Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling (2022 Edition)

Are you planning to snorkel on your next vacation? If yes, you should include an underwater camera on your packing list.

Shopping for one is not easy, though. There are many things to consider, such as whether or not the camera is waterproof, the image quality, and video capability.

Also, owing to the wide variety of these cameras available on the market, it’s easy to get confused over which one to buy.

And this is where we come in. We have compiled and reviewed a list of the best underwater cameras for snorkeling to help you navigate these murky waters. Read on to find out more.

Why Do You Need the Best Underwater Camera For Snorkeling?

Whether you are a beginner looking to capture fun moments on the sea, or a professional trying to shoot a documentary, you need the best underwater camera. The reasons are simple:

The best underwater camera for snorkeling helps you focus more on your environment owing to its ease of use. It has large and easily accessible buttons. You won’t waste time fumbling around for them in the underwater darkness. The number of controls should be minimal to avoid confusion.

You also need to be able to take good quality photos and videos while underwater, which is why you need a camera with the best image and video capabilities.

Comparison Chart:

10 Best Underwater Cameras for Snorkeling Reviews

1. Panasonic DC-TS7A -Best underwater and dry land camera

Are you in the market for an action camera to use underwater and on dry land? Then consider the Panasonic DC-TS7A Lumix TS7 Waterproof Camera.

Let’s look at its defining characteristics:

Electronic Viewfinder

The EVF makes this camera perfect for use on land. It gives the TS7 a competitive edge, as it is something its predecessor, the TS6, lacks. It helps compose photos when the sun washes out the LCD screen on the camera.

This 0.2-inch EVF has a magnification of 0.45x and a resolution equivalent to a 1,170K-dot LCD.

Five-way protection

For a camera to transition easily between water and dry land without damage, it must be tough. The TS7 achieves this with five-way protection. It is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and pressure resistant.

It is waterproof up to 121 feet (31m) underwater, has drop protection (shockproof) of up to 6.6 feet (2m), and is freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C). It can also withstand a pressure of up to 220lbf (100kgf).

Wireless Sharing

The TS7 features a wireless mobile app with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. These features allow for easy wireless photo transfer. The app is highly responsive and easy to connect to a phone. You can even control the camera using the phone once connected.

Although the camera doesn’t have GPS, it has a geotag feature that shows the place and time a video or picture was taken when connected to a phone.

Easily accessible physical controls

They allow you to change your camera’s settings underwater manually. The controls are large enough that you can feel them through gloves. They allow for quick access t the various camera settings. For instance, there is a button specifically for video access located next to the shutter button.

Two-step lock system

This two-step lock system helps protect water from leaking into the battery compartment. The camera has two switches that light up red if it is not tightly sealed. This lock system is a thoughtful measure that helps secure your camera before jumping into the water.

Specifications

 User Experience

The Panasonic Lumix TS7 is a rugged camera that performs optimally both underwater and on land. It is ideal for adventurous spirits who want an easy-to-use camera. Those who want the fun to continue without having to stop to check the protection or safety features on the camera when moving from land to water and vice versa.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Panasonic Lumix TS7 is a unique camera. Its electric viewfinder helps frame and capture images on land. The camera is also very rugged; hence it is suitable for action adventures. Its ability to go up to 102 feet underwater and its shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof features make this camera worth your money.

2. YISENCE Waterproof  Camera – Best for children

If your child is interested in snorkeling, it’s only wise to support them by investing in the best snorkeling gear. An underwater digital camera ideal for children is an excellent place to start. Nothing fits this description better than the Yisence Waterproof underwater camera. So what sets it apart from other cameras made for children? Let’s take a look.

2.4K waterproof camera with flashlight

The Yisence captures some of the best underwater images thanks to an impressive 2.7K video resolution and a 48MP image resolution. The flashlight helps to take brighter and clearer photos under poor lighting underwater.

10FT Underwater Digital Camera

This Yisence camera can survive underwater up to 10 feet. It is entirely waterproof, which means it does not require any housing. But you are limited to only using it for one hour at a go. Always seal the battery compartment tightly before using the camera underwater.

Selfie Dual Screens Design

This camera has a dual screens design. It has a 2.7-inch rear LCD screen and a 1.8-inch front-facing LCD screen perfect for selfies. The camera also has a built-in self-timer that makes taking pictures of yourself or a group easy. Also, you can use the camera while it’s charging if you do not wish to end the fun.

Lightweight and easy to operate

This is a small, compact camera that is easy to carry around. It also comes with a convenient pouch to use while traveling. The camera includes six shooting functions, manual control buttons, and an interface that is easy to operate, with the provision of multiple languages. All these functions are meant to make this camera very easy to use.

Specifications

 User Experience

This Yisence digital camera is perfect for snorkeling activities because it has a waterproof depth of 10ft. Thanks to the dual-screen with a timer, the camera is ideal for vlogging and taking selfies underwater.  If the display resolution is too low for you, you can transfer the photos and videos you capture into a microSD card and watch them on a larger screen.

Why Should You Buy It?

This YISENCE is an easy-to-use camera with impressive child-friendly features. Right off from the dual-screen selfie camera to the anti-handshake feature, a timer, face detection, and flashlight, this is a camera that your child will enjoy from the word go. It also comes at a reasonable price, with an expandable memory capacity of 128GB to store all those snorkeling pictures and videos.

3. OLYMPUS Tough TG-6  -Best All-round

The Olympus TG-6 is a well-rounded camera that performs exceptionally in all categories. Let’s look at the features that make it stand out.

Underwater shooting modes

The Olympus TG-6 comes with five underwater shooting modes, i.e., Wide, Macro, Snapshot, Microscope, and HDR. The microscope mode sets it apart from its predecessor, the TG-5, which has only four shooting modes. These macro modes allow you to take close-up photos of up to 1cm.

High-quality lens

The lens on the TG-6 stands out mainly because they have a wide aperture of f/2.0. A wide aperture is helpful in underwater photography where light is limited. It allows the camera to maximize the little light available to capture high-quality videos and photos. You can also attach a fisheye lens and a teleconverter for extra zoom.

Raw shooting capability

The camera can shoot and store unprocessed images. Raw images are perfect if you prefer editing after shooting using software like Photoshop.

Rugged build
The TG-6 is a tough camera for its small size. It is waterproof and can withstand water pressure up to 50 feet (15m). It is also freezeproof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand a fall from 7 feet (2.1 m). The camera is also dustproof, anti-fog, and crushproof up to 100kgf.

Underwater white balances

White balance allows you to adjust the color temperature of the camera so that it can capture images as they appear. This camera has three, and they are depth-specific. The Shallow setting for 10 feet, Mid-Range for 10-15 feet, and Deep setting for 50 feet and below.

Specifications

 User Experience

The TG-6 is a camera you can use when on trips or vacation snorkeling. It is tough enough to withstand knocks and scrapes when you are traveling. It is also suitable for professional shooting as it can capture images in RAW format. You can shoot deep underwater up to 50 feet, where light is less limited, and get good photos.

Why Should You Buy It?

The TG-6 is more expensive than some cameras out there, but it is a worthy investment if you want premium features in a camera. The camera is tough, can withstand severe impact while snorkeling, has raw shooting capabilities, shoots 4K videos, etc. In short, it is an exceptional camera that can comfortably meet most if not all of your needs.

4. Nikon W300 – Best tough

Smartphones have become the new way of taking pictures. But they also have limitations. If you want a tough camera to use in risky situations, like underwater, where you can’t use your phone, this Nikon W300 Waterproof camera should be your top pick. Let’s take a look at what makes it unique.

Built-in GPS

A built-in GPs means that you can geotag your photos directly on the camera. You do not need to keep connecting your phone to the camera.

Other built-in features include a depth gauge, altimeter barometer, and compass. This help furnish your images with more metadata. You can do all these without fear of your charge running out, as you can use a portable charger.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The Nikon W300 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to help you easily transfer pictures to your phone. You have to install a designated app on your phone before you start sharing. The app’s integration is not that refined, but it does its job.

Good video recording capabilities

You can shoot 4k videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at 60fps. Very impressive. The camera also offers a slow-shooting mode, although at a limited resolution of 480p. You also get other modes such as Super lapse and Timelapse. It can go deep underwater

Easy to use controls.

The camera has well-positioned easy-to-use controls even when you are underwater where you can’t see much. For example, it has a dedicated LED illumination button. It also has a tool button that shows the compass, water and air pressure, and depth. An action button on the camera allows you to switch functions, i.e., from photos to videos.

Specifications

 User Experience

This Nikon W300 is suitable for beginners and professionals, kids and adults alike. It is easy to use and can shoot both stills and videos. It can withstand water pressure to a depth of 100 feet. It has a built-in Bluetooth, so you can quickly transfer photos to your phone if you are somewhere with no internet connectivity.

Why Should You Buy It?

This camera is an excellent option if you do not want to risk damaging your more expensive camera or phone. It is both waterproof and dustproof, can shoot good quality videos, and has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Generally, it’s a good, sturdy camera. 

5. Fujifilm FinePix XP140 -Best For Beginners

 If you are just beginning your snorkeling journey, you need a beginner-friendly camera that matches your underwater abilities. This Fujifilm XP140 is an ideal choice. Here is why:

Well-spaced, easy-to-use controls

This XP140 has a few well-spaced buttons. They are also raised from the camera’s body so that you can locate them quickly. This means you won’t be fumbling underwater trying to find a button for a particular function.

Shutter Smile feature

The shutter smile can automatically take pictures so that you do not miss the perfect photo. The camera captures good images, thanks to a 16.4 MP CMOS sensor. It can also take 4K videos at 15 fps.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Bluetooth allows you to connect your camera to your other devices without consuming too much energy. It doesn’t have a GPS. It will sync photos to the time and location on your phone. You can also connect to your phone through Wi-Fi, but you must have preinstalled the Fujifilm app.

Robust camera with good battery life

This camera has a battery life of 240 shots when in automatic mode. This is an acceptable standard that should be okay for average everyday use as a beginner. However, as you grow your skill and your daily use becomes heavy, you will need to invest in a second battery.

The camera is also shockproof up to 5.9 feet, freezeproof to 14º F, and dustproof. You can also use it up to a depth of 82 feet.

Specifications

User Experience

The camera is designed with a beginner in mind. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity is easy. The controls are conveniently positioned and easy to control; hence, they have a fast learning curve. It shoots both videos and pictures effortlessly at 25m underwater. It is an excellent camera for capturing good photos when on holiday. 

Why Should You Buy It?

It is perfect for someone just beginning their snorkeling journey. It is waterproof and can withstand shock from 5.9 feet, has a decent battery life, takes 4K videos, and is integrated with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is also reasonably affordable.

6. AKASO V50 Elite – Best Affordable

 Do you want to buy an underwater camera, but your budget is tight? Get the Akaso V50 Elite. It is the best cheap underwater camera for snorkeling. But just because it is inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s subpar. In fact, it has a few features that rival those costly ones. Let’s take a look.

High-quality footage and images

The camera can record 4K videos at 60fps, 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps in full HD. It can also capture 20MP images in RAW and JPEG formats.

You can take 8x slow-motion videos thanks to the ultra-high frame rate of 720p/240fps.   It also has an optional view angle. It allows you to change your camera’s viewing angle to suit your needs. You can toggle between Wide, Medium, and Narrow.

Intuitive and easy to use

This Akaso V50 has very intuitive buttons and a touchscreen. It doesn’t take long to figure out how to use it either. The touchscreen has a menu that is very easy to navigate around.

Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)

This impressive Image Stabilization feature helps correct shaky footage to deliver exceptionally smooth videos. It does this by predicting your movements. It also has a distortion calibration feature which improves the appearance of distorted images.

Voice and remote control

With the voice control feature, you do not need to use your hands to control the camera. Just voice commands like “Action photo,” and the camera will start capturing pictures.

There is also a remote control option. But you first need to download the Akaso DV app on your phone, through which you can control the camera remotely. You can also use it to transfer pictures and videos from the camera to your phone.

Specifications

 User Experience

A camera with several high-standard features, but still affordable for those on a budget. You can take it underwater, where it can withstand pressure up to a depth of 131 feet (40m). Intuitive touchscreen and buttons mean that you will have an easy time underwater, and you can switch to hand-free control thanks to the voice control feature.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Akaso V50 is a reasonably priced underwater camera with decent enough features. Thanks to the intuitive touchscreen and buttons, it is user-friendly and can capture good images and videos at 20MP and 4k/60fps. You also get extra accessories like a waterproof case, mounts, and two batteries.

7. Paralenz Vaquita 4K Camera – Best for Deep Diving

The Paralenz Vaquita is a camera made for the ocean. It can withstand water pressure to 1150 feet (350m). But it also rocks other unique features. They include

Auto-record mode.

It is an incredible feature that allows the camera to automatically start recording when it goes underwater and stop recording as soon as it hits the surface. So you do not have to fuss about failing to capture exciting moments underwater because you forgot to hit the record button.

Viewfinder and sensors

The Vaquita features a viewfinder that allows you to frame and capture your shot precisely as you see it. The Viewfinder is a 0.9-inch OLED true color display that shows your dive profile too.  It has sensors that record your depth and temperature the whole time you are underwater. There is also a GPS sensor that tracks your location.

Free Paralenz App

This app allows you to do all your work in one place. You can quickly transfer and edit your videos, log your favorite snorkeling positions, and share your work with friends and colleagues. You do not need to create separate workspaces on your phone.

Depth Color Correction (DCC)

This feature corrects the white balance in relation to your depth. You do not need any additional filter. The camera offers two DCC settings: DCC Blue and green. You use DCC green when snorkeling in green waters and blue in blue water

Specifications

User Experience

The Paralenz Vaquita goes deeper underwater than regular action cameras, up to 350 m deep. Thanks to its low-light lens, it is well adjusted to working under minimal lighting. You can use it to capture photos and videos in green and blue water. It has DCC to help with that. It is perfect for daredevil snorkelers and divers who have to fear going deep underwater.

Why Should You Buy It?

It is the best camera for deep diving. It has fantastic, high-tech features such as a DCC, auto-record mode, viewfinder, and a GPS sensor. Also included in the packaging are a Click Mount, a USB-C Cable, three extra O-Rings, 1 Lanyard, one extra Magnet, 2 Springs, 1 Activation Switch, a manual, and a dust bag. It is a camera that any deep diver wouldn’t mind having.

8. Vmotal Digital Cameras – Best Lightweight

 The Vmotal camera weighs 8.8 ounces (250grams), making it the lightest underwater digital camera. Let us look at the other features that put it in the top ten best underwater cameras.

Rechargeable Battery

The camera has a 1050mAh rechargeable battery. The camera can give you three hours of service when the battery is full. It also takes three hours to get the batter to full charge again.

Underwater camcorder

With the camcorder, you can take videos with a resolution of 1080p. It also takes 16MP pictures. Since the camera is also waterproof, you can use it up to a depth of 16 feet.

Beginner-friendly

The camera has a large 2.8-inch LCD screen that allows you to view your target before capturing the image. It also has multiple photo modes to help you get the perfect shot. They are panorama mode, underwater mode, night mode, and portrait mode.

Specifications

 User Experience

Children and adults alike will find this camera very easy to carry, considering how light and tiny it is. You cake it with you everywhere in your pocket. You can use it for snorkeling up to a depth of 16 feet. The large LCD screen allows you to see your target underwater clearly, making it easy for beginners to take their first shot. It also has an easy learning curve

Why Should You Buy It?

It is an easily portable camera with good standard features to help you take good underwater videos and pictures. The camera is waterproof, has a 2.8-inch screen, and has a rechargeable battery that can last for three hours. What more could you ask for in a tiny camera?

9. Kaisoon Tech Camera – Best for Selfie

Do you wish for a camera that you can use to take selfies underwater? The Kaisoon Tech Underwater Camera offers precisely that and much more. Here is an in-depth look at its features

Dual-screen design with a self-timer

The Kaisoon features two full HD displays, one of which you can use for selfies. It has a 2s, 5s, and 10s self-timer that you can use when taking group photos underwater. It can also shoot in six continuous modes.

Waterproof

You can use the camera underwater, but only up to 10 feet. The battery compartment has a tight seal to keep water from sipping in and damaging the battery. The camera comes equipped with a 650mAh battery. You can enjoy up to 60 minutes of fun shooting underwater before you need to recharge the camera.

Clear and crisp images

With an image resolution of 48MP and video capture resolution of 2.7K, this camera takes clear photos. The camera supports a micro SD card with storage of up to 128GB. However, you would have to buy this separately.

Specifications

User Experience

The camera is suitable for light everyday use. You can use it for selfies while snorkeling, and you can store all those pictures on a micro SD. It is lightweight and tiny and can easily fit in your pocket. It uses a 650mAh lithium-Ion battery that can deliver up to an hour of fun underwater.

Why Should You Buy It?

It is a lightweight, easy-to-use camera with a dual-screen and selfie option. It has a flashlight and can survive underwater for up to an hour before running out of charge. It is a simple camera for easy and fun times at the beach.

10. GoPro Hero7 – Best action camera

An action camera needs to offer good features such as image stabilization to produce the best videos and images. The GoPro Hero7 provides this and much more.

Seamless smartphone integration

Connecting your phone to the GoPro Hero7 camera is seamless. The Wi-Fi connectivity is very reliable. Once connected, you can use your phone to control the camera and transfer pictures and videos easily.

The camera also has voice control. If you want to go hands-free, you can feed it simple commands like “GoPro, turn on,” and it will respond. It understands ten different languages.

Hypersmooth gimbal-like stabilization

With the GoPro Hero7 hyper smooth stabilization feature, you can say goodbye to shaky footage. Even though it doesn’t have one, the Hypersmooth corrects and smoothens your footage with gimbal-like precision. You can even use the hyper smooth stabilization feature while shooting at 4k 60fps.

TimeWarp

This is another fantastic feature that utilizes Hypersmooth stabilization. Timewarp allows you to capture stabilized timelapse videos. Several speed options are available when using TimeWarp: 2x, 5x, 10x, and 30x. This feature is great for recording anything with movement.

Live streaming on Facebook

It is a very convenient feature that allows you to stream your content live in 720p on Facebook. The built-in W-Fi is essential in enabling the whole live streaming process. You can also connect to your cellular service to live stream.

Specifications

 User Experience

You can go snorkeling with this camera underwater to a depth of 33 feet (10m). You can live stream your adventures directly to Facebook. Relieve your favorite moments in slow motion. The camera can slow down footage up to 8x. So whether you are a hobbyist or professional snorkeler, this is a camera that will serve you well.

Why Should You Buy It?

This Hero 7 camera is a snorkeler’s dream come true. The TimeWarp, live stream, and hyper smooth features are just some of the few things that make it the best action camera. It is a little expensive, but overall a worthy investment.

How to Pick the Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling

The best underwater digital camera for snorkeling should be able to suit your needs perfectly. You must pick one that matches your abilities to avoid disappointments once you go underwater. We’ve prepared a guideline with a few factors you should keep in mind while shopping for one.

Camera Type

There are four different types of cameras you can use for snorkeling: compact cameras, action cameras, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras. The kind of camera you choose depends on your use for it. Compact and action cameras are your best bet if you want a simple and easy camera to take fun photos and videos underwater.

However, if you’re shooting professional pictures and videos, you should use a DSLR or mirrorless camera. If you choose this type of camera, you will have to invest in a housing case.

Megapixel vs. Sensor Size

You need to consider both the megapixels and sensor size when buying a camera. Megapixels determine the resolution of an image, while the sensor size determines the quality of that image. A camera with many megapixels doesn’t necessarily mean that it produces high-quality pictures.

The sensor size and image quality are directly proportional. A large sensor results in high-quality images and improved performance in low light conditions.

The poor lighting conditions underwater make a camera with a large sensor a must-have.

Budget

Cameras are expensive gadgets. The high-end ones come packed with many features that may or may not justify the hefty price tag.

If you are just starting the snorkeling journey, avoid the expensive ones. Consider mid-range cameras instead. They have excellent features, but the price is not over the top. They are just as good and as reliable as the costly ones but without the extra sophisticated features.

If you are on a tight budget, cheap underwater cameras are available. They might not have a lot of features, but their standards are still high.

It is essential to know what you want in a camera. This way, you will be able to plan and save for the camera that will serve you best.

Video Recording

If you love taking videos as much as you love taking photos, you should also consider a camera’s video recording capabilities. The ideal cameras for videos are action cameras. There are two factors to consider when buying one: video resolution and the frame rate.

A good underwater camera should have at least a full HD resolution, 1080p. Some even boast a 4K resolution, which is four times better than the 1080p. But if budget is a constraint, you can get a cheaper option with the standard HD resolution of 720p.

A high frame rate equates to better playback. Therefore, a camera with 60 fps is ideal. But 60 fps is on the higher side. One with a frame rate of between 24fps and 30 fps will still give you a smooth playback.

Manual Controls

For an underwater camera, manual controls are essential. Since light is limited down there, you need to be able to control the quality of your images in case the automatic settings are not effective enough. You, therefore, need manual control of the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The manual control should be large enough to feel through gloves. They should be easily accessible too.

Raw Image Capability

If you love editing your videos after shooting, you need a camera with RAW image capability. A raw image has not been processed in any way or compressed. This is a high-quality image stored as a RAW file, which also requires a lot of storage space.

If you are not into all this editing stuff and prefer a simple point-and-shoot camera, there are plenty that captures images in JPEG format. An action camera is a good example.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Underwater Cameras Last?

You can use two types of cameras for underwater snorkeling: disposable and non-disposable cameras.

With proper care and maintenance, non-disposable underwater cameras can last for years.

For example, you need to always wash your camera with fresh water after exposure to salty water. You also need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, like not exceeding the recommended depth level. These practices increase your camera longevity.

As for disposable cameras, they do not expire. Only the battery and film do. The film can last up to 3 years after the date of manufacture. But depending on how well you store it, it can last longer than that.

Can You Use Underwater Cameras Out Of Water?

Yes, you can use most underwater cameras out of water. However, the image quality would be way lower than if you were to use a regular camera. The reason is that most underwater cameras have a layer of protective glass around them.

You have to shoot through this glass every time you use the camera, which distorts the image quality when shooting on land. Some underwater cameras have features like an electric viewfinder (EVF) to help you take better pictures on dry land.

How Deep Do Underwater Cameras Work?

How deep a camera can work underwater varies from camera to camera. The depth ranges from 8-feet deep on some waterproof cameras to over 200 feet deep on cameras with the sturdiest housings.

Never exceed the depth limit of your camera. Although the cameras have robust rubber seals that lockout water, exceeding the limit can increase the pressure on the seals and displace them. Once that happens, your camera is no longer waterproof and can be easily damaged by water and debris.

Can I Use A Waterproof Camera Underwater?

Yes, you can. That is what they are made for, capturing beautiful moments underwater. In these modern times, most waterproof cameras can work at several feet underwater. Some can even work at over 1000 feet and still produce high-quality videos and photos. So you can go ahead, purchase that waterproof camera and use it underwater without fear.

How Should I Carry A Camera While Snorkeling?

There are several ways to carry a camera while snorkeling. They are: attaching the camera to a head strap or snorkel mask, tieing it to your chest using a chest strap or harness, holding the camera by hand, mounting it to a catch bag, or attaching it to a camera pole or wrist strap.

Using a head strap or chest harness is the best hands-free approach, but the camera can get quite unstable in these positions.

Attaching the camera to your head using a head strap or directly on your snorkel mask is the most popular and recommended method.

Suppose you wish to sneak in a few selfies while underwater, you should mount your camera to a camera pole.

Final Verdict

The underwater cameras listed in this guide are the best of the best. But they all have their advantages and disadvantages, so you have to choose one depending on your needs.

But one particular camera that we would recommend is the Olympus TG-6. It is a camera that has impressive features that suit the needs of beginners and professionals alike. It is easy to use, versatile, takes high-quality pictures and videos, and can take and store raw images. What more could you ask for in a camera?