Ultimate Guide: Selecting the Ideal Waterproof Photography Gadgets

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• We’ve reviewed our recommendations and have updated our pick for the best waterproof camera for video.

The best waterproof cameras let you capture stunning images of aquatic life and water-based activities, including action sports. Whether you’re a recreational diver, swimmer, explorer, mountain climber, or cinematographer searching for a great camera that is not afraid of getting wet, we have you covered.

UPDATE: 03/13/2024

We’ve reviewed our recommendations and have updated our pick for the best waterproof camera for video.

Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera

Best Waterproof Camera Overall
$510 at Amazon

AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera

Best Budget Waterproof Camera
$70 at Amazon

SeaLife Micro 3.0

Best Underwater Camera
$599 at Amazon

Insta360 X3

Best Waterproof Action Camera
$400 at Amazon

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  Ricoh

RICOH WG-6

Best Waterproof Camera for 4K
$269 at Amazon

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GoPro Hero 12 Black

Best Waterproof Camera for Video
$265 at Amazon

What to Look for With a Waterproof Camera in 2024

Most cameras aren’t completely waterproof, and while many can handle some rain during outdoor shoots, the options are limited for cameras that you can take on underwater shoots. Of course, not all waterproof cameras are created equal, either. While some are ideal for shooting marine life documentaries, others are designed for the frantic action of water sports.

Levels of waterproofing differ as well. Depending on their water resistance rating , some cameras can work in wet conditions, while others can be taken for long underwater shoots and down to impressive depths. If you’re looking for an underwater camera, consider the duration and depth of the dive. You’ll want to invest in underwater cameras that can last for the entirety of a dive, exploration, or shoot. Battery life is an important consideration here, too—water resistance won’t matter so much if your camera battery dies mid-shoot.

On the other hand, while action cameras for recording water-based sports require high levels of water resistance, their photo and video capture speeds and quality are more essential factors. Also, if you plan to dive deep and capture video, you’ll need a hi-res waterproof camera with sufficient storage for sharp images and improved low-light performance for clear visibility. You may also want a waterproof camera that supports wide-angle and macrophotography to capture different perspectives. Additionally, ensure that the camera is leak-proof, shockproof, and freezeproof.

Of course, most shopping decisions come down to the price. Waterproof cameras can be pricey, but we’ve included a selection across the price spectrum to meet every budget.

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Best Waterproof Camera Overall: Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera

Olympus

The Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera is an excellent camera to get for its durability and portability. An improvement on the already impressive Olympus Tough TG-5, it starts up in less than 2 seconds, comes with a user-friendly interface, and has an all-around solid build.

This Olympus camera features a 12MP lens, an F2.0 aperture, and a back-illuminated CMOS sensor with an anti-reflective coating for improved lighting. While it shoots decent pictures during the day comparable to smartphones, it excels at low-light cinematography, even at 50ft underwater.

It comes with a 3-inch LCD screen with 1.04 million dots for improved display resolution and can reach up to 8x zoom with manual focus support. The TG-6 is also great for taking close-up 1 cm macrophotography shots. The camera has four macro shooting modes, allowing you to capture smaller objects in much greater detail than most of the competition, up to 44x zoom.

Of course, the Tough TG-6 has plenty of features for underwater photos. Olympius has packed in five underwater shooting modes and three white balance modes. It can record 4K video and 120fps high-speed movies for water sports, so the action won’t be blurry.

Finally, the TG-6 supports RAW photos and has a battery life of about two hours, so you’ll be able to get all the footage you need in the format you need it in.

Best Waterproof Camera Overall

Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera

The Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera is one of the best waterproof cameras you’ll find. It is 50ft waterproof, compact, and resourceful.

$510 at Amazon

Best Budget Waterproof Camera: AKASO EK7000 Camera

AKASO

While most waterproof cameras cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, beginners and hobbyists can rely on budget-friendly options such as the AKASO EK7000 Camera . Priced at under $100, this action camera can give costlier waterproof cameras a run for their money. It is ultra-compact and has a user-friendly interface, making it great for beginners—though you will have to deal with a cheap-feeling build quality. This isn’t a deal-breaker, however, especially for the price point.

Whereas the Olympus Tough TG-6 sports a 12MP camera, the ultra-compact AKASO EK700 has a 20MP camera equipped with a CMOS image sensor. For the price, it captures decent images that you can enhance via Photoshop or other photo editing software. Waterproof down to a depth of 98ft, the EK7000 also comes with a durable waterproof case.

The AKASO EK7000 features a small 2-inch LCD screen with a 1x optical zoom capability. You can record 4K videos at 25fps, slow 720p motion videos at 120fps, and 1080p videos at 60fps. For most underwater footage enthusiasts, this camera has all the features you need to shoot exactly what you want.

AKASO’s camera also supports wide-angle photography, allowing you to capture more of the scene in the frame. It comes with a splash-resistant (but not waterproof) wireless wrist remote and can also be controlled on your phone directly via Wi-Fi for up to 10m.

Lastly, the EK7000 supports HDMI connectivity and is compatible with standard GoPro accessories , making this budget waterproof camera even easier to use.

Best Budget Waterproof Camera

AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera

$70 $80 Save $10

Enjoy action sports and other water adventures on a budget with the pocket-friendly AKASO EK7000 Waterproof Camera.

$70 at Amazon

Best Underwater Camera: SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera

SeaLife

The SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera stands as one of the leading underwater cameras on the market, so it’s perfect for underwater adventures and cinematography. Divers favor this compact, easy-to-use, shockproof camera, which is waterproof down to a depth of 200ft. It will excel at depths where the Olympus Tough TG-6 and the AKASO EK7000 will fail.

The Micro 3.0’s 16MP camera has a CMOS image sensor and can capture images in single or continuous mode, up to 10 per second. It can take time-lapse photos and capture 8MP still images even while recording video, ensuring you never miss an important scene. Speaking of, you can also record 4K videos at 30fps, 1080p video at 120fps, and snap RAW photos. There is even an upside-down shooting mode.

This waterproof camera supports five Land and Sea scene modes, three color correction filters, and manual light balance for low-light scenarios. Rest assured, whatever you’re trying to capture will look great, regardless of how much natural light you have. It supports Wi-Fi export and has 64GB of internal memory to store your shots.

Perhaps most importantly, the Micro 3.0 has manual controls for easier underwater operation and lacks O-rings, making it flood-proof. The SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera also boasts a long-lasting battery that delivers up to 3 hours of continuous capture.

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Best Underwater Camera

SeaLife Micro 3.0

The SeaLife Micro 3.0 offers one of the best underwater camera experiences with waterproof depth down to 200ft.

$599 at Amazon

Best Waterproof Action Camera: Insta360 X3 Action Camera

Insta360

If you’re passionate about surfing under intense tides, swimming, or engaging in other water sports and need a camera that captures every moment like a personal videographer, the Insta360 X3 Action Camera is the ideal choice. It is easy to use, has a user-friendly interface and solid build quality, and lets you capture all your surroundings simultaneously.

The Insta360 X3 features a 72MP camera with dual 48MP CMOS sensors for greater clarity and detail, even in low-light conditions. With its 4K Single Lens mode, you can shoot wide-angle footage in 4K at 30fps as though you were using a single-lens action camera. It is waterproof up to 33ft on its own and up to 164ft when used with a Dive Case .

It can record 4K videos with superb image stabilization and horizon lock to make sure your footage comes out stable and clean. You can also reach 3x optical zoom and easily capture 5.7K 360 Active HDR videos and 8K timelapse videos. The X3 also supports RAW photos and has a long-lasting 1,800mAh battery.

As for the screen, the Insta360 X3 has a 2.29-inch LCD touchscreen that will feel similar to a smartphone screen. It is also great for capturing drone-like footage and incredible third-person perspectives. What’s more, you can easily reframe your shots with the free tools in the Insta360 app .

Best Waterproof Action Camera

Insta360 X3

$400 $427 Save $27

With 5.3K 360-degree shots, you can capture every movement and every moment that matters with the Insta360 X3 waterproof camera.

$400 at Amazon

Best Waterproof Camera for 4K: Ricoh WG-6 Camera

Ricoh

For those seeking a reliable waterproof camera for capturing 4K videos, we recommend the Ricoh WG-6 Camera . Even without a dedicated gimbal, the Ricoh WG-6’s robust chassis comes equipped with a powerful shake reduction feature, ensuring minimal shake during 4K video recording. It is also easy to use and is well-built.

The Ricoh WG-6 features a 20MP camera with a CMOS image sensor, low noise, and a wide dynamic range for clear hi-res shots. It is waterproof down to 66ft and features a variable brightness ring light with six independently controlled LED lights, providing optimal lighting even in low-light conditions.

Ricoh’s has a 3-inch LCD screen and a 5x optical zoom capability. You can record highly realistic 4K videos and serve as a livestreaming webcam. It is also perfect for macrophotography, allowing you to capture minute details that the human eye cannot easily see. It also has a long-lasting battery that can run for nearly 2 hours.

The Ricoh WG-6 Camera supports 18 scene modes with automatic presets to suit each scene mode, making it suitable for different tasks. It has GPS functionality, comes with a macro stand, supports USB charging, and comes in a rugged chassis that is shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. It is available in black and orange .

Best Waterproof Camera for 4K

RICOH WG-6

$269 $380 Save $111

The Ricoh WG-6 Camera is waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and shockproof, thanks to its rugged chassis and shake reduction technology. It is a solid point-and-shoot camera that also shoots 4K video.

$269 at Amazon See at B&H Photo Video

Best Waterproof Camera for Video: GoPro Hero 12 Black

Not much has changed regarding the GoPro Hero 12 Black ’s design—the camera looks similar to previous iterations and has the same featherlight weight and compact dimensions as the Hero 11 . The lens has an f/2.5 aperture with a 151-degree field of view. However, it is removable, and by replacing it with the Max Lens Mod 2.0 , you can boost the Hero 12’s scope to a highly impressive 177 degrees.

The Hero 12 has a front screen and a bright, 2.27-inch, touch-sensitive rear screen. You have the option of Easy Mode or Pro Mode when navigating the menu system. The former simplifies the whole process if you’re a GoPro newbie, and the latter is what you will switch to once you can handle more control.

Image quality still easily beats the competition. Video resolution remains at 5.3K, while stills are 27MP. You can record video in an 8:7 aspect ratio, which simplifies the editing process, and choose from frame rates of up to 240FPS for sublime slow-motion filming.

High frame rates are even available when GoPro’s practical Horizon Leveling feature is active. It corrects tilting when filming activities such as biking or skiing. But you also get a stabilization update to HyperSmooth 6.0 with support for horizon locking should you need it.

The GoPro Hero 12 Black includes a 1,720mAh Enduro battery. This battery was once a luxury accessory, but it is now part of the package and delivers better battery life and superior performance in extreme temperatures. You can try out the multipurpose GoPro Volta battery grip or purchase extra Enduro batteries for longer life.

Regarding its waterproof depth rating, you can take this camera down to 33 feet without additional housing. It’s ideal for surface-based aquatic activities, such as snorkeling or kayaking. However, if you’re a scuba diver, you can purchase waterproof housing that lets you take it as low as 196 feet.

Best Waterproof Camera for Video

GoPro Hero 12 Black

$265 $400 Save $135

The GoPro Hero 12 Black combines superior image quality, improved HyperSmooth Stabilization, and longer battery life to become one of the best action cameras currently on the market.

$265 at Amazon See at Best Buy See at B&H Photo Video

FAQ

Are waterproof cameras worth it?

If underwater exploration or action sports excite you, then yes, waterproof cameras are worth it. If however, you’re only a dabbler, you can skip expensive ones for budget options like the AKASO 7000.

What’s the difference between a waterproof and water-resistant camera?

A waterproof camera such as the SeaLife Micro 3.0 is built to endure moisture and water pressure at depths of up to 200ft. Conversely, a water-resistant camera is only splash resistant. While these terms are often mistaken for each other, they mean different things.

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What are water resistance ratings?

Water resistance ratings indicate whether a device or gadget is either water-resistant or waterproof. Water-resistant devices can endure some splashing, while waterproof devices are suitable for swimming to specific depths and for a specific duration.

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