Whether or not or not or not or not swimming all by means of the ocean or kayaking alongside a river, the proper waterproof cameras indicate it’s possible you’ll seize distinctive pictures with out worrying about water harm, plus they’ll protect out sand and take knocks, too. We’ve examined all the latest fashions and learnt that waterproof cameras take many various varieties: some ‘extraordinarily environment friendly’ fashions are splendid taking pictures sea-life stills all by means of dives; whereas fully fully totally different ‘movement’ fashions are fantastic for capturing straightforward motion footage.
If we wished to seek out out on a water-proof digicam for ourselves, we’d go for the OM System Sturdy TG-7. Its 4x zoom and useful pictures choices make it a surprisingly versatile taking pictures system, even when its image top quality isn’t up there with the proper. Nonetheless there’s every chance {{{{that a}}}} completely fully fully totally different digicam will nearly positively be an extra sensible choice for you, significantly for a lot of who occur to’re equally keen on taking pictures video, for which a digicam very similar to the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled is a formidable choice.
The considered this information is give you an entire overview of the right waterproof cameras you can purchase in 2024. That comes with a summary of the ideas from our in-depth evaluations, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each digicam. You’ll uncover picks for every funds underneath, along with useful searching for advice that may enable you decide.
Excessive 3 picks
Must get straight to the proper waterproof digicam? Use our round-up underneath to shortly uncover a water-proof digicam that matches you. Yow will uncover out extra about it by leaping to our full write-ups using the hyperlinks.
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam full
Compact nonetheless rugged, the Sturdy TG-7 is a powerful grab-and-go waterproof digicam with a generous set of pictures choices for the worth.
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam for low gentle
Waterproof to 20m and as a lot as 60m with case, the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled is our excessive movement digicam select for underwater adventures, full with excellent low-light image top quality.
Top-of-the-line waterproof movement digicam for gear
GoPro’s flagship is crammed with video options, is waterproof to 10m or 60m with a case, and has enviable gear, along with a water-proof charging dock.
Best by use-case
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam with LED lights
5x optical zoom affords the WG-60 versatility when framing, whereas six LED macro lights all by means of the lens are useful for illuminating underwater points.
Top-of-the-line 360 diploma waterproof digicam
Waterproof to 10m, this class-leading 8K digicam lets you shoot underwater footage in 360 ranges, capturing truly distinctive footage.
Top-of-the-line funds GoPro
Not the flagship GoPro, the Hero 10 Black stays to be accessible new for a decrease worth than the Hero 13 Black, whereas nonetheless taking pictures 5.3K video at depths of as a lot as 10m.
7. Panasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7
Principally basically essentially the most relevant numerous with a viewfinder
Smaller pixels impression image top quality from the TS7, nonetheless its digital viewfinder is an uncommon and welcome attribute amongst rugged rivals.
Top-of-the-line miniature waterproof digicam
Its Movement Pod is barely splashproof, nonetheless the tiny Insta360 Go 3S itself is waterproof to 10m, whereas AquaVision 2.0 enhances underwater video all by means of the app.
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. He’s labored for bigger than 15 years as a photographer and experience journalist, giving him a novel notion into what makes an lovely digicam. He’s had the prospect to shoot with an entire differ of kit all by means of his career, along with a wide range of the right waterproof cameras. Tim notes, “we now have included every sort of waterproof cameras on this information, from extraordinarily environment friendly fashions designed to grab stills at spectacular depths, to movement cameras that make it straightforward to shoot sharp footage of your water adventures.”
Top-of-the-line waterproof cameras in 2024
Why it’s possible you’ll notion TechRadar We spend hours testing every firms or merchandise we analysis, in order you could possibly be constructive you’re searching for the proper. Uncover out extra about how we attempt.
Beneath you’ll uncover full write-ups for each of the proper waterproof cameras in our itemizing. We now have examined every extensively, so it’s possible you’ll assure that our ideas will perhaps be trusted.
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam for most people
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Buy it if:
✅ You’re into underwater pictures: The TG-7 has a wide range of useful taking pictures modes, along with white-balance modifications based totally fully on water depth.
✅ You need a truly extraordinarily environment friendly digicam: Furthermore being waterproof to 15m, the TG-7 could possibly be protected inside the path of mud, sand and drops, along with freezing temperatures.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You want the correct image top quality: Even with its scene modes, the TG-7 is proscribed by its 12MP sensor, which lags behind the newest smartphones.
❌ You already private the Sturdy TG-6: Whereas the TG-7 is an enchancment, it doesn’t do ample to justify swapping from the sooner model if you already have it.
It’s not an enormous enhance over the Sturdy TG-6, nonetheless with a rugged, pocket-friendly assemble and an extreme quantity of pictures choices, we depend on the Sturdy TG-7 is a powerful grab-and-go numerous for most people. Although its 3-inch current present isn’t touch-sensitive, its tactile array of buttons makes it easier to take care of than a GoPro in robust circumstances, considerably for newbies. And given that resolve suggests, it’s a digicam to take wherever: waterproof to 15m, it’d nearly positively moreover survive mud, drops, crushing and freezing.
In testing, we found that image top quality from its 12MP sensor can’t compete with many stylish smartphones, even with a fast f/2 aperture on the large end of the 25-100mm zoom differ. 4K/30p video moreover seems a bit dated. Nonetheless the TG-7 does earnings from a shocking number of taking pictures modes, along with macro focusing and white stability presets which match completely fully fully totally different water depths. The true earnings lies in its practicality, allowing you to shoot with out concern all by means of the waves.
Study our in-depth OM System Sturdy TG-7 analysis
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam for low gentle
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Buy it if:
✅ You want truly good waterproofing: The Osmo Movement 5 Skilled is rated as waterproof all the simplest approach correct all the best way all the way down to 20m with out a case, making it a standout digicam.
✅ You need clear sight: The Movement 5 Skilled’s upgraded twin OLED screens are easier to see in low gentle and the first current present is bigger than forward of.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You favor to face up close to points: The Movement 5 Skilled’s 1/1.3-inch sensor and 155-degree lens are good, nonetheless the result is a limiting 0.4m minimal focus distance, so pictures of tiny particulars aren’t potential.
❌ You want extreme dedication video: Video top quality is nice, nonetheless it is capped to 4K whereas GoPro and Insta360 rivals shoot 5.3K and 8K video respectively.
GoPro now has two big movement digicam rivals, DJI and Insta360, and the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled is DJI’s latest flagship with Hero 13 Black-beating underwater expertise. We depend on its video top quality is finest in low gentle similar to underwater, and that’s thanks partially to its bigger 1/1.3-inch sensor that makes use of bigger pixels with bigger gentle gathering potential. The result is brighter and punchier underwater pictures, with the selection for 40MP stills – that could be a huge leap from the Movement 4’s 10MP dedication. Video dedication is lower than GoPro’s, being 4K as a lot as 120fps, nonetheless we’d take the cleaner image over the next dedication one, significantly for underwater encounters. Video could possibly be helps DJI’s D-Log profile with 10-bit shade. In our analysis, we found that this significantly improves shade depth and dynamic differ. A lot lots a lot much less useful is how the elevated sensor measurement and big lens delay the minimal focus distance to 0.4m, which is liable to be an issue for a lot of who occur to plan on recording sea life up shut.
Bodily, the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled has just some upgrades from the Movement 4, a variety of which place it as our excessive waterproof movement cam. Waterproofing is even bigger, as a lot as 20m even with out a case, plus there’s a professional depth gauge built-in, and in addition it’s possible you’ll embed your depth information to your pictures – big neat. The upgraded screens are OLED fairly than LCD, which signifies that they’re easier to see underwater. The digicam will work all the simplest approach by which from -4F / -20C to 113F / 45C too. Common, the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled appears to be like like a sensibly refined flagship movement digicam with unmatched assemble top quality in your extreme adventures.
Study our in-depth DJI Osmo Movement 5 Skilled analysis
Top-of-the-line waterproof movement digicam for gear
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Buy it if:
✅ You intend to shoot for social: On account of it shoots native 5.3K with an 8:7 side ratio, the Hero 13 makes it straightforward to reframe footage for various channels.
✅ You need the considered gear: Along with fairly a wide range of underwater add-ons accessible for the Hero 13’s mounting toes, Lens Mods can get you completely fully fully totally different seems and seize particulars.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You shoot in dim underwater circumstances: The Hero 13 Black is at its most attention-grabbing when elements are vivid, with noise nonetheless an issue everytime you shoot all by means of the murky depths.
❌ You want class-leading battery life: Even with GoPro’s bigger Enduro battery inside, the Hero 13 can’t compete with the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled.
Bodily, the Hero 13 Black is type of an very similar to its predecessor, along with its 10m waterproof rating which is ready to perhaps be upped to 60m with GoPro’s underwater housing. It likewise makes use of an 8:7 side ratio sensor to grab 5.3K video which will merely be cropped for social, whereas itss gradual motion recording has been improved for cinematic outcomes. With the addition of HDR video and GoPro’s 10-bit Log shade profile, we found the Hero 13 Black able to seize sharp, clear and dynamic video in vivid circumstances, plus it’s possible you’ll snap 27MP footage. Low-light stays an issue for video top quality, which implies the GoPro and may’t compete with DJI’s Osmo Movement 5 Skilled significantly for deep water adventures.
GoPro launched as quickly as further built-in GPS, with the selection to include effectivity stickers in your motion footage, along with altitude / depth. There’s moreover magnetic mounting now, and so there’s 3 methods to attach gear. And it’s GoPro’s differ of kit that objects its movement cameras apart. Not solely do you would possibly want a collection of non-compulsory Lens Mods, along with Macro for shut ups similar to coral, or the ultra-wide for a wider perspective, nonetheless the digicam’s door will perhaps be eradicated and adjusted with a model new waterproof charger accent. Path its cable out of the water to your power current, and the Hero 13 Black can have limitless power present, splendid for prolonged motion footage all by means of the pool. GoPro moreover improved battery life in its latest flagship, nonetheless its one fully totally different house that the Osmo Movement 5 Skilled outshines the Hero 13 Black.
In every totally different case, the identical entrance and rear screens are useful for framing your self at sea, even when the rear contact interface doesn’t work underwater. To just be sure you a feature-packed movement cam which will shoot sharp video above and underneath water, with distinctive gear significantly lenses, then the GoPro Hero 13 is our excessive select.
Study our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black analysis
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam with LED lights
Buy it if:
✅ You need one concern truly extraordinarily environment friendly: Along with being waterproof to 14m, the WG-80 is crushproof, shockproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof.
✅ You need a flexible taking pictures system: The WG-80 combines a 5x zoom lens with close-focusing for macro pictures, which implies it’s possible you’ll cowl a diffusion of points.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You want the proper image top quality: Stills from the WG-80 will perhaps be disappointing and its sensor is crushed in high-contrast scenes by most stylish smartphones.
❌ You intend to shoot a wide range of video: With footage capped at 1080p/30fps, there are bigger picks on this itemizing for recording video underwater.
The WG-80 from Ricoh has some pretty sturdy extraordinarily environment friendly credentials: it’s waterproof to a depth of 14m/45.9ft and shockproof from a fall of as a lot as 1.6m/5.2ft, whereas it ought to face as lots as a stress of as a lot as 100kg/220lbs. Furthermore it is dust-proof and may perform in temperatures all the simplest approach correct all the best way all the way down to -10°C/14°F. Whereas we depend on it’d nearly positively’t pretty compete with the OM System Sturdy TG-7, it moreover costs fairly a bit a lot lots a lot much less.
The 5x optical zoom has a reasonably broad focal zoom differ, from 28-140mm, whereas there are six LED macro lights dotted all by means of the doorway of the lens barrel to ship vivid and uniform lighting spherical your subject – splendid when taking pictures underwater points. The macro lights moreover current fully fully totally different useful capabilities, such due to the LED Lighting mode, which makes use of the lights for together with gentle to portraits in poor gentle, delivering a further flattering look than the WG-60’s devoted flash.
Top-of-the-line 360 diploma waterproof digicam
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Buy it if:
✅ You need a compact 360 digicam: The Insta360 X4 makes it straightforward to shoot and edit 360-degree video, producing outcomes that no smartphone can match.
✅ It’s essential to shoot 360 beneath the ocean: On account of locking port covers, the X4 is totally waterproof to 10m, which implies it’s possible you’ll safely swim with it.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You don’t have the potential of giant information: 8K video information require a substantial quantity of house for storing and processing power, in order that they don’t work for everyone.
❌ You shoot fairly a bit in low gentle: Although the digicam and Insta360’s software program program program program work onerous to wash up video, outcomes are nonetheless at their most crisp in vivid circumstances.
We waxed lyrical regarding the most attention-grabbing 360-degree digicam in our Insta360 X4 analysis, however it definitely truly’s moreover technique over an 8K 360-degree video digicam. It moreover packs a sturdy single digicam 4K 60p mode and, crucially, it’s waterproof as a lot as 10m. That isn’t as deep as devoted picks very similar to the Sturdy TG-7 or discontinued fashions very similar to the Nikon Coolpix W300, nonetheless we depend on its unusual for most people to go deeper than 10m.
What you do get with the X4 is footage and films with a distinction: full panaromas of every angle, stabilized footage, good video outcomes using Insta360’s Studio app and further. The host of kit that make taking your underwater footage and films easier, similar to a diffusion of selfie sticks, solely gives to the enchantment. Ought to you might be after a digicam that’s as succesful on land in your complete adventures on account of it’s underwater, that’s liable to be the selection for you.
Study our in-depth Insta360 X4 analysis
Top-of-the-line funds GoPro
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Buy it if:
✅ You need a water-proof vlogging digicam: Waterproof to 10m with out a case and equipped with a useful entrance current present, the Hero 10 Black is an environment nice self-shooter.
✅ You need a good-value GoPro: It’s not the newest model all by means of the GoPro line-up, nonetheless the Hero 10 Black presents a wide range of choices for a value that’s now extra low-cost.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You want appropriately cinematic video: Outcomes from the Hero 10 Black will perhaps be good, nonetheless later fashions very similar to the Hero 12 Black pay cash for a further cinematic look.
❌ You need a low-light winner: Noise low value helps, nonetheless its comparatively small sensor means the GoPro Hero 10 Black nonetheless isn’t a champion in low gentle.
The Hero 10 Black should not be excessive of the GoPro pile, however it definitely truly stays an unbelievable choice for a lot of who have to get financial financial monetary financial savings on a water-proof movement digicam and don’t need 10-bit recording or assist for vertical video. In our checks, we found every its 5.3K/60p and 4K/120p footage spectacular. We moreover found it versatile, gratifying and simple to benefit from, even when its responsive touchscreen doesn’t work underwater.
With HyperSmooth stabilization accessible all by means of most taking pictures modes, it’s a superb system for recording high-resolution clips in all circumstances. Low gentle does keep an issue, though, which suggests effectivity will drop off for a lot of who occur to check out its 10m waterproofing in dim circumstances. The newest GoPro Hero 12 Black presents extra enhancing flexibility, whereas the DJI Osmo Movement 4 performs significantly bigger in low gentle. Nonetheless should you want a GoPro movement digicam with out the flagship ticket, we depend on the Hero 10 Black stays to be an unbelievable option to ponder.
Study our in-depth GoPro Hero 10 Black analysis
Top-of-the-line waterproof digicam with a viewfinder
Buy it if:
✅ You intend to go truly deep: Waterproof to a very spectacular 31m, the TS7 has bigger waterproofing than one totally different digicam on this itemizing, making it splendid for diving.
✅ You need an digital viewfinder: Along with a generous number of exterior controls, the TS7 is unique for a water-proof digicam in having an digital viewfinder.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You want fantastic image top quality: With a wide range of pixels squeezed onto a small sensor, the 20.4MP dedication comes on the price of low-light effectivity and raw seize.
❌ You want the proper battery life: The place its predecessor delivered 370 pictures, the TS7 delivers 300, which drops to 250 for a lot of who occur to make the most of the digital viewfinder.
Launched in 2018, the Panasonic Lumix TS7 (usually often called the Lumix FT7 exterior the US) is just not the newest waterproof digicam appropriate correct proper right here. Nonetheless, it stays associated by benefit of 1 attribute considerably: a built-in digital viewfinder (EVF), one concern typically seen on a water-proof digicam. The 1,170k-dot, 0.2-inch present will not be a very extremely efficient inside the market, however it definitely truly does current a useful fully fully totally different to taking pictures with the rear present, significantly in vivid gentle, which could make composition robust.
There’s tons to like regarding the Lumix TS7 / FT7, along with its excellent extraordinarily environment friendly credentials. Lens safety stays the identical as its predecessor, with a useful 4.6x zoom differ that covers 28-128mm. What lets it down is the sensor, which crams too many pixels onto a relatively small house: Panasonic elevated the pixel rely from 16.1MP on the TS5 / FT5 to twenty.4MP on the Lumix TS7 / FT7.
Study our in-depth Panasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7 analysis
Top-of-the-line miniature waterproof digicam
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Buy it if:
✅ You need a miniature movement digicam: The great thing about the Insta360 Go 3S is it’s small as waterproof cameras come, letting you seize distinctive angles.
✅ It’s essential to to neglect about framing: The FreeFrame mode lets you shoot footage with out framing, then loss lessly crop it shortly.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ It’s essential 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 need a completely waterproof dedication: The digicam itself is waterproof to 10m, nonetheless the add-on ActionPod with its current present additional choices is barely water-proof so it’s possible you’ll solely take the digicam for underwater pictures.
To just be sure you a tiny waterproof digicam in your subsequent seashore journey, we depend on the Insta360 Go 3S is liable to be merely the ticket. What it lacks in video top quality and stabilization options, it makes up for in miniature versatility: the digicam encompasses a magnetic mount which will keep on with all sorts of surfaces and is so small that you just simply could place it for distinctive views – that’s creative filmmaking. It moreover comes with an arsenal of modular gear. The precept peripheral is the Movement Pod, which encompasses a flip-up touchscreen that makes framing easier. Sadly, this isn’t waterproof, so that you just simply’ll wish to go away it in your dry bag everytime you take the core digicam unit into the ocean, and which suggests you is liable to be taking pictures blind.
With 4K/30p video, the Go 3S’s video specs can’t compete with rival movement cameras on dedication or physique prices, nor can the low gentle image top quality. That talked about, motion footage from our analysis had first fee distinction and dynamic differ, plus the AquaVision 2.0 setting all by means of the Insta360 app could very nicely be a useful addition, leveraging AI to bolster colors and battle underwater glare. It should nearly positively’t add missing concern, however it definitely truly does make a distinction.
Study our in-depth Insta360 Go 3S analysis
How one can resolve on the proper waterproof digicam for you
How one can resolve on the proper waterproof digicam?
A key consideration when deciding on a water-proof digicam is its waterproof rating. Must you solely need a digicam for seashore journeys, one concern with a rating of 10m must be implausible, such due to the Insta360 Go 3S. Must you’re planning extra adventurous underwater pursuits, seek for one concern rated for deeper waters. The DJI Osmo Movement 5 Skilled is rated to 20m, whereas the Panasonic Lumix TS7 is nice all the simplest approach correct all the best way all the way down to 31m, which must be ample for many leisure dives.
Top-of-the-line waterproof cameras are optimized for use underwater. That usually means tactile bodily buttons which is liable to be straightforward to entry and effectivity. Many moreover attribute specialised taking pictures modes which regulate settings for underwater circumstances, compensating for parts similar to shade distortion.
waterproof digicam must be extra than merely water-proof. You’ll want one concern with a sturdy organising which will stand as lots as a result of the pains of your exterior adventures. Ponder parts similar to shock resistance, dustproofing plus working temperatures, along with the overall assemble top quality.
Must you’re planning to swim at dusk or dive deep, seek for a digicam with good low-light expertise, such due to the DJI Osmo Movement 5 Skilled, or one with built-in LED lights, very similar to the Ricoh WG-80. For some cameras, these will perhaps be fitted as non-compulsory gear. You would possibly have to moreover take note of the macro expertise for a lot of who occur to hope to grab the little particulars similar to ocean life.
Many waterproof cameras have housings that prohibit the differ of any optical zoom. That talked about, some fashions do current a modest zoom differ, such due to the 4x zoom on the OM System Sturdy TG-7, which gives you extra flexibility to decide on sub-aquatic points.
How we attempt waterproof cameras
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When testing waterproof cameras, we do our biggest to simulate the requires of out of doors adventures all through the precise world. Whereas we don’t attempt waterproof cameras to destruction, we do assess each model’s effectivity whereas submerged, to make sure that assemble top quality lives as a lot as its billing.
On account of waterproof cameras exist to indicate it’s possible you’ll shoot footage and films in aquatic circumstances, we assess every digicam’s imaging effectivity in a diffusion of circumstances. We attempt for shade accuracy, concern and any indicators of distortion. We moreover study the effectiveness of any underwater taking pictures modes to see how appropriately these compensate for lighting circumstances and shade variation.
We moreover take note of the practicality of each digicam’s measurement, weight and assemble all through the precise world. Our testers assess how merely each digicam could possibly be utilized all by means of pretty a few actions, significantly these in and spherical water, to take a look at every its practicality and effectivity.
To exactly assess battery life, we conduct utilization checks to duplicate widespread circumstances, similar to burst taking pictures and a set of video clips. The goal is to see how exact figures stack up inside the path of claimed longevity.
Lastly, we attempt any additional choices to see how they enhance the overall specific particular person experience, along with GPS and Wi-Fi.