The greatest waterproof cameras significantly increase the amount of locations where you can shoot. There’s no need to worry about taking it too close to the sea or dumping it in a river since you know it’ll be OK. Whether you’re going to white sandy beaches, white water rafting, or simply shooting somewhere where it rains a lot, investing in a waterproof camera is a good option. Image quality has greatly improved over the years, and they are no longer prohibitively costly.
There are, of course, trade-offs. Many waterproof cameras are compacts with tiny sensors, thus their image-capturing capabilities are restricted when compared to, instance, the greatest camera also water proof. You will not receive the same dynamic range or depth of manual concern. Waterproof cameras, on the other hand, are generally shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof, allowing them to withstand far more than more complex cameras.
However, there is considerable diversity among cameras that might be labelled as “waterproof cameras.” Choosing the proper one requires considering what you want to accomplish with it, such as if you want to capture images, video, or both. Do you require a zoom lens or a high burst rate? How far do you want to take the camera underwater? Then there’s the age-old question: how much money are you willing to spend?
So, keeping the foregoing in mind, let us define our terminology! When we talk about waterproof cameras, we may refer to a variety of different types of cameras. As a result, we’ve separated our guide into parts, so here are some brief descriptions of the categories.
Waterproof compacts are similar to regular compact cameras in that they are self-contained cameras with a fixed lens on the front. Many of them feature a zoom lens, which provides them an edge over action cameras (see below), which typically have a single fixed focal length lens.
Most waterproof compacts are distinguished by their vibrant colours, as opposed to the staid blacks, silvers, and greys of mainstream cameras. If you drop them in water, they will be easier to see.
GoPro(opens in new tab) action cameras are substantially smaller than waterproof compact cameras. As a result, they are simpler to attach or wear on a harness or helmet, making them ideal for watersports. Their video standards are also generally superior, with 4K resolutions and faster and more competitive frame rates. Because of the previously described fixed lens, you’re trapped with a fixed perspective (which is why GoPro-shot videos all tend to have the same fishbowl look).
You don’t have to limit yourself to digital only! There are also several useful underwater disposable film cameras that function much like the disposable cameras you used to take on vacation, with the important difference that they can be taken underwater.
If you know what you want, you may skip to the part you want by clicking the headers to the left. Alternatively, you can just scroll down as we list the finest waterproof cameras available right now!
