Going on an Adventure? You’ll Want to Pack a Waterproof Camera

Stefan Vazharov
·9 min read
Photo credit: Olympus
Photo credit: Olympus

From Best Products

Documenting your next big adventure doesn't have to stop at the water’s edge.

Whether you’re navigating some tricky rapids, Instagramming your beach-side shenanigans, or maybe even swimming with sharks, your camera should be as equipped for the task as you are. That’s why you need a waterproof camera.

The Best Waterproof Cameras

All of these waterproof cameras were designed primarily with still photography in mind, so if you're looking for a video camera, consider getting an action camera instead.

So, what makes a good waterproof camera? In addition to image and video quality, there are several other important factors to consider, like the overall quality of the camera's optics, including zoom range and maximum aperture. The latter is crucial for low-light photography, as a larger aperture typically results in well-lit photos since it allows more light in. It also minimizes motion blur, making larger apertures perfect for action shots. (Note: The smaller the number, the larger the aperture.)

The camera's depth rating and its ability to survive drops and extreme temperatures are also important features to consider when buying a waterproof camera.

All of the cameras on this list have a robust waterproof rating of at least 33 feet. But if you're planning to go snorkeling or scuba diving with a waterproof camera, consider an option with a higher depth rating.

Learn more about our top waterproof camera picks below:

Our Top Pick

Key Specs

  • 12 MP sensor, f/2.0 lens with 4-times magnification optical zoom

  • 4K video recording

  • 3-inch LCD display

  • Waterproof (up to 50 feet), shockproof, crushproof (up to 220 pounds), freezeproof

  • Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, compass, and temperature sensor

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is pretty much everything you’d want in a waterproof camera.

It takes photos and videos with excellent quality, has a rich set of features designed for making the most of your adventures, and also has the toughest build of any camera on this list. The writers at Digital Photography Review also listed the Olympus Tough TG-6 as their top waterproof camera. They praised it for offering "impressive rugged specs, very good image quality with Raw support, 4K video, strong battery life and a tracking feature that associates data from environmental sensors."

The TG-6 can capture excellent 12 MP stills in up to a whopping 20 frames per second, as well as ultra crisp 4K video through its 4-times magnification optical zoom lens with f/2.0 aperture. Microscope mode for ultra close-up shooting is also among the camera's features, as is the ability to capture panoramas and time-lapses. Advanced photographers have the option to save their images in RAW file format for more extensive edits.

Of course, there's also the option to take underwater photos via four dedicated modes. The camera is waterproof up to 50 feet, so you can even take it snorkeling with you.

The rest of the camera's highlights include Wi-Fi for smartphone connectivity, GPS, a built-in eCompass, and a temperature sensor. You can also embed data from the sensors in your images when you edit them, thanks to a dedicated app by Olympus. And the 3-inch LCD display makes navigating through all the camera's features easy.

Lastly, the Olympus Tough TG-6 comes with a cool selection of original accessories, which can expand its capabilities even further. They include a tough telephoto converter and a macro ring light, among others.

The Affordable Pick

Key Specs

  • 16.4 MP sensor, f/3.9 lens with 5-times magnification optical zoom

  • 4K video recording

  • 3-inch LCD display

  • Waterproof (up to 82 feet), shockproof, freezeproof

  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Because you need a few extra dollars in your pocket to splurge on activities actually worth capturing, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is the right affordable waterproof camera for the job. It may be cheaper than other models, but it has a rugged body with a high waterproof rating coupled with an excellent set of features.

The XP140 can capture nice 16 MP photos in good lighting, but despite the built-in optical image stabilization, the camera's low-light performance might underwhelm you due to the unimpressive f/3.9 maximum aperture of its lens.

Also, the 4K video capture capabilities of the camera top out at only 15 frames per second. You'll probably be better off recording Full HD video at a considerably faster 60 frames per second.

The FinePix XP140 does offer a host of modes to capture photos with, including dedicated underwater and macro modes and an artsy double-exposure mode, among others. In-camera filters are also available.

Other key features of the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and a 3-inch LCD display. The display has an anti-reflective coating for enhanced visibility outdoors.

Best Waterproof Rating

Key Specs

  • 16 MP sensor, f/2.8 lens with 5-times magnification optical zoom

  • 4K video recording

  • 3-inch LCD display

  • Waterproof (up to 100 feet), shockproof, freezeproof

  • Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth

The Nikon COOLPIX W300 can withstand depths of up to 100 feet — the most of any other option on this list. It can also survive heavy drops and freezing temperatures.

As expected from a Nikon, the COOLPIX W300 can capture 16 MP still images with excellent quality, as well as 4K video. It also has 5-times magnification optical zoom, which can come in handy during your adventures out in nature. The gadget impressed the industry experts from Digital Photography Review with its high-quality optics and tough build.

Compared to the Olympus Tough TG-6, the Nikon COOLPIX can capture higher resolution images with more versatile zoom range. But the TG-6 has a brighter lens (f/2.0 versus f/2.8 in the Nikon), as well as the ability to shoot photos with higher ISO, so it's better in low-light photography. The Olympus also has higher burst-capture capabilities than the Nikon (20 versus 7 frames per second).

The W300 does have GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless smartphone connectivity. The rest of its highlights include a 3-inch LCD display and environmental sensors — including a barometer, a compass, a built-in depth gauge, and a thermometer — that allow you to add data to your images. Nikon offers the camera in black, yellow, and orange.

Best for Capturing Video

Key Specs

  • 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second

  • 12 MP still images

  • 2-inch touch-screen interface

  • Waterproof up to 33 feet without a case

  • Excellent selection of mounts and accessories

GoPro's all-new HERO8 Black is the best waterproof camera for capturing video. It's capable of recording great-quality, 4K content at up to a brisk 60 frames per second. Most importantly, in line with GoPro's action-sports credentials, the HERO8's videos feature superb image-stabilization tech.

Reviewers from TechRadar also praised the image stabilization quality and the refreshed design of the HERO8 Black, and noted that it's "the best GoPro yet." The camera is universally regarded as a top pick in its product category.

The camera can also capture 12 MP still images with good quality and well-balanced dynamic range. You can also get fancy with slo-mo videos and time-warp footage. There's even an option to livestream your adventures to Facebook and YouTube.

We like the convenient touch-screen controls of the GoPro HERO8 Black, as well as the ability to fully control the gadget with voice commands. The camera stores its content on a microSD card.

The HERO8 Black is waterproof up to 33 feet without a housing. An optional GoPro housing extends the depth rating of the gadget to a whopping 196 feet. Like all GoPro cameras before it, the HERO8 Black is compatible with a wide selection of accessories.

With the HERO8 Black, GoPro also introduced a trio of modular accessories (mods) that are tailor-made for the camera. They include a front-facing display mod, an LED light mod, and a media mod with a plethora of handy ports. The HERO8 mods will become available to order in the weeks ahead.

Best for Macro Photography

Key Specs

  • 16 MP sensor, f/3.5 lens with 5-times magnification optical zoom

  • Full HD video recording

  • 2.7-inch LCD display

  • Waterproof (up to 46 feet), shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof

  • Dedicated digital microscope mode with built-in LED lights

The coolest bit about the Ricoh WG-70 waterproof camera is its dedicated microscope mode. By utilizing the built-in LED lights around the camera's sensor, it gives you the option to capture impressive macro photos above and under water. I only wish that its lens had built-in optical image stabilization (the camera has digital stabilization instead).

The 16 MP images captured by the Ricoh WG-70 look great when snapped in good lighting. However, with f/3.5 maximum aperture, the camera isn't well-equipped for low-light photography without a flash. The video-recording capabilities of the WG-70 top-out at Full HD resolution.

Available in black and orange, the Ricoh WG-70 lacks the wireless connectivity options found in most of its competitors. Considering its price tag, the camera could have used a higher-resolution LCD display, too.

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