Whether or not or not or not swimming all through the ocean or kayaking alongside a river, the correct waterproof cameras imply you may seize distinctive photos with out worrying about water hurt, plus they are going to preserve out sand and take knocks, too. We’ve examined all the newest fashions and learnt that waterproof cameras take many alternative varieties: some ‘extremely efficient’ fashions are splendid taking images sea-life stills all by way of dives; whereas completely completely different ‘motion’ fashions are wonderful for capturing easy movement footage.
If we wanted to find out on a water-proof digicam for ourselves, we’d go for the OM System Sturdy TG-7. Its 4x zoom and helpful images decisions make it a surprisingly versatile taking images system, even when its picture high quality isn’t up there with the correct. Nonetheless there’s each probability {{{that a}}} utterly completely completely different digicam will almost definitely be a further good selection for you, considerably for many who happen to’re equally eager on taking images video, for which a digicam much like the Osmo Motion 5 Expert is a formidable selection.
The thought of this knowledge is provide you with a complete overview of the perfect waterproof cameras you should purchase in 2024. That comes with a abstract of the concepts from our in-depth evaluations, together with the strengths and weaknesses of every digicam. You’ll uncover selections for each funds under, together with helpful looking for recommendation that will help you determine.
Extreme 3 picks
Need to get straight to the correct waterproof digicam? Use our round-up under to shortly uncover a water resistant digicam that matches you. Yow will uncover out additional about it by leaping to our full write-ups utilizing the hyperlinks.
One of the best waterproof digicam complete
Compact nonetheless rugged, the Sturdy TG-7 is an impressive grab-and-go waterproof digicam with a beneficiant set of photos decisions for the value.
One of the best waterproof digicam for low mild
Waterproof to 20m and as so much as 60m with case, the Osmo Motion 5 Expert is our extreme motion digicam choose for underwater adventures, full with very good low-light picture high quality.
One of the best waterproof motion digicam for gear
GoPro’s flagship is filled with video solutions, is waterproof to 10m or 60m with a case, and has enviable gear, together with a water-proof charging dock.
Greatest by use-case
One of the best waterproof digicam with LED lights
5x optical zoom affords the WG-60 versatility when framing, whereas six LED macro lights all through the lens are helpful for illuminating underwater issues.
One of the best 360 diploma waterproof digicam
Waterproof to 10m, this class-leading 8K digicam enables you to shoot underwater footage in 360 ranges, capturing actually distinctive footage.
One of the best funds GoPro
Not the flagship GoPro, the Hero 10 Black stays to be accessible new for a lower value than the Hero 13 Black, whereas nonetheless taking images 5.3K video at depths of as so much as 10m.
7. Panasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7
Basically essentially the most applicable various with a viewfinder
Smaller pixels impact picture high quality from the TS7, nonetheless its digital viewfinder is an unusual and welcome attribute amongst rugged rivals.
One of the best miniature waterproof digicam
Its Motion Pod is barely splashproof, nonetheless the tiny Insta360 Go 3S itself is waterproof to 10m, whereas AquaVision 2.0 enhances underwater video all through the app.
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. He is labored for larger than 15 years as a photographer and expertise journalist, giving him a novel notion into what makes an beautiful digicam. He is had the prospect to shoot with a complete vary of equipment all by way of his profession, together with a variety of the perfect waterproof cameras. Tim notes, “we have included each type of waterproof cameras on this knowledge, from extremely efficient fashions designed to seize stills at spectacular depths, to motion cameras that make it easy to shoot sharp footage of your water adventures.”
One of the best waterproof cameras in 2024
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Beneath you will uncover full write-ups for every of the correct waterproof cameras in our itemizing. We have examined each extensively, so you may guarantee that our concepts will in all probability be trusted.
One of the best waterproof digicam for most individuals
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Purchase it if:
✅ You’re into underwater images: The TG-7 has a variety of helpful taking images modes, together with white-balance modifications primarily based completely on water depth.
✅ You desire a actually extremely efficient digicam: Moreover being waterproof to 15m, the TG-7 could be protected within the path of mud, sand and drops, together with freezing temperatures.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You need the right picture high quality: Even with its scene modes, the TG-7 is proscribed by its 12MP sensor, which lags behind the latest smartphones.
❌ You already personal the Sturdy TG-6: Whereas the TG-7 is an enchancment, it doesn’t do sufficient to justify swapping from the earlier mannequin if you have already got it.
It’s not a vast improve over the Sturdy TG-6, nonetheless with a rugged, pocket-friendly assemble and an excessive amount of images decisions, we rely on the Sturdy TG-7 is an impressive grab-and-go various for most individuals. Though its 3-inch present show isn’t touch-sensitive, its tactile array of buttons makes it simpler to maintain than a GoPro in strong circumstances, significantly for newbies. And for the reason that decide suggests, it is a digicam to take wherever: waterproof to 15m, it might almost definitely furthermore survive mud, drops, crushing and freezing.
In testing, we discovered that picture high quality from its 12MP sensor can’t compete with many trendy smartphones, even with a quick f/2 aperture on the big finish of the 25-100mm zoom vary. 4K/30p video furthermore appears a bit dated. Nonetheless the TG-7 does income from a stunning variety of taking images modes, together with macro focusing and white stability presets which match utterly completely completely different water depths. The true income lies in its practicality, permitting you to shoot with out concern all through the waves.
Examine our in-depth OM System Sturdy TG-7 evaluation
One of the best waterproof digicam for low mild
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Purchase it if:
✅ You need actually good waterproofing: The Osmo Motion 5 Expert is rated as waterproof all the easiest way proper all the way down to 20m with out a case, making it a standout digicam.
✅ You want clear sight: The Motion 5 Expert’s upgraded twin OLED screens are simpler to see in low mild and the primary present show is larger than ahead of.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You prefer to face up near issues: The Motion 5 Expert’s 1/1.3-inch sensor and 155-degree lens are good, nonetheless the result’s a limiting 0.4m minimal focus distance, so images of tiny particulars aren’t potential.
❌ You need excessive dedication video: Video high quality is good, nonetheless it’s capped to 4K whereas GoPro and Insta360 rivals shoot 5.3K and 8K video respectively.
GoPro now has two giant motion digicam rivals, DJI and Insta360, and the Osmo Motion 5 Expert is DJI’s newest flagship with Hero 13 Black-beating underwater skills. We rely on its video high quality is best in low mild very similar to underwater, and that is thanks partially to its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor that makes use of larger pixels with larger mild gathering potential. The result’s brighter and punchier underwater photos, with the choice for 40MP stills – that may be a gigantic leap from the Motion 4’s 10MP dedication. Video dedication is decrease than GoPro’s, being 4K as so much as 120fps, nonetheless we would take the cleaner picture over the following dedication one, considerably for underwater encounters. Video could be helps DJI’s D-Log profile with 10-bit shade. In our evaluation, we discovered that this considerably improves shade depth and dynamic vary. So much a lot much less helpful is how the elevated sensor measurement and huge lens delay the minimal focus distance to 0.4m, which is prone to be a problem for many who happen to plan on recording sea life up shut.
Bodily, the Osmo Motion 5 Expert has only some upgrades from the Motion 4, a wide range of which place it as our extreme waterproof motion cam. Waterproofing is even larger, as so much as 20m even with out a case, plus there is a expert depth gauge built-in, and also you may embed your depth knowledge to your photos – giant neat. The upgraded screens are OLED pretty than LCD, which signifies that they are simpler to see underwater. The digicam will work all the easiest way by which from -4F / -20C to 113F / 45C too. Regular, the Osmo Motion 5 Expert seems to be like like a sensibly refined flagship motion digicam with unmatched assemble high quality in your excessive adventures.
Examine our in-depth DJI Osmo Motion 5 Expert evaluation
One of the best waterproof motion digicam for gear
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Purchase it if:
✅ You plan to shoot for social: On account of it shoots native 5.3K with an 8:7 aspect ratio, the Hero 13 makes it easy to reframe footage for diverse channels.
✅ You want the thought of equipment: Together with pretty a variety of underwater add-ons accessible for the Hero 13’s mounting toes, Lens Mods can get you utterly completely completely different appears and seize particulars.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You shoot in dim underwater circumstances: The Hero 13 Black is at its most attention-grabbing when factors are vivid, with noise nonetheless a problem everytime you shoot all through the murky depths.
❌ You need class-leading battery life: Even with GoPro’s larger Enduro battery inside, the Hero 13 cannot compete with the Osmo Motion 5 Expert.
Bodily, the Hero 13 Black is form of an much like its predecessor, together with its 10m waterproof score which is able to in all probability be upped to 60m with GoPro’s underwater housing. It likewise makes use of an 8:7 aspect ratio sensor to seize 5.3K video that may merely be cropped for social, whereas itss gradual movement recording has been improved for cinematic outcomes. With the addition of HDR video and GoPro’s 10-bit Log shade profile, we discovered the Hero 13 Black capable of seize sharp, clear and dynamic video in vivid circumstances, plus you may snap 27MP pictures. Low-light stays a problem for video high quality, which means the GoPro and should’t compete with DJI’s Osmo Motion 5 Expert considerably for deep water adventures.
GoPro launched as soon as extra built-in GPS, with the choice to incorporate effectivity stickers in your movement footage, together with altitude / depth. There’s furthermore magnetic mounting now, and so there’s 3 strategies to connect gear. And it is GoPro’s vary of equipment that objects its motion cameras aside. Not solely do you might need a selection of non-compulsory Lens Mods, together with Macro for shut ups very similar to coral, or the ultra-wide for a wider perspective, nonetheless the digicam’s door will in all probability be eradicated and adjusted with a mannequin new waterproof charger accent. Path its cable out of the water to your energy present, and the Hero 13 Black can have limitless energy current, splendid for extended movement footage all through the pool. GoPro furthermore improved battery life in its newest flagship, nonetheless its one completely different space that the Osmo Motion 5 Expert outshines the Hero 13 Black.
In each different case, the same entrance and rear screens are helpful for framing your self at sea, even when the rear contact interface doesn’t work underwater. To make sure that you a feature-packed motion cam that may shoot sharp video above and under water, with distinctive gear considerably lenses, then the GoPro Hero 13 is our extreme choose.
Examine our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black evaluation
One of the best waterproof digicam with LED lights
Purchase it if:
✅ You want one issue actually extremely efficient: Together with being waterproof to 14m, the WG-80 is crushproof, shockproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof.
✅ You desire a versatile taking images system: The WG-80 combines a 5x zoom lens with close-focusing for macro images, which means you may cowl a diffusion of issues.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You need the correct picture high quality: Stills from the WG-80 will in all probability be disappointing and its sensor is crushed in high-contrast scenes by most trendy smartphones.
❌ You plan to shoot a variety of video: With footage capped at 1080p/30fps, there are larger selections on this itemizing for recording video underwater.
The WG-80 from Ricoh has some fairly sturdy extremely efficient credentials: it is waterproof to a depth of 14m/45.9ft and shockproof from a fall of as so much as 1.6m/5.2ft, whereas it should face as a lot as a stress of as so much as 100kg/220lbs. Moreover it’s dust-proof and should function in temperatures all the easiest way proper all the way down to -10°C/14°F. Whereas we rely on it might almost definitely’t fairly compete with the OM System Sturdy TG-7, it furthermore prices pretty a bit so much a lot much less.
The 5x optical zoom has a fairly broad focal zoom vary, from 28-140mm, whereas there are six LED macro lights dotted all through the doorway of the lens barrel to ship vivid and uniform lighting spherical your topic – splendid when taking images underwater issues. The macro lights furthermore present completely completely different helpful capabilities, such because of the LED Lighting mode, which makes use of the lights for along with mild to portraits in poor mild, delivering an additional flattering look than the WG-60’s devoted flash.
One of the best 360 diploma waterproof digicam
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Purchase it if:
✅ You desire a compact 360 digicam: The Insta360 X4 makes it easy to shoot and edit 360-degree video, producing outcomes that no smartphone can match.
✅ You need to shoot 360 underneath the ocean: On account of locking port covers, the X4 is completely waterproof to 10m, which means you may safely swim with it.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You don’t have the potential of huge knowledge: 8K video knowledge require a considerable amount of space for storing and processing energy, so that they don’t work for everybody.
❌ You shoot pretty a bit in low mild: Though the digicam and Insta360’s software program program program work onerous to scrub up video, outcomes are nonetheless at their most crisp in vivid circumstances.
We waxed lyrical relating to the most attention-grabbing 360-degree digicam in our Insta360 X4 evaluation, nevertheless it certainly actually’s furthermore method over an 8K 360-degree video digicam. It furthermore packs a sturdy single digicam 4K 60p mode and, crucially, it is waterproof as so much as 10m. That is not as deep as devoted selections much like the Sturdy TG-7 or discontinued fashions much like the Nikon Coolpix W300, nonetheless we rely on its uncommon for most individuals to go deeper than 10m.
What you do get with the X4 is pictures and movies with a distinction: full panaromas of each angle, stabilized footage, good video outcomes utilizing Insta360’s Studio app and extra. The host of equipment that make taking your underwater pictures and movies simpler, very similar to a diffusion of selfie sticks, solely provides to the enchantment. Should you are after a digicam that is as succesful on land on your total adventures as a result of it is underwater, that is prone to be the choice for you.
Examine our in-depth Insta360 X4 evaluation
One of the best funds GoPro
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Purchase it if:
✅ You desire a water resistant vlogging digicam: Waterproof to 10m with out a case and geared up with a helpful entrance present show, the Hero 10 Black is an surroundings pleasant self-shooter.
✅ You desire a good-value GoPro: It’s not the latest mannequin all through the GoPro line-up, nonetheless the Hero 10 Black presents a variety of decisions for a worth that’s now additional low-cost.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You need appropriately cinematic video: Outcomes from the Hero 10 Black will in all probability be good, nonetheless later fashions much like the Hero 12 Black pay money for an additional cinematic look.
❌ You want a low-light winner: Noise low price helps, nonetheless its comparatively small sensor means the GoPro Hero 10 Black nonetheless isn’t a champion in low mild.
The Hero 10 Black shouldn’t be extreme of the GoPro pile, nevertheless it certainly actually stays an incredible selection for many who need to get monetary monetary financial savings on a water-proof motion digicam and don’t want 10-bit recording or help for vertical video. In our checks, we discovered each its 5.3K/60p and 4K/120p footage spectacular. We furthermore discovered it versatile, gratifying and straightforward to make the most of, even when its responsive touchscreen doesn’t work underwater.
With HyperSmooth stabilization accessible all by way of most taking images modes, it’s an excellent system for recording high-resolution clips in all circumstances. Low mild does maintain a problem, although, which suggests effectivity will drop off for many who happen to take a look at its 10m waterproofing in dim circumstances. The latest GoPro Hero 12 Black presents additional enhancing flexibility, whereas the DJI Osmo Motion 4 performs considerably larger in low mild. Nonetheless if you need a GoPro motion digicam with out the flagship ticket, we rely on the Hero 10 Black stays to be an incredible choice to ponder.
Examine our in-depth GoPro Hero 10 Black evaluation
One of the best waterproof digicam with a viewfinder
Purchase it if:
✅ You plan to go actually deep: Waterproof to a really spectacular 31m, the TS7 has larger waterproofing than one different digicam on this itemizing, making it splendid for diving.
✅ You want an digital viewfinder: Together with a beneficiant variety of exterior controls, the TS7 is exclusive for a water-proof digicam in having an digital viewfinder.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You need wonderful picture high quality: With a variety of pixels squeezed onto a small sensor, the 20.4MP dedication comes on the worth of low-light effectivity and uncooked seize.
❌ You need the correct battery life: The place its predecessor delivered 370 images, the TS7 delivers 300, which drops to 250 for many who happen to utilize the digital viewfinder.
Launched in 2018, the Panasonic Lumix TS7 (typically known as the Lumix FT7 exterior the US) is simply not the latest waterproof digicam correct proper right here. Nonetheless, it stays related by good thing about 1 attribute significantly: a built-in digital viewfinder (EVF), one issue sometimes seen on a water-proof digicam. The 1,170k-dot, 0.2-inch current won’t be a really highly effective within the market, nevertheless it certainly actually does present a helpful completely completely different to taking images with the rear current, considerably in vivid mild, which might make composition strong.
There’s tons to love relating to the Lumix TS7 / FT7, together with its very good extremely efficient credentials. Lens security stays the same as its predecessor, with a helpful 4.6x zoom vary that covers 28-128mm. What lets it down is the sensor, which crams too many pixels onto a comparatively small space: Panasonic elevated the pixel rely from 16.1MP on the TS5 / FT5 to twenty.4MP on the Lumix TS7 / FT7.
Examine our in-depth Panasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7 evaluation
One of the best miniature waterproof digicam
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Purchase it if:
✅ You desire a miniature motion digicam: The beauty of the Insta360 Go 3S is it is small as waterproof cameras come, letting you seize distinctive angles.
✅ You need to to neglect about framing: The FreeFrame mode enables you to shoot footage with out framing, then loss lessly crop it shortly.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You need to seize the sharpest video: With a most video dedication of 4K, the Insta360 Go 3S isn’t the sharpest system for waterproof video on this itemizing.
❌ You desire a utterly waterproof determination: The digicam itself is waterproof to 10m, nonetheless the add-on ActionPod with its present show further decisions is barely water-proof so you may solely take the digicam for underwater images.
To make sure that you a tiny waterproof digicam in your subsequent seashore journey, we rely on the Insta360 Go 3S is prone to be merely the ticket. What it lacks in video high quality and stabilization solutions, it makes up for in miniature versatility: the digicam encompasses a magnetic mount that may stick with all types of surfaces and is so small that you just may place it for distinctive views – that is inventive filmmaking. It furthermore comes with an arsenal of modular gear. The principle peripheral is the Motion Pod, which encompasses a flip-up touchscreen that makes framing simpler. Sadly, this isn’t waterproof, so that you just’ll want to go away it in your dry bag everytime you’re taking the core digicam unit into the ocean, and which suggests you is prone to be taking images blind.
With 4K/30p video, the Go 3S’s video specs can’t compete with rival motion cameras on dedication or physique charges, nor can the low mild picture high quality. That talked about, movement footage from our evaluation had first payment distinction and dynamic vary, plus the AquaVision 2.0 setting all through the Insta360 app may very well be a helpful addition, leveraging AI to bolster colours and battle underwater glare. It ought to almost definitely’t add lacking issue, nevertheless it certainly actually does make a distinction.
Examine our in-depth Insta360 Go 3S evaluation
How one can decide on the correct waterproof digicam for you
How one can decide on the correct waterproof digicam?
A key consideration when deciding on a water-proof digicam is its waterproof score. Should you solely want a digicam for seashore journeys, one issue with a score of 10m should be implausible, such because of the Insta360 Go 3S. Should you’re planning additional adventurous underwater pursuits, search for one issue rated for deeper waters. The DJI Osmo Motion 5 Expert is rated to 20m, whereas the Panasonic Lumix TS7 is good all the easiest way proper all the way down to 31m, which should be sufficient for lots of leisure dives.
One of the best waterproof cameras are optimized to be used underwater. That normally means tactile bodily buttons which is prone to be easy to entry and efficiency. Many furthermore attribute specialised taking images modes which regulate settings for underwater circumstances, compensating for components very similar to shade distortion.
waterproof digicam should be additional than merely water-proof. You’ll need one issue with a sturdy setting up that may stand as a lot because the pains of your outside adventures. Ponder components very similar to shock resistance, dustproofing plus working temperatures, together with the general assemble high quality.
Should you’re planning to swim at nightfall or dive deep, search for a digicam with good low-light skills, such because of the DJI Osmo Motion 5 Expert, or one with built-in LED lights, much like the Ricoh WG-80. For some cameras, these will in all probability be fitted as non-compulsory gear. You might need to furthermore pay attention to the macro skills for many who happen to hope to seize the little particulars very similar to ocean life.
Many waterproof cameras have housings that prohibit the vary of any optical zoom. That talked about, some fashions do present a modest zoom vary, such because of the 4x zoom on the OM System Sturdy TG-7, which provides you additional flexibility to choose sub-aquatic issues.
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When testing waterproof cameras, we do our greatest to simulate the requires of outdoor adventures throughout the exact world. Whereas we don’t try waterproof cameras to destruction, we do assess every mannequin’s effectivity whereas submerged, to ensure that assemble high quality lives as so much as its billing.
On account of waterproof cameras exist to imply you may shoot pictures and movies in aquatic circumstances, we assess each digicam’s imaging effectivity in a diffusion of circumstances. We try for shade accuracy, issue and any indicators of distortion. We furthermore examine the effectiveness of any underwater taking images modes to see how correctly these compensate for lighting circumstances and shade variation.
We furthermore pay attention to the practicality of every digicam’s measurement, weight and assemble throughout the exact world. Our testers assess how merely every digicam could be utilized all by way of fairly a couple of actions, considerably these in and spherical water, to have a look at each its practicality and effectivity.
To precisely assess battery life, we conduct utilization checks to duplicate widespread circumstances, very similar to burst taking images and a set of video clips. The target is to see how precise figures stack up within the path of claimed longevity.
Lastly, we try any further decisions to see how they improve the general particular person expertise, together with GPS and Wi-Fi.