The Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera is one the best versatile waterproof cameras in its price range. It is a 16-megapixel waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof camera with a built in NFC (Near Field Communication) and Wi-Fi feature. What you”ll find in this best waterproof camera is excellent functionality, durability and promise. It offers an integrated GPS module and world map, along with a single waterproof door that supports the battery and memory, HDMI and the USB sockets. With the NFC and Wi-Fi feature, you can easily transfer images to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. This impressive waterproof camera is capable of waterproofing up to 100 feet, freeze-proofing up to 14 degree Fahrenheit and shock-proofing up to 7 feet. It’s also capable of capturing up to 5 shots per second. It runs on a reliable EN-EL12 lithium-ion battery, the Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera offers powerful performance and superior quality pictures with an added 1 cm macro mode, which delivers high magnification.
Top Pick: Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera
A wide angle NIKKOR glass lens makes this best waterproof camera our top pick on the list. Rest-assured, you can make this a part of your go-to gear for turning venturous moments into forever memories in the form of high-quality photos and HD quality videos. The Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera features a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR ED 24mm wide-angled glass lens with Vibration Reduction offsets that keep your camera steady from shaking. For the when even a 5x optical zoon doesn’t seem enough, this camera has a built-in Dynamic Fine Zoon feature that doubles your optical zoom to 10x without a hassle. It’s an extremely useful gear for underwater adventures as well as on land. The image quality is greater than what you”d expect from compact waterproof cameras on the market as are its controls which are extremely user-friendly from the zoom features to manual settings. The unique feature that sets this camera apart is that it can go many more challenging places where most popular waterproof cameras can’t.
Our next pick is an expensive one, but givens its valuable features that are popularly cherished on the by professional photographers, it’s our best waterproof camera that’s extravagant, but valuable. The Leica X-U Typ 113 Underwater Digital Camera is waterproof down to 49 feet, shock-proof to 4 foot drops with a rubber exterior that’s easy for gripping that’s also dust proof. If you”re looking for more detail-driven image quality with large image sensors, this one is your only best bet. It features a sharp rear display with a cold shoe accessory mount and modest handgrips to make it more comfortable to secure the camera at all times. The lens is 23mm and f/1.7 prime that can also focus as close as 7.9 inches providing detailed images at high ISO, and a strong manual focus experience. The Leica X-U Typ 113 Underwater Digital Camera consists of a 16.2 megapixel, APS-CMOS image sensor that works up to 35mm equivalent. Meant for committed adventure and travel photographers, this rugged waterproof camera is user-friendly, durability and has a professional output range that’s worth every penny you pay for it.
The Fujifilm FinePix XP80 Waterproof Digital Camera is our budget-friendly waterproof camera on the list. It is also one of our most favorite cameras on the market because it has a good constructed body, and a good image sensor. It’s a 16.2 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor which is capable of producing high quality images even in low light conditions. It has a continuous shooting mode capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second at full resolution. With its Remote Shooting and Wireless Image Transfer, you don’t have to wait any long on extended manual functionality and now you get access to a whole new angle of getting experimental with your underwater shots. It is waterproof down to 50 feet, freeze-proof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and shock-proof to 5.8 feet. This dustproof digital camera offers a maximum aperture of f/4.9 and focal length of 140mm with 2 seconds shutter speed. With no external memory card included, this best waterproof camera runs on a lithium ion battery type.
Why to buy a waterproof camera?
Choosing a camera to meet your needs can seem like a challenging task, but have you considered the “why” before the “what”? Waterproof cameras are secondary choices to begin with, but with the correct direction and purpose, you can get more out of your family getaways, vacations, and other challenging adventures and store them are memories in the form of quality photos and HD videos. You can get a camera that handles many water-based activities, cold environments and short drops; something that’s nature-friendly and immune to shock, dust, and other “natural” conditions. Unlike any other form of photography, this kind requires quick and smooth captures in seconds, and only the best waterproof camera can handle such a task for you. Waterproof cameras are durable, portable and user-friendly. They can come in handy at any given point because of their sturdy and comfortable design and battery life. With the same level of image quality and additional bonus features, just like a professional camera, a waterproof camera are sealed to keep water and dirt away from the internal components such the battery, memory case, HDMI and other USB sockets. Some waterproof cameras are better than others while some are just the same with better image sensors or battery life. All-in-all, purchasing a waterproof camera can prove a great deal for taking amazing underwater photographs for your next photography project.
What to look for in a best waterproof camera?
Traditionally, any professional camera has specific characteristics that are unique to its own brand and model number, but there are a few features of the best waterproof camera that should always be put up into consideration while buying a new waterproof camera.
Image Quality
A best waterproof camera will deliver the perfect focus, clear images, and detailed shots even after it has been left underwater facing several force impacts like mild pool waves, rain, etc. Some waterproof cameras tend to perform less after such impacts and they produce distorted and blurred colors of the subject in the photograph, while some are designed to withstand heavy impact and underwater settings easily.
Battery Life
Like most modern digital cameras, the battery life is typically over 300 shots on a full charge, depending upon external factors such as usage and other shooting conditions. Most waterproof cameras require a rechargeable Li-ion battery, while few of them require AAA batteries.
Durability
Durability is a key factor that determines the qualification of a best waterproof camera. It won’t matter if you throw yours into the deep end side of the pool and watch it drown and sit for a while before you fetch it out and take some underwater snaps to test its performance, the best waterproof camera will work perfectly nevertheless. You need to ensure your waterproof camera has been tested to function normally even after several impacts underwater and on land, only then would your camera perform as per your needs and for a long time.
Storage
Out of all the waterproof cameras we’ve reviewed here, most of them have significant internal storage, while some require an external SD card to store more photographs. In the case of waterproof cameras, the same type of memory card applies to the standard digital cameras that are used.
Other features of the best waterproof camera include size, weight, and warranty. The size and weight of a camera has to depend on the purpose of your use while it is recommended that the camera you purchase has a manufacturer’s warranty in place as that extends its performance value and its overall reputation with time. It is advised by our expert researchers that you look into these simple, yet crucial features to determine the best waterproof camera for you.
Our best pick: Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera
Top Pick: Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera
Being an upgraded version of the Nikon AW120, the Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera isn’t just another with some advanced features and great deliverance. It is the most superior and quality performing camera out there that enhances the photographic experience and manipulation in challenging conditions. Our researchers did not only notice the drastic upgrades in the Nikon AW130’s hardware, but the software and shooting modes received a lot of redefined direction as well. You can get add multiple effects to your photos along with a wide selection from 22 shooting modes to get the perfect setting. Another unique feature is that it is capable of capturing a time-lapse (only thing you”ll need is a tripod and lots of time). With the Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera you can use your smartphone to remotely shoot photographs, upload them online, and do much more once you pair your camera to your smartphone with its onboard Wi-Fi and NFC feature. You can geo-tag your work so you don” have to worry about doing it yourself manually each time, you can map out your travel using Nikon’s ViewNX 2 software (free) just to flaunt where your snaps have been taken. You get a f/2.8-4.9, wide-angled glass lens with more impressive features and supports at such a helpful price, you don’t want to miss out on this one!
Our step up pick: Leica X-U Typ 113 Underwater Digital Camera
Leica X-U Typ 113 Underwater Digital Camera
The Leica X-U Typ 113 Underwater Digital Camera is impossible to imitate in terms of weight, construction, and most importantly, efficiency. It’s shockproof and dustproof with the promise of capturing breathtaking photographs at the depths of up to 49 feet and up to 60 minute dives. It also features a handy underwater snapshot button that allows its users to capture one quick picture at the press of a single button only! Not only this, you get perfect resolution and pi-sharp photos of even the tiniest details with this best waterproof camera’s prime fast lens with an underwater protection filter feature. The Leica X-U Typ 113 Underwater Digital Camera delivers superior image qualities that are way sharper and more defined that what one would expect out of a waterproof camera. The camera demands about a 0.4-second window to target on a subject and capture an image. You also get burst shooting at the same 5 FPS rate for up to 7 frames at one go! It has an optical sensor resolution of 16.2 megapixels with a built in viewfinder. Even though you”re paying an extravagant rate for the best waterproof camera, this one surpasses all boundaries, delivering excellent performance and durability than any comparable waterproof or rugged camera.
Our budget pick: Fujifilm FinePix XP80 Waterproof Digital Camera
Fujifilm FinePix XP80 Waterproof Digital Camera
Our next safest and within-budget pick is the Fujifilm FinePix XP80 Waterproof Digital Camera which offers a perfect combination of excellent features, intelligent digital zoom, and an easy photo transfer feature that’s beyond compare among the cheap-priced waterproof cameras. We highly recommend this gear to those looking out for the best, but at a considerably cheaper price. It’s a given that the more money you expend for a camera, the better it gets, but the Fujifilm FinePix XP80 Waterproof Digital Camera is still a powerful force even at such a shocking price. It is capable of handling deep waters for up to 120 minutes under cold temperatures and short falls of up to 5 feet in the air. It’s a really impressive waterproof camera that works at 14 degrees Fahrenheit, is a 16.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, and it can easily knuckle down versatile lighting situations to make your final images bright and clear. It’s loaded with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy transfers and uploading, GPS Tracking feature to map down locations of your photos once you’ve got them on your computer, and full HD video recording that allows you to record video in 1080p. All this in one exceedingly constructed gear that’s affordable, user-friendly, and reliable.
Best waterproof camera for selfies
Polaroid ISO85 16 Digital Camera
A compact camera that gives you a front facing LCD monitor makes the best waterproof camera for selfies. It has a maximum depth of 10 feet for 30 minutes, and its lowest operating temperature is 32 degrees is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The Polaroid ISO85 16 Digital Camera has a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, which provides decent image quality than most other compact cameras. Although it has a lower range of ISO setting with no shutter speed adjustments and a digital zoom that can expand an image five times, some say this waterproof camera is the best to have for selfie purposes only. You can even shoot videos up to 720p and it has face detection and a self-time, something that’s inordinately useful while taking scores of selfies. This waterproof camera is extremely underrated given its limited efficiency in terms of camera settings, image quality features, etc. but still it makes a great gear for poolside parties and adventure journeys.
Best waterproof camera for videos
Panasonic DMC-TS6D LUMIX Camera
The Panasonic DMC-TS6D LUMIX Camera is our adventure-ready waterproof camera perfect for capturing full HD 1080p quality videos in and out of water. It has great quality imaging that is capable of recording extremely still images and videos combined with durability and a GPS feature to geo tag your captures. The camera is a 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor with a 4.6 optical zoom feature and a battery life that allows you to take about 370 pictures on a single battery charge. Featuring a superior display size, this beast can handle depths of 43 feet, knuckle down for 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and can handle over 200 pounds of intense crushing weight. It can handle any water-based activities being crushproof and dustproof with a maximum drop height of 6.6 feet. None of the waterproof cameras have such an impressive crushproof standard, which makes the Panasonic DMC-TS6D LUMIX Camera the best waterproof camera for videos as well as superior image quality.
Best point-and-shoot waterproof camera
SeaLife Micro 2.0 Underwater Digital Camera
With a built-in 130 degree fisheye lens and a Sony 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor that supports full HD 1080p video, the SeaLife Micro 2.0 Underwater Digital Camera the best point-and-shoot waterproof camera. It comes with a 32 GB internal memory and one or two Sea Dragon Lights and Flex-Connect Tray, Grips, Arms and other accessories. This camera has a color correction that can encounter down to 200 feet easily with perfect image quality and longevity. The SeaLife Micro 2.0 Underwater Digital Camera has a large 4.2 inch TFT color LCD that works on 2350mAh Li-ion internal lithium rechargeable battery with a waterproof USB port and a built-in Wi-Fi. Another great feature for this point-and-shoot waterproof camera is that it allows users to take still images while recording full HD video easily so you get more out of the SeaLife Micro 2.0 Underwater Digital Camera at such a basic price value. With a soft rubber grip, this best waterproof camera is easy to handle, lightweight, and shock resistant.
Best rugged waterproof camera
Olympus TG-4 Waterproof Digital Camera
The Olympus TG-4 Waterproof Digital Camera is our best rugged waterproof camera on the market because of its 4X wide-angle optical zoom with a fast f2.0 high speed lens. It is waterproof in depths up to 50 feet and it is also dustproof and crushproof to withstand up to 220 pounds of pressure. It features great image quality that helps capture light from darker even underwater scenes; also, it consists of multiple unique underwater modes such as a wide-angle and macro option to deliver even better image quality than other waterproof cameras. The camera is a backside-illuminated 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor lens with an additional RAW format. The Olympus TG-4 Waterproof Digital Camera is designed to knuckle down with pride any sort of natural force in and out of water; apart from this, it is shock-proof from a 7 foot drop and freeze-proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s got the features that are rarely seen is other point-and-shoot waterproof cameras such as the intense microscope macro mode, the ability to work with conversion lens, and its speedy autofocus and durability performance for underwater operations.
Best interchangeable lens waterproof camera
Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Digital Camera
The only entry-level waterproof camera with interchangeable lens, the Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Digital Camera has a speedy processing engine with GPS connectivity for image tagging, and slow-motion video support. It is the first interchangeable waterproof camera of its kind that you can take deep underwater. The presents the perfect combination of being waterproof, shockproof with high speed continuous shooting modes and other unique image quality add-ons! It can work depths as deep as 49 feet, withstand intense drops from 6.6 feet and shoot in 14 degrees Fahrenheit and 32 degrees Fahrenheit underwater. Its compatible with all Nikon 1 lenses and two waterproof and shockproof lenses, with high-speed continuous shooting at 15 frames per second with full autofocus as well as 60 frames per second full focus mode. You can even record HD quality 1080p videos easily with the Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof Digital Camera with a simultaneous still image capture mode for extra flexibility. Even though you will find it difficult to work under manual settings with this mirrorless system, its automatic settings is perfect and can be depended upon without a doubt.
Best durable waterproof camera
Olympus TG-860 Waterproof Digital Camera
The Olympus TG-860 Waterproof Digital Camera is a tough and durable waterproof camera with excellent specifications that makes it our best waterproof camera on the market. It is waterproof up to 50 feet underwater, crush-proof up to 220 pounds, and also freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The camera is a 16 megapixel sensor 21mm ultra-wide lens 5 times optical zoom that is capable of capturing full HD videos at 60 frames per second. It also features a unique sportcam mode that is versatile in shooting time lapse and high-speed movies easily. The Olympus TG-860 Waterproof Digital Camera understands how diverse a waterproof camera can get, and with that in mind, it also features different art filters with an in-camera sweep panorama mode with a waterproof feature that is warranted to operate at deep depths of 49 feet for up to 60 minutes. Another convenient feature of this tough camera is that it has a 180 degrees flip LCD monitor that allows you take view your images or shoot your HD videos while you can see them in action.
Best poolside waterproof camera
Bell+Howell Splash II Waterproof Digital Camera
The Bell+Howell Splash II Waterproof Digital Camera is easy to use with features that are deemed perfect for an appropriate shooting environment such as the poolside. It cannot handle any kind of impact that is normally seen when taken out during adventures, but at the same time, it provides good quality images just like a smartphone and other affordable cameras with correct image setting and a 16 megapixel image sensor lens. It can film qualities videos in 720p and it also possess a small set of picture effects that you can apply on your pictures. Another great alternative feature of this poolside waterproof camera is its smile shutter, which beats the self-timer feature in most other waterproof and digital cameras. It’s a setting that won’t take a picture until those in the frame smile; quite a handy setting to look out for in a waterproof camera. The Bell+Howell Splash II Waterproof Digital Camera can handle depth of 10 feet for 60 minutes at a stretch and it has a 4x digital zoom with automatic face detection. It has the perfect combination of durability and image quality to work effortlessly near a poolside, but not out for adventures.
Best pocketable waterproof camera
Panasonic DMC-TS30A LUMIX Camera
Travel with confidence with this best waterproof camera that’s so compact and comfortable to carry out, even in your pocket. This LUMIX camera caters to a specific kind of lifestyle, made for the adventure-driven traveler who demands amazing pictures with limited trappings and weight. It’s perfect for beginners as it’s incredibly user-friendly and straightforward. It offers a range of automatic functions with a total of 12 image quality filters the will enhance the pictures immediately. It is shock-proof up to 5 feet, waterproof up to 26 feet and free-proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The camera is a 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor offering high resolution images up to 230,00 pixels. It even supports videos up to HD quality at 720p with superior image quality and creative control. The Panasonic DMC-TS30A LUMIX Camera also consists of the Mega Optical Image Stabilizer that is designed to automatically correct any unwanted blurring and noises visible in the photograph. It produces clear images with the detection of even the slightest movement by the frequency of 4,000 times per second. Apart from that, this best waterproof camera offers excellent features such as time lapse shooting mode, built-in memory size of 220 megabytes with external SD slots, and creative panorama controls.
Best deep diving waterproof camera
Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera is the deepest water camera that is capable of handling up to 82 foot depths. Even though the camera has an image resolution in 12.1 megapixel with a CMOS sensor, this best waterproof camera great durability and image quality being great for high-intensity adventures. It has a 28-140mm advanced lens with optical image stabilization and 5x optical zoom. It’s shockproof to 2 meters that supports 1080p HD video quality with slow motion mode as an exclusive add-on. The Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera is an extremely durable underwater camera with an amazing depth measure that is able to withstand deeper waters with more impact than any waterproof camera we’ve reviewed. It comes with a 3 inch LCD screen with added picture effects and an impresses picture quality. Its lowest operating temperature boils down to 14 degress Fahrenheit with a shockproof drop height of 6.5 feet.
Best image quality waterproof camera
Sony DSC-TX30-D Digital Camera
Capture breathtaking images without the risk of any unsteady shot that leads to a blurred image. The Sony DSC-TX30-D Digital Camera has an impressive 18.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that offers brilliant image quality than most other waterproof cameras. It has a underwater depth of up to 33 feet for 60 minutes which means that it can handle all water-based activities such as snorkeling, swimming, casual scuba diving, etc. It is reputed to have a 5 foot shock-proof drop that can handle below-freezing temperatures. The camera also offers image stabilization, with the added suite of features to shoot the perfect video quality and in-camera editing and other variety of picture effects. Another impressive feature of this waterproof camera is that is consists of a face detection mode which can detect up to 8 faces in one single snap. Designed with a rechargeable battery, it can take up to 250 shots per charge, but this number can vary depending upon the shooting condition and other add-on mode use such as flash. It comes with a large 3.3 inch touchscreen viewfinder, which makes this compact camera one of the best in construction and the best waterproof camera for perfect image quality performance.
Best overall waterproof camera
The GoPro HERO 4 is our best overall waterproof camera is it’s a superior action camera to possess on the market today. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and a smart remote and other extensive compatibility modes. It also has a built-in display for easy camera controls, shot-framing and playback. The best feature of this action camera is that is consists of two modes, Protune” with SuperView ” that deliver cinema-quality capture and advanced manual control for both pictures and videos with an impressive wide-angle field of view. The GoPro HERO 4 also features an improved camera control and an in-built video trimming mode that lets you create and save short video clips right on your camera instead of waiting to do it later. The GoPro HERO 4 produces excellent picture and video quality that’s highly reliable for a waterproof action camera. It has intense resolution and frame-rate modes that are perfect for both novice and proficient shooters. It includes a USB cable, rechargeable battery, a 3-way pivot arm, quick release buckles, and a curved adhesive mount, to help you capture convenience and superiority in one.
Wrapping it up
Our best waterproof camera is the Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Waterproof Digital Camera as it takes the best quality picture underwater and also on land under challenging environment conditions. One of the biggest conquering factors of this best waterproof camera is its versatile combination of performance, design, battery life and last but not the least, its popularity amongst happy purchasers. Buying a new camera can be anything but a simple task, which is why this review compiles just enough specialized labels for you to consider and compare with to make the right purchasing decision. We evaluate all products carefully to potentially influence our customers” experience. We understand how important a waterproof camera can be once put to correct use so we proudly choose to present transparent details of each waterproof camera in terms of performance, design, specifications, depth, warranty, etc. to ensure you”re making the right decision at all times and for each product. It has to be durable enough in settings that we feel can be both extremely normal and intensely challenging. Almost all waterproof cameras are purchased to be used during outdoor adventures, so testing each product has taken dedicated time and effort so this list could be dependable and fresh, given the rapidly advancing industry.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.