Are you a water sports enthusiast? If you like spending most of your holiday time underwater in the ocean, whether snorkeling, diving or doing adrenaline sports, one of these best waterproof cameras is an absolute must have to capture those action shots.
There are a range of great underwater and waterproof camera options on the market at the moment, mostly well priced if you’re looking for something you can use for a long time to come.
Best underwater and waterproof cameras at a glance:
- Olympus Tough TG-6 – Best overall underwater and waterproof camera
- GoPro Hero 10 – Best underwater and waterproof camera for video
- DJI Osmo Action – Best GoPro underwater camera rival
- SeaLife Micro 3.0 – Best underwater and waterproof camera for deep diving
- Kodak Underwater Disposable Camera – Best cheap underwater camera
Protection from deep water, as well as typical holiday annoyances like dust, knocks and scratches are all important considerations, as well as performing well in low light as it can get gloomy beneath the waves.
Let’s DIVE in!
Olympus Tough TG-6 – Best overall underwater camera
A nice little upgrade to the TG-5, the TG-6 is the perfect family friendly, everything proof camera for any situation.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof and freezeproof, so there is really no holiday or circumstance where this isn’t going to be a great durable digital camera.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is 12MP, which is reasonable for underwater shooting, and it has an antifog LCD screen as well as a 4.5-18mm lens, which gives you a camera that performs surprisingly well in low light conditions, such as underwater.
Pros:
- Everything proof: water, shock, dust, crush and freezeproof
- Best overall underwater and waterproof camera
- Despite the low 12MP, this makes it perform better in low lighting
- Mid-range price tag
- Also makes my list of best point and shoot cameras and best childrens cameras!
Cons:
- Using it in extreme situations still leads to it easily scratching on the body and screen.
GoPro Hero 10 – Best underwater and waterproof camera for video
The next level of GoPro technology, the Hero 10 is a high spec upgrade from most previous models.
It can capture 5.3K video at 60fps and they have introduced their most effective stabilisation to date.
The GoPro Hero 10 is water resistant to 10 meters and with it’s microphone and classic front facing LCD display, it makes for an ideal little waterproof camera for video.
The GoPro Hero 10 also has an inlet for rapid water drainage while diving, and its battery and SD card slot are entirely watertight, so you don’t have to worry about damage.
Get inspired about Gopro underwater photography with this video!
Pros:
- Good video stabilisation
- Small size camera for easy underwater snorkeling use
- Upgraded processor compared to previous models
- Excellent waterproof camera for video
Cons:
- Poor battery life
- Higher price point than other similar digital waterproof cameras
DJI Osmo Action – Best GoPro underwater camera rival
One of GoPro’s best main competitors, the DJI Osmo Action waterproof camera is 12MP, with 145-degree field of view and large LCD screen.
On top of this, the DJI Osmo Action shoots full HD 4K video and can shoot in both RAW and JPEG.
So far, so similar and in fact in many ways DJI have copied design specs from their rivals.
One big difference is that the DJI struggles with wind or close up noises which can cause the microphone to act up.
However, the DJI Osmo Action does have a range of grips, housings and waterproof casings available which makes it easily on par with GoPro in terms of durability and usability.
Pros:
- Excellent stabilisation
- Very high-quality video output for a waterproof camera
- Average mid-range price
- Waterproof up to 11m
Cons:
- Requires housing for mounting
- Can overheat if overused
SeaLife Micro 3.0 – Best underwater camera for deep diving
Frequently cited as the easiest underwater camera to use on the market, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 features 4K video at 30fps, and 16MP – higher than many other waterproof digital cameras available.
The SeaLife Micro 3.0 comes already fully sealed, which means you don’t need to purchase extra waterproof housing and has a 100-degree fixed focus lens.
On top of this, the ISO goes up to 3200 and it has an array of shooting modes, including continuous, time lapse and burst.
You can also switch between shallow underwater and deep underwater white balance for better capabilities in low light, and the SeaLife Micro camera is waterproof up to a whopping 60m, making this a great choice for both snorkeling and diving!
Pros:
- Waterproof up to 60m – Best underwater digital camera for going deep
- 16MP and a range of manual settings
- Great in low light
Cons:
- Higher end price than competitors but provides value for money.
Kodak Underwater Disposable Camera – Best cheap underwater camera
The most basic and cheap of the bunch, but no less durable or lacking in quality, the Kodak Underwater Disposable Camera is the best option if you’re looking for a waterproof camera on a budget.
If you don’t regularly snap underwater and need something for an upcoming holiday, the Kodak disposable camera is waterproof up to 35ft and also has a shock resistant body.
The Kodak Underwater Disposable Camera lens is scratch and sunscreen proof which is useful for holiday snaps, and comes loaded with 800-film.
You may have to buy two since there are only 27 exposures per roll but feel safe in the knowledge that they are all recyclable when returned to Kodak.
Pros:
- Very cheap underwater camera
- Durable and shockproof
- Waterproof up to 35ft
- Great camera for underwater snaps on that one off snorkeling holiday
Cons:
- Disposable so only good for one holiday, or may require buying multiple
Conclusion
No matter what you need a waterproof camera for, one of these best underwater and waterproof cameras will be perfect for you! When visiting top UK surf destinations like North Devon these cameras are very fun to have.
You could also take a peek at these underwater photography tips!
If you’re searching for something not just for water sports, but adrenaline fuelled situations too like skydiving, or even just for that classic holiday film style, then the GoPro or DJI are both ideal digital waterproof cameras.
If you’re serious about your underwater shooting and are searching for higher quality photos while still retaining durability, then you won’t go wrong with SeaLife Micro, and its specs more than justify the higher price.
Lastly, if you need something for everyone that you know will get knocked about, taken on all kinds of climates and environments, the Olympus Tough TG-6 will last you for years and years, while the Kodak will be a great cheap spare underwater camera in your bag for any snorkeling trips.
Go get wet!
For some fun when you get to dry land take a look at these top instant cameras!
DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission from some of the links above. For the benefit of the doubt, please assume all links might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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