Searching for the best waterproof camera on the market right now? Whether you need something to capture your snorkelling adventures, or just taking a dunk in the local lido, the best underwater cameras will deliver both high-quality photos and video when you’re submerged.
A lot of smartphones offer at least some level of waterproofing or water resistance. But if you want real peace-of-mind when shooting underwater – or even for family trips to the beach – a properly rugged camera is a solid investment. Take a look at the list below to discover the newest and best waterproof cameras that will help you capture your next aquatic adventure.
You might opt for a tough compact camera, but you might also opt for a dedicated action camera, depending on the type of adventurer you are. Whichever you pick, all of those recommended below will easily resist more than just a splash.
There are a few things to think about when selecting the best waterproof camera. One of the biggest considerations is how deep you think you’ll be taking the camera. Underwater cameras can generally reach at least five metres, but if you’re somebody who’s a dedicated diver, look for those that offer deeper levels, such as 30m. Image stabilization should be considered if you’ll be shooting in choppy waters, while low-light performance – considering you’ll be deep underwater, are also crucial factors.
If you’re into your high-action waterspouts, super-slo mo video recording will ensure that you capture all those stunning waves, while a shockproof model makes sense as they’re likely to take a bit of a battering. Time-lapse recording is another spec to keep your eye out for, too. When you’re back on solid ground, being able to share your snaps with those sitting at home will prove exactly what you did. In which case, those which offer connectivity options are pretty much a must-have.
We’ve put all of the following waterproof cameras through their paces to bring you the best waterproof cameras on the market. No matter your budget or your needs, the right waterproof camera for you is almost certainly definitely on this list.
What about Black Friday 2020?
If you’ve got your eye on a waterproof camera, you might be able to find one for a discounted price during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. These officially start on November 27, but we’ve already seen some great deals go live. All of the major retailers tend to get on board with these events and they’re usually a smart moment to shop for camera bargains. That’s especially true if you’re happy with a bundled deal or don’t mind ordering a slightly older model: last year’s event saw 15% knocked off the GoPro Hero 7 White, for example.
Best waterproof cameras 2020 at a glance:
- Olympus Tough TG-6
- Nikon Coolpix W300
- Fujifilm XP140
- GoPro Hero 8 Black
- Panasonic Lumix FT7 / TS7
- Ricoh WG-60
Best waterproof cameras in 2020:
Olympus’s Tough line of waterproof cameras has arguably the strongest reputation here, and the company has kitted its most recent TG-6 model with features decidedly towards the premium end of the scale. Raw shooting? Check. 4K video? Yep, that too. GPS? Hell yes. Even the same processing engine as the OM-D E-M1 X mirrorless model features here. Together with a lens that has a maximum aperture of f/2 at the wide end and a raft of close-focusing goodies on top of that, the camera is certainly ready for all manner of land-based and underwater captures. We do wish Olympus had moved things along a little further from what we saw in the previous TG-5, however, which was our previous top pick and not that dissimilar to what we have here. We’re just finishing our full review and while we can see it being a stronger model, the TG-5 would still be a fine choice if you’re on a tighter budget.
The Coolpix W300 comes fully-loaded with a host of features – there’s 4K video for starters, a terrific GPS system, interactive world map and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus an altimeter and underwater depth gauge to boot. The W300 also offers a high resolution, 921k dot OLED monitor, but perhaps most impressive of all is that the W300 can function down to a depth of 30 metres – as far as an Advanced Open Water diving certificate will get you.
Almost identical to the Fujifilm XP130 before it, Fujifilm’s latest tough camera retains many of its specs: there’s the same 16.4MP sensor, the same 5x optical zoom and the same 3-inch touchscreen.
Though you wouldn’t know it from looking, the XP140 is marginally more rugged than its predecessor, making it close to indestructible. Dustproof, shockproof to 1.8m and freeze proof to -10ºC, it’s also waterproof down to 25m, so it should survive even the deepest of snorkeling expeditions.
The biggest changes are found inside the camera. It can now capture 100fps slow-mo in 720p, as well as true 4K footage – though a disappointing 4K frame rate of 15fps means it’s much more capable as a Full HD 1080p shooter. Maximum ISO has also been doubled to 12,800 for enhanced low-light performance, while new subject and scene detection skills are backed up by a wider range of in-camera filters.
Because the sensor is stabilized and back-illuminated, the XP140 can deliver great results underwater, while the sizable display makes framing easy even with goggles on. When you’re back on dry land, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it a cinch to offload images via the Fujifilm app – or an Instax Share printer for instant prints.
The GoPro Hero 8 Black has technically been superseded by the new Hero 9 Black. Yet while it might lack the front-facing screen and higher resolution sensor of its successor, the Hero 8 Black captures seamless 4K/60p footage that’s just as impressive – and its HyperSmooth stabilization smarts keep things pretty much as steady beneath the waves.
With prices lower than ever, the Hero 8 Black arguably hits the action cam sweet spot. It’s certainly worth considering as an underwater camera: waterproof to 10m without a housing, it also serves up decent HDR for scenes with broad contrast ranges. And though low-light performance could be better, the optional Light Mod means you can easily illuminate the murky depths.
Its combination of two buttons and a touchscreen make the Hero 8 Black a cinch to control, while Custom Presets and four digital lenses put versatility at your fingertips. Add smartphone connectivity into the mix for easy uploading and there’s every reason to keep the Hero 8 Black on your underwater wish list.
Panasonic’s new Lumix TS7 (called the Lumix FT7 outside the US) is the latest waterproof camera here. As opposed to Olympus, which reduced the resolution of its TG-5, Panasonic has gone the other direction, increasing the pixel count from 16.1MP in the TS5 / FT5 to 20.4MP in the Lumix TS7 / FT7. Lens coverage remains the same as its predecessor, with a 4.6x zoom range that covers 28-128mm, but interestingly, the lens loses its Leica branding. The Lumix TS7 / FT7 does have something unique for a waterproof camera: a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The 1,170k-dot, 0.2-inch display might not be the largest out there, but it does offer a useful alternative to shooting with the rear display, especially in bright light, which can make composition tricky. There’s lots to like about the Lumix TS7 / FT7, including its excellent tough credentials, but is let down by a sensor that crams too many pixels onto a relatively small area.
The WG-60 from Ricoh has some pretty strong tough credentials – it’s waterproof to a depth of 14m/45.9ft and shockproof from a fall of up to 1.6m/5.2ft, while it should withstand a force of up to 100kg/220lbs. It’s also dust-proof, and can operate in temperatures down to -10°C/14°F. The 5x optical zoom has a pretty broad focal zoom range, from 28-140mm, while there are six LED macro lights dotted round the front of the lens barrel to deliver bright and uniformed lighting round your subject – ideal when shooting underwater subjects. The macro lights also provide other useful functions, such as the LED Lighting mode, that uses the lights for adding light to portraits in poor light – it should deliver a more flattering look than the WG-60’s dedicated flash.
Also consider…
On specs alone, the GoPro Hero 8 Black offers only a modest update on the Hero 7 Black, which is still a stellar waterproof camera in its own right. Delve deeper, though, and you’ll find the Hero 8 Black is more streamlined than its forebear, twice as shockproof and equipped with a new wind-resistant microphone. Low-light image processing is better than before – good news for those who frequent the murky depths – while HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization is sublime and four digital zoom lengths should make subject switching a cinch at sea. What really sets the Hero 8 Black apart from its predecessor is the advent of Mods, a range of add-on enhancements. Of the three announced so far, the waterproof Light Mod, capable of projecting 200 lumens onto anything within 1m, should have divers reaching for their waterproof wallets.
Looking for a holiday camera with a longer zoom range? Take a look at our pick of the best travel zoom compacts. Alternatively, video might be your main priority, which in that case, take a look at our guide to the best action cameras and best GoPro cameras.