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

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.

2. Olympus Tough TG-5

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.

3. Nikon Coolpix W300

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.

4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30

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.

5. Olympus TG-4

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.

6. Nikon COOLPIX AW130

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.

7. SJCAM SJ8 PRO

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.

8. Olympus Stylus Tough-6000

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.

9. Canon PowerShot D10

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.