9 Best Waterproof Cameras of 2021

Capturing memories is especially hard during summers when everyone is always in the water. Either someone has to step out of the fun to start taking pictures of everyone or you simply end up with no pictures at all. That’s why waterproof cameras are the next big thing.

In this article, we’ve found the best waterproof cameras on the market today to help you, your family, and your friends make the most of your water adventures while capturing all of it on camera.

How to Pick the Right Waterproof Camera

Not all cameras have the same criteria just like not all people want the same thing with their pictures. Some people simply want a camera that can take a splash and still function while others may want cameras that dive with them under water to capture pictures of sea life. Here are the things you should consider when choosing which camera is the right fit for you:

Pixels

The pixel value on your camera is the value that determines the quality of the images you capture. Most cameras nowadays can capture photos over 5 megapixels but you generally want to go for 10 megapixels or even higher; depending of course on how professional you want your footage to look.

Proofing Techniques

You’d think that for a waterproof camera, you’d only have to worry about how deep it can go into the water and still work. And while that is true, you have to also consider how it is proofed against water leakage. Some cameras are not waterproof themselves and will need housing in order to work underwater.

Versatility

How versatile a camera is, generally depends on the number of features included in the camera’s design and software. All the cameras on this list capture both photos and video but some have added features like stabilizing technologies that allow you to film in action, or face detection technologies that provide an easy point-and-shoot approach to shooting.

9 Best Waterproof Cameras Reviewed

1. GoPro HERO5 Session

GoPro HERO5 Session

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 10 megapixels
  • Video quality: 4K HD
  • Proofing: up to 33 feet without a housing

This incredibly tiny, one-button-operated camera is the latest from GoPro and it’s the perfect adventure companion. It can dive up to 33 feet underwater without any housing and be voice-controlled although it’s pretty simple to turn on and capture footage with using its single button.

The quality of the photos and video are impeccable due to the stabilizing technology installed within the camera. GoPro also offers an array of accessories compatible with the Hero5 Session so that you can make the most out of your camera.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The tiny and compact design makes it super easy to take with you anywhere.
  • Simple one-button interface makes it hassle-free to use.
  • GoPro Plus cloud allows for auto-uploads and easy backup,

Cons

  • The battery tends to die out in extremely cold weather.

2. Olympus Tough TG-5

Olympus Tough TG-5

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 4K
  • Video quality: 4K HD
  • Proofing: waterproof at 50 feet, shockproof from 7 feet, crushproof at 220 lbf, freezeproof at 14 Fahrenheit, and dustproof

One of the most durable cameras on this list, the TG-5 is designed to withstand all the elements. It can go down to 50 feet underwater, fall from 7 feet high, bear a 220-pound load, and still stay intact. It even performs just as well at 14 degrees Fahrenheit where most cameras would shut down.

With this camera, you can capture photos and video at 4K quality and store it on the camera’s 64 Gigabyte SDHC.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The robust structure provides ultra proofing.
  • The right notch makes it comfortable to hold.

Cons

  • Lacks an aesthetic design.

3. Nikon Coolpix W300

Nikon Coolpix W300

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 4K
  • Video quality: 4K
  • Proofing: waterproof up to 100 feet and shockproof from 8 feet

This Coolpix model from Nikon is designed for deep water diving and can be used underwater at a staggering 100 feet deep. It’s also shockproof so you won’t have to worry about dropping your camera.

With the stabilizing technology Nikon has developed for their cameras, you’re able to capture smooth 4K photos and video. And unlike other cameras, the W300 does not lag in between shots and will allow you to capture every second of your day.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Proofing: waterproof up to 100 feet and shockproof from 8 feet.
  • Causes no lag in between shots.
  • Video and photos are ultra stable due to stabilizing technology.

Cons

  • Some models leaked at over 60 feet deep but still worked after.

4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 16.6 megapixels
  • Video quality: 16.6 megapixels
  • Proofing: waterproof at 26 feet

The DMC-TS30 is not a high-grade professional camera but it makes for a great camera on family trips to capture memorable moments in and out the water. The lightweight mold designed for this camera allows it to be easily handled while providing a sense of strength and durability so your camera can last for a long time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Great for family trips or as a gift for your kid.
  • Very lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Durable structure lasts for a long time.

Cons

  • There is about a 1-second lag between each shot and the next.

5. Olympus TG-4

Olympus TG-4

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 16 megapixels
  • Video quality: 16 megapixels
  • Proofing: waterproof up to 50 feet, shockproof from 7 feet, freezeproof at 14 Fahrenheit, and crushproof under 220 lbf

Unlike the Lumix, the TG-4 from Olympus is perhaps made especially for professional photographers that want to take their photography near or under water. The fast and accurate focus in this camera allows you to capture high-quality footage in several different modes.

Not to mention, this camera also has a GPS system included that tags all your footage to the locations they were captured in so you don’t have to worry about organizing your work later.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Suitable for professional photographers.
  • Focus is fast and accurate.
  • GPS system automatically geotags pictures.

Cons

  • The battery life is rather short.

6. Nikon COOLPIX AW130

Nikon COOLPIX AW130

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 16 megapixels
  • Video quality: 16 megapixels
  • Proofing: waterproof up to 100 feet, shockproof from 7 feet, and freezeproof at 14 Fahrenheit

This is the camera you can take with you anywhere. With its proofing technologies and its durable structure paired with its high performance, the AW130 is one of the highest functioning waterproof cameras.

Underwater, you won’t have to worry about any lag in between shots as this camera can take up to 5 shots in one second making it the perfect companion for professional underwater photographers. And with the app - SnapBridge - you can sync your camera with your phone to quickly view and edit your photos.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compatible with the SnapBridge app.
  • Has a wide angle lens.
  • Has a quick shutter that can take up to 5 shots per second.

Cons

  • The lens on the camera may start to fog underwater.

7. SJCAM SJ8 PRO

SJCAM SJ8 PRO

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 12 megapixels
  • Video quality: 4K
  • Proofing: comes with waterproof housing

This budget-alternative to the GoPro actually has a lot of quality features. First and foremost, its battery can last much longer than other cameras when filming in 4K. It also has a built-in stabilizer that allows you to have smooth footage even when you’re moving fast during filming.

To make things easy to navigate, the SJCAM has a large touch screen through which you can control the functions of the camera as well as playback the videos you film. In addition to that, at the front side of the camera, there’s also another small screen that displays important info so you’ll never need to take your camera off of your selfie stick to check the battery life, for example.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Has a small front screen for quick info.
  • Has a touch screen.
  • The battery lasts longer than most other cameras.

Cons

  • Although this camera provides high-quality video footage, the photos are of lower quality than most.

8. Olympus Stylus Tough-6000

Olympus Stylus Tough-6000

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 10 megapixels
  • Video quality: 10 megapixels
  • Proofing: waterproof up to 10 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, freezeproof, crushproof, and shakeproof

The Tough-6000, although discontinued by the manufacturer, still holds up when taking photos. The 10-megapixel camera has stabilizing technologies that make it shakeproof and ensure stable images every time. Even when zoomed in, the camera has a quick shutter and disregards any shaking to produce crisp photos.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Powered with stabilized zoom.
  • Takes steady photos no matter the shaking.

Cons

  • Can barely dive underwater and is more water-resistant than waterproof.

9. Canon PowerShot D10

Canon PowerShot D10

Specs:

  • Photo quality: 12.1 megapixels
  • Video quality: 12.1 megapixels
  • Proofing: waterproof up to 33 feet but faulty

This camera does all the thinking for you with its smart technology; all you have to do is point and shoot. The smart-auto mode picks the right setting for you so your pictures never look over-exposed or underlit. Face detection technology also finds, tracks, and focuses on faces so that no matter how shaky your hands are, your photos are always in focus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Smart-auto feature selects the proper setting for you.
  • Detects and auto-focuses on faces.

Cons

  • Leaks whenever it is underwater so it only actually works out of water.