The Best Underwater Cameras
Who doesn't love a good underwater action shot? And to capture memories and magic on film, we need a good underwater camera. Luckily, we've handpicked our favorite models. Each one is completely waterproof, shoots HD footage, and they often come with add-ons like mounts and remotes. We've covered a wide price range as well, so there's plenty to choose from without feeling like they're breaking the bank. Take the plunge and read on for more information about our favorite underwater cameras.
What to Look For
The market is flooded with underwater cameras, so we’re here to sift out the cream of the crop. To do that, we looked at a few key aspects: price, features, and video quality. Our top favorite for quality goes to GoPro, with up to 5.3K resolution and a bevy of handy features like motion stabilization, two LCD screens, and impressive frame rates, it’s the go-to action camera for a reason. For a more budget-friendly option, the Akaso EK7000 makes an excellent choice. It shoots 4K videos and includes a WiFi connection and an app to control it, basically mirroring the main functions of a GoPro from a couple of generations ago. There’s a lot more to share about these top-class underwater cameras, so let’s dive right in.
Akaso EK7000 Ultra HD Underwater Camera
Capture the majesty
At this price point, we can’t believe how many features this camera has. It’s a high-end underwater camera with a superwide lens that lets us capture gorgeous action shots. At up to 4K resolution, the image quality is frankly astounding — no more grainy, pixelated footage. And with a veritable smorgasbord of attachments and accessories, this bundle keeps looking more appealing for our wallets as well as our creative vision.
Pros:
- This camera can work well as a dash cam for our car or a webcam for our PC.
- We can playback media on the camera itself. And with WiFi connectivity, we can also watch it via the companion app on our phone.
Cons:
- The microphone isn’t the best quality, but it’s serviceable for most scenarios.
GoPro Hero10 Black Waterproof Action Camera
Bring the action to life
GoPro is synonymous with action cameras for a reason: their cameras are just that good. Their latest model, the Hero10 black, offers higher resolutions, framerates, and features than almost every other action camera on the market. It may come at a hefty price tag, but it’s well worth it for features like 5.3K resolution, timelapse and slow-motion recording, and the two LCD screens. And with the SuperView lens, we capture majestic shots that make us feel like we’re right in the action.
Pros:
- With the LCD screen in the front, we’re never left wondering if we’re in the frame. It makes it really easy to pose for shots and keep ourselves on camera.
- The motion stabilization on this GoPro is second-to-none. For the smoothest possible videos, this is the camera to get.
Cons:
- The lens doesn’t capture low light very well, although we can change the ISO and exposure settings to compensate.
Akaso Brave 4 Ultra HD Waterproof Camera
Be one with the fish
Capturing action footage while snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving doesn’t have to break the bank. The Akaso Brave 4 has everything we need in an underwater action camera at a much more affordable price than the biggest name brands. 4K resolution, wide-angle lens, and WiFi connectivity have us sold. And with two batteries, a separate charger, and a remote, this set just keeps getting more attractive for its price.
Pros:
- There is a preview feature on the camera itself so we can playback movies immediately.
- The included accessories are all GoPro compatible. This lets us mix and match our favorite accessories without worrying about how to fit them together.
Cons:
- The LCD screen doesn’t have touch functionality, but we found that generally, we got by just fine without it.
Agoigo Kids Waterproof Sports Camera
Make a splash
When we’re on a family vacation and the kids want to capture their memories, we don’t necessarily want them using our own expensive camera. This solves that issue with an affordable camera for the little photographers to enjoy. We appreciate that it has a built-in rechargeable battery—no fussing around with an underwater enclosure like some other action cameras. It’s truly plug-and-play, perfect for young creators with a vision.
Pros:
- The buttons are large and easy to press. Combined with the ergonomic design, it’s easy for kids to use this camera.
- The playback for videos and photos is easy to navigate. We could quickly preview the shots after taking them.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this camera doesn’t record sound, however, most cameras don’t record sound underwater well anyway.
Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 Waterproof Digital Camera
The professional option
Sometimes, we need something a little sturdier than the small form factor cameras commonly seen on the market. That’s when we turn to the Kodak Pixpro: it’s a tough underwater camera made with professionals in mind. We love that it has an optical zoom as opposed to a digital one. This lets us capture faraway subjects with greater clarity. Unlike tiny action cameras, the Pixpro WPZ2 is super easy to grip underwater thanks to its rubbery surface and ergonomic design. We can’t wait to get our feet wet with this camera.
Pros:
- The lens is highly protected against dust, debris, and bumps. This camera works just as well as a regular outdoor camera.
- Videos are high-definition, and photos look fantastic thanks to the large lens. This camera captures low-light scenes well, too.
Cons:
- The SD cards only take up to 32GB cards, but it’s a minor convenience as plenty of shots can fit on a 32GB card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can underwater cameras go?
It depends on the model, of course, however, most are rated for around 30 to 50 feet, potentially more. Many underwater cameras can hit 100 feet, which is a pretty deep dive for most people. We recommend using a wrist strap or mounting the camera to your head or torso to avoid accidentally losing it.
What is digital vs optical zoom?
Optical zoom is when the camera lens physically moves to increase the distance of the focal point. Digital zoom, on the other hand, uses software to increase the size of an image, much like zooming in on a smartphone image. Optical zoom is preferable for better long-range shots.
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