If you’re heading on a beach vacation, you’ll want a waterproof camera to capture all of the action as you snorkel, swim, or jump into the pool. Or, perhaps you just need a rugged camera that can withstand rain and dirt. Cameras can be expensive investments, with water being a surefire way to ruin one. Instead, look for a waterproof camera that’s submersible, tough, and shock-proof.
With the right underwater camera, you can take gorgeous, clear photos and videos even from deep depths. If you’re in the market for a new underwater camera before your next trip, there’s plenty to consider—image and video resolution, storage space, waterproof ratings, lens compatibility, and wireless capability for transferring photos. Divers may have different needs as well, as you’ll want to make sure your camera is waterproof to the depth of your dive and can adjust color discolorations found in underwater photography.
Whether you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful that the kids can use on the beach or you want a more serious camera with adjustable lenses and manual controls, here are the best waterproof cameras from brands such as Nikon, Olympus, and GoPro.
A waterproof camera should not only be able to work in the ocean, but should also be able to withstand extreme conditions. For a fantastic all-rounder, you can’t beat the Olympus Tough TG-6. It’s waterproof to 50 feet, but it’s also dustproof, freezeproof, it can withstand dust, and it’s strong and durable. Photographers have access to a rugged little machine, featuring an F2.0 lens, 8x zoom, 4K Ultra HD, and a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. While there’s no manual mode, there are plenty of shooting options, especially for underwater photography and macro. White balance mode gives you clear and accurate color when you’re diving or snorkeling, and the four macro modes capture all the details up-close.
Best Overall
Olympus Tough TG-6
Extremely durable and rugged
Plenty of shooting options, including five underwater and several macro
4K video
GPS built-in
No manual mode
Doesn’t have a touch screen
The Tough TG-6 also includes GPS or compass tracking, so you can link locations to photos and videos—a useful feature when categorizing and editing your work. It’s also compatible with plenty of Olympus accessories and lenses. If you’re looking for a camera that’s built tough and delivers beautiful images, the Tough TG-6 is a winner.
You may want to find out everything you need to know about troubleshooting underwater cameras before picking a camera for diving.
“Olympus is known for its user-friendly cameras, and the Tough TG-6 is one that can withstand anything the user can throw at it.” — Katie Dundas, Freelance Tech Writer
For a mid-range digital camera, the Nikon Coolpix W300 performs like a heavyweight, with excellent performance both underwater and on land. Featuring water resistance up to 100 feet below the surface, the dust- and freezeproof W300 can also withstand a fall from heights up to 7.9 feet in the air. The generous waterproofing depth makes it a top choice for scuba divers, who will appreciate the 16MP lens.
Best Mid-Range
Nikon Coolpix W300
Great 16MP lens
4K Ultra HD video
Anti-reflected LCD display
Occasional rattling
It’s also a good choice for anyone looking to film or take photos during extreme sports, like biking, as you can capture all the action in 4K Ultra HD video. You also have a 5x zoom and LCD screen with anti-reflective coating. While it’s a high-performing camera, note that it does struggle a bit in low light.
From a user perspective, comfortable grips and intuitive button placement make it easy to shoot underwater or on the go. A built-in GPS, eCompass, and altimeter add to this camera’s more adventurous features, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities let you upload photos to another device. The Coolpix range is known for its photo quality and ease of use, and the W300 lives up to this reputation.
A rugged waterproof camera doesn’t need to cost the earth. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 is affordable, making it a great camera for your beach vacation or to let the kids use. It’s only waterproof up to 26 feet, but that’s more than enough for most swimmers and snorkelers. This small, compact travel is easy to travel with and is also waterproof down to 26 feet, freeze-proof down to 14°F, and shockproof up to 4.9 feet.
Best Budget
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30
Excellent price point
Freeze, dust, and shock proof
Advanced Underwater Mode creates more natural image reproduction
Only 720p video
Don’t expect photo quality you’d find from more expensive cameras
While you shouldn’t expect the same photo resolution as you’d find in a more premium product, you do still have an impressive 16MP sensor, along with image stabilization, panorama mode, time-lapse shooting, and a 220MB built-in memory for in case your SD card fills up. We also like the Advanced Underwater Mode, which automatically compensates for red tones that tend to get lost when shooting underwater, creating more natural underwater photos. The DMC-TS30 also includes fun filters in Creative Control mode, letting you alter the color and look of your photos. For any entry-level camera or anyone wanting to take decent underwater photos on a budget, there’s plenty to like about the DMC-TS30, available in black, red, or blue.
For more options on the lower end of the price spectrum, check out our picks for the best cameras for under $250.
The Nikon Coolpix AW130 is a colorful, compact underwater camera, giving you all the design features you’d want when shooting in the water. The bright red exterior makes it easy to find if dropped on the bottom of the pool and comfortable rubber grips on each side make drops less likely. It’s rugged too— the AW130 is freezeproof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof for drops up to seven feet, and waterproof up to an impressive 100 feet, more than most of its competitors.
Best Design
Nikon Coolpix AW130
Looks great
Rubber grip with NFC tag
Onboard GPS
Slightly noisy
The interior has a lot to offer as well, including a 16-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch sensor behind a 5x zoom 4.3-21.5mm (24-120mm full-frame equivalent) f/2.8-4.9 lens. Like most underwater cameras, it performs best in bright light. The smaller sensor means more noise than most interchangeable lens cameras will produce, but most adventure-seekers won’t find it to be a deal-breaker. We also like that GPS is included in the AW130, which lets you track the location where each photo was taken. After you’re doing shooting, connect via the device’s Wi-Fi to upload your favorites to your smartphone or another device.
If design is a big factor to you in a camera, check out our roundup of the best ultra-thin cameras.
Looking for an affordable camera that can perform even in water or snow? If so, there’s plenty to like about the Fujifilm FinePix XP140. This budget-friendly model is designed to withstand the elements—it’s waterproof up to a generous 82 feet, plus its shock, dust, and free-proof. You’ve also got an ergonomically-friendly design, making it easier to hold on while you’re in the water.
Best Budget All-Weather
Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera
Bright, fun camera with plenty of shooting modes
16.4MP CMOS Sensor and 4K video
Great value
Images tend to lose focus in low light
Poor microphone quality
Images of clear, especially in bright light, thanks to an ISO range of 100-12800. A 5x optical zoom lets you capture all the detail, plus ‘Smile Shutter’ mode lets you take pictures automatically. Plus, the addition of Bluetooth lets you instantly transfer images to your phone and it also attaches both the time and your location. The XP140 is probably best for photos, rather than videos since users report the microphone quality isn’t the best. However, for the price point, this shouldn’t be a deterrent.
Still haven’t found what you need? Take a peek at our pickings for the best five-star cameras this year.
If your idea of fun is scuba diving through shipwrecks, parasailing off cliffs, or ziplining down a mountain, then you need the GoPro HERO7 Black. GoPro is one of the top brands in adventure photography, and the HERO7 Black delivers, thanks to incredible image quality, 4K video, and voice control, which lets you record and film hands-free.
Best Action Cam
GoPro HERO7 Black
Amazing image quality and 4K video
Voice controls let you shoot hands-free
Hypersmooth mode provides great stabilization
Short battery life
Touchscreen occasionally freezes
It’s a small, compact camera, offering 12MP photos, that will fit just about anywhere, and can be paired with plenty of accessories and housing, depending on your needs. The camera is waterproof to waterproof to 33 feet and rugged enough to withstand drops. Users also have plenty of creative choices, with the GoPro offering time-lapse video, slo-mo, live streaming, and the SuperPhoto feature, which gives you automatic enhancement on your images. You also have built-in HyperSmooth video stabilization, which works well to keep your video smooth, even if you don’t have a gimbal.
However, if you’re planning on using it all day, you’ll want to purchase multiple batteries, as the HERO7 chews through them quickly. Otherwise, it’s a great companion for travel, underwater use, or extreme sports.
“While testing the GoPro HERO7 Black we noticed that the body of the device becomes very hot when used for long periods of time.” — Jeff Dojillo, Product Tester
How We Tested
While we haven’t had a chance to perform any first-hand tests on our top picks for waterproof cameras, our experts are looking forward to putting them through their paces. Besides checking for things like resolution and color accuracy, they’ll also be checking for durability. In addition to checking if the camera can handle its share of bumps and bruises, they’ll also be testing the advertised depth and duration of water resistance to make sure it doesn’t go belly up when it gets a little wet.
About Our Trusted Experts
Katie Dundas is a freelance tech and travel writer with years of photography experience. She personally uses the GoPro HERO7 Black when shooting underwater.
Jeff Dojillo is a writer and photographer specializing in digital and analog photography. His work has appeared in Suspend Magazine, Architecture Digest, and others.
What to Look For in a Waterproof Camera
Depth Limit
Are you planning on taking some deep dives with this camera? Do you want a model specifically for underwater photography? If so, you’ll want to keep those things in mind when picking a camera — some of these models can work at greater depths than others.
Interchangeable Lenses
Most cameras that have switchable lenses aren’t waterproof. But if photography is a serious hobby, you might want to look into one. After all, you often get better-quality photographs when you’re using a separate lens (instead of one built into the camera).
Durability
If you’re looking into a waterproof camera, chances are that your lifestyle is pretty active. That means that you’ll want to consider a camera’s cold and heat resistance as well as its shock resistance. If a camera is waterproof but can’t handle a drop or two, it might not suit your lifestyle.
