Best waterproof camera 2024: the finest cameras for underwater shooting
Make a splash with the best waterproof cameras
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Whether swimming in the sea or kayaking along a river, the best waterproof cameras let you capture unique images without worrying about water damage. From testing countless options, we’ve learnt that waterproof cameras take many different forms: some are ideal shooting sea-life stills during dives; others are perfect for capturing easy videos of casual splashing.
If we had to choose a waterproof camera for ourselves, we’d go for the OM System Tough TG-7. Its 4x zoom and useful photography features make it a surprisingly versatile shooting tool, even if its image quality isn’t up there with the best. But there’s every chance that a different camera will be a better choice for you.
The idea of this guide is give you a comprehensive overview of the top waterproof cameras you can buy in 2024. That includes a summary of the feedback from our in-depth reviews, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each camera. You’ll find options for every budget below, as well as useful buying advice to help you decide.
Top 3 picks
Want to get straight to the best waterproof camera? Use our round-up below to quickly find a waterproof camera that suits you. You can find out more about it by jumping to our full write-ups using the links.
Best overall
The best waterproof camera overall
Compact but rugged, the Tough TG-7 is a great grab-and-go waterproof camera with a generous set of photography features for the price.
Read more below
Best action cam
The best waterproof action camera
GoPro’s flagship is packed with video tricks, including class-leading image stabilization, plus it’s waterproof to 10m without a case.
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Best low light
The best waterproof camera for low light
Waterproof to 18m, the Osmo Action 4 is a fantastic GoPro rival with a wider FOV and better low-light performance, courtesy of its 1/1.7-inch sensor.
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Best by use-case
Best with LED lights
The best waterproof camera with LED lights
5x optical zoom gives the WG-60 versatility when framing, while six LED macro lights around the lens are handy for illuminating underwater subjects.
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Best overall
The best 360 degree waterproof camera
Waterproof to 10 metres, this class-leading 8K camera lets you shoot underwater footage in 360 degrees, capturing truly unique footage.
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Best budget GoPro
The best budget GoPro
No longer the flagship GoPro, the Hero 10 Black offers better bang for buck than the Hero 12 Black, while still shooting 5.3K video at depths of up to 10m.
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Best viewfinder
The best option with a viewfinder
Smaller pixels impact image quality from the TS7, but its electronic viewfinder is an uncommon and welcome feature among rugged rivals.
Read more below
Best miniature
The best miniature waterproof camera
Its Action Pod is only splashproof, but the tiny Insta360 Go 3 itself is waterproof to 5m, while AquaVision 2.0 enhances underwater video in the app.
Read more below
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. He’s worked for more than 15 years as a photographer and technology journalist, giving him a unique insight into what makes an excellent camera. He’s had the opportunity to shoot with a whole range of kit during his career, including many of the best waterproof cameras. Tim notes, “we’ve included a wide variety of waterproof cameras in this guide, from rugged options designed to capture stills at impressive depths, to action cameras that make it easy to shoot sharp footage of your water-based pursuits.”
The best waterproof cameras in 2024
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Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best waterproof cameras in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best waterproof camera for most people
1. OM System Tough TG-7
Our expert review:
✅ You’re into underwater photography:The TG-7 has a number of useful shooting modes, including white-balance adjustments based on water depth.
✅ You want a really tough camera:Besides being waterproof to 15m, the TG-7 is also protected against dust, sand and drops, as well as freezing temperatures.
❌You want the best possible image quality:Even with its scene modes, the TG-7 is limited by its 12MP sensor, which lags behind the latest smartphones.
❌ You already own the Tough TG-6:While the TG-7 is an improvement, it doesn’t do enough to justify swapping from the previous model if you already have it.
It’s not a huge upgrade over theTough TG-6, but with a rugged, pocket-friendly build and plenty of photography features, we think the Tough TG-7 is a great grab-and-go option for most people. Although its 3-inch screen isn’t touch-sensitive, its tactile array of buttons makes it easier to handle than a GoPro in tricky conditions, particularly for beginners. And as the name suggests, this is a camera to take anywhere: waterproof to 15m, it can also survive dust, drops, crushing and freezing.
In testing, we found that image quality from its 12MP sensor can’t compete with many modern smartphones, even with a fast f/2 aperture at the wide end of the 25-100mm zoom range.4K/30p video also looks a little dated. Yet the TG-7 does benefit from a surprising number of shooting modes, including macro focusing and white balance presets which match different water depths. The real benefit lies in its practicality, allowing you to shoot without fear in the waves.
Read our in-depthOM System Tough TG-7 review
The best waterproof action camera
2. GoPro Hero 12 Black
Our expert review:
✅ You plan to shoot for social:Because it shoots native 5.3K with an 8:7 aspect ratio, the Hero 12 makes it easy to reframe footage for different channels.
✅ You like the idea of accessories:There are hundreds of underwater add-ons available for the Hero 12’s mounting feet, as well as compatible GoPro Mods.
❌You shoot in dim underwater conditions:The Hero 12 Black is at its best when things are bright, with noise still an issue when you shoot in the murky depths.
❌ You want class-leading battery life:Even with GoPro’s larger Enduro battery inside, the Hero 12 is best suited to recording short clips than long videos.
Physically, the Hero 12 Black is identical to its predecessor, including its 10m waterproof rating. It likewise uses an 8:9 aspect ratio sensor to capture 5.3K video that can easily be cropped for social. With the addition ofHDRvideo and GP-Log, together with the returning 10-bit color mode, we found the Hero 12 Black able to capture sharp, smooth and dynamic video in bright conditions. Low-light footage does remain an issue, with our review noting grain in dimly lit scenes.
A new 1/4in thread mount, which unlocks greater versatility for attaching to mini tripods and seafaring accessories. Screens front and rear are handy for framing yourself at sea, even if the rear touch interface doesn’t work underwater. We do wish that battery life from the Enduro battery was better but, if you want a feature-packed action cam that can shoot sharp video above and below water, the GoPro Hero 12 is compelling.
Read our in-depthGoPro Hero 12 Black review
The best waterproof camera for low light
3. DJI Osmo Action 4
Our expert review:
✅ You want really good waterproofing:The Osmo Action 4 is rated as waterproof down to 18m without a case, making it a standout camera.
✅ You like the option to change mounts:The Action 4’s magnetic and quick-release clamps make it easy to swap between different mounting options.
❌You like to get up close to subjects:The Action 4’s 1/1.3-inch sensor and 155-degree lens are great, but they increase the minimum focus distance to 0.4m.
❌ You want a camera for action photography:Video quality is great, but a JPEG resolution of just 10MP means the Action 3 isn’t a great choice for stills.
Designed as a GoPro rival, theDJIOsmo Action 4 edges out the GoPro Hero 12 black in a few key ways. While its peak video resolution is lower at 4K/120p, its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor uses bigger pixels to perform better in low light. From our tests, the result is superior footage quality in dim conditions, such as those that you might encounter underwater. It also supports DJI’s D-Log profile with 10-bit color. In our review, we found that this significantly improves color depth and dynamic range.
Less handy is how the increased sensor size and wide lens extend the minimum focus distance to 0.4m, which could be an issue if you plan on recording sea life up close. Physically, it features the same rugged build as theAction 3before it, as well as the removable battery and versatile mounting system we appreciated in our previous review. In a win for swimmers, waterproof has been boosted to 18m, meaning it can comfortably out-dive the GoPro Hero 12 Black.
Read our in-depthDJI Osmo Action 4 review
The best waterproof camera with LED lights
4. Ricoh WG-80
✅ You need something really tough:As well as being waterproof to 14m, the WG-80 is crushproof, shockproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof.
✅ You want a versatile shooting tool:The WG-80 combines a 5x zoom lens with close-focusing for macro shots, meaning you can cover a range of subjects.
❌You want the best image quality:Stills from the WG-80 can be disappointing and its sensor is beaten in high-contrast scenes by most modern smartphones.
❌ You plan to shoot a lot of video:With footage capped at 1080p/30fps, there are better options in this list for recording video underwater.
The WG-80 from Ricoh has some pretty strong tough credentials: it’s waterproof to a depth of 14m/45.9ft and shockproof from a fall of up to 1.6m/5.2ft, while it should withstand a force of up to 100kg/220lbs. It’s also dust-proof and can operate in temperatures down to -10°C/14°F. While we think it can’t quite compete with the OM System Tough TG-7, it also costs quite a lot less.
The 5x optical zoom has a pretty broad focal zoom range, from 28-140mm, while there are six LED macro lights dotted around the front of the lens barrel to deliver bright and uniform lighting round your subject – ideal when shooting underwater subjects. The macro lights also provide other useful functions, such as the LED Lighting mode, which uses the lights for adding light to portraits in poor light, delivering a more flattering look than the WG-60’s dedicated flash.
The best 360 degree waterproof camera
5. Insta360 X4
Our expert review:
✅ You want a compact 360 camera:The Insta360 X4 makes it easy to shoot and edit 360-degree video, producing results that no smartphone can match.
✅ You want to shoot 360 under the sea:Thanks to locking port covers, the X4 is fully waterproof to 10m, meaning you can safely swim with it.
❌You don’t have the capacity of large files:8K video files require a large amount of storage space and processing power, so they don’t work for everyone.
❌ You shoot a lot in low light:Although the camera and Insta360’s software work hard to clean up video, results are still at their most crisp in bright conditions.
We waxed lyrical about thebest 360-degree camerain our Insta360 X4 review, but it’s also way more than an8K360-degree video camera. It also packs a powerful single camera 4K 60p mode and, crucially, it’s waterproof up to 10m. That’s not as deep as dedicated options like the Tough TG-7 or discontinued models like the Nikon Coolpix W300, but we think its rare for most people to go deeper than 10m.
What you do get with the X4 is photos and videos with a difference: complete panaromas of every angle, stabilized footage, smart video effects using Insta360’s Studio app and more. The host of accessories that make taking your underwater photos and videos easier, such as a range of selfie sticks, only adds to the appeal. If you’re after a camera that’s as capable on land for all your adventures as it is underwater, this could be the option for you.
Read our in-depthInsta360 X4 review
The best budget GoPro
6. GoPro Hero 10 Black
Our expert review:
✅ You want a waterproof vlogging camera:Waterproof to 10m without a case and equipped with a useful front screen, the Hero 10 Black is a good self-shooter.
✅ You want a good-value GoPro:It’s not the latest model in the GoPro line-up, but the Hero 10 Black offers a lot of features for a price that’s now more reasonable.
❌You want properly cinematic video:Results from the Hero 10 Black can be great, but later models like the Hero 12 Black achieve a more cinematic look.
❌ You need a low-light winner:Noise reduction helps, but its relatively small sensor means the GoPro Hero 10 Black still isn’t a champion in low light.
The Hero 10 Black is no longer top of the GoPro pile, but it remains a great choice if you want to save money on a waterproof action camera and don’t need 10-bit recording or support for vertical video. In our tests, we found both its 5.3K/60p and 4K/120p footage impressive. We also found it versatile, fun and easy to use, even if its responsive touchscreen doesn’t work underwater.
With HyperSmooth stabilization available across most shooting modes, it’s an ideal tool for recording high-resolution clips in all conditions. Low light does remain a challenge, though, which means performance will drop off if you test its 10m waterproofing in dim conditions. The latest GoPro Hero 12 Black offers more editing flexibility, while the DJI Osmo Action 4 performs significantly better in low light. But if you want a GoPro action camera without the flagship price tag, we think the Hero 10 Black is still a great option to consider.
Read our in-depthGoPro Hero 10 Black review
The best waterproof camera with a viewfinder
7. Panasonic Lumix FT7 / TS7
Our expert review:
✅ You plan to go really deep:Waterproof to a very impressive 31m, the TS7 has better waterproofing than any other camera on this list, making it ideal for diving.
✅ You like an electronic viewfinder:As well as a generous number of exterior controls, the TS7 is unique for a waterproof camera in having an electronic viewfinder.
❌You want perfect image quality:With a lot of pixels squeezed onto a small sensor, the 20.4MP resolution comes at the cost of low-light performance and raw capture.
❌ You want the best battery life:Where its predecessor delivered 370 shots, the TS7 delivers 300, which drops to 250 if you use the electronic viewfinder.
Launched in 2018, thePanasonicLumix TS7 (known as the Lumix FT7 outside the US) isn’t the latest waterproof camera here. Still, it remains relevant by virtue of one feature in particular: a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), something rarely seen on a waterproof camera. The 1,170k-dot, 0.2-inch display might not be the largest out there, but it does offer a useful alternative to shooting with the rear display, especially in bright light, which can make composition tricky.
There’s lots to like about the Lumix TS7 / FT7, including its excellent tough credentials. Lens coverage remains the same as its predecessor, with a useful 4.6x zoom range that covers 28-128mm. What lets it down is the sensor, which crams too many pixels onto a relatively small area: Panasonic increased the pixel count from 16.1MP on the TS5 / FT5 to 20.4MP on the Lumix TS7 / FT7.
Read our in-depthPanasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7 review
The best miniature waterproof camera
8. Insta360 Go 3
Our expert review:
✅ You want a miniature action camera:The beauty of the Insta360 Go 3 is as small as waterproof cameras come, letting you capture unique angles.
✅ You want to tog forget about framing:The FreeFrame mode lets you shoot footage without framing, then losslessly crop it later on.
❌You want to capture the sharpest video:With a maximum video resolution of 2.7K, the Insta360 Go 3 isn’t the sharpest tool for waterproof video in this list.
❌ You want a completely waterproof solution:The camera itself is waterproof to 5m, but the add-on ActionPod with its extra features is only water-resistant.
If you want a tiny waterproof camera for your next beach trip, we think the Insta360 Go 3 could be just the ticket. What it lacks in video quality and stabilization tricks, it makes up for in miniature versatility: the camera features a magnetic mount that can stick to all sorts of surfaces. It also comes with an arsenal of modular accessories. The main peripheral is the Action Pod, which features a flip-up touchscreen that makes framing much easier than with the Go 2. Sadly, this isn’t waterproof, so you’ll need to leave it in your dry bag when you take the core camera unit into the sea.
At 2.7K/30p, the Go 3’s highest video setting can’t compete with rival action cameras on resolution or frame rate. That said, videos from our review had decent contrast and dynamic range. The AquaVision 2.0 setting in the Insta360 app is also a useful addition, leveraging AI to enhance colors and combat underwater glare. It can’t add missing detail, but it does make a difference.
Read our in-depthInsta360 Go 3 review
How to choose the best waterproof camera for you
How to choose the best waterproof camera?
A key consideration when choosing a waterproof camera is its waterproof rating. If you only need a camera for beach trips, something with a rating of 5m should be find, such as the Insta360 Go 3. If you’re planning more adventurous underwater pursuits, look for something rated for deeper waters. TheDJI Osmo Action 4is rated to 18m, while thePanasonic Lumix TS7is good down to 31m, which should be enough for most recreational dives.
The best waterproof cameras are optimized for use underwater. That usually means tactile physical buttons that are easy to access and operate. Many also feature specialized shooting modes which adjust settings for underwater conditions, compensating for factors such as color distortion.
A good waterproof camera should be more than just water-resistant. You’ll want something with a robust construction that can withstand the rigours of your outdoor adventures. Consider factors such as shock resistance and dustproofing, as well as the overall build quality.
If you’re planning to swim at dusk, look for a camera with good low-light skills, such as theDJI Osmo Action 4, or one with built-in LED lights, like theRicoh WG-60. For some cameras, these can be fitted as optional accessories.
Many waterproof cameras have housings that limit the range of any optical zoom. That said, some models do offer a modest zoom range, such as the 4x zoom on theOM System Tough TG-7, which gives you additional flexibility to select sub-aquatic subjects.
How we test compact cameras
☑️100s of camerasreviewed☑️15 yearsof product testing☑️ Over16,000 productsreviewed in total☑️ Nearly200,000 hourstesting tech
When testing waterproof cameras, we do our best to simulate the demands of outdoor adventures in the real world. While we don’t test waterproof cameras to destruction, we do assess each model’s functionality while submerged, to ensure that build quality lives up to its billing.
Because waterproof cameras exist to let you shoot photos and videos in aquatic conditions, we assess every camera’s imaging performance in a range of scenarios. We test for color accuracy, detail and any signs of distortion. We also check the effectiveness of any underwater shooting modes to see how well these compensate for lighting conditions and color variation.
We also consider the practicality of each camera’s size, weight and build in the real world. Our testers assess how easily each camera can be used during various activities, specifically those in and around water, to check both its practicality and functionality.
To accurately assess battery life, we conduct usage tests to replicate common scenarios, such as burst shooting and a series of video clips. The aim is to see how actual figures stack up against claimed longevity.
Finally, we test any extra features to see how they enhance the overall user experience, including GPS and Wi-Fi.
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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.
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