Reviewed by underwater photographers:
The 15 Best Underwater Cameras In 2021
Our divers at work
We gave our two Underwater Cameras geeks one job:
Test 27 different Underwater Cameras and write reviews of the best.
The result is 15 of the best Underwater Cameras on the market today.
Torben Lonne
Water lover and editor Torben is a diving and snorkeling nut, with a passion for the ocean.
Ready to dive in and purchase an underwater camera? If so you’ve probably noticed a lot of tempting options on the market. To help make your decision easier, we’ve reviewed 15 of the best underwater cameras.
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.
Insta360 prides itself on innovative and creative tools that have helped create a new niche inside the action camera market. Established in 2014, the company was quickly propelled to the forefront of the industry and has become a world leader in 360-degree video cams with quality products such as the Insta360 One X. Building on this success, Insta360 introduced the world to the ONE R, an ambitious offering featuring a modular platform that allows users to easily switch between camera types. A range of options is available when purchasing the ONE R, which we’ll go into later. The Twin Edition features the 4K wide-angle shooter and 360-degree cam options, while the 1-Inch Edition features a 5.3K shooter with a 1-inch sensor. The Panasonic Lumix brings smooth yet lively 4K video capabilities to the table. Much like the GoPro HERO7, the Lumix also delivers outstanding picture quality of photos, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the outside world when browsing through your pictures. 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.The perfect fit for divers who want to capture beautiful moments quickly and easily with a high-definition camera. The perfect fit for divers who want to capture beautiful moments quickly and easily with a high-definition camera. If you’re looking for an exceptionally durable and reliable waterproof camera, the Olympus Tough is a good choice. This underwater camera’s unique selling point is that it’s waterproof, shock-proof, crushproof, and freezeproof. 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. One of the most durable picks on the market, this underwater camera is a great choice for shallow dives, snorkeling, and people who want a camera they can take anywhere. The Panasonic Lumix LX100 is the next-generation version of the Panasonic LX10 we reviewed previously. Unlike its earlier model, the LX100 II offers features to prevent any hand-shaking disruptions and ensure still videos and focused snaps. 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. For an easy to use camera that performs equally well underwater as it does on land, you can’t go past the Lumix LX100 II. As the name suggests, this a premium compact camera and you can expect exceptional precision and detail from the Sony RX100. Techcrunch even named it the best compact camera money can buy. 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. The Sony RX100 is among the leading cameras in the compact category. If you want to take your photography to the next level, you can’t go wrong. Canon is a well-established brand in the camera market and has been trusted for years. So as you’d expect, the G7x Mark II camera offers up vivid, high-quality pictures. 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. A great buy for any photographer seeking a versatile camera, the G7X gets the job done with minimal effort on your behalf. If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails underwater camera that doesn’t need a housing, then you can’t go wrong with the Nikon COOLPIX. We love that this nifty little camera boasts waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof capabilities. 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. A plucky little camera that makes the perfect travel companion. Take it hiking, diving, swimming and more. The long wait is over and the Paralenz Vaquita dive camera is finally here. Paralenz certainly took their time delivering the Vaquita to a dive community in anticipation. The Paralenz Vaquita is a reinvention of the popular DiveCamera+. The small yet powerful camera that became a huge hit with the diving community. So far the new model hasn’t disappointed. The company’s mission is to enable divers “to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos.” This was already possible with the DiveCamera+. Or so we thought. Looking at the Vaquita, it’s just possible that the best dive camera in the world has arrived. We take a look at how Paralenz has improved on an already impressive camera with the new Vaquita. If you’re after an underwater camera that boasts professional-level picture quality, the Sony Alpha a7II is a one-stop shop. An outstanding 24.3-megapixel camera, it guarantees that each detail is captured perfectly while the world’s first five-axis image stabilization design means great snaps even in you’re swaying in a current. Likewise, video quality is exceptional. 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. On the whole, this camera is a solid pick, especially if you’re looking for the impressive stand-still image technology. If you’re looking for the perfect underwater camera to take on your next snorkeling holiday, you can’t beat this cheap and cheerful model. At less than US$100, it’s super wallet-friendly and does exactly what it says it will. 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. To capture the reef from the surface and then gather a few family snaps on the beach, this underwater camera is perfect. Plus, for the price point, you won’t be upset if it goes missing. There comes a point in every serious underwater photographer’s life when they need to make the switch from a compact to a full DSLR. The Canon EOS 6D is the ideal way to upgrade your gear, perhaps the niftiest thing about it is that it’s a DSLR in a compact’s body. 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. All in all, it’s absolutely a great pick for those who would like to take clear underwater photos. It will definitely leave you impressed. If you’re looking for a rugged, easy to use and intuitive camera, you can’t go wrong with the GoPro HERO7. It’s tough, small, and features a simple three-button design to make photography easy both on land and underwater. 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. The perfect pick for those looking for outstanding video quality in an action camera. Plenty of features make the HERO7 stand out from its predecessors and it’s an ideal dive buddy. This Canon PowerShot features an exceptional 5X zoom, 1080p HD video, and a 12.1 megapixel, highly sensitive CMOS sensor. It’s a solid compact with features that creep it close to SLR quality. 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. A solid choice for underwater photographers looking for a camera that performs without breaking the bank. Just be aware that the housing will set you back more than the camera itself. One of the best dive cameras in the world today, the Paralenz never fails to impress when it comes to stunning 4K HD quality photos. A unique selling point here is its rugged, read-to-go design, straight out of the box you can begin snapping photos. No preparing sets, housings, or mounting mechanisms needed. 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. An excellent pick if you’re prone to dropping your camera and if you’re looking for an easy all-in-one solution without the hassle of housings. If you’re looking for the jack-of-all-trades, then the TG-5 Waterproof Camera is a good fit. It’s tough, durable, and offers up decent performance for the price point. 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. Fun, fast, and incredibly durable, this camera is the perfect choice for adventurers who climb mountains in the morning then dive in the afternoon. Top travel pick. The Canon PowerShot G5 X is one of the most reliable cameras on our list in terms of image quality and ease of use combined. It’s perfectly suited to any underwater trip (when combined with a housing) as well as other outdoor pursuits. 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. This is a solid choice and we appreciate the tweaks Canon has made to the Mark II making it even better for underwater photography. Powerful compact at a good price. Built with divers specifically in mind, the SeaLife DC2000 HD is ideal for those who want quality diving pics but don’t mind forgoing a zoom lens. Without the included housing, you can take your SeaLife down to 60ft/18m but with the housing, it’s depth rated to 200ft/60m. 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 SeaLife might not be the first name that springs to mind when considering an underwater camera, but for an easy to set and jump in option, the DC2000 performs well and delivers on image quality. Small in size but huge in features and performance, the Insta360 GO 2 camera is ready to take on any adventure and action you can think of. Weighing in at only 27 grams and boasting a thumb-size body, this is the world’s smallest action camera. But don’t let its tiny size fool you, it can still capture clear and detailed ultra-wide angle shots just like any ordinary action camera minus the bulky and inconvenient equipment. 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. Let us know in the comments below and feel free to ask us any questions about underwater cameras, we’re here to help! 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: To read our reviews of these cameras, just click on the links above. 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: Click the links above for full details on each of these cameras. 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: The cost of an underwater camera varies depending on its features. In general, you can expect to spend between US$50 to $150 dollars. 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.
For this review, we’re going to focus on the Twin Edition, which features the 4K wide-angle shooter and 360-degree cam options.
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Offering up 4K HD resolution, this camera performs well above the waves and underwater, just don’t forget your housing!
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What to Consider When Buying an Underwater Camera
Do you have a favorite underwater camera? What do you love about it?
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Underwater Cameras
12 Comments
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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.
Hi….this is a great resource. If I could get an opinion on the following I appreciate it.
1) Are these all WiFI compatible or USB?
2) Which camera is simplest tp transfer images over using a Mac?
Thank you!!!
Hi, I’m looking to buy a camera that I can get a waterproof housing for university. But I’m struggling to find which camera to buy as I dont want to spend an overly high price but want a camera that would be good to use for my underwater photography course.
Where would I be able to sell Nikonis underwater camera and strobe? Great condition but 25 years old
There’s a lot of second-hand scuba gear groups on Facebook. Might try there.
I have the Paralenz vaquita and it was well worth the wait,I tried it out ok y dives in the Maldives this February. It took a bit of getting used too but the videos at 1080 60 FPS are truly great the auto color correction is awesome. As a diver with only one functioning hand the ease of use is its greatest selling point for me . I was previously using gopros. I can only recommend it and it’s easy to recharge with a power pack in your surface interval. Tried the tag 6 in a housing but struggled too much to use it with the Paralenz vaquita it’s a doddleto use and my bouancy and breathing don’t go to pot anymore .
Hi, I’m looking for a camera to take pictures of waves while in the water. Underwater is good but I don’t need to go too deep. I’m mostly interested in finding a camera that takes the best quality stills. Video is a plus but not a requirement. I’d like to keep it under $500. Any suggestions? Thank you!
I have used Olympus and Panasonic underwater cameras, in the last 15 years. All the lenses have fogged up after 3 to 5 years. Sales people have said l am lucky to get that long. Is that true? Can you recommend one that will last a bit longer, l only snorkel. Thanks
Hi Harry,
No, that’s not true, unless it’s broken and are taking in small amounts of water. Check all o-rings also the small ones on the buttons. Change old and won out once, and add lubricant to the once still working.
To keep your underwater camera from fogging up. There are a few things you can do. Add a small silica bag inside the housing to absorb any moisture in the air. Or when you’re packing up your camera, you do it in a place with a minimum point in the air. Like an air-conditioned room.
Do on camera flash provide enough light? Or do they need to have external flash added.
Hi Roy,
An on-camera flash is never optimal. The light is sent directly from the camera and will hit small particles in the water that reflects directly back to the camera. resulting in white dots on the picture.
If you don’t have a strope/external flash option you need a diffuser in front of the flash. Still not optional.