Action camera for underwater photography: which one to buy and TOP 10 models

Almost all action cameras are suitable for underwater photography because their body is completely sealed. But different models operate at different depths, and they can differ significantly in technical parameters. This article will tell you which action camera to buy for underwater photography and what to look for.

Basic selection rules

It is quite clear that a model for underwater photography must have a durable, completely sealed body. All models have this property, including those intended for use under normal conditions. Therefore, before purchasing, you should pay attention to other criteria that play a very important role:

1. Resolution – the camera must comply with the 1920*1080p standard, that is, Full HD format. If you need to get detailed images, it is better to buy a device that can work in 4K mode.
2. The recording speed determines the smoothness of your movements. The minimum requirement is 30 frames per second, the optimal is 60 frames.
3. Viewing angle – you can consider panoramic models at 360° or standard ones with an angle of 120-180°.
4. There is a connector into which you can connect a microphone. In the case of underwater photography, it is better to purchase an additional recording device in a sealed case - otherwise the audio quality will be very low.
5. You can also take into account additional characteristics - battery life, memory card capacity, support for Wi-Fi, NFC and other useful options.

Top 10 best models

When considering the best action cameras for underwater photography, you should take into account not only the described parameters, but also the brand. It wouldn’t hurt to study customer reviews as well. If you select the most popular models based on price-quality ratio, you will get the following top 10:

1. Sony RX0 II - a device that allows you to get a very high-quality picture at a depth of up to 10 m. The viewing angle is 84 degrees, the screen can be rotated 180 degrees, this is especially convenient for selfie lovers.
2. GoPro Hero 9 Black Edition – a device for high-quality professional shooting in 5K mode. The viewing angle is 132 degrees, and you can shoot at a depth of up to 10 m.
3. Digma DiCam 800 – one of the best cameras among budget models. Shoots video in 4K format and is equipped with electronic stabilization. You can shoot at a depth of up to 30 m.
4. Rekam A340 – another inexpensive model with ultra-wide-angle optics. Shoots in 4K mode and transmits data via Wi-Fi at a distance of up to 30 m.
5. SJCAM SJ4000 Air It works autonomously for up to 90 minutes, and during shooting it can increase the contrast, resulting in very high-quality video even during sunsets and sunrises.
6. Digma DiCam 420 – the best option for beginners. The camera is located in a sealed aquabox; shooting can be done at a depth of up to 30 m. It is equipped with an additional screen on the front, on which you can see the specified settings.
7. Olympus Tough TG-6 – a compact device that records video in 4K mode. Allows you to shoot at a depth of up to 15 m. The camera is equipped with a large optical zoom, which allows you to make high-quality recordings of not only video, but also audio.
8. Nikon Coolpix W300 – another device that operates in 4K mode at a depth of up to 30 m.The case is reliably insulated, frost-resistant, and can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees.
9. Ricoh WG-70 – camera for filming at depths of up to 14 m. The body is shockproof, the optics are of high quality, 16 megapixels. The device is equipped with built-in ring lights.
10. Panasonic FT30 – a camera with a waterproof body, designed for filming at a depth of up to 8 m. Withstands temperatures down to -10 degrees, equipped with an LCD display and sensor. However, video quality is only available at 720p.

Users can choose a suitable camera from any brand. Manufacturers have provided the ability to shoot both in shallow water and at a fairly large depth of up to 30 m. When choosing a specific model, you should take into account not only the video quality, but also additional parameters, including data transfer via Wi-Fi and battery life.