Best Underwater Camera Reviews 2018

An underwater digital camera is perfect for taking pictures of exotic fish and aquatic life next time you go scuba diving or snorkeling. Luckily, the market is filled with exquisite models, and we've picked five excellent ones from some of the best underwater camera brands out there. Take a look at these waterproof digital cameras and see which one fits your needs and your budget the best!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Waterproof

Zoom

Display

Megapixels

Color

Our Top Choice

Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Underwater Digital Camera

Nikon specializes in digital cameras and photography equipment. The COOLPIX AW130 model is easy to use, reliable, and captures fantastic pictures.

Available in 3 colors and with accessory bundle. Incorporates Wi-Fi and GPS. Shockproof to drops from 7 feet. Large display.

Isolated complaints regarding reliability. This camera comes with warranty.

Up to 100 ft

5x optical zoom

OLED, 3 inches

16 MP

3 colors available

Best Value

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS5A Underwater Digital Camera

Panasonic is a leading manufacturer of gadgets and electronics. The DMC-TS5A camera is ideal for shooting underwater, and it has a large display.

Available in 3 colors. Powerful sensor. Shoots Full HD videos. Easy to use. Attractive design. 9.3 Optical Zoom. Compact.

Isolated complaints regarding audio quality.

Up to 50 ft

4.6x optical zoom

TFT LCD, 3 inches

16.1 MP

3 colors available

Olympus Tough TG-4 Underwater Digital Camera

Olympus makes top-notch digital cameras and photography accessories. The Tough TG-4 Underwater Camera is easy to use and includes a powerful sensor.

Available in 2 colors and 3 configurations. Shoots full HD video. Includes underwater HDR. Has Wi-Fi, GPS and Compass.

A few complaints that the lens gets foggy after a while.

Up to 50 ft

4x optical zoom

TFT LCD, 3 inches

16 MP

2 colors available

Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera

Canon is a prestigious manufacturer of electronics and gadgets, including printers and digital cameras. The PowerShot D30 model is reliable, easy to use and affordable.

Can be bought with accessory bundle. Large display. Powerful sensors. Shoots full HD video. Ergonomic and eye-catching design.

Isolated complaints that it leaks.

Up to 82 ft

5x optical zoom

TFT LCD, 3 inches

12 MP

Blue

Fujifilm FinePix XP200 Underwater Digital Camera

Fujifilm specializes in photography accessories and digital cameras. The FinePix XP200 model looks great, has a powerful sensor and captures stunning photos.

Available in 3 different colors. Dustproof and waterproof up to 50 feet. Shoots full HD video. Excellent performance even in low light.

A few complaints regarding reliability. This product comes with warranty.

Up to 50 ft

5x optical zoom

TFT LCD, 3 inches

16 MP

3 colors available

(Updated October 30, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Underwater Camera?

Did you know that more than 90 percent of our waters, particularly our oceans, are unexplored? Now, leaving aside the speculations that there might be thousands of UFOs lurking in the depths of the seas (technically called USOs – unidentified submersible objects), chances are that there is much life down there left to be explored, but no one really dares to go too deep. Maybe you wouldn’t undertake such adventures either, but what stops you from exploring the aquatic life in your nearest lake or sea, possibility taking some pictures as well? In this case, you need a high-quality underwater camera.

The reason for an underwater camera is obvious – electronics and water don’t go well together. That’s why the professionals from various companies such as Samsung and Sony, among others, have created cameras which are safe to go under water. These cameras are usually used in conjunction with a snorkel, and a snorkeling mask or diving mask, to protect your eyes and be able to breathe. You can also test them in your own bathtub before adventuring outdoors, to see that they are equally powerful and practical as regular cameras.

Feel free to read this guide to learn more about underwater cameras and how to buy a good one for your needs. There are literally thousands of models out there and, at first glance, picking one can be intimidating. Let us help you make the right decision!

Price

As you probably already know, prices for digital cameras vary, depending on their shooting abilities, built-in technology, compatibility with accessories and more. With underwater cameras, the situation is pretty similar, so you should expect to pay between approximately $200-$250 and around $1000, for a high-end model. In most cases, underwater cameras are also available in refurbished models, and they are still good and ready to be used.

What you also need to know is to stay away from very cheap underwater cameras, which are usually priced way below the $200 mark. Making an underwater camera is not an easy job, so if the camera is too cheap, the chances are that it is also badly made. You don’t want to miss out on photographing a baby octopus because your camera is unreliable, do you? Other factors which contribute to the price of an underwater camera are usually the manufacturer itself, the materials used and even its design.

Features

Apart from the regular features of a digital camera, underwater cameras also have several others which you should pay attention to:

Waterproofness - It is obvious that an underwater camera is waterproof, but up to which depth? Some can go down 50 feet, while others are still usable up to 100 feet underwater.
Protection - Apart from waterproofness, these cameras might also be freezeproof, shockproof, dustproof and even drop-proof up to five or six feet.
Sensor - Here you are in "familiar waters," as underwater cameras usually feature sensors you find on regular cameras. These can be from 5MP up to 20MP or more.
Connectivity - You know, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, even GPS. However, don’t try to send a pic from your underwater camera to your phone, because most phones are not waterproof up to 50 feet.

As mentioned earlier, the world of underwater cameras is broad and enticing. Such a device should be bought according to your photography skills and how much you love diving and taking selfies with starfish. If you are an absolute beginner, go for a modest camera with a decent sensor and basic connectivity options. Experiment with that for a while and then see when it is the right moment to upgrade. If you are an experienced photographer, well, in that case you probably know better than us what camera is suitable for you.

Construction and Design

What makes an underwater camera different from a regular camera is the simple fact that it is made of waterproof materials and is engineered to keep water away from its delicate electronics inside. These cameras also have lithium ion batteries, accept memory cards and have large displays, usually around three or three and a half inches. What you will probably find different as well is the fact that these cameras have a more robust design (don’t expect something very slim and very light), because they might also be drop-proof and freezeproof.

In most cases, the buttons on these cameras are made of a special type of rubber that offers enhanced grip and also remains waterproof. You can have the cameras in different colors and with different accessories included in the package – as we said earlier, they are not very different from a regular camera. We like the fact that many cameras also come with preinstalled underwater shooting modes, so you will have tons of fun experimenting down there. Some cameras also incorporate a compass and a GPS sensor, so you don’t get lost while following a fast, colorful fish.

Performance and Ease of Use

If you are wondering about photographic abilities, underwater cameras might surprise you. Thanks to the fact that they are usually equipped with a 12MP or 16MP sensor, they can shoot in Full HD resolution, capture video in slow motion and even have underwater HDR. The ISO range of such cameras is usually between 100 and 3200, and you can even use a flash underwater!

The built-in memory of an underwater camera might be around 4GB or 8GB, but remember that you can extend that with a memory card. In most cases, you can shoot hundreds of pictures down there or take 15-20 minutes of video at medium resolution without requiring an external memory card, so you are going to have a lot of fun exploring aquatic life. To wrap it up, underwater cameras also come with warranty periods of one or two years, which is always a great thing to have!

What is the Best Underwater Camera?

If you are shooting for an underwater camera, chances are that you already know the basics of regular cameras and how to pick a good one. Therefore, when you shop for an underwater camera, pay attention to other features such as waterproofness up to certain depths, if the camera is also freezeproof, and so on. Here are our recommendations when it comes to these photography accessories.

Our Top Choice

The Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera is available in 3 different colors, and it can be bought as a standalone product or with an accessory bundle. If you prefer an Amazon Best Seller in the Digital Cameras category, then go for the Nikon COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Digital Camera.

Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera with Built-In Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS, Available in 3 Colors

Nikon Underwater Digital Cameras 26494 - Yellow

Features

Nikon is one of the largest producers of digital cameras and photography accessories in the world. This brand is renowned worldwide for making high-quality digital cameras, DSLR cameras, and, of course, waterproof cameras that can be used underwater. You can also buy hunting binoculars from Nikon as well.

However, since this is a review about underwater cameras, let's take a look at the COOLPIX AW130 model and explore its benefits:

Available in 3 colors and can be bought with accessory bundle
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
Built-in GPS
5x optical zoom
Waterproof up to 100 feet

If this one doesn’t tick all your boxes, check out the other underwater cameras made by Nikon!

Best Value

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5A is available in 3 colors, and it has a 16.1 MP CMOS sensor that can capture stunning underwater pictures. If you prefer a camera that comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, look for the Panasonic DMC-TS6Z LUMIX WiFi Enabled Tough Adventure Camera instead.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS5A 16.1 MP Tough Digital Camera with 9.3x Intelligent Zoom, Available in 3 Colors

Panasonic Underwater Digital Cameras - Blue

Features

Panasonic is another prestigious brand that specializes in high-quality gadgets, gizmos and practical devices. For example, you can buy shaving machines made by Panasonic, excellent headphones that produce true-to-life sounds, and even smartphones. Panasonic is also renowned worldwide for making superb digital cameras.

We selected the Lumix DMC-TS5A model because it comes with numerous technologies and innovative features. Here are its highlights:

16.1 CMOS sensor
Available in 3 colors
00-3200 ISO which can be expanded to 6400
3-inch LCD screen
Full HD video (1080p @ 60 fps)

Don’t like the design or the price doesn’t match your budget? Take a look at the other Panasonic underwater cameras!

The Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera looks fantastic, is available in 2 colors, and can be bought with different types of accessories. It also features a 3-inch LCD display. However, if you prefer a more compact and lightweight camera, check out the Olympus Stylus 6000 10MP Digital Camera.

Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen, Available in 3 Configurations and 2 Colors

Olympus Underwater Digital Cameras - Black

Features

We are happy to include a high-quality product from Olympus, a brand that specializes in photography accessories and digital cameras. Apart from such devices, you can also buy binoculars from Olympus, and headphones and storage cards that are currently Amazon Best Sellers!

Let's take a look at the Olympus TG-4 model and explore its qualities:

Available in 2 colors and several configurations
16 MP sensor
Waterproof up to 50 feet
4x optical zoom
Full HD video (1080p)

Not particularly your style? View the other waterproof digital cameras from Olympus!

The Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera can be bought as a standalone product or with accessory bundle. This device has a 12MP sensor and an attractive blue finish. If you prefer a camera that also comes with GPS tracking, look at the Canon PowerShot D20 12.1 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera.

Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera with 12MP Sensor, 3 Inch LCD Screen, 1080p Video

Canon Underwater Digital Cameras 9337B001 - Blue

Features

Canon currently makes some of the most sophisticated and reliable digital cameras in the world. Many of its products are Amazon Best Sellers at the moment of this writing. Apart from digital cameras, you can also buy binoculars, video/audio cables and printers from this brand.

Let's take a look at the great features of the PowerShot D30:

Can be bought alone or with accessory bundle
12MP CMOS sensor
3-inch LCD screen
Waterproof up to 82 feet
ISO 100-3200

Not entirely satisfied with this model? Take a look at the other underwater cameras made by Canon!

The Fujifilm FinePix XP200 Underwater Digital Camera is available in 3 different colors, and it is completely dustproof and freezeproof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. If your budget is lower, consider the Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP 10 MP Waterproof Digital Camera instead.

Fujifilm FinePix XP200 Blue 16MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Dustproof, Available in 3 Colors

Fujifilm Underwater Digital Cameras XP200 - Blue

Features

Fujifilm is a Japanese multinational company that produces high-quality digital cameras, as well as other photography accessories. The products made by this brand have a unique and attractive design, not to mention that they include a lot of innovative features.

Let's take a look at the Fujifilm FinePix XP200 model, and you'll see why we included it in our list:

Available in 3 different colors
16MP CMOS sensor
Full HD video (1080p)
5x optical zoom
3-inch LCD display

There are more underwater digital cameras made by Fujifilm for you to check out if this one doesn’t float your boat!

Get the Best Underwater Camera of 2018!

If your friends think that snapping a picture of a magnificent sunset or a colorful bird is too mainstream, amaze them with a stunning shot of a seahorse! To do that, you need one of the best underwater cameras available out there and these five qualify for that award. Pick yours and start exploring!

Our Top Choice

Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Underwater Digital Camera

Best Value

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS5A Underwater Digital Camera

Olympus Tough TG-4 Underwater Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix XP200 Underwater Digital Camera