The 15 Best Underwater Cameras

Planning for a trip to a tropical location to go snorkeling with the fishes? Or maybe you’re an extreme diver and you’re going somewhere colder to try catching a pod of whales? Or maybe you’re planning to visit a mountain range and discover the beauty of a secluded lake? Whether you’re going to the warm beaches of Hawaii or you’re going to the frigid waters of Iceland or Russia, what you’ll really need is a camera that can survive being underwater or at least survive to get wet. With an underwater camera, you’ll be able to capture all your memories from your dive and get some unbelievable selfies while you’re at it. But there are tons of cameras out there. So, we’ve put together this “15 best underwater cameras” list for you, to help you figure out which camera is really the best one for you. You’ll also find a Buyer’s Guide and an FAQ at the end.

How We Chose Our Cameras

Cameras are everywhere. There are your digital cameras, disposable cameras, and even our phones now have cameras. But while there are a lot of cameras to choose from, they all have different qualities, different parts, and even different software. It’s important to choose the right one, so that your captured memories are taken at the best quality you desire. With that in mind, we’ve chosen these cameras for their ability to withstand underwater depths, maintain good visual fidelity with their image and video capture, battery life, as well as other accessories or capabilities that may also come with them.

Quick Summary

• Best for Low-Light Situations: Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera. “Designed to take on the trails and shallows with low-light solutions to keep your images bright and clear.”
• Great for Capturing the Action: Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera.  “Take multiple shots to capture the action and get that perfect frame.”
• Best for Handling Temperature Extremes: Nikon W300. “Whether it’s a chilly lake in Scotland or you’re taking a dip in the Dead Sea, this camera will tough it out with desert hot or arctic cool.”
• Capture the Action and Store It Quick: GoPro HERO6 Black.  “The HERO6 GoPro is renowned for its ability to reliably capture the action, and it stores your footage automatically for sharing!”
• Best for the Beachside: Panasonic Lumix. “With creative effects software, you can make sure your holiday pictures look their best while not having to worry about getting your camera a little wet.”
• Best Rugged Construction for Reliability: Leica X-U (Typ 113) “The camera that takes pride in its simplistic design to be tough and to survive almost anything.”
• Highest Megapixel Count for Best Picture: Sony Alpha a6500 “With 24.2MP, this camera is made to provide the best picture there is. With a waterproof housing unit, it can withstand up to 200 feet underwater.”
• Excellent for Creative Angle Shots:  Canon G7X II “Take your most creative shots without losing the ability to check how your picture’s going to look!”
• For the Best Image Stabilization: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. “Never have a blurry image again with the most sophisticated image stabilization out there for interchangeable lens cameras.”
• The Tough Interchangeable Lens Camera: Nikon 1 AW1. “This camera can switch out for waterproof and shockproof lenses, the first of its kind!”
• For the All-Terrain Adventurer: AKASO EK7000 4K WiFi Sports Action Camera. “Whether you’re biking on a mountain trail, or looking at a shipwreck at the bottom of a lake, this camera is ready for it!”
• Best Battery Life: Akaso Ek7000 Pro “For when you’re looking for a camera with long-lasting battery life that is also rechargeable!”
• Capture the Scene with Ultra-Wide Angles: APEMAN Action Camera. “This camera is designed with an ultra-wide angle lens so you can get all the wide shots and never miss the action.”
• High-compatibility with a Ton of Accessories: VanTop Moment 4 4K Sports Action Camera. “This camera not only sports impressive features on its own, but it works well with accessories such as GoPro equipment and 3-way grips!”
• For GoPro-type footage on a Budget: Liquid Image 727- Ego “Get high-quality footage with a variety housings to make it good for any terrain—all while saving money.”

The 15 Best Underwater Cameras 2019

Name	Company	Waterproof or Resistant?	Megapixels	Video? Picture? Both?
Olympus TG-5	Olympus	Waterproof 50ft	12MP	Both
Nikon 130	Nikon	Waterproof 100ft	16MP	Both
Nikon Coolpix W300	Nikon	Waterproof 100ft	16MP	Both
GoPro HERO6 Black	GoPro	Waterproof 33ft w/o housing	12MP	Both
Panasonic FT30	Panasonic	Waterproof 26ft	16MP	Both
Leica X-U (Typ 113)	Leica	Waterproof 49ft	16MP	Both
Sony Alpha a6500	Sony	With underwater housing, up to 200ft	24MP	Both
Canon G7X II	Canon	With underwater housing, up to 200ft or even 300ft	20MP	Both
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II	Olympus	With underwater housing, up to 147ft	Up to 40MP with High-Res Shot Mode	Both
Nikon 1 AW1	Nikon	Waterproof up to 49ft	14MP	Both
AKASO EK7000 4K	AKASO	Waterproof up to 100ft	12MP	Both
AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K	AKASO	Waterproof up to 131ft	16MP	Both
APEMAN Action Camera 4K	APEMAN	Waterproof up to 131ft	20MP	Both
VanTop Moment 4	VanTop	Waterproof up to 100ft	20MP	Both
Liquid Image 727- Ego Blue Series	Liquid Image	Water Resistant with proper housing	12MP	Both

Olympus TG-5

• 12MP Image Sensor for Low Light Enhancement and Picture Quality
• Up to 50ft Waterproof Depth
• High-Speed Lens to Capture Fast Moving Objects

Why We Love It

Perfect for the adventurer, the Olympus TG-5 is a 12-megapixel mid-ranged cost camera that can withstand depths of 50 Ft. While it’s perfect for those off-the-beach dives or diving into a lake to look for wrecks, it’s also impressive when it comes to taking pictures out of the water. Regardless of where you are, the Olympus TG-5 has low-light enhancement technologies to make sure that no matter the time of day or how deep you’re diving, your pictures will come to life with vibrancy and color.

The camera also features a few neat tools for the adventurer, such as the built-in Action Track Sensors. This technology uses a GPS to determine your longitude and latitude, your altitude or water depth, and even comes with a compass and temperature reader. So, you’ll always know where you’re at, where you’re going, and you’ll be able to share with your friends and family just how extreme your adventures were when you’re showing off your pictures and videos. Speaking of videos, this camera comes with Ultra HD. You can capture your video in either Full HD for your regular videos or you can crank it up to 4K for some Time Lapse videos. Either way, you can bet on having high quality memories to bring back home with you after your trip!

The Olympus isn’t without it’s accessories to further enhance your adventures. With the underwater housing, you can increase the camera’s depth tolerance to 147ft from it’s original 50ft, turning this from a shallow dive camera to one that’s ready to take on shipwrecks. There are also compatible lenses that are either waterproofed or work to provide extended zoom capabilities. Together, these lenses and accessories can make your camera perfect for any underwater adventure, but also perfect for anything out of the water!

Nikon 130

• Waterproof up to 100ft in depth
• Built-in WIFI capabilities
• Capture the action with up to 5-shots per second

Why We Love It

Looking to explore the coral reefs? Or maybe you’re more daring and you’re looking to go deep into a shark cove? The Nikon 130 is a 16-megapixel low-ranged cost camera that can handle depths of 100 ft and has built-in GPS and mapping features. But perhaps most impressive about this camera is how well it handles capturing fast moving objects. Whether you’re trying to capture a school of fish, or you’re in the shark cove and you’re trying to snap a shot of that black-tip shark zooming overhead, you’re going to need a camera that can get the right image at the right time. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a blurry image and barely anything recognizable in the frame. With its ability to capture up to 5 shots per second, you won’t be left without at least one picture that’s just right. So, you can go diving with confidence knowing your album is going to be full of amazing photos. And when you’re done playing with the fishes, it’s time to get out of the water and take more photos. This camera is freezeproof with temperature tolerances of as low as 14-degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re not swimming amongst the coral reefs in the Summer, take this camera with you for the winter and capture all the excitement the next time you go skiing in the mountains, or capture the family having fun snowtubing and sled riding!

And what’s more, this camera also takes high-quality video. Capture your favorite underwater moments or make some awesome surfing videos in 1080p Full HD. While you’re out and about, the camera also has a built-in Points of Interests system that shows you nearby spots that would make for great scenic photo opportunities, such as landmarks. And when you’re back home, ready to create your albums, the Nikon 130 is equipped with GPS and mapping technologies, including a compass, so you can show off where you were when you took those amazing pictures and video.

And this camera comes with a rechargeable battery. So, no need to replace them! Just plug it in and recharge overnight for the next day’s adventure!

Nikon Coolpix W300

• Extreme Weather/Temperature Thresholds for On-Land and Underwater
• Ultra HD Video
• Underwater Depth of 100 ft

Why We Love It

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is a hardy 16-megapixel low-ranged cost camera that can withstand virtually any terrain and weather conditions. On land, it is able to withstand temperatures as cold as 14-degrees Fahrenheit/-10-degress Celsius, and temperatures as hot as 104-degress Fahrenheit/40-degrees Celsius. This is perfect for whether you’re going skiing on snowcapped mountain tops or taking a trek into a savannah.

But for the underwater adventurer, you’ll be pleased to know that this camera can withstand temperatures as cold as 32-degress Fahrenheit/0-degrees Celsius, and temperatures as hot as 104-degrees Fahrenheit/40-degrees Celsius. Whether it’s a chilly lake in Iceland or you’re taking a dive somewhere in South America, this camera’s ready for adventure as much as you are. And really, it is! It can withstand depths of up to 100 ft, so if you’re planning to investigate a shipwreck or explore a cave, don’t forget your camera to capture the moment.

It’s not just pictures. This camera can also take Full and Ultra HD video (depending on which video feature you’re using. Not all of it is capable of Ultra HD). So, if you find yourself swimming alongside a pod of dolphins, you’ll have the perfect tool to capture the magic of it. And the body of the camera is designed for these active moments. With a body design that has a large grip and ideally placed buttons, it’s easy to quickly setup your camera and capture the moment when it happens. Avoid the inconvenience of fumbling with your camera and missing the action!

For the underwater adventurer, this camera also features a depth gauge and can track water pressure, so you’ll always have an idea of where you are in the water. The Nikon also features a built-in compass and GPS, in the case you need to know where you are in relation to land, or if you just want to show off later where you’ve been taking your awesome photos and video.

GoPro HERO6 Black

• Automatically transfers captured footage to your phone app
• 4K60 High Definition Video Capture
• Waterproof up to 33ft without housing

Why We Love It

You’ve seen it on the headsets of motorcyclist sport stars, you’ve watched parkour experts give you first-person views of their death-defying acts, and you’ve watched hundreds of bungie-rope jumpers screaming into the camera. And it’s all thanks to the GoPro! Now, there is the GoPro Hero6 Black, a 12-megapixel camera that is renowned for its ability to capture and create amazing videos for adventurers and sports enthusiasts. With the Hero6, the camera is waterproof up to 33ft without the need for a housing unit (a housing unit, of course, increases this capability). This makes it perfect for taking the adventure to the water, capturing video footage of the next time you go snorkeling or diving, getting the same vibrant and high-definition video but of your underwater adventures instead.

One of the unique features of the GoPro Hero6 is how it interacts with a phone app called QuikStories. When enabled, it automatically draws from your footage as you’re taking it, editing it and crafting together a visual story for you to show your friends and family. Whether you’re making a visual journal of your underwater trip to investigate a shipwreck, or you want a video of you just playing with a group of silly pufferfish off the coast of Hawaii, the GoPro has the software to make it happen—and it’s all automatic!

Compared to its predecessor, the Hero5, the Hero6 also boasts 2x the performance with a GP1 chip that’s been optimized for better footage quality and stabilization. Even in low-light conditions, you can count on the Hero6 to bring you fantastic image and footage. What’s more, the Hero6 also comes with GPS, giving you location as well as elevation, speed, and other stats that can then be added to your videos if you feel like showing off to your friends or family. So, whether you’re taking footage and images for your personal album, or you’re aiming to become a YouTube Scuba Diving Superstar, you’ll have images and footage that’s ready to take your audience by storm.

Panasonic FT30

• 720p HD video capture
• Waterproof up to 26ft in depth
• Creative Retouch, Creative Effects, and Creative Control features

Why We Love It

The Panasonic FT30 is a 16.1-megapixel camera with mega optical image stabilizer technology for clear pictures, no matter where you go. With a waterproof of up to 26ft deep, this camera is perfect for beach outings, or if you’re into shallow water snorkeling. With the stabilizer technology to prevent blurring by hand-shake, you won’t be left out of the action. Whether you’re catching some great surfing or a fun game of volleyball, the Panasonic FT30 is ready for it. You’ll have crystal clear images and sharp video no matter what your subject is. The camera also sports an Advanced Underwater Mode that helps compensate for the loss of red tone in underwater shooting—further ensuring that your pictures come out the way that they should, and not altered by the change of depth in your snorkeling or shallow diving. So, when you decide to explore that shallow coral reef, you can rest assured that you’ll capture it in all of its beautiful colors.

And this camera is durable! Thanks to its design, the Panasonic FT30 is meant to withstand temperatures as cold as 14-degrees Fahrenheit, and also survive drops of up to 4.9 ft. So fear not if you should accidentally drop the camera while snapping pictures in the Piazza Santa Maria of Rome, or you’re walking the trails of the Appalachian mountains.

Speaking of video, this camera is ready to capture 720p HD footage for you to store in your personal albums or if you feel like sharing it to social media or your own channel. The camera also comes with a switch, so you can quickly hop from video to image-capture in a second. If you’re a nature kind of person, this camera also features a time-lapse function, giving you that ability to watch the sun cross the sky or even watch your flower gardens bloom.

Most impressive about this camera may be its Creative functions. Employ different effects and manipulate your videos and pictures with Creative Control (video) and Creative Retouch (photo) to give your captured memories a special touch and some flair.

Leica X-U (Typ 113)

• Mirrorless camera, ideal for underwater capture
• Waterproof for up to 49 ft in depth
• 16MP and 1080p Full HD

Why We Love It

The Leica X-U (TYP 113) is a 16.2-megapixel high-ranged cost mirrorless camera that is perfect for the underwater adventurer in you. With the mirrorless camera feature, this camera is better suited for underwater picture and video camera than most of its competition. What’s more, it’s designed to withstand depths of 49 ft without the need of underwater housing, and it can last for up to 60 minutes.

Along with its dustproof and shockproof design, this camera is designed to take punishment and go wherever you go, ready to capture memories at the right place at the right time. The aluminum construction aids in this camera’s durability and its ability to take hard knocks. And the sealed body is what keeps the water and dust out, no matter what kind of weather you’re in, even if you’re in the middle of a terrifying storm. The anti-slip grip also helps ensure that you don’t drop the already-tough camera while catching the action!

The 23mm lens has an angle of view that rivals that of a 35mm lens. What’s more, the lens has an underwater protection filter, adding to its durability against the elements. And its resistant to glare, helping you capture your subject without the interference of stray light sources. The APS-C CMOS sensor helps ensure that your pictures remain clear, vibrant, and high in resolution. It also serves to help keep your pictures the same quality, even in low light situations. Thanks to these features, you can count on the Leica both while you are in the water as well as when you’re out and looking to capture more moments.

Thanks to the depth tolerance and submersion time, this makes for an excellent camera for exploring coral reefs without having to worry about time! Capture the sea life and the beautiful coral at your leisure. What’s more, with how the APS-C CMOS sensor works, you won’t have to worry about blur or loss of quality as you go deeper to get a closer look at what’s swimming around. These same capabilities make this camera perfect for when you’re out of the water. With the rugged tough design, you won’t have to worry about dropping the camera while walking on a hiking trail. You also won’t have to worry about experiencing loss of quality when taking pictures during a nightly rooftop party.

Sony Alpha a6500

• Mirrorless camera, perfect for underwater capture
• 24MP and APS-C sensor for incredible picture quality
• Withstand depths of up to 200ft with proper underwater housing

Why We Love It

The Sony Alpha a6500 comes at an impressive 24.2-megapixels. And while it’s in the higher cost range, its mirrorless feature makes it ideal for underwater capture. With the proper underwater housing, the Sony Alpha a6500 can reach the depths of 200 or more ft, making it not only one of the best in terms of visual fidelity, but also in its underwater capabilities. Whether you’re going for a calm snorkel off the beach or you’re looking to do some extreme diving, this camera has you covered!

What’s more, this camera is well equipped to take stunning video footage along with the pictures you may take. Enjoy 4k as well as Full HD with this camera. No matter how you choose to capture your underwater adventures, this camera will help keep those treasured memories looking the same as the day you experienced them with your own eyes. And if you’re a fan of shooting continuous shots, you’ll enjoy the camera’s 8fps live-view continuous shooting. This helps reduce the lag of your continuous shooting, allowing you to take multiple shots and capture moving subjects almost as immediately as you see them. Now you won’t miss those once-in-a-lifetime moments!

The Sony Alpha a6500 is also the first of its kind to have the 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization system in an APS-C E-mount camera. This helps virtually cancel out any motion blur, no matter what direction the camera is moving to follow its subject. Have a pod of dolphins swimming overhead? No problem! Have a shark swimming and passing beneath you? Sure thing! Are you surrounded by a school of colorful fish and you’re trying to take multiple shots from various angles? The Sony Alpha a6500 can do it. It’s one of those few cameras that really gives you a lot of bang for its buck! This makes the Sony Alpha a6500 perfect for exploring coral reefs that are abundant with life and activity. Even when faced with wild sea life moving in all directions, you’ll capture them all in all of its color and beauty. It doesn’t stop there—this camera is just as amazing when out of the water. Whether you’re taking pictures or video at a beach party or you’re at a dirt bike race, you’ll be able to capture sharp, blur-free images of your friends and family as well as that dirt bike racer soaring through the air, dirt and mud trailing behind its wheels.

Canon G7X II

• Tilt and Touch Screen
• Powered by the DIGIC 7 Image Processor
• Depending on underwater housing used, can withstand depths of up to 200 or even 300 ft

Why We Love It

The Canon G7X II is the leader here when it comes to creative design, and that’s thanks to its tilt screen with touch capabilities. With the screen being able to tilt up to 180-degrees up or 45-degrees down, you can take pictures at angles that normally would be impossible without sacrificing the use of your screen to give you an idea of what your camera is looking at. Now, it’s a thing of the past. You can take difficulty to angle shots, while still keeping a keen eye on your shot. The touch screen is just icing on the cake, allowing easy operations while you’re lining up your perfect shot.

The powerful DIGIC 7 Image Processor works to maintain high-quality images with improved auto focus tracking and better clarity. The processor helps keep the subjects in focus, so no matter how you’re trying to track that colorful fish, that enormous manta ray, or just trying to capture the fun that you and your family are having on your first scuba trip, the Canon G7X II will capture the moment the way it ought to be. The processor also helps improve image quality even in low-light situations. So, when you’re making those deep dives, like to the site of a shipwreck, you can count on the Canon G7x II to be ready to capture the moment without loss of light, clarity, or color. The camera also features something called Dual Sensing IS, which helps minimize blurring from movement and camera shake, so you won’t have to worry about how you’re moving with the currents while trying to capture the perfect shot. With the DIGIC 7 Image Processor, and the High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, this creates Canon’s HS system which makes their cameras capable of reducing noise and bringing out the details of any shot, regardless of how much lighting or how little there is. This makes the camera impressive even out of the water, when you’re trying to take pictures on camping trips or trying to capture a fireworks show. The possibilities are endless thanks to this camera’s comprehensive features that try to cover all the bases.

So long as you have the proper underwater housing, this camera can withstand depths of anywhere from 200 to an impressive 300 ft! This camera can become a diver’s best friend!

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

• Full HD 1080p video capture
• 5-Axis Voice Coil Motor system for the best no-blur images
• 40MP High-Resolution Shot Mode

Why We Love It

Say goodbye to blurry images and videos with the award-winning Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. This powerhouse of a camera by Olympus sports a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor as well as the TruePic VII image processor. This combination allows for super sharp images that can go even further when you switch on the 40MP High Resolution Shot Mode. Now you can get the ultimate in detailed captures, whether you’re taking a shot of a scenic beach before you go for a dive, or you’re taking an up-close portrait of your loved ones. When used with proper underwater housing, this mid-ranged cost camera that can reach the depths of up to 147ft, giving you the ability to take these amazing shots not just on the beach, but beneath the ocean surface.

It is thanks to the 5-Axis Voice Coil Motor system that this camera is capable of eliminating all blurs in your images. Regardless of whether you’re moving the camera left, right, up down, or diagonally, the camera will be able to read and compensate for your movements, capturing images in their fullness with none of the details lost. So, you can confidently record or snap shots of the perfect moments without worrying about blur. Just point and shoot, and let the camera do the rest! The camera works well even in low-light scenes, producing ever-sharp images.

With that same 5-Axis Voice Coil Motor and the camera’s Full HD resolution video capture, you can take videos of what’s going on under the sea, and you won’t have to worry about loss of image quality. Forget about needing a tripod. With this level of stabilization, you won’t need one to get that same movie quality to your own video recordings. This is thanks to the Image Stabilization system being in the body of the camera, which allows it to better accurately reading the camera’s movements and adjust to ensure perfect image quality.

Even when it’s not in a waterproof housing, the camera is designed to be lighter than its competitors and is made with an all-metal body, making it a tough one. It is also proofed against dust, splashes, and freezing, so you can be sure that this camera is ready for your adventures, whether you’re going for that dive off the coast, or you’re going to the mountains to take a break from it all.

Nikon 1 AW1

• The World’s First Waterproof and Shockproof interchangeable lens camera
• Full HD 1080p video capture
• World’s fastest continuous shooting frame rate of 15fps

Why We Love It

The Nikon 1 AW1 is a tough survivor. This 14.2-megapixel low-ranged cost camera has been designed with durability in mind. Without the need for underwater housing, this camera has been waterproofed to take on up to 49 ft in depth. You can go for that shallow dive off the beach and take all the pictures and video you want without worrying about the camera’s integrity failing or the need for a bulky housing just to enjoy your picture taking. What’s more, this camera has been designed to be shockproof for falls up to 6.6 ft. Whether you’re on the beach or you’re on a bike path, this camera is likely to survive any drop you might have. And if you’re a snow sport enthusiast, don’t worry—this camera can survive temperatures as low as 14-degrees Fahrenheit and keep on trucking. This goes for both capturing the perfect snapshot or taking videos of your greatest moments in the ocean, on the snowy hills, or just in your backyard. And if you’re a real adventurer that likes to share their tales, this camera comes with a built-in GPS so you can geotag your images. Show off your vast travels and adventures with your friends, family, and social network. And while you’re in the action, this camera also comes with a depth gauge and altitude indicator, so you’ll always know how deep in the waters you’ve dived or how close to the clouds you’ve reached!

The 14MP CMOS image sensor in the camera helps not only making sure that your images are sharp and vibrant, but they also make sure your pictures and video remain so even in low-light conditions. So, whether you’re diving deeper to get a shot of an underwater cave, or you’re spending the evening on the beach having a dinner and a show with the family, this camera has you covered. Furthermore, the camera sports the world’s fastest continuous shooting frame rate of 15fps on full autofocus. Now you can now only capture your memories in picture perfect quality, but you can make sure you don’t miss that crucial frame of that important event or moment.

AKASO EK7000 4K

• Waterproofed with 100ft depth tolerance
• 180 minutes of total battery life thanks to two rechargeable batteries
• 4k Ultra HD video recording

Why We Love It

The AKASO EK7000 4K is the perfect video recording solution for the active adventurer. Whether you’re into diving for shipwrecks or climbing the side of a cliff face, this camera’s been designed to capture every second of your fun journeys and intense adventures. With the 4k Ultra HD video recording, you can be sure that your video recordings will capture every detail there is. When underwater, you can be sure to capture all the vibrant colors of the coral reef, follow a pod of dolphins as you swim alongside them, or detail your approach of a mysterious cove.

The camera’s 170-degree wide angle lens ensures that you’ll capture more of the scene, whether you’re recording or snapping a picture. Speaking of pictures, the AKASO EK7000 4K features 12MP of high-quality picture taking. When you’re out of the water, you can have the convenience of a wireless write remote to control the camera, taking pictures and recording videos.

This AKASO camera comes with two rechargeable batteries, each providing 90 minutes of battery life. That means you’ll have 180 minutes of battery power to capture the best moments of your day out on the beach, in the mountains, or deep in the ocean waters.

The camera also makes it easy to edit your videos and share them, thanks to the downloadable App that works with the camera. Whether it’s with your phone or your tablet, the app will help you make sure that your friends, family, and YouTube audience know what’s the latest in your undersea adventures or just your morning bike ride!

AKASO EK7000 Pro

• 16MP image capture
• Capable of 4K and 1080p video capture
• Waterproofed for up to 131 ft of depth

Why We Love It
Meet the upgraded version of the AKASO EK7000 4K… the AKASO EK7000 Pro. This camera features an upgrade of 16MP in picture capture, upping the megapixels by a measure. What’s more, the camera features a built-in Electronic Image Stabilization system that works to keep the picture and video capture smooth and the images steady. Now, you can track fast moving objects, schools of swimming fish, or track a shark without needing to worry about motion blur. It’s perfect for catching the action and share it with the same clarity as if you were there.

Speaking of undersea sights and adventures, this camera is designed to withstand underwater depths of up to 131 ft, making it perfect for shallow drives as well as deeper ones. Whether it’s a shark cove near the beach that you want to explore, or a wreck in the middle of a deep lake that you wish to brave, the AKASO EK7000 Pro is prepared for what lies ahead.

Another impressive upgrade is the view angle. Where the previous version only had a wide angle, the Pro version has an adjustable view angle. You can choose from narrow, medium, wide, and super wide. Now, you can make sure you’re capturing the action exactly the way you want it. Are you trying to have your video be really focused on a particular subject? Maybe you’re tracking an octopus that’s swimming along the sea floor. Maybe you want a super wide shot to take in the entirety of a coral reef? This camera does it all. This works outside the water as well. Imagine taking in the wide view of a canyon while mountain biking down a trail. Or maybe you’re a parkour enthusiast and want to narrowly capture every handhold and landing.

Another great added feature is the touchscreen, making control even easier and more convenient. But that doesn’t mean you don’t also get the wrist-worn remote control. Whatever your preference, activating your camera’s recording is easier than ever. What’s more, this upgraded version also sports a Dash Cam Mode, so you can use it for your driving as well, whether for casual driving or because you’re a sports driver. Compared to its predecessor, the AKASO EK7000 4K is truly a great upgrade.

APEMAN Action Camera 4K

• 20MP image capture and 4K video capture with ultra-wide view angle
• Waterproofed for up to 131 ft in underwater depth
• Built-in stabilization system

Why We Love It
The APEMAN Action Camera 4K is a low-range cost camera that’s more than capable of handling the demands of the underwater adventurer. This camera sports Ultra HD 4K video capture for making super sharp and detailed videos ready for sharing to your friends and family, or to your social media audience. What’s more, if you’re looking to take picture of your undersea adventures, the APEMAN also takes 20MP pictures, all further enhanced with anti-shaking stabilization so that your pictures and videos will never be blurry while you’re trying to record and snap pictures of the action as well as your best memories of your friends and family. This makes the camera ideal not just for scuba diving and snorkeling on your water adventures, it’s also great for more intense water sports as well as activities outside of the water. It’s great waterproofing makes it ideal for winter sports as well, whether you’re into skiing or snowboarding down the side of a mountain, or ice climbing on the other side of that mountain. And with the camera’s ultra-wide viewing angle, you’ll be sure to capture the fun and not miss a thing.

What’s more, this camera also has loop recording and car modes, making it an ideal dash cam for sports drivers as well as casual driving. Or if you’re a motorcyclist, this also makes a fantastic helmet cam. For the nature enthusiast, the camera has a time lapse function that makes both sun and star tracking absolute joy. Or maybe you’re not into looking up but looking down at the life all around you—this camera can capture the beauty of a flower blooming, or the transition of beautiful snow giving way to the thaw of Spring.

Almost like a bonus, you also get a bag that carries all of your accessories for your camera, including two rechargeable batteries that provide your camera with an impressive 180 minutes of battery life, so you’ll always have enough power to capture your whole day of memories.

VanTop Moment 4

• Waterproofed for up to 100ft in depth
• Equipped with Sony 4K TrueDepth
• 4K Video Capture

Why We Love It
The VanTop Moment 4 is a low-cost range camera that still packs a punch. For the underwater adventurers, this camera is waterproofed for up to 100ft deep, making it perfect for snorkeling as much as coral reef diving, but also great for those who want to go deeper looking for shipwrecks and treasure hunting. This camera sports a Sony 4K TrueDepth camera, granting it 20MP photo quality along with 4K video resolution. Whether you’re there to take pictures or wanting to record some great clips of what’s going on, you won’t be found wanting with this camera. What’s more, the onboard chip works to help extend your recording times and prevent overheating.

To further add to the quality of your images and videos, the VanTop Moment 4 contains Electronic Image Stabilization technology to help make sure whatever you capture is blur-free and maintains all the details. The camera also has a Dash Cam Mode, making it ideal for both sports drivers and motorcyclists, but it also works well as a means to capture vehicular accident, so that you’ll never be left with a hit and run.

The camera also comes with a plethora of accessories to increase convenience as well as provide extra functionality. There’s a wrist-mounted remote control for the camera itself. The camera also comes with a 360-degree adaptor and even helmet mounts for the biker or skier. And of course, there’s the waterproof housing for the underwater enthusiast. In all, there are almost a whopping twenty accessories included with the VanTop Moment 4!

Liquid Image 727 – Ego Blue Series

• Water resistant housing available
• Able to be controlled by smartphone
• Full HD 1080p video capture

Why We Love It

The Liquid Image 727 is a highly-compatible camera that works with a variety of mounts (includes a tripod mount and a multi-directional flat mount) depending on the kind of activity or sport that you want to use it for. This level of modification and customization makes this a very adaptable sport camera, not unlike that of the GoPro, but for a fraction of the price.

The camera’s photo mode can capture images at 12MP and also features a continuous photo mode for capturing the right moments in the right frame. The real magic behind this camera is its Full HD 1080p video capture. Whether you’re taking it out to the beach to surf some waves, or you’re using it to capture your high-speed motorcycling, with the right mount or housing, this camera’s all set to capture your intense adventures. And when you’re ready, there are apps that allow you to transfer and share your experiences for your friend, family, and social media audience to see.

While this is on the lower price range, it is the camera’s ability to work with a variety of mounts and housings that give it an added value. Also, it comes in a variety of colors for even further customization!

Buyer’s Guide

With so many cameras in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of choices. There are so many, they all look neat, and they all have a bewildering number of features. How do you figure out which one’s really the one that’s best for you and your plans? Consult this Buyer’s Guide to help you decide on that!

Here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for a camera. You’re going to want to find a balance between all of these to ensure that your camera will fit your exact purpose.

• Are you looking more for capturing images or recording video?
• Are you more into active sports or into more calm or indoor activities?
• Do you intend to take your camera through various environments such as extreme cold or getting submerged underwater?

These three could be seen as almost the holy trinity of what determines your choice of camera. There’s a different camera for every lifestyle, and these three questions can really help narrow things down for you. After that, you’ll have a good idea of what choices make sense for your plans.

Capturing Images or Recording Video

While most people might just shrug and say both, it actually matters which one you really see yourself doing more of. Some cameras are designed more for capturing active scenes and high action, while other cameras are designed for capturing incredible, vibrant still images. Sure, these cameras will often be able to do both, but you can usually count on them to do one better than the other. It’s a mix of what the manufacturer is good at as well as the type of camera that it is. A company could make one that’s more for active users while another camera in the same series could be for the more contemplative still-shot camera enthusiast. Be sure to check the megapixel count for when it’s taking still images. Does it have image stabilization to prevent blur? What kind of stabilization system? For video recording, be sure to check on whether it does 1080p Full HD or Ultra HD 4K. Some cameras do both, but they may be limited to doing 4K in one mode or another, while the rest of it uses 1080p. Be sure to look into what the camera actually can do with the different resolutions.

Are You More into Active Sports? Calm, Indoor Activities?

This question depends entirely on your plans. Are you planning to go scuba diving with your camera to record your daring adventures? Or do you plan to take lots of pictures and videos of your friends and family playing board game night every Friday? Your answer will lead to the next and final question.

Various Environments: Extreme Cold? Submerged Underwater?

If you answered that you’re going for something more active, ask yourself this. Where is it you’re taking your camera? Does it involve going underwater? Does it involve toughing it out in the extreme cold of a mountain top? Or maybe weathering the dust storms of some far-off desert? Some cameras are designed to better handle certain environments and conditions. Make sure to check your camera’s durability features and weather/environmental features.

FAQ

There may be some questions you may further have regarding your camera, even after you’ve chosen one. And that’s okay! Technology has a way of constantly changing, and with those changes, more questions will pop up. Here are a couple you may find yourself asking.

Do I need to update my camera’s firmware? Is it possible?

Yes, it is possible, and you certainly should consider doing it. Thanks to these firmware updates, your camera can be updated to function better. Sometimes camera software can encounter bugs and issues that affect its ability to perform properly. That’s what these firmware updates are for.

Do I need to replace my camera after every few years?

It is within the realm of possibility, but so long as you take care of your camera and it fulfills the purpose you needed it for, you could find yourself using the same camera for many years. People update their camera models for various reasons. Some enthusiasts do it because they just love having the newest gear. Others see the new models as a means to get even better shots and videos at even higher resolutions and in great detail. It all comes down to what your purpose and intent is when it comes to using your camera.

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing a camera has a lot to do with personal preference. There are a lot of good cameras out there, and there isn’t exactly one that rules them all. You will need to decide for yourself in the end, which one really fits you and your needs?

Even when it came to this list of the best underwater cameras, choosing a winner was difficult. But with underwater activities in mind, with good video recording quality as a must have, and underwater capabilities being an absolute necessity, we were able to come out with a winner: the Sony Alpha a6500. It has both incredible photo and video capabilities while being able to take on extreme depths of up to 200 feet so long as it has the right housing. And it has a highly sophisticated image stabilization system that is invaluable when capturing photos and videos of undersea life, especially since things rarely stay still in the ocean. Just those alone make this camera the perfect candidate for any underwater enthusiast.

But if you had a different kind of camera in mind, that’s okay as well. In the end, depending on what kind of camera you’re really looking for, we’re sure that one of these 15 Best Underwater Cameras will suit you!

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