We review the best waterproof cameras designed for underwater photography, from digital compact cameras to GoPro gadgets.Being on board a yacht offers access to some of the planet\u2019s most bountiful waters. And whether you\u2019re scuba diving, swimming or snorkelling, a waterproof camera is a key piece of equipment for photographing marine life or wrecks. If you\u2019re looking for the best underwater cameras, there are three main types to consider:<\/p>\n
Digital compacts \u2013 much like a regular digital camera, compact cameras have a single fixed lens, often with a zoom option and a display screen. They\u2019re usually produced in colourful shades to avoid being lost if dropped on the seabed.
\nAction cameras \u2013 developed by brands like GoPro and DJI, action cameras are smaller and often don\u2019t have a zoom function but can record much higher quality video. Easy to attach to clothing or helmets, they\u2019re good for recording water sports.
\nDisposable cameras \u2013 if you\u2019re looking for something that\u2019ll do a decent job on a low budget, you can also opt for a disposable underwater camera. The disadvantage is that you\u2019ll need to take these to a store to have the photos developed afterwards.<\/p>\n
More advanced equipment such as mirrorless or DLSR cameras will produce higher quality optics, but are far more expensive and require specialised waterproof housing in order to be submerged.
\nCompact, disposable or action cameras are easy to use for underwater photography beginners and can be in themselves waterproof to as deep as 25 metres, making them suitable for dive excursions.
\nTheir smaller size also means they create less drag in the water, are more travel-friendly and are affordable while still being able to capture images that can rival those taken by the latest iPhone.
\n6 of the best underwater cameras<\/p>\n
Fujifilm Finepix XP140
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Waterproof to 25 metres
\n\u2013 Wireless connectivity
\n\u2013 Remote control option
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No Raw support
\n\u2013 \u201cOld-school\u201d design
\n\u2013 Reduced 4K video quality compared to other models
\nThis FujiFilm underwater camera is reliably hardy. It offers the greatest depth for water submersion straight out of the box (down to 25 metres) while still providing 5x optical zoom and 16-megapixel photographs.
\nIt also attests to be shockproof to 1.8 metres, dustproof and freezeproof to -10 degrees. Other useful shooting modes include 4K video capture, remote use through the iPhone App, burst shooting, eye detection and a self-timer.
\nIt can be found at more affordable prices than other models, but the trade-off, according to users, is reduced 4K film capture quality, no Raw support and an old-fashioned design.
\nBuy now\u00a0via Currys
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Kodak PixPro WPZ2
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Affordable
\n\u2013 Wi-Fi connectivity
\n\u2013 Waterproof to 15 metres
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Reduced zoom
\n\u2013 Lower-quality video capture
\n\u2013 No built-in stabilisation
\nAlthough the zoom and image quality may be slightly reduced compared to other underwater cameras, the Kodak PixPro is seriously sturdy and does a decent job on a lower budget. This rugged compact claims to be dustproof, waterproof to 15 metres and shockproof to 2 metres.
\nWithout breaking the bank it also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, captures images in 16 megapixels and records video in a very respectable 1080p HD.
\nAs there\u2019s no built-in stabilisation, images might be softer around the edges unless you have very steady hands. But despite that, image colours are vivid even without special underwater filters.
\nBuy now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Ricoh WG-80
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Waterproof to 14 metres for two continuous hours
\n\u2013 5x zoom function
\n\u2013 16 megapixel photo quality
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No viewfinder and small display
\n\u2013 No WiFi connectivity
\nThe Ricoh WG-80 is advertised is another formidable option for both in the water and out. The model is advertised as shockproof to 1.6 metres, freezeproof to -10 degrees, crushproof to 100kgf and dustproof.
\nMost crucially, this underwater camera can be used at an underwater depth for a continuous duration of two hours, making it a good partner for swimmers, snorkellers and beginner divers without additional housing.
\nThe model can capture pictures in 16 megapixels with a built-in LED ring light to enhance image quality. It stands out with an excellent zoom feature starting from a wide angle of 28mm. But users have noted the display screen feels cramped and the model lacks connectivity features for simple downloading.
\nBuy now on Amazon<\/p>\n
DJI Osmo Action 3
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Rear and front touchscreens
\n\u2013 Voice interaction
\n\u2013 Time-lapse setting
\n\u2013 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No stabilisation in HDR mode
\n\u2013 No connectivity for GPS or live streaming
\nA rival to the Hero range by GoPro, the DJI Osmo action camera is close in terms of quality but a slightly more affordable model than its competitor.
\nImages are captured in 12 Megapixels with 4K resolution video and both time-lapse and slow-motion settings. The added feature of a touchscreen option may well help with usability underwater, plus voice interaction is useful when your hands are full while water-skiing or on a Jet Ski.
\nBeating the GoPro range, this underwater camera has a submersion depth of 16 metres. That\u2019s still fine for swimming and snorkelling, but the purchase of an extra casing will extend that to 60 metres for scuba dive photography.\u00a0Aside from underwater use, the DJI Osmo Action claims to be reliable in freezing temperatures down to -20 degrees.
\nBuy now on dji.com
\nBuy it now on Amazon<\/p>\n
GoPro Hero 11 Black
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
\n\u2013 Automatic highlight reels generated during downloads
\n\u2013 5.3K quality video capture
\n\u2013 Front and back screens
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Waterproof to only 10 metres
\n\u2013 Expensive
\nThe Hero 11 is the latest and most advanced model from the GoPro action camera range. It can capture cinematically crisp video in 5.3K quality and shoot in 8x slow motion, while high-resolution images are captured in 27 megapixels.
\nThe latest upgrades provide a larger sensor for an enhanced field of view and impressive stabilisation features. It\u2019s also easy to quickly upload footage to the cloud, plus a highlights reel will be automatically produced while you wait to download content.
\nFor those willing to spend more on proper dive equipment, GoPro offers an easily compatible suite of colour-correcting filers and waterproof housing to bring this camera to a depth of 60 metres.
\nFor those looking to find the best underwater cameras on a budget, opting for an older model like the GoPro Hero 8 or 10 will bring the price down without compromising too much on the quality.
\nBuy now on gopro.com<\/p>\n
Olympus Tough TG-6
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Raw support
\n\u2013 4K movie recording capabilities
\n\u2013 Easy to operate underwater
\n\u2013 Waterproof to 15 metres
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No Bluetooth connection for downloading imagery
\n\u2013 Smaller sensor reduces optics quality
\nThe compact Olympus Tough TG-6 is true to its name: dustproof, shockproof to 2.1 metres, crushproof to 100kg, freezeproof to -10 degrees and waterproof to 15 metres. Although some waterproof cameras can dive deeper, 15 metres is plenty enough for beginner divers.
\nUsers have noted that on account of a smaller-sized sensor with a lens equivalent to 25-100mm, the quality of the photos and videos doesn\u2019t necessarily surpass that of the latest iPhones. But the Olympus Tough TG-6 can be taken to extreme conditions that your phone can\u2019t handle.
\nFive different underwater shooting modes and a Raw support system make this model stand out from other compact underwater cameras, allowing users to fine-tune photos within the device. Users have also commended the large buttons and intuitive design that make it easy to operate this model underwater.
\nBuy now on Amazon
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.<\/p>\n
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The post Best underwater cameras: The ultimate waterproof photography gadgets guide appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We review the best waterproof cameras designed for underwater photography, from digital compact cameras to GoPro gadgets.Being on board a yacht offers access to some of the planet\u2019s most bountiful waters. And whether you\u2019re scuba diving, swimming or snorkelling, a … <\/p>\n