The last couple of years have seen an explosion in the number of available waterproof digital camera on the market, but it can be difficult to know which one to pick with many brands and styles. To help you make your decision, I’ve rounded up my recommendations for the 6 best Waterproof compact digital cameras for underwater photography! So, let’s dive right in… but for you folks that would like to read the Buying Guide first, you can do so by clicking HERE!
My Suggested 6 Best Waterproof Compact Digital Cameras
1) OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
The Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera is the perfect camera for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. It’s waterproof (50 feet /15 meters), dustproof, shockproof (7 feet / 2.1 meter), and crushproof (100 kg/f). Plus, it’s freeze-proof (14 degrees Fahrenheit / -10 degrees Celsius) and anti-fog. The high-resolution F2.0 lens and maximum 8x zoom provide great image quality, while the true pic VIII image processor ensures fast shooting performance. With its variable macro system and 5 underwater shooting modes, this best waterproof digital camera is perfect for capturing amazing images underwater. And with 4K movie recording and full HD 120 fps high-speed movies, you can capture all the action in stunning detail.
Features Of OLYMPUS Tough TG-6:
- Waterproof (50 feet/15 meters)
- Dustproof
- Shockproof (7 feet/2.1 meter)
- Crushproof (100 kg/f)
- Freeze-proof (14 degrees Fahrenheit/-10 degrees Celsius)
- Anti-fog
- High-resolution F2.0 lens
- Maximum 8x zoom
- True pic VIII image processor
- Variable macro system
- 5 underwater shooting modes
- 4K movie recording
- Full HD 120 fps high-speed movies
- 20 second recording time
Pros:
- Provide 4K high resolution and speed video
- Shoots in the Raw format
- Offers a great microscope mode
Cons:
- Only 12MP image resolution
2) Ricoh WG-70 Orange Waterproof Digital Camera 16MP
The Ricoh WG-70 is the perfect camera for your outdoor adventures! Whether you are out on a hike, camping, skiing, or just out taking photos of nature, this camera will perform in all weather conditions. With its 16 megapixel resolution and high-performance image-processing engine, you’ll be able to capture amazing photos and videos with ease. The WG-70 also features a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that helps to reduce noise levels and improve image quality even in low light situations. And if that’s not enough, it is also waterproof down to 14 meters, making it the best waterproof digital camera for those underwater adventures!
Furthermore, with full HD recording capabilities and a movie mode with shake reduction, you can rest assured that your videos will turn out great. The digital microscope mode makes it easy to take incredible close-up shots, and the 6-LED ring light ensures that your photos are never blurry. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this camera has 25 shooting modes to suit your needs. So don’t miss a moment of your next adventure – make sure to bring along the Ricoh WG-70.
Features of Ricoh WG-70:
- 16-megapixel resolution
- High-performance image processing engine
- Back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- Waterproof down to 14 meters
- Full HD recording capabilities
- Movie mode with shake reduction
- Digital microscope mode
- 6-LED ring light
- 25 shooting modes
Pros:
- Very rugged and can withstand a lot of abuse
- Has a lot of features for both beginner and professional photographers
- Takes great pictures and videos
Cons:
- The digital microscope feature is not as good as an actual microscope
3) GoPro Hero — Waterproof Digital Action Camera for Travel
The GoPro Hero is the perfect camera for anyone who loves to travel. It’s lightweight, durable, and waterproof, making it ideal for capturing all your adventures. Plus, it’s equipped with GoPro’s signature features, including 1080p video, 10MP photo resolution, voice control, and a touch screen. This tough and waterproof digital camera is designed to go where you go, with a durable build that can handle whatever you throw at it.
Moreover, the 2-inch touch screen makes switching between modes and quickly framing your shots easy. Besides, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features let you control your Hero hands-free with simple voice commands. Your photos and videos will automatically offload to your phone when you’re connected to the GoPro Go app, making it easy to share your favorite moments with friends and family. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or the waves, the GoPro Hero is the perfect way to capture your adventures.
Features of GoPro Hero:
- Lightweight and durable
- Waterproof
- 1080p video
- 10MP photo resolution
- Voice control
- Touch screen
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Compatible with the GoPro Go app
- Easy to share photos and videos
Pros:
- Offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
- Wide-angle camera
- Durable and waterproof
Cons:
- The battery drains quickly
4) Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera is perfect for anyone who wants to capture amazing photos and videos while enjoying an active lifestyle. This best waterproof digital camera is tough enough to withstand the elements. With a waterproof design that’s water-resistant up to 65 feet, shockproof construction can survive drops from up to 5 feet. Also, a freeze-proof capability will keep it operational in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
But what makes the XP140 really stand out is its advanced imaging capabilities. With 16.4MP resolution, a fast BSI CMOS sensor, and a powerful Fujinon 5x zoom lens, this camera can take stunning photos and videos in any situation. Moreover, the LCD monitor has a sunlight mode that makes it easy to view your shots even in direct sunlight. Whether you’re shooting photos of a beautiful landscape or a video of your latest extreme adventure, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is a perfect choice.
Features of Fujifilm FinePix XP140:
- 82ft waterproof and 5.9ft shockproof
- 4K video
- 16.4MP resolution
- BSI CMOS sensor
- Fujinon 5x zoom lens
- Sunlight mode LCD monitor
- 64GB SD card
- Small camera case
- Comes with an extra battery and battery charger
- Floating strap
Pros:
- Very rugged and can withstand a lot of abuse
- Has a lot of features for both beginner and professional photographers
- Takes great pictures and videos
Cons:
- 4K video only 15fps
5) Insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera
The Insta360 ONE X2 is the ultimate 360-degree waterproof action camera. With its 5.7k capture and steady cam mode, you can shoot amazing videos and photos while on the go. The ultra-bright touch screen makes it easy to see what you’re shooting, while the invisible selfie stick ensures that everyone gets in on the action. The AI editing feature makes it easy to edit your footage, while the 4-Mic 360-degree audio gives you crystal clear sound quality. The timeshift feature allows you to shoot slow-motion or fast-motion videos.
Moreover, the voice control feature of this best waterproof digital camera lets you take control of your camera with just your voice. The Pureshot feature gives you the ability to take amazing photos without worrying about shake or Bluetooth connection issues. And with its long life, 1630 mAh battery, you can keep shooting all day long.
Features Of Insta360 ONE X2 Camera
- 5.7k 360 degrees capture
- Steady cam mode
- Flowstate stabilization
- Ultra-bright touch screen
- Invisible selfie stick
- IPX8 waterproof to 10m (33ft)
- AI editing
- 4-Mic 360-degree audio
- Timeshift
- Voice control
- Pureshot
- Live stream and webcam
- Touchscreen and long life 1630 mAh battery
Pros:
- Special effects modes
- Extensive editing suite
- Waterproof action camera
- 18.4-megapixel photos
- Touch Screen and live streaming
Cons:
- Time-consuming editing
6) GoPro HERO9 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens
The GoPro HERO9 Black is the ultimate action camera for capturing your adventures in stunning 5K video. 20MP photos and 3.0 hyper smooth video stabilization let you capture amazing detail and clarity, while the rugged and waterproof design means you can take it anywhere. The front and rear touch screens make it easy to frame your shots and preview your footage.
While live streaming and webcamming in 1080p full HD lets you share your adventures with the world in real-time. TimeWrap 3.0, night lapse, and 8x slo-mo at 1080p let you capture all the action. Furthermore, additional features like Hindsight, Liveburst, and Schedule make it easy to get the perfect shot every time. With a subscription t GoPro, you can even auto-upload your footage to the cloud so you can access it anytime, anywhere.
Features Of GoPro HERO9 Black Waterproof Camera
- Shoot stunning 5K video
- 20MP photos
- Rugged and waterproof
- Live streaming and webcam in 1080p full hd
- 3.0 hyper smooth video stabilization
- TimeWrap 3.0, time/night lapse
- 8x at 1080p slo-mo
- Preview front and rear touch screens
- Hindsight, live burst, schedule, and duration additional features
- With a subscription to GoPro, auto-upload to the cloud
Pros:
- Hyper smooth 3.0 video stabilization
- 20-megapixel photos
- Shoots in 5K
- Waterproof and rugged design
- Audio can remove some wind noise
Cons:
- No pixel binning for low light
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Digital Camera?
When choosing the best waterproof digital camera for travel, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
1) Types of Waterproof Camera
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider what type of waterproof camera is best for your needs. There are three main types of waterproof cameras: point and shoot, action, and mirrorless.
- Point and shoot cameras are the most basic and easy-to-use type of waterproof camera. They’re great for casual shooting but don’t offer the same level of features and performance as more advanced types of cameras.
- Action cameras are designed for extreme sports and other adventurous activities. They’re rugged and durable, with features like image stabilization and 4K video that make them ideal for shooting fast-paced action.
- Mirrorless cameras are the newest type of camera on the market. They offer many of the same features as DSLRs, but they’re smaller and lighter, making them a great choice for travel photography.
Once you’ve decided on the type of camera you want, you’ll need to consider what features are important to you.
2) Image Quality:
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a waterproof camera is image quality. Most cameras will offer at least 10 megapixels, but if you’re looking to print large photos or crop your images heavily, you’ll want to choose a camera with more pixels.
3) Video Quality:
If you plan on shooting video as well as photos, you’ll want to make sure your camera can shoot high-quality video. Look for a camera that offers at least 1080p Full HD video, and if you plan on doing a lot of action photography, 4K video is also a good option.
4) Battery Life:
Another thing to consider when choosing a waterproof camera is battery life. If you are shooting a lot of videos or taking a lot of photos, you’ll want a camera with long battery life. Some cameras can shoot up to three hours of video on a single charge, while others only last for a few minutes.
5) Waterproof Rating:
You’ll want to make sure you choose a camera with the right waterproof rating for your needs. If you plan on doing any diving, make sure to choose a camera that’s rated for depths of at least 10 meters. A camera with a waterproof rating of 3 meters will be sufficient for snorkeling and other shallow-water activities.
6) Shockproof Rating:
If you plan on doing any extreme sports or other activities that could potentially damage your camera, you’ll want to make sure it has a high shockproof rating. A camera with a rating of 4 or 5 will be able to withstand drops and bumps with ease.
7) Memory Storage:
When choosing a waterproof camera, you’ll need to consider how much storage space you need. Most cameras come with internal memory, but if you plan on taking a lot of photos and videos, you might want to choose a camera with expandable memory. This way, you can add more storage space as needed.
8) Weight and Size:
You’ll also want to consider the weight and size of the camera when making your decision. If you plan on taking a lot of photos and videos, you’ll want a camera that’s lightweight and easy to carry. However, if you’re only going to be using the camera for occasional shooting, a heavier and bulkier camera might be better.
9) Price:
Finally, you’ll need to consider your budget when choosing a waterproof camera. Waterproof cameras range in price from around $100 to over $1000, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and budget.
10) Other Considerations:
You might want to keep in mind a few other things when choosing a waterproof camera. Some cameras come with built-in GPS, which can be handy for geotagging your photos and videos. Other cameras have Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to wirelessly transfer your photos and videos to your computer or smartphone.
Why Should You Buy the Best Waterproof Digital Camera?
There are many reasons why you might want to buy a waterproof digital camera. Waterproof cameras are great for taking photos and videos in all sorts of environments, from the beach to the snow. They’re also durable and rugged to withstand drops and bumps. And, most importantly, they’re a lot of fun to use!
How To Maintain Your Best Waterproof Digital Camera?
Here are a few tips to help you maintain your waterproof camera:
1) Read the manual:
Be sure to read the manual that came with your camera. This will help you understand how to use all the features of your camera and how to keep it in good working condition.
2) Keep it clean:
Be sure to keep your camera clean, both on the outside and on the inside. Cameras are sensitive devices, and dirt and dust can damage the delicate components. Regular cleaning will help prolong the life of your camera.
3) Store it properly:
When you’re not using your camera, be sure to store it safely. Protect it from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. And, if possible, store it in a padded case to prevent it from being bumped or dropped.
4) Inspect it regularly:
Be sure to inspect your camera regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to take it to a professional for repair or replacement.
5) Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines:
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the care and maintenance of your camera. This will help ensure that your camera remains in good working condition for years to come.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to get the most out of your waterproof digital camera!
Does a Waterproof Camera Need a Case?
No, a waterproof camera does not need a case. However, it is always a good idea to keep your camera in a case when not in use. This will protect it from scratches, dust, and other damage.
Can I Use My Waterproof Camera in the Ocean?
Yes, you can use your waterproof camera in the ocean. However, you’ll need to be careful to avoid getting sand or saltwater on the camera. Be sure to rinse the camera off with fresh water after using it in the ocean.
Is There a Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant?
Yes, there is a difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof means that the camera is completely sealed and will not let any water in. Water-resistant means that the camera is resistant to water but is not completely waterproof.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
Conclusion
Waterproof cameras are a great option for taking photos and videos in all sorts of environments. With a little care and maintenance, they can last for years. So, if you’re looking for a durable and fun camera to take on your next adventure, be sure to consider a waterproof digital camera! We are sure this guide has helped you choose the best waterproof digital camera for your needs, don’t wait no more and get the camera you need to freeze those souvenirs. Thanks for reading, if you think I forgot something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, feel free to leave your comment below. Be safe and have fun.!