waterproofing. Try out its time-lapse, loop recording, and slow-motion mode to add the wow factor to your videos. It also includes an accessory kit with two batteries and other multifunction equipment which allows you to place your camera on your wrist, bicycles, or even your helmet to record a first-person adventure.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Waterproofing at up to 30-meters
· 170 Degree Wide Angle Lens and a 2-inch HD screen
· Wireless remote control and 4K/30fps video recording
· Wi-Fi connectivity
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 16 megapixels
· Video resolution: 4K/30fps,2.7K,1080P,720P
· Waterproofing: 30 meters
· Color: Black, Silver, and Blue
Performance at a Glance
GoPro Hero6 digital waterproof camera comes with a new and improved GP1 chip designed for GoPro capture, which produces sharper pictures and allows you to shoot high-quality videos in 4kHD and 1080p240 and take photos with 12MP. With a 2-inch display screen, optimized UI, and touch zoom feature, photos can be proficiently framed, settings can be easily selected, and back footage can be played. GoPro Hero6 provides a trouble-free experience by transferring your photos and videos directly to your phone or tablet. Moreover, you can use the app to quickly transform your raw footage into edited videos. It provides you with the much-wanted combination of stability and waterproofing underwater. Use it as a handheld device or mount it on your gear and you’ll be good to explore depths up to 10 meters. This impeccable water-resistant camera is 3X faster than its predecessor and features a 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Features the latest GP1 chip and an improved video stabilization
· 2-inch display screen, optimized UI, and touch zoom feature
· Automatic transfer of photos and videos to the phone
· Amazing picture quality and QuikStories via app
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 12 megapixels
· Video resolution: 4kHD and 1080p240
· Waterproofing: 10 meters
· Color: Black
Performance at a Glance
The Quad-proof, tough Panasonic LUMIX DMC-T530 waterproof digital camera is meant to be the ultimate adventure buddy for those who are ready to go the extra mile. It is a sturdy piece with waterproofing up to 8 meters and shockproof up to 1.5 meters. It can also withstand freezing temperatures. Thanks to its mega O. I. S. Camera lens, LUMIX helps you say goodbye to blurred pictures even when your hands shake while taking a shot. This camera is among the best waterproof cameras because of its ability to get stunning underwater shots. The advanced underwater mode offers Red color Reproduction, ensuring that colors appear as vivid and natural-looking as possible. This camera also features dynamic MP4 HD video recording. To switch from video to photo, simply press the dedicated motion picture button. It also provides a 220MB built-in memory and includes a torchlight.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Quad-proof i.e. waterproof (to 8m) shockproof (to 1. 5m), dust & freeze proof (to -10oC)
· Red color reproduction of Advanced Underwater Mode
· MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: not specified
· Video resolution: MP4 HD video in 1280 x 720p
· Waterproofing: 8 meters
· Color: Black, Blue, and Red
Performance at a Glance
While you enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and deep-sea diving, FHD 2.7K 48 MP Waterproof Digital Camera would tag along and allow you to capture amazing photographs with a 48 MP resolution with a 16X Digital zoom and 2.7K FHD video recording capability. Apart from its sleek, compact, and hassle-free design, it is also completely waterproof and engineered to perform at depths up to 10 feet. Sporting a dual-screen set-up with a 2.7-inch front screen and a 1.8-inch rear screen, it allows you to take photographs as well as fun selfies. The flash enables clicking brighter photos in low-light settings. This camera flaunts a built-in Electronic Image Stabilization function which ensures stable, blur-free, and clear videos. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry and use.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Clear and steady pictures due to anti-shake function
· Selfie dual screens
· High resolution with 16X digital zoom
· Easy to carry and use
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 48M, 30M, 24M,20M, 16M, 12M, 8M, 7M, 5M, 2M
· Video resolution: HD (1280X720P/30fps), FHD (1920X1080P/30fps), 2.7K(2688X1520P/20fps), VGA, QVGA
· Waterproofing: Up to 10 FT underwater one hour per time.
· Color: Aqua blue
Performance at a Glance
Nikon, one of the most celebrated manufacturers of high-quality cameras, brings to you the Nikon Coolpix W300 with top-notch design and functions. Offering amazing waterproofing up to 30 meters, it is ideal for those who want to dive a little deeper. For this camera, durability is the name of the game. It resists extreme temperatures, shock, and dust while allowing you to capture vivid photos and make 4K Ultra HD videos, Time-lapse videos, Super lapse videos, and music montages. The incredible NIKKOR lens with 5x optical zoom, telephoto power, and Hybrid VR image stabilization ensures that your photos turn out perfect. This underwater camera is loaded with additional features: with Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth, you can transfer and edit files right away. The in-built GPS, eCompass, altimeter, and depth gauge assist you in navigation and ensures safety.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof
· 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens with Hybrid VR.
· Action-friendly controls
· Point and Shoot Ease
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 16 MP
· Video resolution: 4K Ultra HD or 1080p Full HD
· Waterproofing: 30 meters
· Color: Yellow, Orange, Black
Performance at a Glance
Evident by its name, the SeaLife DC2000 is a treat from SONY® for all those who love water sports and wish to record their memorable underwater adventures. It has a compact body and easy-to-use functions. Its star feature is the 1" back-illuminated 20MP CMOS image sensor which produces shots with breathtaking clarity and sharpness. What makes this camera your ultimate adventure buddy, over and underwater, are the various shooting modes. It is equipped with 25 Land Scene modes and 4 underwater shooting modes i.e. dive, snorkel, external light, and an external flash, each with integrated color correction. SeaLife DC2000 digital underwater camera is meant to take your creativity to the next level with full 1080p 60fps HD video recording and image results to match professional DSLRs. It supports JPEG and RAW (Adobe .dng) imaging formats and its 31mm lens is compatible with a number of underwater lenses available on the market.
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Stunning image and video results due to high resolution
· Compact and Tough
· Ultra-fast autofocus and shutter response
· 8 shooting modes: manual, aperture, underwater, shutter, program, intelligent auto, land, and panorama.
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 20 megapixels
· Video resolution: 1080p@60fps
· Waterproofing: 60m with housing, 18m inner camera
· Color: Black
Performance at a Glance
Another masterpiece from SONY®, the 1.0-type Sensor Ultra-Compact Digital Camera is a personification of “big things come in small packages”. Its extraordinary compactness makes it an ideal camera for action hounds. You are bound to get impressed by the performance of this little buddy when vlogging the stunning beauty of the underwater world. It features a 1-inch (1.0-Type) stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with DRAM Chip for maximum efficiency and speed. The one-of-a-kind 24mm1 F4 ZEISS Tessar T lens with a wide-angle design and 4X optical zoom helps you bid farewell to image distortion and produces crisp pictures. Its miniature, matchbox-sized body is made up of tough duralumin material, which makes it water, shock, and crush-proof. So, the next time you go on an adventure, simply keep it in your pocket or attach it to your gear and get instragrammable pictures and videos instantly!
What Makes this Underwater Camera Stand Out?
· Stunning picture quality due to 24mm1 F4 ZEISS Tessar T lens
· Efficient and fast with 1” Stacked back-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
· Ultra-rigid and ultra-compact super duralumin body
· Super slow motion7 feature and up to 16fps6 continuous shooting
Model Specs
· Camera megapixels: 21 megapixels
· Video resolution: FHD 1080p
· Waterproofing: 10 meters
· Color: Black
How to Choose A Waterproof Camera – Buying Guide
Owning an easy-to-use waterproof point-and-shoot camera allows you to capture your most memorable moments in attractive photographs without having to take a photography course. A great camera should have the optimum combination of looks and performance. But finding the best waterproof camera is not an easy task. Thus, this buying guide is meant to help you pick the perfect underwater digital camera.
Compactness
Imagine diving deep into the sea and struggling with a bulky camera with complex functions. Compact cameras solve this issue by being easy to carry and use. These devices are lightweight making them easy to handle even when under the increased drag from the water. Also, a compact camera is comparatively less expensive and offers great value for money.
Resolution and Picture Quality
Camera resolution is defined in megapixels and each megapixel comprises a million small blocks of color. The rule is quite simple: a greater number of megapixels means a higher resolution and consequently a clearer picture. Similarly, video resolution is defined in “fps” or frames per second. A top-rated waterproof camera would offer a full HD video recording as well as video recording at various speeds and sizes, such as 320 fps, 240 fps, and 120 fps.
Lens Quality
You can have a camera with a high resolution, but if the lens isn’t great then the photos would not be up to the mark. The quality of the lens depends upon its build. It would also be great to have a macro lens if you wish to take close-up shots. In a high-quality lens, optical zoom is also an important feature. Optical zoom is better than a digital zoom and acts like a telescope, on the camera. The more ‘times’ on the optical zoom, the more you’ll be able to zoom in, and the further away you’ll be able to take a shot.
Durability and Waterproofing
Having a camera that is easily susceptible to damage is a big no-no as it could ruin your adventure. Look for shock proofing, dust proofing, and freezeproofing along with waterproofing. A rugged, waterproof casing could either go around the camera or the camera would have an in-built waterproofing mechanism. Hence, waterproof depth must be considered.
Extra Features
Who doesn’t like something extra? A large LCD display, Eye Detection feature, Geotagging, Time adjustment, advanced filter, and different underwater photography modes can add to the product. Some desirable features in a water-resistant camera include long battery duration, sufficient storage memory, low shutter lag, autofocus, Wi-Fi remote control, and a waterproof case.
FAQs
Q: What does the underwater digital camera do?
A: Underwater digital cameras are meant for underwater photography. These are waterproof and shockproof, allowing one to capture photos on, around, or underwater.
Q: How to shoot with an underwater digital camera?
A: While it depends on the type of camera that you buy, most waterproof cameras are designed to be extremely easy to use, with just a couple of buttons that need to be pressed while you’re in the water. You don’t have to learn about learning a completely new way to shoot. They work like ordinary cameras and will have you taking great pictures in no time.
A Final Word of Advice
When buying an underwater digital camera, don’t forget to keep durability, practicality, affordability, and the overall picture quality in your mind. Hopefully, this buying guide would have helped you choose the right product to suit your needs and our list of Top 10 best waterproof cameras would have geared you up to invest in your dream camera.