Best Waterproof Photography Cameras

The market for waterproof cameras is booming right now, which means there are many contenders out there. Some have features that others don’t; some have better build quality, others are cheaper or more compact, etc. Before you choose one of these devices, it is important to determine the purpose of the underwater camera, which is to capture images and video underwater.

What To Look For

There are waterproof cameras on the market that are guaranteed to float in water. If you go hiking in the rain or snow, there’s a good chance you’ll drop your camera in a puddle or a lake, and you want to have a waterproof camera that will not rust, crack, or break. The best waterproof camera will float but still capture clear underwater photography. It should be easy to take pictures and offer clear videos. It should be easy to mount and use in the water and provide a significant amount of time underwater. 

Olympus Tough TG-6

Olympus tough TG-6 is an advanced underwater camera that goes beyond what you’d expect from a submersible point-and-shoot camera. The TG-6 delivers dynamic and high-quality photography with a range of standard and custom modes—all in a durable, compact, waterproof unit that’s ready for the next adventure. The TG-6 has a host of features to help you get the best pictures possible. Olympus Tough TG-6 is a rugged camera (and a great deal) with an exceptional quality that makes it great for underwater use.

Pros:    

• 24-megapixel RGB sensor    
• High-resolution LCD touch panel display 

Cons:

• No optical viewfinder
• No flash 

Nikon Coolpix W300

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is an upgraded waterproof camera, which will shoot at 16 megapixels (MP) and is waterproof to a depth of 200 feet, making it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is a compact point-and-shoot camera, coming in at a little over 5 inches long.

Its 24-megapixel sensor and f/2.8 lens make it a good choice if you plan to take your underwater shots in shallow water. The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi lets you download photos and videos to your computer without dealing with an SD card. The W300 is also splash- and dust-resistant, so you can take it into the ocean or on a hike without worrying about it.

Pros:

• High-quality photos with its 20MP sensor
• Slow motion video
• GPS tagging

Cons:

• Lack of optical zoom
•  Limited battery life

Ricoh WG-70

Ricoh has just introduced a new camera called the Ricoh WG-70, and it is waterproof, dustproof, and even shockproof. The WG-70 is a compact point-and-shoot digital camera with a 16.0 megapixel F2.8 CMOS sensor, and it is water-resistant down to 3 meters (9.8 feet). The camera has a large 1.4-inch LCD monitor on the back, and Ricoh says it has a high-speed processor and a fast hybrid AF system. It is a fully-featured waterproof digital camera that can take beautiful pictures in all kinds of weather.

Pros:

• Sophisticated and sleek design
• Lightweight body ensures portability and convenience 

Cons:

• Lacks a viewfinder
• Battery life is short

Panasonic FT30

The Panasonic FT30 is a great little camera that is both waterproof and shockproof, which means it will withstand the impact of a dive without any damage. It’s a great little camera for taking photos while you’re snorkeling, scuba diving, or engaging in other underwater activities.

Panasonic’s FT30 is a mid-range underwater camera that’s perfect for fun and action. It is a compact waterproof camera that offers a lot of features for an easy-to-use, travel-friendly camera. The most important part is that the camera has an incredible 16-megapixel sensor. This sensor is far more sensitive than a traditional point-and-shoot model, which means taking great photos.

Pros:

• 16-megapixel sensor
• Ability to shoot raw images

Cons: 

• It only takes 16-megapixel photos with an aperture of f/3.5.
• It doesn’t have many different settings like ISO adjustments, white balance controls, etc.