Reviewed by our Scuba Divers:
The Best Waterproof Cameras In 2021
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 28 different Waterproof Cameras and write reviews of the best.
The result is 20 of the best Waterproof Cameras on the market today.
Torben Lonne
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Torben is a dive nut, with a passion for traveling and gear.
Momchil K
Writer & Wilderness Author
Momchil is our Gear Geek and Writer.
When it comes to buying a waterproof camera, a lot of people get overwhelmed by how many different cameras there are.
What camera will suite your needs? Which features are important, and which are a waste of money?
In order to make it easier for you, we’ve listed 20 of the best waterproof camera on the market. Each one offers something different and unique. This allows you to choose the perfect waterproof camera based on your needs.
See our quick top 10, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews of all 20 cameras.
Top 10 Best Waterproof Cameras in 2021
- Panasonic Lumix TS20 16.1 MP
- Nikon W300
- Fujifilm FinePix XP130
- GoPro HERO7 Black
- APEMAN A79 4K
- Pellor Waterproof Digital Camera
- Action Camera 4K16MP
- Victure AC700 Action Camera
- Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera 16MP Vision 3 U
- AKASO V50 Pro Native
And as final, we’ve assembled a thorough step-by-step buying guide. The simple instructions listed in this buying guide will allow making the correct final decision. Whether or not you should buy the waterproof that you’ve been wondering about.
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Truth be told, Panasonic is one of the most trusted brands out there when you’re searching for a waterproof camera. What’s more, is this camera features a multi-purpose design. This means you can use it in various environments and outdoor sports such as skiing, hiking, diving, and swimming. The uniqueness of the Panasonic Lumix TS20 stems from its shock-proof and waterproof capabilities. Built from high-quality materials, the Panasonic camera is made to last longer than the average cameras. High-quality pictures that you can share with your friends and family is what the Panasonic Lumix brings to the table. All in all, this Panasonic waterproof camera is built to make your dive trips unforgettable. It will capture the beautiful moments you face during outdoor endeavors and make your friends amazed by the pictures it takes. It’s definitely worth the pick for its price tag. If you’re looking for a highly durable waterproof camera, then you can’t go wrong with the Olympus Tough Camera. The uniqueness of it stems from its waterproof, shock-proof, crushproof, and freezeproof capabilities. Capturing a water drop with a 4K resolution is what makes the Olympus camera actually shine. It can zoom up to 8 times. High-quality lively photos are what you can expect from the Olympus Tough camera. It’s perfectly suitable for kinds of water-based activities such as diving and swimming. The camera features 5 underwater shooting modes that allow you to take the perfect photo based on your needs. On the whole, this camera is actually one of the most durable picks on the market. It will definitely help you capture the most beautiful moments you can encounter during your trips. It’s worth the pick. If you’re seeking a high-resolution camera, designed with a bunch of additional features to make your captures come to life, the fit for you would be the Nikon W300 camera. It’s strong enough to withstand any rough weather conditions. Even if the camera accidentally lands on the ground, your worries will disappear once you realize the device is built from high-quality and rigid materials. Moreover, it’s waterproof, shock-proof, freezeproof, and dustproof. The camera is also capable of acting as a binocle due to its zoom capabilities that can extend to five times more than the typical zooming size. Similar to the previous model, this one also boasts with 4K resolution lively photos. In general, this camera is the perfect pick for those looking for a durable and rigid pick. The camera comes with a bunch of features, allowing you to experience its multi-functional design. When it comes down to shooting high-quality pictures, the Nikon camera does its job precisely. If you are looking for a hassle-free Bluetooth photos transfer to your smartphone or any other digital device, you can’t go wrong with the Fujifilm FinePix XP130. It boasts the newly installed Bluetooth low energy technology. It provides you with instant and automatic a-few-seconds transfer to your tablet. Only a quick registration is needed. Moreover, if you would like to see the precise place where you once took the, simply enable the Geo Tagging capability. By picking this option, location data will be downloaded to your photo and embedded on your XP130 camera when pictures are taken. All in all, if an effortless photo transfer is your number one concern, then the perfect pick for you would be the Fujifilm camera. It feels like a feather due to its lightweight design, and it’s also quite resistible to rough weather conditions. The AKASO EK7000 is merely one of the most preferred picks on the market. The uniqueness of this waterproof camera stems from its high-resolution features. Which are… 4K HD resolution that will absolutely make every photo you shoot alive. Moreover, it comes with a long battery life which endures 90minutes of high intense video shooting. What’s more, is that the AKASO EK7000 camera is designed with built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI. This makes the photo transfer quite a hassle-free process. The Wi-Fi signal ranges up to 10 meters, even in the woods. On the whole, this camera can proudly be given the nickname “one of the best cameras in the world.” It’s actually #1 bestseller in Amazon. Why? Simply because of the high-quality 4K HD pictures, it brings to the table. It’s worth every penny. This is another camera from the trustworthy AKASO brand. It’s actually an upgraded version of the bestseller AKASO EK7000 camera. This tells you that the camera also boasts lively HD photos and videos that you can amaze your friends and family with. Moreover, this one features optional view angles and anti-shaking, which impact the overall quality of the photos. Capturing still photos from a different perspective is actually the uniqueness of this AKASO Brave camera. The last thing you can expect from this device is becoming dysfunctional by water seeping through. The camera is built from rigid waterproof materials. Furthermore, the seals are actually tested and proven against rough water conditions. In general, it’s merely one of the best cameras out there, along with the AKASO EK7000. It will definitely amaze you with the 4K HD photos it can provide you with. There’s nothing better than browsing old pictures and actually enjoying them. This camera is worth it. If you’re looking for a waterproof camera that can capture HD photos and it’s also cheap, you can’t go wrong with the Crosstour action camera. What makes this device so attractive is its affordable price compared to other high-quality cameras. When it comes to battery life, the Crosstour camera is delivered with two long-lasting batteries. Dive deep and freely without having your mind full of worries. This Crosstour camera can actually resist water from seeping through up to 98 feet (30 meters) underwater due to its solid waterproof case. Moreover, it’s suitable for various water-based activities like swimming, diving, and snorkeling. What’s more, is that it features a large 2” screen allowing you to enjoy the small details of the photos. All in all, this is an incredible camera pick for those looking for the low end when it comes to price options. Yet, it also delivers outstanding quality photos that will actually make you say “wow.” If you want to shoot bustling 4K HD videos on your camera and you’ve been browsing the market in order to find a decent fit, the GoPro HERO7 isn’t a decent fit. It will undoubtedly impress you if shooting high-quality videos is your primary concern. Connecting with your Facebook friends is quite possible with the GoPro HERO 7 action camera. It allows you to broadcast a live stream directly from the adventurous place you happen to be in. Moreover, you can control the camera smoothly, even without lifting a finger. Simply shout “GoPro, take a photo,” and the voice command will be activated. This actually makes the process of capturing photos a breeze. Head the to the taunted area or object and give the command. On the whole, this GoPro camera is definitely worth it for vloggers who love to share their trips and adventures with the audience. It undoubtedly shoots provocative videos that make you stare for a while due to the impressive quality even if you’re shooting a wall. If you’re seeking a high-definition camera that captures bustling videos and can dive 30 meters below the water surface, you can’t go wrong with the Campark X25 camera. Similar to the GoPro device, this one boasts impressive features that allow you to capture outstanding videos. Moreover, this camera is actually 3-4x cheaper than the GoPro device. The waterproof case will enable you to dive 98 feet underwater. The camera actually won’t make any difference when you are shooting photos either on the surface or 30 meters below the water level. In order to make the videos even more compelling, the Campark device boasts 170* view angle. In general, it’s the perfect substitution for the GoPro camera if you lack the budget. It will undoubtedly impress you with the outstanding videos it can record. It’s worth the pick. If water-resistance is your number one priority, the APEMAN A79 cameras allows you to dive 40 meters below the water surface. This actually makes the camera featuring the best water-resistance among all the devices listed in this list. 4K Ultra HD photos allow you to fully immerse into the outside world when you’re browsing pictures from home. It comes with an external microphone, which ensures audio recordings will be handled effortlessly. Moreover, the camera is suitable for various outdoor activities. Some of which are hiking, camping, riding a bike, swimming, diving, and snorkeling. All in all, the APEMAN A79 camera is incredible for its price tag. And due to the high-definition photos, it brings to the table, it stands out from the competitors. It’s undoubtedly worth the pick, especially if you have a spending limit. If you want a camera that performs better than most of the DBPOWER EX7000 will exceed your expectations. This compact camera packs a punch with its 4k resolution, 2 inch TFT touch screen. The fun doesn’t stop there. What’s more, the camera is waterproof, allowing you to catch those perfect moments underwater. The camera has image stabilization, adjustable FOV, different scene modes. It can be used to a depth of more than 148 ft. The device has a 14MP camera that can take 4K 25fps ultra HD videos. The camera comes with a waterproof case for added protection. The DBPOWER EX7000 will enhance every trip you take to the beach. Moreover, you can use it as an action camera when you want to catch beautiful underwater moments of your water-based endeavor. This camera delivers lively photos. And it’s also very affordable. This will be an excellent pick for you if you have a spending limit. Worth every penny spent in our honest opinion. If you are looking for a camera to accommodate your snorkeling activities with great pictures, the Pellor Digital Camera is exactly what you need. High performance is an understatement when looking at this camera, which is wrapped in a 2.8″ HD screen. What’s more, the Pellor features an 8MP camera that delivers up to 2100w pixels. Additionally, the camera can be used out of the water with a built-in image stabilizer for crisp and pictures. The digital camera is also capable of capturing 1920×1080 HD video in high definition that is bound to turn heads. It is all wrapped up with its waterproof capabilities, ensuring the camera has no limitations for your active lifestyle. An excellent buy for the price range. Searching for a great camera that can accommodate your active lifestyle can be tough. A camera must take high-quality photos and be durable underwater; this is why we think this camera is up to the task of keeping up with your demanding lifestyle. The Pellor ticks all the boxes for us and should do the same for you. The lifestyle you live should be complemented by the tech you use. Moreover, if you live a fast-paced life full of adventure, then the Action Camera is the perfect companion for your journeys. The ultra-wide lenses give you a greater angle to capture those diving, flying, mountain climbing, surfing, and other fascinating moments. The camera is waterproof, allowing you to capture pictures to a depth of 100 feet. Besides, the camera gives you a 12MP image resolution for crisp photography. Moreover, it has a 720P/120fps video resolution that is enhanced with the ultra-wide lenses. It’s one of the most preferred waterproof cameras for high-intense adventurers. All-in-all this Action Camera will give you awesome footage. With added features to connect to your smartphone or tablet, this is ideal if you are a regular Instagrammer or Youtuber vlogger. We definitely recommend this product for all the adventurous addicts out there. The Victure A700 is a gem for shooting crystal clear pictures underwater. The waterproof camera is equipped with a 20MP resolution that can shoot to a depth of 40M. As a bonus feature, the Victure AC700 has a built-in Wi-Fi that you can use in conjunction with the smart app (Live DV) on your mobile device. Moreover, you can instantly share your pictures and videos to Facebook or other social media accounts. The camera also comes with an external microphone helmet cam. With this microphone, you will dramatically increase the sound quality of your videos. You can use the microphone in a variety of situations. You can likewise mount the camera on your helmet for a personal video experience unlike any other. The Victure AC700 captures smooth videos as well as pictures. It is ideal for capturing moments from different angles. The remote offers excellent photo and video possibilities that were otherwise limited in other models. A great pick if you want a more extensive array of shots with your camera. It is not always viable to bring your phone/tablet to be outdoor and extreme sports activities. Not to mention the risk of it getting damaged or lost. Instead, an Action Camera is a great alternative. Moreover, the Apeman Action Cam is waterproof and can be used in up to 30M of water. You can’t go wrong with the anti-shaking technology. Besides, it will allow you to take fluent videos while doing activities like hiking, skiing, and biking. The video recorder is Full HD and delivers a picture of 1080 pixels. The camera is just as impressive with a 12MP camera. The Apeman will serve all your photos and video needs for an active lifestyle. The Apeman is a simple yet effective camera that you can use in various sporting activities. You will also be able to manage great shots no matter the conditions. A perfect investment if you want to leave your phone/tablet behind. The DB power D5 is your all-in-one digital camera that will undoubtedly satisfy your photography needs in and outside the water. The D5 is equipped with a 14MP camera and delivers a 4K 30fps video. Additionally, you will get a 170-degree wide-angle lens to capture the broader beauty of your surroundings. To make your life more convenient, you will receive a wireless wrist remote. Moreover, the 2.4GHz remote gives you control over capturing images when hiking, biking, and other strenuous activities. As an added feature, you can share your experiences via the iSmart Pro APP. Besides, the battery life will last for 180 minutes, clearly outperforming most of its competitors. This is an excellent buy if you want a camera that’s long-lasting and easy to control. The DB power D5 is a multifaceted device that you can use for photos, video, or as a professional dashcam. Not to mention the long battery life, it comes with an extra battery as a bonus. Moreover, the remote wrist only sweetens the deal, making this a perfect gift, an excellent buy for its price range. The Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera will make you a hit among your fellow friends as you capture all of your exhilarating moments. The waterproof 16MP camera delivers bright and vibrant pictures. Moreover, the Dragon Touch is equipped with a 4x zoom camera that gives you a more detailed picture of your activities. The Dragon Touch is an excellent investment. It is not that pricey compared to the other waterproof cameras on the list. The Dragon Touch is an excellent investment. It is not that pricey compared to the other waterproof cameras on the list. The Boifun is a high-resolution camera with oodles of features that will satisfy your photography needs. With this camera, you will get 20 accessories that will make the purchase more alluring. It has a powerful 20MP camera that is top of the range when it comes to underwater capturing. Furthermore, Ultra HD 4K resolution will deliver impressive video quality in and out of the water. If you are looking for a hassle-free interface, the Boifun 4K delivers it in all aspects. Some cool features you can put in gear are slow motion, burst photo, time-lapse video, and a self-timer. The Boifun offers a great camera with superb EIS stabilization. Moreover, you will receive 20 extra accessories that make this waterproof camera an excellent buy. The Campark Action Camera is the ideal Ultra HD Sports Cam for shooting high-quality videos. With the Campark, you will be delighted to know that you can shoot Ultra HD video. It delivers a 4K 30FPS resolution that outperforms many of its competitors. Moreover, this camera comes with a 16MP, 170-degree wide lens. The storage space can support a 32GB SD card for storing all your pictures and videos. You can also connect your tablet/phone with the Action Camera via the ‘XDV’ APP. Also, you will be able to share all of your videos and pictures directly through the app. The Campark is the perfect camera for seamless transferring and high quality videos and photos. This camera is ideal for capturing those underwater magic moments. With an excellent expansion SD slot and 170-degree wide-angle lens, shooting becomes more comfortable than ever. An excellent buy for anyone that values good photography. Snorkeling activities can be enhanced with great pictures with the Akaso V50 Pro Camera. Except for delivering high performance, this camera is wrapped in a TIS touch screen. What’s more, the Akaso features a 20MP camera. Furthermore, the lens is anti-fog, ensuring crystal explicit imagery underwater. Additionally, the camera can be used out of the water with a built-in image stabilizer for great pictures. The digital camera is also capable of capturing 1920×1080 HD video in high-definition that is bound to turn heads. It is all wrapped up with its waterproof capabilities, ensuring the camera has no limitations for your active lifestyle. An excellent buy for the price range. This is a great camera that offers HD and bustling pictures. This review should set your mind at ease that there are great cameras up to the task of keeping up with your lifestyle. The Akaso V50 ticks all the boxes for us and should do the same for you. One great camera for one great person, go ahead and buy it for a great deal.
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Furthermore, the lens is anti-fog, ensuring crystal explicit imagery underwater.
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The camera comes with a waterproof case that allows you to dive below 100 ft (30 meters). Besides, you can record a great 1080P/60FPS video. You can capture all your surfing, swimming, diving, and other water sports events and upload them directly via Wi-Fi. Furthermore, you can use the XDV App to sync your tablet/phone with the Dragon Touch device. This versatile and compact camera is a must-have if you value every adventurous moment and wish to make them last forever.
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Buying Guide
Before heading to the shop in order to buy a high-quality camera, first, you need to make sure you’re knowledgeable enough to distinguish a high-quality camera from an ordinary one. And in order to get this kind of knowledge, you need to be aware of a few crucial steps that will impact your buying decision positively.
And in the following section, you’ll find out what matters and what doesn’t…
Budget
First and foremost, you need to determine your budget. Skipping this step will result in over-spending. And this is something you perhaps want to avoid. Once you’ve taken care of this step, you can proceed to determine the features your camera needs to encompass…
Variable Aperture
In other words, this leaves a considerable impact on your pictures’ quality. Typically, a variable aperture lens is printed on the camera’s body or adjacent to the lens. And it’s represented like this “f/2.0 – f/3.0.” In this example, you can see the minimum and the maximum range of the variable aperture lenses. The wider the lens is, the better the photo quality you’re going to experience.
Waterproof Depth
It’s crucial to know what’s the purpose of the camera. If you’re planning to scuba dive, then you need to ensure the camera you’re about to buy comes with quite an extended depth range. For example, the high-quality cameras are extended up to 30 meters below the water surface. Some exceptions can go even further, up to 40 meters underwater. Whereas, if you’re merely planning to surf with the camera attached to your board, you don’t need to strive for extensive water depth.
Zoom
When zooming is brought to the discussion, you need to look at the type of zoom each camera is designed with. Our suggestion is to go with optical zoom since it provides you with more features and improved qualities compared to the digital zoom. Next, you need to determine the capability of the zoom camera. If you would like to capture long-distance photos with a clear expression of the details, then make sure you go with at least a 10x zoom camera.
Megapixels
Another critical feature, widely known to the audience. However, also widely neglected. Megapixels are one of the significant parts of a high-quality image. The more megapixels your camera features, the brighter and lively your photos will be. Don’t neglect this factor.
Video Resolution
When it comes down to video resolution, you need to know the higher it is, the better. Today, 4k resolution cameras bring the best video images and quality on the market. It will undoubtedly leave you highly impressed. And in fact, most of the cameras that feature such kind of video resolution, aren’t so frightening expensive. Yet, they aren’t the cheapest.
If you don’t have the budget for a 4k resolution, there’s nothing wrong with 1080p cameras. It still provides an outstanding pixel and quality, and it’s sure to leave you impressed for the budget you’re spending.
If you already have a Waterproof Camera or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
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