Best Waterproof Camera For Snorkeling
Snorkeling opens a portal to the new world of living underwater. Many snorkelers want to record their underwater experience to cherish it forever. You must have the best waterproof camera for snorkeling to record your adventure. There are many options for underwater cameras on the market. Some cameras are designed for scuba diving, while others are for snorkeling.
The best waterproof camera for snorkeling should be easy to use and take great videos and photos. Before purchasing, you must be mindful of the camera’s price, specs, and capabilities.
In this article, we have listed some of the best snorkeling cameras on the market. We have discussed its features, strengths, and weakness to make it easy for you t evaluate and choose the best waterproof camera for snorkeling for your need.
Our Top Picks
Below are the 5 best waterproof cameras for snorkeling in 2023.
- Olympus Tough TG 6: Overall Best
- Panasonic DC-TS7A Lumix TS7
- Nikon Coolpix W300
- GoPro Hero 9
- Akaso V50 Elite
Keep reading for a detailed review of the best waterproof camera for snorkeling.
Review: Best Waterproof Camer For Snorkeling
1. Olympus Tough TG 6 – Overall Best Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling
This camera is one of the most famous underwater snorkeling cameras, as it quickly generates high-quality videos and photos. It can be taken to 15 meters/ 50 feet deep underwater. This camera is waterproof, shockproof, freeze-proof, and crush-proof.
It has a Bright f/2.0 fast lens. Anti-reflective coating glass around the sensor reduces flare and ghosting effects in videos and photos. This camera is equipped with 3 inches, a high-quality LCD with 1.05 million dots, and a 12MP high-speed image sensor to enhance low-light performance and noise reduction.
This camera has Microscope mode in the program and aperture priority mode, allowing you to capture small subjects clearly. It has a Dual Quad-core TruePic VIII image processor. It produces images in Raw, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG file format. It allows you to capture high-quality and high-speed videos in 4K. Its field sensor systems consist of GPS, a manometer, a compass, and a temperature sensor.
Pros
- Image stabilization
- Easy to use
- It can be used for diving as well.
- Simple user interface
- RAW+JPEG image file format
- Adjustable white balance
- Microscopic mode
- Optical Zoom
- Affordable option
Cons
- You need to purchase a separate waterproof housing to go deeper.
2. Panasonic DC-TS7A Lumix TS7
This camera can go 31 meters or 102 feet deeper in water. It is drop-proof from 6.6 feet and freeze-proof to 14 degrees F, making it a tough and highly durable camera for snorkeling.
Its 4.6X optical lens and 20.4mp sensor capture high-quality photos and high-speed 4K videos. This camera allows you to shoot through different shooting modes, including underwater, beach, and surf sport shooting. Another awesome feature is its electronic viewfinder which will enable you to see the image even if the bright sunlight is washing out the LCD screen. It’s quick and easy to control if you are a beginner.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Unique filter effects
- Wi-Fi integration
- Image stabilization
- 4K videos
- Different shooting modes
- Long battery life
- Good image quality
- Electronix viewfinder
Cons
- Not the best at handling low light
3. Nikon Coolpix W300
This underwater camera will amaze you. It can go 30 meters/ 100 feet deep in water. It is drop-proof to 7.9 feet and freeze-proof to 14 degrees. It’s lightweight and easily carriable while diving and swimming.
It produces 16mp photos and high-speed HD 4K videos. It has different shooting modes such as underwater, beach, close-up, snow, and other water sports. Its 5X optical Zoom feature adds details to the pictures. Its anti-reflective coated 3-inch LCD screen allows you to shoot in bright light. It has an extra large grip and smart button placement to make one-hand shooting stable and steady.
It has built-in GPS, e-compass, and other tools to make your snorkeling experience safe and exciting. You can check how deep you are underwater as it displays depth on the screen.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Lightweight
- Extremely durable
- Compact camera
- 2 autofocus modes for video shooting
- LCD screen is anti-reflective coated.
- AE lock while shooting underwater.
- Video stabilization
- 5X Optical Zoom
Cons
- Average battery life
- Video recording time is limited
4. GoPro Hero 9
GoPro Hero 9 is the only waterproof camera on the market in 2023 that can capture 5K video. GoPro action cameras are small, digital cams designed to record from the shooter’s point of view. They can be used for different activities like surfing, biking, vlogging, and snorkeling.
It can go 10 meters/33 feet below water which is adequate for snorkeling. It can go 60 meters/196 feet deeper with separate waterproof housing or underwater casing. Its 23.6mp sensor enables you to capture detailed 20mp images. Its photo quality at shallow depths makes it one of the best cameras for snorkeling.
Its other incredible features include:
- Advanced image stabilization.
- 8X slow motion.
- Time-lapse mode.
- Digital lens modes for wide, linear, or narrow shots.
Pros
- Shoot high-quality 5K videos
- 2 LCD screens: One at the front and one at the back
- Long battery life
- Detailed images
- Digital lens modes
- Wi-Fi integration
- Video stabilization
- 8X slow motion
Cons
- Expensive than other snorkeling cameras
- The Digital Zoom feature doesn’t provide any extra detail.
5. Akaso V50 Elite
This camera is a low-cost action cam that comes with a waterproof casing. It may be the cheapest camera on the list, but it can shoot 4K HD videos and 20mp photos. Its included waterproof housing allows you to take it to 40 meters or 141 feet underwater. It produces stable and steady videos.
It’s one of the most compact cameras in the world with advanced features, such as remote control, wrist strap, and helmet accessories for land use. It gives you excellent value for your money.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Compact camera
- Three view angles
- Built-in gyroscope to counter shaky hands
- Simple user interface
- Wi-Fi integration
Cons
- Its two-button control makes it slow in the setting.
- It Doesn’t work in low light.
- Digital Zoom degrades when it’s applied.
FAQ’S
How do you take pictures while snorkeling?
- First of all, you have to choose a good underwater camera.
- Know your camera settings well and learn how to use its features.
- Shoot in clear water to have bright and catchy images
- Choose the best angle for shooting.
- Zoom in or swim closer to your subject.
- Try to hold the camera steadily or purchase any gimbal to make non-shaky and attractive videos.
- Learn the editing tools to edit your images to enhance their quality.
Can I use my iPhone as an underwater camera?
Yes, you can use the latest versions of the iPhone underwater. Apple claims that its devices are certified IP68, meaning they are water resistant up to 6 meters or 20 feet deep for up to 30 minutes. You can surely use this to capture professional-level images while using iPhone features. But be careful because iPhones are not initially designed for underwater shooting. An underwater camera is much more efficient and reliable for underwater photography and videography.
Is the apple watch good for snorkeling?
Apple watch series 2 or later versions can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming and diving in the pool. But they may not be suitable for the time taking and deep water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and water skiing.
Read More: