<p>If you want to take photos or videos underwater, or simply document your island travels, you need a waterproof camera. A good one. These six (plus a couple of fun extra options) are durable, weather-resistant, and take great HD photos and video. After lots of research and testing, we’ve found the best waterproof cameras for underwater photography and we refuse to shut up about it. </p>”/>
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Best Overall Waterproof Camera
Olympus OM System Tough TG-7
The Tough TG-7 is our top pick for two reasons; it is resilient and it takes good underwater photos. On top of being tightly sealed, this camera is shockproof, freezeproof (up to certain temperatures) and dustproof. It rocks a 4x wide zoom lens that can help you get those shots other cameras just can’t—the make or break ones that define a vacation.
| Submergible up to | 50 feet |
|---|---|
| Freezeproof up to | 14 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| WiFI | Yes |
Most Sturdy Underwater Camera
Pentax Ricoh WG-80
This one looks more like scuba gear than it does a camera; thankfully it is both. The Ricoh WG-80 isn’t a looker, but it is an incredibly precise tool for taking underwater photos that will hold up to any amount of abuse. It’s also a great camera to take on hikes or adventures where you know crossing streams and waterfalls will be involved.
| Submergible up to | 46 feet |
|---|---|
| Freezeproof up to | 14 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| WiFi | No |
Best Waterproof Camera for Taking Videos
GoPro HERO12 Black
If taking and streaming video on, near, or around large bodies of water is your angle here, we’ve found the camera for you. The GoPro HERO12 is the latest in the trusted brand’s long line of active video cameras. User interface is simple, as the front and back LCDs are touch screens (mind that the back one does not work underwater), and the camera itself offers 5.3K video resolution and HDR. All you need to do is attach it to your boat or board and hit record.
| Submergible up to | 33 feet |
|---|---|
| Freezeproof up to | N/A |
| Max Video Resolution | 5.3K |
| WiFI | No |
Best Budget Waterproof Camera
Polaroid Wave
If you’re looking for novelty and a cute form factor over quality, check out this mini camera. The Polaroid Wave is a fantastic last-minute purchase when you realize you’re gonna need a waterproof camera for the annual beach trip. It’s great to give to kids and teens, just durable enough that they won’t totally destroy it. It’s also WiFI enabled. We’ve established the merits of direct WiFi connections already, but the fact that this $50 product does it while some multi-hundred dollar cameras don’t, works in the Polaroid’s favor.
| Submergible up to | 10 feet |
|---|---|
| Freezeproof | N/A |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| WiFI | Yes |
Best For Using Phone Cameras
SeaLife Underwater Smartphone Scuba Case
Here’s one more option. If you are content with your phone camera, and love the convenience of having your phone and camera slapped together forever, you might love this scuba case from SeaLife. You won’t need to worry about your phone getting wet, or even moist, when it’s in this secure case. Some added buttons around the edge of the case help transform your iPhone or Android into an underwater camera worthy of James Cameron.
What to Look For in a Waterproof Camera
When picking up a camera for underwater use, there are a few things you need to scope out before buying.
Waterproof Rating: How far underwater do you need a camera to go? Make sure that your needs align with the capabilities of the camera you choose. Some only go 30 feet deep while others can go up to 200 at the high end.
Video Quality: Do you even need an underwater camera that can take videos? If you do, take note of the resolution your prospective camera records in. 1080p is perfectly fine, but these days 4K is the true standard. Some of these cameras even record in higher resolutions than that.
WiFi: If your camera can connect to WiFi, you can upload your snapshots directly to your phone. This means you can post them directly to social media, without needing to grab your laptop. It’s a pretty nifty bonus feature and we advise you to look for cameras with WiFi capabilities if any of this sounds at all convenient for you.
Why Trust Esquire?
Personally, I’ve been testing all kinds of tech products—including cameras—for years. Collectively, Esquire’s editors can measure their experience in decades. We know the tech and gadgets that are worth your hard-earned cash. Most importantly, we’re insiders. We know all the weird jargon and tech specs that you don’t need to worry about. We compile our guides by performing heavy research and testing, and the gadgets we choose to award are the ones we would spend our own money on.
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