Best Waterproof Camera to Have in 2023

Having a huge-lens delicate camera during your outdoor trip can be risky, especially if you plan the trip during the snow or rain, or on a wavey beach. To overcome this situation, a waterproof camera plays a major role and comes in handy. There are tons of underwater cameras to select from if you need one. Some are reasonably priced and a good fit for your needs, but others are quite expensive and not worth a shot.

To save you the trouble of researching, we have brought you a list of the best waterproof cameras to choose from. This list of best waterproof disposable cameras will save your time, which otherwise would have been wasted in researching. Read below to know more.

Best Waterproof Camera to Have in 2022

Below is the list of the best waterproof digital cameras. Have a look.

Nikon COOLPIX W150

This Nikon waterproof camera can endure not only water but also your children throwing your camera. This sturdy and rugged camera is ideal for outdoor activities such as ski trips, rafting, and beach adventures. The exceptional design makes this polaroid waterproof camera simple to operate and grip, with large buttons and easy controls. Under the water, the device autocorrects the colors to enhance the vibrancy of your pics. The camera records video in HD and has in-built Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for a simple connection to your computer or phone.

This waterproof video camera can resist water to almost 33 feet, which is ideal for splashing and snorkeling, but not sufficient for diving. This disposable waterproof camera will also manage a bit of harsh treatment, comprising cold, dust, and drops of almost six feet. It is a bit slow between shots and when trying to aim at close-by objects, the automatic underwater white balance is not nearly as imposing as other options. It is also normally a lot reasonably priced and is perfect if you are looking for a basic underwater camera that will not create a hole in the pocket.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Bluetooth connection
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Developed for snorkeling instead of diving
• Lack of optical stabilization
• Can be sluggish to focus
• White balance is not that great

Olympus Tough TG-6

The Olympus waterproof camera is one of the best underwater cameras to have. Users benefit from the image quality of the camera as well as quick auto-focus. This is perfect for clicking photos of fast-moving creatures and people swimming around you. One of the major features of the device is four different macro shooting methods that allow users to capture minute details far under the surface.

If you are mulling over to use this camera, it will go underwater as deep as 50 feet. Going further needs a special case, increasing the limit to 150 feet. The device is also freeze-proof, crush-proof, dust-proof, and shock-proof, making this a good option to buy.

Another advantage of this device is that it’s one of the few waterproof cameras providing support for RAW images. RAW footage offers you extra flexibility for editing videos or pictures if you need more professional-akin outcomes.

If you are more into video recording, you will be able to shoot in 4k, or at maximum 120fps in HD. Users will get somewhere between 1–2 hours of continuous video recording depending on how you utilize it, or few hundred photos.

Pros

• Remarkable macro modes
• Support for RAW image
• Supports 4K and 120fps video
• Sturdy

Cons

• The display is prone to scratches
• Still utilizes micro-USB for charging

GoPro Hero 9 Black

This GoPro waterproof camera is the most versatile and powerful action camera by the company. The device is one of the best underwater cameras you can have. Its precursor might provide better value for most users, but with the latest 23.6MP sensor that offers 5K video, the new GoPro camera waterproof is a top option for underwater use. While it is waterproof up to 10 meters without a case, the device’s slightly sluggish touchscreen is not actually usable underwater.

Rather, users are dependent on the rugged buttons for quick inputs. A front-facing new screen also makes it simpler for framing in the waves, while HyperSmooth Boost ensures shake-free video at sea. Battery life is increased but still average, while 4K is not noticeably enhanced over the earlier version. Nonetheless, if you need the smoothest, smartest, and most accessible waterproof action camera, this can be a perfect choice.

Pros

• Enhanced battery life
• 5K video captures tons of detail

Cons

• No 4K/120p slow-motion mode
• Sluggish underwater touchscreen

Sony FDR-X3000

This action camera can be a tough competition to Canon waterproof camera marketing and a great alternative to most of the devices listed above. The maker of this device drifted away from the rectangular design of other action cameras and opted for the camcorder-style design.

The ergonomic shape of the camera makes it simpler to hold it steady, and the built-in stabilization tech counteracts any lingering “shaky hand” issues, even when recording in 4K. GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are all added, even though expect to drain the battery quickly if you turn on all. There is a couple of microphones for recording stereo audio, as well. The camera is splash-proof. The added case offers protection at depths of almost 195 feet, which is good.

Pros

• Exceptional image stabilization
• Good video and audio image quality
• Outstanding water resistance
• Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi

Cons

• Low battery life
• Expensive
• An older model is getting hard to find

Fujifilm FinePix XP140

This waterproof camera by Fujifilm is compact and lightweight, thereby making it an ideal option for carrying anywhere. In spite of its small size, the device is waterproof up to 82 feet and can withstand drops of almost six feet. The device comes with 5x optical zoom, even though image quality does aim to lower the outer zoom limits.

With good lighting and wider angles, images are normally better as compared to other options. The camera is good at identifying what type of scene you are trying to record, such as macro or landscape, and altering its settings accordingly.

While the camera technically records at 4k, the 15fps limit makes that mostly useless. Users get up to 60fps in HD, though, making that resolution a far better option. With other features such as a “smile shutter” that snaps pics automatically when people smile, and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files easily to your computer or phone, this is a well-priced, useful camera that is perfect for outdoor trips.

Pros

• Image stabilization
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Remote control features through a smartphone
• Outstanding waterproofing

Cons

• Limited options for manual shooting
• Lack of RAW shooting
• 4k/15fps video is mainly useless

Akaso Brave 4 Pro

If you want a decent action camera for less cost, Akaso Brave 4 Pro can be your choice. It has different features that will enhance any recording or shot you take underwater, at a reasonable price. Along with basic image, stabilization is included, users can control the viewing angle from super-wide to narrow.

There is a huge range of accessories and mounts, as well. The remote is not waterproof, nevertheless, so users will still require to use the camera buttons to change settings in the water.

The approximately 90-minute battery life is sufficient enough to get through even the longest snorkel or dive, and the case is rated down to 131 feet. An external charger and a second battery are added to the box. Users do not get exceptional 4k video, nonetheless, and image stabilization is good on some of the other options of the company. If those are essential to you, it is worth investing a bit more in the other options instead.

Pros

• Lots of accessories and mounts included
• Good option as a cheap waterproof action camera
• Good battery life

Cons

• Remote not waterproof
• HD video is much better as compared to 4K
• Image stabilization better on other options

FAQs

Is GoPro good for scuba diving?

Of course, yes! Irrespective of the GoPro camera model, you can scuba dive up to a depth of 33 feet. In addition to this, most GoPro cameras can now be used with waterproof casing, which means your limit for dive will be increased to almost 196 feet.

What precautions should you take after buying an underwater camera?

Even though these cameras are developed to be used underwater, make sure to examine the seals before diving in the water. Do not leave the device sitting in the scorching sun for too long. In addition to this, resist being hard on your camera just because the manufacturers say it can manage falls from a specific distance.

Also, when you bring your camera back from a seawater tour, wash it in freshwater after the trip. This assists to stop the metal parts from corroding or rubber seals from perishing and greatly enhances the useful life of your device.

Conclusion

In short, you just had a look at the list of best waterproof cameras. Based on your requirements and budget, you can choose any of the options mentioned above.