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The Best Waterproof Tough Camera for 2022
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If you plan to bring a camera with you when you go rock climbing, skiing, or snorkeling, it makes the most sense to get a waterproof tough camera that can withstand modest falls and can work while completely submerged underwater. After putting in 15 hours of research and testing, and subjecting our three test cameras to rough handling and a swim in a saltwater pool, we think the Olympus Tough TG-6 is the best choice. It’s tough, it captures 4K high-definition video, and it takes good-looking photos without any futzing.
Our pick
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Tough TG-6 offered the best image quality in our tests plus excellent 4K video, and it’s simple to use.
Olympus’s Tough TG-6 captured the best-looking images of the cameras we tested, and its 4x zoom lens provides a wider view than the iPhone 11’s camera but zooms in far enough and has a wide enough aperture to capture portraits that make your subject stand out from the background. It works underwater as deep as 50 feet below the surface, it can tolerate falls as far as 7 feet, and it can withstand cold down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re an advanced photographer, you might appreciate that it can capture raw images for more versatility when you’re editing photos. Videographers will appreciate the smooth, 120-frames-per-second 4K video capture.
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Also great
Nikon Coolpix W300
Capable of going down to 100 feet underwater, Nikon’s tough camera is a little tougher than the rest and still captures nice-looking (if not class-leading) shots.
Buying Options
Buy from Amazon
*At the time of publishing, the price was $387.
The Nikon Coolpix W300 captures great-looking photos, though they’re not quite as great as those from our top pick. Its 5x zoom lens offers slightly more zoom than the Olympus TG-6’s lens but doesn’t let through as much light, so it’s less optimized for underwater photography. That said, its still images had realistic colors and lots of detail when we used it to shoot in full-auto mode, and the camera is capable of capturing 4K video. The camera can survive dives down to 100 feet underwater (twice as deep as the Olympus can go) and is shockproof in drops as long as 8 feet (in contrast to the TG-6’s 7 feet), and like our top pick it is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
Budget pick
Ricoh WG-70
Although the WG-70’s images showed less detail and at times slightly off colors compared with our other two picks, it’s plenty rugged, and it performs well.
The Ricoh WG-70 produces colors that can be off sometimes in challenging lighting situations, but its colors are typically okay in natural light, and its images are still good enough for people who aren’t super picky about that.
The WG-70 can take falls as long as 5 feet and can work in freezing-cold weather (14 degrees Fahrenheit) or down to nearly 50 feet underwater. It can’t capture video in 4K and lacks Wi-Fi to transfer images to your smartphone, but at around $100 less than the Olympus TG-6, it’s a fine choice if you don’t want to spend the extra money and don’t think you’ll miss the TG-6’s extra features. We think the WG-70 could make a good first camera for a child or teen to play around with, as well.
Everything we recommend
Our pick
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Tough TG-6 offered the best image quality in our tests plus excellent 4K video, and it’s simple to use.
Also great
Nikon Coolpix W300
Capable of going down to 100 feet underwater, Nikon’s tough camera is a little tougher than the rest and still captures nice-looking (if not class-leading) shots.
Buying Options
Buy from Amazon
*At the time of publishing, the price was $387.
Budget pick
Ricoh WG-70
Although the WG-70’s images showed less detail and at times slightly off colors compared with our other two picks, it’s plenty rugged, and it performs well.
The research
- Why you should trust us
- Who this is for
- How we picked
- Our pick: Olympus Tough TG-6
- Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Also great: Nikon Coolpix W300
- Budget pick: Ricoh WG-70
- The competition
Why you should trust us
I’ve been Wirecutter’s camera editor for three years, and prior to that I covered cameras and other photo-related products over the course of 13 years for CNET and Popular Photography.
For the last nine years of my tenure there, I was the tech editor and then senior tech editor for Popular Photography, where I was responsible for maintaining and refining the lab testing for cameras and lenses.
Who this is for
Action cameras like the GoPro Hero series have been eating tough cameras’ lunch for the past several years due to their ease of use, myriad mounting options, and diminutive size. But their super-wide-angle lenses—although immersive for shooting videos—produce noticeably distorted still images. If your main goal is to shoot still photos, a tough camera offers true optical zoom and superior optics that an action camera can’t match, and it has a bigger screen for previewing your results in the field.
A camera like this is meant for people who want to shoot images in extreme conditions, whether they’re enduring freezing-cold temperatures, rock climbing, or going underwater—in a swimming pool or in the ocean.
Although these cameras won’t do for serious scuba work (they’re generally rated for 50 or 100 feet, depending on the model), they are more than enough for snorkelers and free divers. (Scuba divers who want to shoot deeper should either pair one of these cameras with a special housing or look into more specialized equipment.)
Rugged/waterproof cameras aren’t just for swimmers—they’re also made to withstand falls, typically from somewhere between 5 and 8 feet, which is, conveniently, close to the height you’re likely to drop them from if the camera slips from your grip while you’re in the middle of taking a shot. Plus, the waterproofing also makes the camera dustproof, so you can bring it out on dusty hiking trails or in sandy spots like the beach. Cameras with interchangeable lenses can be damaged if sand or dust enters them when you’re changing lenses, but if you drop one of these rugged cameras into the dirt, it’s not a big deal.
Skiers or other fans of cold-weather and snow-frolicking activities will appreciate that these cameras can operate in freezing-cold situations—you won’t need to worry too much if the camera falls out of your pocket while you’re carving a turn on your way down the mountain.
It’s better to keep your pocket zippered, though, because if the camera falls deep into the snow, it may become difficult to find. Likewise, it’s a good idea to pair any of these cameras with a buoyant strap since the camera won’t float on its own if you drop it in the water.
The larger controls are easy to operate in action, but if you’re out skiing or doing some other cold-weather activity and wearing thick gloves, you’ll probably still have to remove a glove when operating the camera. We suggest including a glove liner in your outfit so you can keep that on while operating the camera and retain a little warmth before stowing the camera away again.
A happy side effect of the resilient nature of these cameras is that they are less likely to be broken by children. If you want to be able to hand your camera off to a child, choosing a rugged camera is probably a good idea, though one of these models may be a bit expensive to buy just for that purpose.
That said, note that all rugged cameras trade image quality for toughness, so if you’re looking for an everyday camera, you’ll be better served by a non-rugged compact camera, a mirrorless camera, or a DSLR.
How we picked
We looked at all the rugged cameras currently available and narrowed the field down based on specs that we knew would be helpful in the challenging shooting conditions you’re likely to encounter.
- Large-aperture lens: Since light falls off dramatically the farther you dive below the surface of the water (they don’t call them the murky depths for nothing), it helps to have a lens that lets in as much light as possible. For any camera nerds who are wondering, we set a cutoff of f/3.5 or larger as the maximum aperture. This narrowed down the field a lot.
- Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof: Since ruggedness is the very reason these cameras exist, we took into account the manufacturer’s stated limits. Snorkeling is unlikely to take you below 10 feet, but your camera’s depth limit should give you room to spare in case you drop the camera accidentally underwater.
We considered a depth rating of 40-plus feet to be the minimum (50-plus was preferable). Similarly, you’ll need at least 5 feet—chest height for many people—of drop resistance. And pretty much all modern tough cameras work at subfreezing temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. - Macro and close-up modes: Because light doesn’t travel very well through water, a lot of underwater photography happens very close to the subject of the photo. That means macro capabilities are important. All of these cameras can focus as close as 0.4 inch from the front of the lens.
We also looked at tests and hands-on reports for the cameras, if they were available, to get a sense of what other camera reviewers had to say about them and to look at sample images the cameras shot.
Our pick: Olympus Tough TG-6
Photo: Rozette RagoOur pick
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Tough TG-6 offered the best image quality in our tests plus excellent 4K video, and it’s simple to use.
Offering toughness near the top of the class and image quality slightly better than that of the competition, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is an excellent choice marred only by flaws common to this entire genre of cameras. It has a lens that lets in more light than the one in the Nikon W300 or the Ricoh WG-70, which helps it achieve slightly better image quality than either of those models can offer. Although its 4x zoom doesn’t have quite as much reach as the Nikon’s 5x zoom, it covers a full-frame focal length equivalent of 25–100mm, and that is enough for the majority of situations.
Images we shot with the TG-6’s full auto mode looked great, and capturing them was as easy as turning the camera on, holding it up, and pressing the shutter button. They were neither too dark nor too bright, with vibrant colors and lots of detail. The colors were a little more saturated than accurate, but in a good way that most people tend to like.
The Olympus TG-6 does a really good job of getting plenty of details in both the brightest and darkest parts of the shot.
Photo: Phil Ryan Compared with the Ricoh WG-70, the Olympus TG-6 sacrificed some of the detail in the clouds to preserve a more vibrant look in the trees. Photo: Phil RyanShooting flowers, even with harsh direct sunlight bearing down on them, the TG-6 maintained detail in especially bright flower petals while also keeping plenty of detail in the shadows. Compared with Nikon’s W300, it produced a bit more detail in both the brightest and darkest portions of images in our tests. The difference wasn’t dramatic, but since the two cameras are so close in price, it makes sense to opt for the Olympus. Part of its ability to capture a comparatively wide range of bright and dark tones can be attributed to the fact that its sensor has fewer pixels packed into the same-size area as in the other cameras we tested: The TG-6’s 1/2.3-inch sensor has 12 megapixels, versus the 16 megapixels found in our other picks.
Avid photographers will appreciate some of the TG-6’s fancy shooting modes, such as automatic focus stacking and raw-image capture; the latter is of interest to anyone who wants to adjust their images after they shoot.
Such photographers might also like the array of available accessories, such as fisheye and telephoto lens adapters, a waterproof housing to extend its dive limit from 50 feet to nearly 150 feet, and even an underwater strobe.
Shooting underwater in a swimming pool with the TG-6 was easy, and we never felt as if the camera would slip out of our hands. Keep in mind that these cameras don’t float, so if you don’t use some sort of strap, you’ll have to swim down to the bottom of the pool if you drop yours. Our images from the pool had a slight blue cast, but we were impressed with the Olympus’s ability to present a pleasing look to the colors that slightly outdid what we saw from the Nikon.
The Olympus TG-6 did a superb job of capturing the silver and red of the Diet Coke can while also getting great skin tones on the hand. Ben Frumin The underwater macro mode let us get a closer view of the Diet Coke can. Photo: Ben FruminThe TG-6 has a comfortable grip that protrudes slightly from the front of the camera, as well as a small spot on the back for your thumb.
You control the zoom with a forefinger-operated lever that surrounds the shutter-release button. Hikers and rock climbers are likely to appreciate that the TG-6 weighs 8.9 ounces, so it shouldn’t be a problem to bring with you just about anywhere.
You can operate the camera remotely or send images to your smartphone through the Olympus Image Share app (Android, iOS). Don’t get too excited if you want to use that feature underwater; Wi-Fi doesn’t travel well through water. You’ll have to press the shutter if you’re below the surface and then wait until you’re out of the water to transfer images to your phone.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The problems we had with the Olympus Tough TG-6 tended to be category-wide problems and not specific to this model.
For example, all the cameras in this guide use a relatively small 1/2.3-inch sensor, as many other compact cameras do. That’s bigger than the 1/3-inch sensors you can find in high-end smartphones but much smaller than the 1-inch sensor you can find in non-tough point-and-shoots in the same price range. This is important because with all other factors being equal, smaller sensors can lead to noisier pictures, especially in dim light.
We also noticed that, as in other cameras, the TG-6’s auto mode tends toward wider apertures (lower f-stops) in order to let more light into the sensor, but this approach leads to a relatively shallow depth of field (that is, a blurred background) in a lot of situations where such blurring might not be desirable. That makes it difficult to get a shot of a person or object near the camera without blurring the scenery behind them. However, we saw the same thing happen in the other cameras we tested for the latest update to this guide, so it’s difficult to hold this quirk against the Olympus.
Also great: Nikon Coolpix W300
Photo: Rozette RagoAlso great
Nikon Coolpix W300
Capable of going down to 100 feet underwater, Nikon’s tough camera is a little tougher than the rest and still captures nice-looking (if not class-leading) shots.
Buying Options
Buy from Amazon
*At the time of publishing, the price was $387.
With the deepest waterproof rating (100 feet) and the highest drop rating (8 feet) of the cameras we tested, and with its ability to shoot images featuring realistic color and lots of detail, Nikon’s Coolpix W300 is a worthy substitute if our main pick is out of stock. It’s easy to use, and it can capture 4K video if, for example, you want to show off your experience water skiing on your enormous TV. Images we shot with the Olympus TG-6 had slightly better image quality, and that camera can record 4K video at 120 fps for either smoother-looking footage or slow-motion clips.
Shooting in full auto mode in our tests, the W300 consistently delivered great shots, the kind that anyone would be happy to post to social media. Even when shooting in challenging lighting situations (think institutional fluorescent lighting), the Nikon produced a pleasing, if not totally accurate, result.
The W300 uses a wheel to lock the battery access door into place, so you can more easily tell when the door is closed. Photo: Rozette RagoThe W300’s 5x zoom lens is one of the better lenses built into a waterproof camera. It lets in more light than the lenses of most competitors, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, so you can more easily shoot in darker situations than with rivals such as the Ricoh WG-70. (The lens in Olympus’s TG-6 has a maximum aperture of f/2.0, letting in even more light.) The W300’s zoom range (22.5–118mm full-frame equivalent) is enough to handle most everyday shooting situations. It has about twice as much reach as the telephoto lens on the iPhone 11 Pro and captures slightly more of the scene than a standard smartphone lens.
Plus, the lens has optical image stabilization to help prevent blurry shots caused by the natural shakiness of your hands.
When we took the W300 to shoot some flowers and to casually drop the camera (which didn’t break anything), we were impressed with the exposure decisions it made in auto mode. Shooting late in the day, we found that the images maintained detail in bright hedges in the background where the sun hit hardest as well as in the petals and leaves in the shadows. Plus, the colors looked natural. The W300 maintained the slightly warm quality of the late-day sunlight hitting the hedges while also giving a realistic look to the flowers in the shade.
The Nikon W300 captures detail and pleasing color both in deep shadows and in bright sunlight. Photo: Phil RyanWhen we took the Nikon W300 to a swimming pool, our images had a slight blue/pink cast. This effect is typical of waterproof compact cameras, and it happens because water absorbs various wavelengths of light differently.
The screen was easy to see underwater, and the camera felt secure in our hands.
Video from the W300 matched the image quality we saw in the stills. You can even shoot 4K footage, though the top frame rate is 30 fps, so you might get better results with fast-moving subjects if you choose the Full HD 60 fps option. Fast-flowing rivers, for example, might look better at the faster frame rate.
Backpackers should appreciate the Nikon W300’s light weight of 8.2 ounces; it weighs about the same as three or four Clif Bars, about an ounce and half more than the Ricoh WG-70, and a half ounce less than the Olympus TG-6. In addition, it’s easy to grip even when wet, thanks to the textured surface on the right side and the area on the back for your thumb. If you take the camera skiing, you’ll likely have to remove your glove when shooting, as you would with any of the other cameras we tested.
One of the most important aspects of a waterproof camera is the mechanism to lock the door that lets you access the battery and the memory card slot. That door is located on the side of the W300 and uses a wheel that locks into place, so you can be sure that the door is closed. The locking-and-unlocking mechanisms on our other picks employ small sliders that are less noticeable.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let you transfer images to your smartphone through Nikon’s SnapBridge app (Android, iOS). The app also allows you to trigger the camera remotely. Again, as with the Olympus TG-6, you shouldn’t count on using Wi-Fi underwater. But the feature could be convenient if you want to get a selfie when you’re out hiking.
Budget pick: Ricoh WG-70
Photo: Rozette RagoBudget pick
Ricoh WG-70
Although the WG-70’s images showed less detail and at times slightly off colors compared with our other two picks, it’s plenty rugged, and it performs well.
Of the three picks we recommend in this guide, the Ricoh WG-70 struggled the most with image color and sharpness in our tests, but it’s typically around $100 cheaper than the Olympus TG-6 or Nikon W300, and its 5x zoom lens has more reach (though not by much, and it doesn’t get quite as wide). This camera is also the least tough of the trio, waterproof only to around 46 feet (versus 50 feet for the Olympus and 100 feet for the Nikon), and drop-proof at 5 feet (in contrast to 7 feet and 8 feet, respectively).
You lock the WG-70’s battery compartment into place with a small slider button. Video: Rozette RagoFully zoomed out, it matches the field of view you can get from your smartphone, and the extra reach of the 5x lens might help make a bird perched on a tree branch fill up more of the frame. The lens also lets in less light than those of our other picks, however, so getting a shutter speed fast enough to make sure that bird doesn’t look blurry as it fidgets on the branch will be a bit harder.
Six small LED lights are built into a ring around the lens to help illuminate very close-up (aka macro) shots. The WG-70 is more than an ounce lighter than our other picks.
In sunlight, the WG-70 can capture images with lots of detail and realistic color in many situations, but it’s not as reliable as our other picks. In certain circumstances, it tends to sacrifice some detail in darker portions of the scene, such as areas in shadow, by underexposing them. White balance can get thrown off as well, resulting in inaccurate colors. For example, when we shot in ugly fluorescent light, the WG-70 didn’t accurately account for that light and produced a sepia hue whereas it should have produced an off-white.
This is a very particular lighting situation that we’ve noticed can confuse some compact cameras, but the other cameras in this test group handled it much more capably.
The brightest portions of the images we took with the Ricoh also appeared harsher than they did in the photos from our other picks. This result is likely due to some image processing happening in those other cameras that might not be happening here. But given that most people using these cameras won’t want to adjust their images much, that extra processing can be a good thing.
Underwater, the Ricoh WG-70 did a good job of keeping color shifts at bay but couldn’t match the colors that the Olympus and Nikon captured.
This image has the kind of blue color that most compact waterproof cameras produce, but the Ricoh WG-70 didn’t quite make the colors of the can as vibrant as the Olympus TG-6 did. Photo: Ben FruminWe found the look of the WG-70 interesting and fun. At first, we were concerned that its angular design might make it awkward to hold, but it was comfortable to use.
It’s not as tall as the other two picks, and the angular design of the body makes it feel secure even though it doesn’t have the same kind of obvious grip the other models have.
Unlike with our other picks, you can’t record 4K video with the WG-70, but you can record Full HD at 30 fps. The WG-70’s video footage exhibited image quality similar to that of its stills.
The Ricoh WG-70 doesn’t include Wi-Fi connectivity. If you’re hoping to shoot with it and transfer the images to your phone to share on social media, you’re out of luck. Instead, you’ll have to move the images from the SD card to your computer before you can make use of them.
The competition
The world of waterproof cameras has shrunk some in recent years, and some of the models that are available have stagnated. For example, Canon’s PowerShot D30 hasn’t been replaced and has been the company’s only waterproof compact camera for over two years.
We previously dismissed that Canon model due to lackluster low-light performance and images that weren’t as sharp as those from our picks.
Panasonic, like Canon, hasn’t updated its Lumix DMC-TS30 since that model’s announcement back in 2015. Although the company finally updated its higher-end waterproof model with the Lumix DC-TS7, we didn’t include that model in this round of testing because we don’t see the point of having an electronic viewfinder in this type of camera.
The lenses in Fujifilm’s FinePix XP120, XP130, and XP140 don’t take in enough light to meet our criteria.
About your guide
Phil Ryan
Phil Ryan is Wirecutter’s editor for camera coverage. Previously, over 13 years he covered cameras and other photo-related items for CNET and Popular Photography. As the latter's tech editor and then senior tech editor, he was responsible for maintaining and refining the lab testing for cameras, and as the main camera tester, he used many of the cameras released in that timeframe.
Further reading
What Camera Should I Buy?
by Amadou Diallo
Need a camera, but not sure which one will best suit your needs? Our retooled What Camera Should I Buy guide will help answer your specific questions.
The Best Action Camera
by Geoffrey Morrison and Ben Keough
If you want to capture videos and photos of favorite action sports, we think the GoPro Hero9 Black is the best choice for most people.
The Best Point-and-Shoot Camera
by Ben Keough and Phil Ryan
The Panasonic LX10 remains the best choice for people who want a compact camera that produces significantly better photos and video than their smartphone.
Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).
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9 Best Waterproof Cameras 2022
Popular Mechanics; Courtesy GoPro
If you’re planning an oceanside getaway or a day trip to the beach this summer, you’ll no doubt want to take lots of photos and share all the fun you’ll be having via social media. But even though many smartphones are able to survive an accidental dip in the pool, they don’t particularly like saltwater and aren’t engineered for taking photos underwater. So if your plans include some snorkeling or hitting the high seas—or you simply want to unplug and leave your phone behind—a waterproof camera is the way to go.
Best of all, most will be durable enough to withstand a few bumps and bruises along the way as well and can withstand cold temperatures so you’ll be able to take yours on ski trips come winter.
The Best Waterproof Cameras
-
1
Best Overall
Tough TG-6 Olympus
$479 AT AMAZON
Read More
$479 AT AMAZON
-
2
Best for Scuba Diving
CoolPix W300 Nikon
$446 AT WALMART
Read More
$446 AT WALMART
-
3
Best Premium
Micro 3.0 SeaLife
$599 AT AMAZON
Read More
$599 AT AMAZON
-
4
Best GoPro
Hero9 Black GoPro
$300 AT AMAZON
Read More
$300 AT AMAZON
-
5
Best for Kids
Underwater Camera Polaroid
$60 AT AMAZON
Read More
$60 AT AMAZON
-
6
Best Budget
CoolPix W150 Nikon
$406 AT WALMART
Read More
$406 AT WALMART
-
7
Best to Use With Your Phone
SportDiver Underwater Housing for iPhone SeaLife
$349 AT AMAZON
Read More
$349 AT AMAZON
-
8
Best Value
FinePix XP140 Fujifilm
$549 AT AMAZON
Read More
$549 AT AMAZON
-
9
Most Rugged
WG-70 Waterproof Digital Camera Ricoh
$370 AT AMAZON
Read More
$370 AT AMAZON
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What to Consider
Waterproof Rating
If you're buying a waterproof camera, it stands to reason that the most important thing to consider is how waterproof it actually is.
A camera's waterproof capabilities are measured by how far underwater it can go. If you plan to take it with you scuba diving, look for something that can go at least 60 feet underwater. Otherwise, consider the depth of the water where you'll be going, and buy accordingly.
Video Capabilities
These days, we expect our cameras to do more than simply take still photographs, and waterproof cameras can take video, as well. Most waterproof cameras are capable of recording at least 1080p video, but if you want to film yourself swimming with the dolphins in ultra high-def, make sure the model you buy can shoot in 4K.
Wi-Fi
Naturally, you will want to post the pics of your underwater adventures to Instagram, and it's so much easier when you can send photos straight to your phone instead of first downloading them to your laptop. As such, look for a camera that is equipped with Wi-Fi.
How We Selected
We surveyed a range of reputable sources—from Wirecutter to CNET to PCMag—for their recommendations for the best waterproof cameras, cross-checked those with user ratings on Amazon, and keeping specs and price in mind, came up with a selection of waterproof cameras for a variety of users and budgets.
For more great camera equipment, check out our picks for the best Canon cameras, instant cameras, and camcorders.
1
Best Overall
Olympus
Tough TG-6
$479 AT AMAZON $428 AT WALMART $500 AT B&H PHOTO
2
Best for Scuba Diving
Nikon
CoolPix W300
$446 AT WALMART
3
Best Premium
SeaLife
Micro 3.0
$599 AT AMAZON $599 AT WALMART $599 AT B&H PHOTO
4
Best GoPro
GoPro
Hero9 Black
Now 14% off
$300 AT AMAZON $360 AT WALMART $330 AT B&H PHOTO
5
Best for Kids
Polaroid
Underwater Camera
Now 14% off
$60 AT AMAZON $60 AT WALMART $60 AT B&H PHOTO
6
Best Budget
Nikon
CoolPix W150
$406 AT WALMART
7
Best to Use With Your Phone
SeaLife
SportDiver Underwater Housing for iPhone
$349 AT AMAZON $349 AT WALMART $349 AT B&H PHOTO
8
Best Value
Fujifilm
FinePix XP140
$549 AT AMAZON
9
Most Rugged
Ricoh
WG-70 Waterproof Digital Camera
$370 AT AMAZON $393 AT WALMART
Stephen Slaybaugh Stephen Slaybaugh is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience.
Waterproof camera. TOP 10 best underwater cameras
In the life of each of us there is a vacation or vacation when we try to get away from the bustle of the city somewhere, closer to water bodies, maybe just to the pool. A person is always drawn to spend free time near the water. Agree that situations often arise when you want to capture funny moments, take beautiful photos with splashes, take underwater photography, but photographic equipment is a very sensitive device and is even afraid of the slightest ingress of moisture. And often you bring back from a trip only a few photos near the sea and millions of pictures with sights, that's all the memory of such a trip. But, we do not get tired of repeating that technologies are developing by leaps and bounds and manufacturers produce waterproof camera for such cases. Gadgets with these characteristics will be discussed in today's article.
Such a device can be taken safely with you on any vacation , many of them are protected by additional material that protects against falls, dust or sand (but it's better not to abuse it with sand, this is not a shovel).
It will not be superfluous to have a GPS receiver, this will help you find out exactly where the photo was taken, although this will add to the cost of the gadget. Pay close attention to these characteristics when buying.
You will say that you can buy a special waterproof case and you will be right, but if you can still buy such a case for a smartphone, then everything is complicated for cameras, because. not everyone supports this feature, and you will also have to turn off the flash, because in the case the frames will simply be overexposed.
Separately, let's say a few words about batteries in waterproof cameras. As a rule, t equipment comes with the necessary batteries, they have approximately standard parameters, which vary depending on how you will “load” the device.
We advise you to buy a Class 10 memory card, for the camera , the speed of which corresponds to the capabilities of the device to the maximum and will be able to record high-definition video, quickly process the photos taken and will not “slow down” during continuous shooting. An interesting device from Panasonic opens our review, which is positioned for outdoor enthusiasts. Waterproof (submersion up to 10 meters), frost resistance (down to -10°C), shockproof case (withstands drops from a height of 2 meters), GPS, Wi-Fi and NFC make the underwater camera a real find for real travelers. Judge for yourself, a lot of sensors are "hidden" in the device: atmospheric pressure, altitude, depth, - this allows you to enter all these parameters into the photo file data. Of course, we did not check the shock-resistant properties of the camera, but the gadget withstood the dive to the depth with dignity. Read also our article TOP 10: the best action cameras of 2017 Waterproof camera from Olympus is also not inferior in quality and features. Read also our article The best inexpensive SLR cameras - TOP 7 We can't forget about such a giant in the production of quality cameras as Nikon's . The Coolpix AW130 waterproof camera is capable of diving to depths of up to 30 meters, while this is the best performance today, but you may not need this feature if you are not a professional diver. Already standard for many cameras: withstands a fall from a height of 2 meters and operation in frost -10°C. Fujifilm is also keeping up with its competitors and has released the with an interesting design, comfortable grip for one-handed photography and excellent performance. A waterproof camera, one look at which is enough to understand how good the is with a sturdy body. It has its drawbacks and advantages, which we will try to talk a little about. Due to the design of the lens on the center of the device and the slight bulge on the right side of the camera, your fingers can still get into the frame and ruin the picture. A very handy dial for selecting scenes, no need to rummage through the settings, just turn the "washer" and select the desired type of shooting. It is very comfortable. The camera also has built-in GPS and Wi-Fi modules, so that you can automatically geotag and send pictures to social networks. There is a small minus - this is the lack of a standard micro USB. Instead, there is a proprietary USB connector, which means you'll have to carry a special cable with you if you plan to charge the built-in battery. The camera fully justifies its cost, small inconveniences are unlikely to cause serious problems. Canon's 
The Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with 4.6x optical zoom, 16.1 MP CMOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor deliver superb image quality. You can also instantly transfer photos and videos to Youtube or Facebook, but for this you need to “link” the camera with your smartphone, and turn on the Internet on it.
deep-sea gadget, which constantly competes with Nikon for image quality, will delight real divers. The underwater camera can dive up to 25 meters. Optical zoom 5x, standard for this segment, but this is quite enough. The design is quite nice and pleasant, does not look like a super-secure device. The front panel is made of aluminum and is equipped with a rubberized lining for the right hand, so as not to accidentally drop it at the most crucial moment. The rest of the body panels are made of very rough, thick and hard plastic, it looks very solid and reliable. There are no complaints about the quality of the hull. there are none. Competitors should learn from Canon in the convenience of the location of all elements. 
We were primarily interested in swivel display, thanks to which you can shoot your loved one, or, in other words, take a “selfie”. Especially useful if you are blogging. This chamber is not afraid of rain, dirt, cold or water. Feel free to withstand any load, so do not be afraid for its safety. A real find for lovers of all types of recreation. The operation of the camera is guaranteed when dropped from a height of up to 2.1 m, submerged under water up to 15 m, pressure 100 kg, at low temperatures down to -10°C. The camera, although it is positioned as a wide-angle, is available to us is only 90° when recording video and the aspect ratio is 16:9. Allows you to shoot smooth slow-motion videos and make time-lapse shooting in "cinema standard" 60p. That's why the underwater camera is an indispensable assistant in any conditions to give your photo or video material an unrivaled result.
Nikon Coolpix AW130
3" CMOS 
GPS, GLONASS and QZSS modules will help you track shooting locations. Another interesting addition is the presence of a world map, which will allow you to quickly and accurately mark the place where the photo was taken. The screen is juicy and bright, with anti-reflective coating. The optical zoom is 5x, in principle, this is a good indicator for a camera of such compact dimensions. With the help of digital technology, you can increase to 10, but the image quality is slightly lost. The matrix has a backlight function, which will allow you to take photos in low light conditions. Pressure sensor data indicating altitude or depth is displayed on the camera screen during shooting; they can also be added to images. It also features smile detection, skin softening, and blink detection. All these parameters make the underwater camera one of the best to date. But users note that using this gadget for everyday shooting is not good, the quality of photos is not inferior to the quality of pictures on a modern smartphone.
Therefore, we advise you to study the device before buying, evaluate it in the store. Fujifilm FinePix XP90
In addition to filming in the cold, the underwater camera was able to withstand the test, maintaining a depth of up to 15 meters. In our opinion, it is better not to exceed this value up to 12 meters, there are reviews that the camera began to “act up” and could not take pictures. But, this is an isolated case and perhaps just a factory defect. The photos are of excellent quality, and you will definitely not miss an interesting moment. The Underwater and Underwater (Macro) modes are designed to optimize underwater capture. Plus comfortable body and light weight, the screen is clear and juicy. The manufacturer also claims that the waterproof camera is not afraid of sand and dust. The continuous shooting function is capable of 10 fps. and if you need to quickly shoot a moving object, there is a special Burst Mode button for this. Using a dedicated phone application, you can set the camera to shoot remotely. It's impossible to enumerate all the advantages of the camera, so feel free to recommend this model if you like it.
The only negative is the lack of GPS, if it is important for someone when choosing an underwater camera. Olympus Tough TG-4
There would be nothing to complain about, but this omission can cross out all plans for the purchase. Every time you need to think about how best to grab the camera. If that doesn't scare you, then move on. Canon PowerShot D30
(with battery and memory card)
The camera menu is standard for Canon and it is never complicated in , you can quickly understand and navigate in after 5 minutes of work.
The lacks a depth gauge, barometer, and Wi-Fi, but does have a GPS that works great. The quality of the shots was a pleasant surprise, some cameras suffer from “blurry” corners, Canon has no problems in this regard. Users note not the best ability to take photos in low light.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30
- Camera sensor 1/2.3" BSI CMOS
- Number of effective pixels: 12.1 MP
- Video recording: Full HD (1920×1080)
- ISO: 80 - 3200 ISO, Auto ISO, ISO6400, ISO12800
- Zoom Optical: 5x
- Digital: 4x
- LCD monitor: 3.3″ LCD screen, resolution 1228800 dots
- WiFi : No
- GPS: no
- Size: 96x15x59 mm
- Weight: 140 gr. (with battery and memory card)
- Price: from $260
The next gadget in our review is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30. We immediately liked the design of the , as well as the presence of the legendary Carl Zeiss optics.
The waterproof camera has a matrix with a resolution of 18.2 megapixels, which is one of the best indicators among underwater equipment today, which allows you to achieve maximum detail in the pictures. Also pay attention to the thickness of the case, which is is only 15 mm and weighs 140 gr. A large number of body colors will help you choose the device to your taste. Note that due to such a thin body, the manufacturer did not burden the gadget with GPS, Wi-Fi and other modules, except for the most necessary ones.
's proprietary Optical SteadyShot keeps your subject in focus, so you can forget about blurry photos. Video records at 30 frames per second, not the highest rate, but the device is not an action camera.
The manufacturer has not forgotten about an important component: the screen of the camera is of unsurpassed quality, larger than others, with high definition and does not fade in the sun.
Read our article Best Action Cameras 2016
Nikon Coolpix S33
- Camera sensor 1/3.1" BSI CMOS
- Number of effective pixels: 13.2 MP
- Video recording: Full HD (1920×1080)
- ISO: 100 - 1600 ISO, Auto ISO
- Zoom Optical: 3x
- Digital: 4x
- LCD monitor: 2.7″ LCD screen, resolution 230000 dots
- WiFi : No
- GPS: No
- Size: 110x38x67 mm
- Weight: 180 gr. (with battery and memory card)
- Price: from $115
We thought for a long time whether to include this underwater camera in the review, but still decided. Among these models, there are also budget options at a price of about $ 100. As one of the lucky owners noted, you can safely buy this device, for example, for children who want to take pictures, , but many are afraid to give expensive equipment into their hands.
This option would be ideal in this case. For unpretentious buyers, who have every penny in their account, and really want to shoot near water or under water, this camera will also become a good helper.
Budget model from Nikon has pretty good performance. This is 13.2 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, and a surprisingly very good matrix. The management is very simple, there are no unnecessary functions, anyone will understand. With it, you can dive to a depth of 10 meters, more than enough to take pictures of underwater inhabitants. The model boasts a large number of auto focus modes and scene programs.
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
- Camera sensor 1/2.3" CMOS
- Number of effective pixels: 16 MP
- Video recording: Full HD (1920×1080)
- ISO: 125 - 3200 ISO, Auto ISO up to ISO6400
- Zoom Optical: 4x
- Digital: 7.2x
- LCD monitor: 3″ LCD screen, 460000 dots resolution
- WiFi : No
- GPS: yes
- Optional: compass, barometer
- Size: 125x32x65 mm
- Weight: 236 gr.
(with battery and memory card) - Price: from $480
The Japanese company Ricoh has been known for its technology for a long time, but their models are not always enthusiastic. For example, waterproof camera WG-5 GPS. Everything seems to be fine in it, but users note the presence of a large number of flaws, which do not allow them to fully enjoy the quality of the product. Personally, we have not noticed anything of the sort.
The camera can be used at depths up to 14 meters. For underwater photography, special photo and video modes are provided. Video is recorded at 19 resolution20 × 1080 dots at 30 frames per second. The built-in GPS receiver allows you to add information about the location of the shooting to the materials. A little strange control in the menu, so you have to get the hang of using it. There is a built-in barometer and compass. In addition, there is an additional display on the front side that will show the depth of the dive or the height of the ascent.
In addition, there is a built-in memory of 70 MB, which will save a small amount of footage in the absence of a memory card.
The WG-5 is equipped with 's latest 1/2.3 size 16MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, which shows excellent performance.
Several body colors are available to users. Only the high price of the device scares away everything.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30
- Camera sensor 1/2.33" CCD
- Number of effective pixels: 16 MP
- Video recording: Full HD (1920×1080)
- ISO: 125 - 3200 ISO, Auto ISO up to ISO6400
- Zoom Optical: 4x
- Digital: 4x
- LCD monitor: 2.70″ LCD screen, resolution 230000 dots
- WiFi : No
- GPS: no
- Size: 104x20x58 mm
- Weight: 144 gr. (with battery and memory card)
- Price: from $180
Another device from Panasonic completes our TOP 10 waterproof cameras. To date, this is one of the cheapest devices.
All specifications are standard, so let's talk a little about the cons of the gadget. Firstly, the screen is not the best in quality, with any deviation up or down, the quality is noticeably lost and it is difficult to assess the real colors of the future frame. Secondly, a slow zoom, if you need to quickly zoom in on an object, you will have to wait. We also add that the buttons are pressed tightly and are too recessed into the case, you will have to adapt. A lot of negative reviews have been pouring on this camera lately, but if the budget is limited, then we advise you to take a closer look at it.
Total
As you can see, most cameras have similar technical characteristics and you can choose only from what you need. For example, it is not necessary to overpay for the presence of GPS and NFC and all sorts of barometers, compasses, etc., many will not need this for everyday photography. We also do not particularly recommend dropping a waterproof camera.
Manufacturers are cunning when they write about a fall from a height of 2 meters. The fall is maintained, but not on bare concrete, but on a sheet of plywood - this is exactly what the military standard used by all manufacturers of underwater cameras implies. It is a pity that we were not able to see the novelties presented by Samsung or Casio, apparently the manufacturers decided not to develop this direction given the popularity of action cameras. If you have something to add - write your wishes in the comments.
Nikon underwater cameras ?
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At the heart of the picture! The best about photography. ( nikonofficial ) wrote,
- Photography
- Cancel
- Cancel
- Only for shooting under water, but not for winter shooting, now is the season in hot countries. Today we are happy to share with you information about which Nikon cameras can be used for underwater photography.
Author: Andrey ArshinovThe number in brackets, for example (10 m), after the name of the product means the maximum depth in meters at which the product remains waterproof. An asterisk (*) means the product has been discontinued.
Nikon waterproof cameras
COOLPIX AW100* (10 m)
AW110 (18 m)
AW120 (18 m)
S30* (3 m)
S31 (5 m)
S32 (10 m)
The following is a list of accessories for other COOLPIX cameras.
Nikon 1 AW1 (15m)
The following are accessories for the AW1 and other Nikon 1 cameras.Digital SLR Nikon does not manufacture underwater digital SLR cameras or underwater housings. Underwater housings for Nikon DSLRs are available from third parties. Nikonos I* (50 m)
II* (50 m)
III* (50 m)
IV-A* (50 m)
V* (50 m)
RS* (100 m)
more information
Accessories for underwater photography with Nikon 1 cameras AW1 J4 J3 J2 J1* S2 S1 Waterproof case WP-N1 (40m) - - - O - - - Waterproof case WP-N2 (40m) - - O - - - O Waterproof case WP-N3 (45m) - O - - - O - SB-N10 Underwater Speedlight (100m) O O O O O O O Subsea fiber optic cable SC-N10A O O O O O O O SR-N10A fiber optic submarine cable adapter O - - - - - - Underwater bracket SK-N10A O O O O O O O
Accessories for underwater photography with COOLPIX cameras Compatible cameras Waterproof Case FJ-CP1* (3m) COOLPIX S5* Waterproof Case* WP-CP1 (40m) COOLPIX 2200*
COOLPIX 3200*
COOLPIX 3300*Waterproof Case* WP-CP2 (40m) COOLPIX 4200*
COOLPIX 5200*Waterproof Case* WP-CP3 (40m) COOLPIX 4600*
COOLPIX 5600*Waterproof Case* WP-CP4 (40m) COOLPIX 5900*
COOLPIX 7900*We hope you found this information helpful.
In the comments we will wait for your underwater photos, and remind you of the opportunity to add us as friends. Also read:
Me | PHOTOGRAPHER. Andrey Shpatak
Me | PHOTOGRAPHER. Dmitry Vinogradov
Me | PHOTOGRAPHER. Viktor Lyagushkin
Underwater photography
Me | PHOTOGRAPHER. Viktor Lyagushkin. Mistress of the HordeTags: underwater world
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