The Best Underwater Cameras In 2020
Our divers at work
Test 27 different Underwater Cameras and write reviews of the best.
The result is 15 of the best Underwater Cameras on the market today.
Momchil K
Writer & Wilderness Author
Momchil is our Gear Geek and Writer.
Torben Lonne
Each comes with its own unique selling points, which we’ve detailed below. All you need to do is think about what features you need and decide on a budget. And if you need to know a little more about underwater cameras, we go over some of the key points you’ll need to consider when making a purchase.
Best Underwater Cameras
Besides its durability, it also takes excellent photos and can capture a water drop in 4K resolution. The Olympus Tough’s zoom can extend up to eight times, so small details in the distance are easy to capture. Image quality, even without editing is vivid and bright.
Perfect for shallow dives, snorkeling, and swimming with five underwater shooting modes, the Tough underwater camera is also suited to other outdoor pursuits.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and Features:
- Maximum depth rating: 50ft/15m
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 2.1 ounces
- 4K resolution
- Five underwater shooting modes
- Three underwater white balance modes
- Variable macro system
- Waterproof, shock-proof, freezeproof, and crushproof
What we like:
- What makes this camera stand out from its competition is its durability. You can use the Tough camera during any outdoor endeavor
- Recall your adventurous moments by browsing through the high-resolution photos without lag
- Zoom up to eight times to capture distant details and objects in sharp detail
What we don’t like:
- Not the cheapest underwater camera on the market, price-wise, it’s comparable to a GoPro
- The wifi transfer function can be slow at times
Additionally, this underwater camera tilts 180 degrees upwards easily, meaning you can take fantastic selfies both above and below the surface. It features a 20-megapixel camera with three-times zoom capabilities, enough to create outstanding photos with minimal effort.
We like that the wifi and USB photo transfer is fast and effortless. The Lumix LX10 4K camera features a micro HDMI slot and USB 2.0 micro-B ports.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the PANASONIC LUMIX LX10 4K Digital Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- 260 shots per charge
- 4K HD resolution
- Fast lens and shutter speeds
- Wifi and USB photo transfer
- 180-degrees upward positioning
- 20-megapixel camera
- 3X Optical zoom
What we like:
- As far as point-and-shoot cameras go, the Lumix LX10 delivers on image quality
- Very fast shutter and lens speed, which is useful underwater
- Excellent video quality
- Easy photo review and upload functions
What we don’t like:
- Video stabilization can be a bit shaky
- No option to manually adjust the aperture
- You need a housing at additional cost
What’s more, you won’t need filters to take great photos with this underwater camera, something not many other cameras offer. Additionally, the battery lasts up to three hours, meaning you can stay in the water longer and capture more moments from your dive.
To make your experience even more convenient, download the Paralenz app to your device. The application allows you to highlight your best moments, sort your pictures, and much more.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Paralenz Dive Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and Features:
- Depth rating: 250 meters
- High-quality construction
- 4K HD camera
- Long-lasting battery
- No additional filters needed
- Small and easy to handle
What we like:
- The Paralenz underwater camera boasts one of the finest 4K HD lenses out there and the subaqua photos it produces are sure to impress
- Compared to other underwater cameras, this one is like a rock. A super durable construction means you’ll have it for years
- Super easy to use and get started
- No housing required
What we don’t like:
- Mask mount functionality leaves a little to be desired until you get the hang of it
With 4K HD resolution, this camera captures high-quality photos and videos that make it a breeze to capture all your underwater moments. Additionally, outside of its housing, it makes a great on-land camera.
We really like the macro shooting mode, perfect for nudis and shrimp. And in regards to its zoom, it captures the smallest details in the distance with exceptional clarity. Vloggers, casual photographers, and ardent underwater photographers alike all rate the LX100 II for its ease of use and excellent quality images and video.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 4.53 x 2.61 x 2.53 inches
- Weight: 0.86 pounds
- 4K HD resolution
- Anti-shake function
- Macro mode
- 21.77 Megapixel camera
- 3.1X Optical zoom
- Wifi and Bluetooth compatible
What we like:
- Oodles of extra features make this camera stand out from the pack
- Designed with a couple of sensors that hugely impact photo quality
- Excellent macro shooting mode
- The Panasonic Lumix LX100 offers impressive anti-shake capabilities
What we don’t like:
- It’s a costly camera, and you will need to purchase a housing, but if you have the budget, you won’t be disappointed
Offering up 4K HD resolution, this camera performs well above the waves and underwater, just don’t forget your housing!
The Sony RX100’s performance quality stems from a number of desirable features including a 20.1 megapixel 1.0 type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar, super-fast AF, and high magnification zoom lens.
We love the external microphone jack, which is ideal for making movies on land. And for underwater images, the 24-200mm zoom lens means clarity and depth in every detail.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 4 x 1.7 x 2.4 inches
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
- 4K HD resolution
- Intuitive, user-friendly design
- 1.0 Type stacked CMOS sensor
- Real-time tracking
- High optical zoom functionality
- Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24 200 millimeter lens
- Up to 20 frames per second blackout-free shooting
What we like:
- Outstanding image quality
- Simple, intuitive design
- The video function is excellent for underwater shoots
- Stabilization features make this camera an underwater photographer’s best friend
- All the quality of a DSLR camera in a point and shoot design
What we don’t like:
- There isn’t a lot to dislike here, but as one of the most expensive cameras on our list, you won’t be impressed if your housing leaks…
A 20.1-megapixel lens combined with smart point-and-shoot features means taking a quality picture is a breeze. The Canon G7x Bundle as a whole comes with oodles of accessories like an extra battery pack, memory card wallet, lens pen, HDMI cable, screen protectors, microfiber cloth, cleaning solution, and cotton swabs.
You also get a flexible 12-inch spider tripod so you can mount the camera anywhere and get the best shot possible. Underwater, Canon’s new DIGIX 7 processor performs well and offers up faster autofocus and better RAW capture. Plus we like the one-touch custom white balance function.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Canon G7x Mark II Digital Camera Bundle:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.6 x 6.3 inches
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- 4.2X Optical lens
- Three-inch touch display
- 1080p video recording
- Wifi compatible
- SanDisk 64GB memory card
- Extra battery pack
- USB card reader
- LCD screen protectors
- Cleaning solutions
- Flexible 12-inch spider tripod
What we like:
- Expandable memory card slot, so you can increase the memory with a 64GB SanDisk memory card
- You can use the G7X Mark II in harsh conditions without worrying about it being worn down by the elements
- The bundle comes with all the accessories you need
- High-definition pictures and videos
- Point-and-shoot capabilities that surpass many other compacts
What we don’t like:
- It comes with a European charging cable that is not suitable for USA sockets
- The camera does not come with a headphone jack to be used with an external microphone
- Not compatible with Canon’s G7X housings as the Mark II is slightly larger, so if you’re upgrading from the earlier model, you’ll need to purchase a new housing
Use it whenever you want — diving, swimming, climbing, trekking, kayaking, and a bunch of other outdoor activities. The 4K HD camera delivers great photos and the 5X zoom lens means you won’t struggle to capture distant details clearly.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Nikon COOLPIX W300 16MP 4k Ultra HD Waterproof Digital Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Depth rated to 100ft/30m
- Dimensions: 2.00 x 2.00 x 2.00 inches
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Nikkor telephoto lens
- 16.0 Megapixels
- Tough as nails and built from high-quality materials
- Suitable for kinds of outdoor pursuits
- 4K HD camera
- 5x Optical zoom
- Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof
- Wifi and Bluetooth functionality
- GPS
- LCD viewfinder
What we like:
- Can endure any outdoor weather conditions
- Good quality pictures at a reasonable price point
- No housing needed to 100ft/30m
- Extremely tough camera, won’t break if you drop it
- Fast autofocus and continuous shoot capability
What we don’t like:
- Picture quality in low-light underwater conditions leaves a little to be desired, consider an external flash
Pair your Sony a7II with an Ikelite housing and you’re all set to roam the reef safe in the knowledge your camera is secure. You won’t be weighed down by it either, the mirrorless design makes the Alpha a7II much lighter than expected given all its features.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Sony Alpha a7II Mirrorless Digital Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 5.00 x 2.36 x 3.78 inches
- Weight: 1.32 pounds
- 24.3 MP HD camera
- Three-inch display screen
- 3X Optical zoom
- Five-axis in-body image stabilization
- Built from high-quality materials to last
- Fast hybrid AF with phase detection
What we like:
- One of a kind when it comes to capturing still HD photos or videos while you’re in motion
- Impressive 24.3 megapixels camera
- The image stabilization is one of a kind both on land and underwater
What we don’t like:
- The battery life could be better, that said, just make sure you fully charge your camera before you jump in
Surprisingly, given the price point, it offers up a couple of cool features including a 2.7-inch screen, image stabilization, and 48 megapixels. Additionally, it’s depth rated to 10ft/3m so if you’re staying on the surface, you can get snap happy safe in the knowledge your camera won’t flood.
We also like that it comes in a variety of funky colors and include is durable enough to cope with a little sand in between swims or snorkels.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Underwater Camera FHD 2.7K 48 MP Waterproof:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Depth rating of 10ft/3m
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 6 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- 16X Digital zoom
- Full HD 1080P/30 frames per second video
- Built-in speaker
- 2.7 inch and 1.8-inch screens at the front and rear
- Lightweight design
What we like:
- The camera is easy to operate and comes with multiple features that are navigated without hassle
- Useful in various environments like hiking, swimming, drifting, etc.
- Cheap, cheerful, and fun
- An excellent choice for kids
- Three-hour battery life
What we don’t like:
- Tiny buttons make the design a little tricky for big hands
- No lanyard included
- Not suitable for scuba diving but great for snorkelers
It offers fast and accurate focus, 4K HD photos and videos, 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, and Canon’s outstanding DIGIC 7 processor, which means excellent results even when you’re shooting with expanded ISO settings.
This version also comes with a battery grip to make holding the on land camera easier. You have the option to buy your EOS 6D Mark II with lenses and other extras too. For housing, take a look at the Ikelite 200DL.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 9.10 x 9.10 x 9.10 inches
- Weight: 4.66 pounds
- 26.2 Megapixels
- Bluetooth, wifi, and NFC compatible
- 1X Optical zoom without lenses
- Macro mode
- Quick autofocus
- FHP 1080p video capture
- Optical viewfinder
What we like:
- Fast and accurate focus
- Durable and reliable
- Compact and rugged design
- Image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact for a DSLR
- Hassle-free wifi connection
- Smooth image transfer
- Remote shooting possible
What we don’t like:
- Some professional photographers complain about the camera’s video quality. If you take a lot of videos, consider the Sony a7II we reviewed above.
Need everything in one go? Instead of buying just the camera, look at the underwater option: you also get the housing, a mini tripod, and a carry case, so all you need is your dive gear and a buddy and you’re set.
While serious underwater photographers will tell you that the HERO7’s underwater capabilities aren’t the greatest, particularly when it comes to adding red, it’s a solid choice for recreational divers who want a hardy camera that gets the job done. Plus, its video capabilities more than make up for this.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the GoPro HERO7 Black Digital Action Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 1.8 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 3.26 pounds
- 32 GB SD card
- HD camera
- Voice control on land
- Live streaming
- Video stabilization
- 8X Slo-mo video
- 4K60 video
What we like:
- GoPro is the OG action camera manufacturer and the HERO7 lives up to its reputation
- Awesome video capabilities
- Easy and intuitive design
- Rugged and can handle a few knocks
- Quick to use underwater
- Reasonable price point
What we don’t like:
- Some customers complain about the durability of the GoPro camera during cold weather, avoid freezing conditions, such as dropping it in the snow!
We love the built-in wifi that provides easy image transfer to any of your digital devices and even social accounts — in many ways, the G16 is a smart device as much as it is a camera.
Underwater, it performs exceptionally well for the mid-range price point, look for the RecSea WHC-G16 housing and consider purchasing a strobe.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Canon PowerShot G16 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 4.29 x 1.57 x 2.99 inches
- Weight: 12.5 ounces
- Digic 6 processor
- 1080p video
- Multi-aspect RAW
- Continuous shooting
- 5X Optical zoom
- 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
What we like:
- Excellent image quality for a point and shoot
- Smart camera
- Hardy exterior
What we don’t like:
- For the price point, there’s not a lot to dislike here, but you may find you prefer to choose a Canon with the DIGIC 7 processor.
We like that it has 4K HD and that it’s dust, water, freeze, and shock-resistant, so you can carry it with you wherever you go without hassle. The dual quad-core TruePic VIII image processor allows you to precisely capture photos in low-light environments such as cave diving, handy when you don’t want to mess around with your DSLR.
If you’re looking for a jump in and go type of camera, the TG-% Waterproof is a solid choice.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Depth rated to 50ft/15m
- Dimensions: 4.40 x 1.30 x 2.60 inches
- Weight: Half a pound
- High-speed lens
- 12 Megapixels
- 4X optical zoom
- Crushproof
- 4K HD
- Wifi-enabled
- Action-track sensors
- Macro mode
What we like:
- Extremely tough and durable
- Compact and lightweight
- Falls somewhere between an action camera and a point and shoots
- Good low-light capabilities
What we don’t like:
- It can’t go deeper than 50ft/15m so advanced divers may want to look elsewhere
It’s tough, rugged, and gets the job done, plus with four underwater shooting modes, it’s made to suit your needs. In terms of video quality, there are better choices on our list but with 1080p and 60 frames per second, the SeaLife shouldn’t be written off here.
We like the included Seadragon strobe which offers up a decent 2500 lumens and means the camera performs at depth.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the SeaLife DC2000 HD Underwater Digital Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Depth rated to 60ft/18m without housing and 200ft/60m with housing
- Dimensions: 5.87 x 3.19 x 4.02 inches
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- Seadragon 2500 strobe light
- Four underwater shooting modes
- 1080p video
- Wireless image transfer
- Wifi compatible
- Grip and tray included
What we like:
- Easy all-in-one solution for divers
- Excellent image quality
- Included strobe performs well at depth
- Durable and made tough
What we don’t like:
- The user interface leaves a little to be desired
- Not all buttons are available when the camera is in its housing
A powerful 5X optical zoom allows you to capture any distant objects clearly. Plus, the macro mode is among the best available in a compact, meaning there’s little need to purchase a separate lens.
Thanks to the 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and powerful DIGIC 8 processor, the images you capture are sure to shine.
We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II Digital Camera:
Our recommendations:
- Amazon with worldwide shipping
Specs and features:
- Dimensions: 1.80 x 4.40 x 2.40 inches
- Weight: 1.7 ounces
- 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
- 5X optical zoom
- 20 frames per second continuous shooting
- 4K UHD 2160p video
- GPS Bluetooth compatible
What we like:
- DIGIC 8 processor
- Exceptional image quality for a point and shoot
- Macro mode
- Good zoom
- Exceedingly lightweight considering the features
- Pop-up EVF
What we don’t like:
- Housing options are slightly more limited than with other Canon models. We suggest Ikelite or Nauticam
What to Consider When Buying an Underwater Camera
First and foremost, you need to determine your price range. If you haven’t done that, you could find yourself overspending and left with no money for critical accessories or, even worse, a housing!
Next, decide whether you want a dedicated underwater camera or you expect it to do double duty above the waves too. If you’re just shopping for a scuba camera and you’re an occasion diver, consider an option that doesn’t require an expensive housing.
Have a think about what kind of zoom capabilities you need and whether a macro mode is a make or break option. If you’re not confident in your abilities to get close to the reef without causing damage just yet, a good zoom is a must-have. And if you’re mad about the small critters, consider a macro mode or ask yourself whether you’re willing to shell out for a dedicated macro lens.
We recommend you choose a camera with image stabilization technology if you’re mad about making underwater movies. This feature allows you to shoot great videos and capture still photos while you’re in motion, something like the HERO7 performs well here.
Many people think that megapixels are super crucial. Yes, they are essential when it comes to the quality of your photos, but not as much the camera sensor. When picking an underwater camera, aim for a better sensor than high megapixels. Something like a 12 megapixel Canon with a high-spec sensor performs better than a camera with high megapixels but a poor sensor.
Once you’ve determined your needs, you’re well on the way to choosing the perfect underwater camera for you. Our favorites?
We love the HERO7 for its fun factor and ease of use, and the SeaLife for the perfect all-in-one set up that’s tailormade for scuba.
Do you have a favorite underwater camera? What do you love about it?
Let us know in the comments below and feel free to ask us any questions about underwater cameras, we’re here to help!
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Underwater Cameras
- 🏆 What is the best underwater camera?
As with any piece of scuba diving or snorkeling equipment, the best underwater camera is the one that meets your needs. Currently, these are some of our firm favorites:
- Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
- Panasonic Lumix LX10 4K Digital Camera
- Paralenz Dive Camera
- GoPro HERO7 Black Digital Action Camera
- Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
- Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
- Canon G7x Mark II Digital Camera Bundle
- Nikon Coolpix W300 Waterproof Digital Camera
To read our reviews of these cameras, just click on the links above.
- 🤿 What is the Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling?
If you’re staying on the surface, you don’t need an underwater camera rated to 30 meters or more. But you might like a camera that’s hardy and well suited for other activities. For snorkeling, we like the following cameras:
- GoPro HERO7 Black Digital Action Camera
- SeaLife DC2000 HD Underwater Digital Camera
- Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
- Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera
- Underwater Camera FHD 2.7K 48 MP Waterproof
Click the links above for full details on each of these cameras.
- 📷 What’s the Best Cheap Underwater Camera?
We won’t beat around the bush, good quality underwater cameras do cost a little bit. However, you’re better off spending money on something that will last rather than wasting money on a cheap underwater camera that survives one holiday!
For a reasonably priced underwater camera, we recommend these options:
- 💰 How Much Does an Underwater Camera Cost?
The cost of an underwater camera varies depending on its features. In general, you can expect to spend between US$50 to $150 dollars.
- ❓ Can a Waterproof Camera Go Underwater?
It entirely depends on the camera! Note that there is a critical difference between water-resistant cameras and waterproof cameras. In general though, if a camera is sold as waterproof, it should be suitable to use underwater. Always check the depth rating before you take it diving though, and do not exceed the maximum depth.
Hello,
My question is: Does the Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera need to be in a housing or can it be used underwater as is?
Hi Wayne,
Yes, the Olympus Tough TG-6 can go to a depth of 15 meters/ 49 feet without a housing. If you’re going deeper than that, you’ll need to add a housing. I always like to keep mine within a safe limit, and always stay at around max 10 meters, just to be on the safe side.