Photo by François Pierrot on Unsplash
Underwater photography has never been more accessible than it is today. Previously, if you wanted to own a camera that allowed you to take photos and videos underwater, your choices were extremely scarce. But these days, nearly every camera maker has at least one waterproof underwater camera included in its lineup of products. So what are the best underwater cameras around? If you’re looking for a camera that fits your pocket and budget, we’ve rounded up some of the best underwater pocket cameras on the market. These underwater cameras are built for snorkeling adventures, beach trips, or poolside photo shoots during a family outing.
An underwater camera, interchangeably called a submersible camera or waterproof camera, captures photos and videos underwater, be it in a pool, lake, or ocean. There are two main underwater camera types: A digital waterproof camera (similar to a point-and-shoot or action camera) and a camera that has a separate waterproof housing installed.
Deciding which camera and housing system is right for you depends on what you are looking to get out of it. The more you want from your images, the more options you will need from the camera. The first step in selecting your camera is prioritizing which features are important to you. Keep in mind, when doing your assessment of camera features, not all of them are important underwater. The guide below will help you learn about the criteria required in your decision-making process to help you determine which system is right for you.
Your underwater camera needs to come with full manual mode, especially if you’re planning to go from hobbyist to pro. That’s because the settings change drastically based on which body of water you’re shooting in. Sometimes you’ll need a higher ISO, other times you’re photographing speedy fish and need a faster shutter speed. Plus, if you add lighting to your camera later on, you’ll need manual mode to adjust settings accordingly.
Take note of depth requirements, as not all waterproof cameras are made equally. Some can stay waterproof down to 200 feet while others, such as many action sports cameras, can only go down to 45 feet.
If you’re planning to sell your images, or you simply want top-notch content to impress fans and followers, it’s important to have a large sensor. A larger sensor will not only create higher quality content, it will also provide more flexibility when it comes to light sensitivity, which is critical in places like the ocean where light gets scarce. Learn more about sensor sizes to find out which one is best for you.
For hobbyist divers and snorkelers, it’s important to have the ability to switch between photos and video. Typically action cameras like GoPros provide ideal hobbyist-creator specs in both categories. For example, the GoPro Hero 12 Black takes video at 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second (which means you can slow down footage in post without losing quality).
It’s tough to finetune white balance at the moment underwater, especially as a new underwater photographer. That’s why it’s important to look for cameras with RAW shooting capabilities. With RAW content, you have much more flexibility for editing in posts, be it finding the perfect color temperature or adjusting highlights and shadows without losing quality.
For anyone planning on taking their underwater camera on vacations to distant locations, size becomes an important factor. Underwater photography can become gear intensive, and that poses problems when traveling. Already burdened by heavy dive gear and faced with ever-increasing excess baggage fees, keeping a camera system small will be a priority for many underwater photographers.
Even if baggage space and weight are not a concern, some photographers just don’t want to be bothered by large, cumbersome underwater cameras while diving. A pocket-sized system that can easily be carried around your fist or tossed in your BCD pocket becomes preferable to a slightly more feature-rich larger model.
Before we dive into which option is better, an underwater camera or camera housing, let’s look at the differences between the two. An underwater camera is an all-in-one point-and-shoot-style camera that’s waterproof up to a certain point. This includes action cameras and digital cameras. A camera housing on the other hand is a waterproof casing that turns your larger camera, such as a mirrorless or DSLR camera, into a waterproof camera.
An underwater camera is ideal for the more hobbyist photographers who plan to snorkel or dive while traveling. It’s typically less expensive and less involved than housings, which require installation and some practice. That said, camera housings are ideal for professional underwater creators. They let you use your top-notch mirrorless or DSLR cameras, which feature all sorts of manual-setting options and high-resolution content, to capture the ocean with a professional aesthetic. Many housings offer depth ranges beyond 200 feet, while, as you’ll see below, depths for the typical underwater digital camera or action camera run the gamut.
Before you start looking at any camera to use underwater, check and make sure that there is a suitable underwater housing available for it. If the camera you are looking at does not have housing, it is simply not a viable option.
The popular, higher-end compacts will usually have at least one housing option as well, and many will have multiple choices. Usually, one option will be a very simple, inexpensive bare-bones model made by the manufacturer. The other will be a more robust model with better access to the camera’s controls made by a third-party manufacturer.
The camera models that are often ignored by housing manufacturers are those designed to be “ultra-zooms”. While these models are great for land, zooms are not as practical underwater, as zooming breaks the number one mantra of underwater photography: Get close to the subject.
When you are looking for a rugged and versatile camera for both stills and video, the Ricoh Pentax WG-8 should be at the top of your list. This waterproof wonder can be your companion as you dive up to 65.6 feet below the surface. In icy and frozen conditions, the WG-8 will not let you down; it can capture images in the bitter cold, down to 14°F (-10°C). With the ability to focus as close as 1cm and a 35mm equivalent zoom lens of 28 mm-140 mm, the WG-8 will help you capture the world around you in any way your imagination desires.
We believe an adventure camera should be one that you can take everywhere and not worry about. The WG-8, shockproof to 6.8 feet, makes it a great companion for hiking and swimming. In addition, the WG-8’s web camera capability allows live streaming when attached to a computer. This is perfect for streaming in inhospitable conditions (just keep your computer dry!). From streaming to rainy landscapes to underwater and macro, the WG-8 offers creatives endless possibilities.
If you are looking for a compact camera for travel and recreational photos and video, look no further than the Pentax WG-1000. This tiny dust-proof powerhouse can be your partner in good weather and bad. Not only will rain not bother the WG-1000, but you can jump right in and dive down to 49.2 feet to capture beautiful underwater images at 16.35 megapixels. The WG-1000 sports a CMOS sensor capable of shooting at ISOs as high as 3200. Seven image capture modes and a 27mm-108mm (35mm equivalent) lens allow for many creative options to capture your world.
We chose the WG-1000 for its simplicity and focus on form and function. Grab this compact and shoot the world around you as you hike, swim, and explore. You can add your own spin to the images using the color modes. Sometimes, when exploring, you just want to make some great images without hassle. The WG-1000 is there when you need it.
The Ricoh Pentax WG-90 stands out among the best waterproof underwater cameras with its robust construction and exceptional imaging capabilities. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, it boasts a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof build, ensuring reliability in any environment. Equipped with a 16MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a 5X optical zoom lens, it delivers outstanding image quality and versatility. Its underwater shooting modes and built-in ring light further enhance its usability, making it a top choice for adventurous photographers.
The Ricoh Pentax WG-90 offers unparalleled durability and performance for underwater photography, making it our top pick. Its tough construction, high-resolution imaging, and versatile features make it ideal for capturing stunning underwater scenes with ease.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 Digital Camera is one of the best underwater camera options. It’s also one of the best-rugged cameras on the market. It boasts a 12MP sensor with up to 4x optical zoom and a maximum of 8x zoom—perfect for getting close to marine life without disturbing it.
This Olympus option is a great underwater video camera. It offers 4K video recording; at this level, you can crop in during post without compromising quality. Other perks underwater photographers will enjoy include anti-fog features, raw capture capabilities, and a waterproof performance down to 50 feet. What’s more, the Olympus Tough TG-6 Digital Camera acts as a GPS, compass, and thermometer, giving travelers and divers an all-in-one device.
Beyond the easy functionality of this tough compact camera, the available accessories will elevate your underwater photography experience significantly. A fisheye converter increases your field of view while two unique flash diffusers adapt the internal flash for more effective underwater photography. If you plan to scuba dive deeper than 50 feet, consider also investing in a waterproof camera housing.
360 stills and video bring a whole new dimension to your underwater and travel content. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use 360 action camera, the Insta360 X3 is one of the best compact cameras around.
With a large touchscreen for viewing your footage and a 0.5” sensor capable of shooting 5.7K video in 360 degrees, this camera is a smart choice for anyone who’s new to 360 recording and who wants a streamlined user experience. Even if you’re not interested in shooting in 360 all the time, this camera’s AI technology gives you the opportunity to reframe and crop down your 72MP files to create the photos you imagined.
Take this camera underwater up to 33 feet deep, or add a waterproof case for use at up to 164 feet.
While this camera is designed for simplicity, it also delivers really powerful features so you can level up your skills as your video and photo interests increase. Functions and shooting modes like Horizon Lock, 4K 120fps Bullet Time, Me Mode recording, and 8K 360 Degree Timelapse capture every environment in unique, vivid detail.
The Insta360 GO 3 Action Camera is one of the most versatile action cameras around, so it’s perfect for scuba divers, surfers, snorkelers, and other water sport-loving shooters.
Use the internal pendant camera separately or dock it in the Action Pod for a larger action camera you can easily grip and mount. The Action Pod contains a flip-up screen for selfie recording as well as large power, shutter, and mode buttons for easy operation underwater.
When you prefer a more streamlined camera, just pop out the pendant camera and attach it to accessories like a magnetic necklace mount, the hat-mounted Easy Clip, or a Pivot Stand.
Waterproof up to 16 feet, this camera makes taking underwater photos as convenient as it is fun. You’ll enjoy taking photos, videos, time-lapse footage, slow-motion clips, and more.
While technical advancements in the mirrorless camera world often get all the attention, unique compact action cameras like this one offer plenty of advanced features at a fraction of the cost. The GO 3’s magnetic inner pendant camera is perfect for set-it and forget-it footage for all types of water sports athletes.
For a truly rugged, waterproof camera, check out Kodak’s PIXPRO WPZ2. This compact point-and-shoot is shockproof for drops up to 2 meters, waterproof for up to 15 meters, and sealed for dust and dirt protection.
An internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery removes the hassle of AA or AAA batteries, and the camera can support MicroSD cards up to 32 GB. The built-in flash and easy picture modes round out this model’s functionality.
The PIXPRO WPZ2 can record 1080p HD video and boasts a 16 MP BSI CMOS sensor. Internal digital image stabilization, 4x optical zoom, and 6x digital zoom help you capture subjects both near and far with ease.
Connect directly to your phone, tablet, or computer via WiFi to transfer, share, and print images from your adventures.
When simplicity is your priority, a basic point-and-shoot is always the right choice. What this camera lacks in bells, whistles, and add-on accessories, it makes up for it with its build, reliability, and straightforward operation.
Whether you choose the WPZ2 as a backup camera for vacations, or as your primary means of capturing memories, it’s a solid choice at a low price point.
Another great action camera for underwater photography and videography is the Sony Cyber-shot RX0 II Digital Camera. This small but powerful underwater camera offers 4K video at 30p and full HD at 120 and 100 frames per second, plus a 180-degree tilting LCD screen that’s ideal for vlogging. The built-in lens is a Zeiss Tessar T 24mm f/4, great for sharp and stunning visuals.
The camera’s 15.3MP5 RAW images will give you full control in post-production, while up to 16 frames per second of continuous shooting will ensure you never miss a key underwater moment. This camera is waterproof down to 44 feet.
The Zeiss Tessar 24mm f/4 wide-angle lens produces stunning images and video straight out of the camera. The BIONZ X image processor and Exmor RS CMOS sensor are the same varieties you’d find in full-size Sony cameras, so you can feel confident in the quality of this action camera.
The Ricoh WG-6 Digital Camera packs in just about every feature you could want in a point-and-shoot underwater camera. For starters, it has a 20MP BSI CMOS image sensor and a whopping over 16 million effective pixels (great for low-light performance), not to mention a zoom lens with an aperture down to f/2, 4K video at 30 frames per second, and video that’s optimized for color correction, 7.2x optical zoom, and a zoom lens that runs from 28mm to 140mm.
The Ricoh WG-6 Digital Camera is waterproof down to 65.6 feet and freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
This shockproof, freezeproof, waterproof, and crushproof camera is up for any adventure. While you may find similar specifications in other compact point-and-shoot cameras, you won’t find one that’s nearly as durable. Add to that the built-in ring light and the easy operation while wearing gloves, and this is the perfect diving camera from any angle.
The GoPro HERO12 Black redefines action photography with its groundbreaking features and rugged design, setting a new standard for adventure cameras. Boasting 5.3K video resolution, HDR capabilities, and HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, it delivers unparalleled image quality and stability. With a waterproof construction up to 33 feet underwater and extended battery life, it’s ready for any adventure, from mud trails to deep-sea dives.
The GoPro HERO12 Black stands out as the ultimate action camera, offering cutting-edge features tailored for adventurers. Its rugged build, exceptional video quality, and advanced stabilization make it our top choice for capturing thrilling moments in any environment.
A waterproof camera is a must-have accessory when you want to explore the world beneath the surface or just comfortably capture adventures in the surf. Waterproof cameras come in so many different shapes, sizes, and capabilities that choosing the right camera for you may feel daunting at first.
Start your camera search by deciding how deep you plan to go. Will you keep to the shallow side of things, at a maximum depth of 10 feet? Will you freedive or practice shallow-water scuba diving at 20 to 60 feet, or are you exploring the depths beyond 100 feet?
In most cases, it’s easiest to choose a waterproof camera rated for your maximum depth instead of adding an underwater camera housing to a model that’s designed for dry land. No matter your budget or interests, there are plenty of excellent underwater cameras to choose from!
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