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Best Underwater Cameras and Accessories [Buying Guide]

Best Underwater Cameras and Accessories [Buying Guide]

Written by Suzee Skwiot
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Published on January 10, 2022
underwater cameras waterproof cameras for scuba divers

Underwater photography is an exciting way to capture your scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Waterproof digital cameras perform admirably in the low light below the water’s surface. Therefore, you can capture high resolution images of all the aquatic life you encounter.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or Belize’s Blue Hole, underwater photographers need high-quality waterproof cameras and underwater housings.

Underwater Cameras snorkeler
Image via Shutterstock

Underwater Camera Features to Look For

Still or Video

Do you prefer to shoot video or still images? While most digital cameras are able to do both, the reality is cameras designed for video do great with video, but only mediocre with still. Still cameras are great at stills, but only decent at video.

Designed for Underwater or Housed

Some cameras are specifically designed for underwater use, while others require the purchase of specifically manufactured housings. In some cases, a housing can cost as much as the camera, but to get full quality underwater, that is the only option at this point in time.

Lighting

Regardless of if you choose video or still, you will need to illuminate your subject. Wide angle, white lights are best for video while you need strobes (flashes) for still photography. More lighting is always better, so brighter and more sources of light are best.

Lenses

You will at least want the ability to add a color filter to your camera. A color filter will allow you to restore the reds lost to refraction in shallow water without needing a flash or lighting. Some cameras, especially still cameras, can also accommodate wide angle and fish eye lenses for creative effects and allowing you to capture large objects while still being close to your subject.

Size

With travel restrictions and camera equipment being such a fragile investment, be mindful of how large your camera kit will be. There are ways to safely transport large collections, but if your primary goal is to share via email, social networks or online, a smaller camera will typically have the quality you need.

Tray

The tray is the piece of equipment that holds your camera and allows you to attach handles and/or light/strobe arms. Some camera kits include a tray that allows for two sources of light, some only allow for one while others require a separate purchase of a tray and arms.

Best Underwater Cameras

For the Snorkeler

Snorkelers stay close to the surface, so point-and-shoot or action camera’s specs don’t need to be as robust in terms of depth ratings and low-light performance.

GoPro HERO10 Action Camera

The name GoPro is synonymous with reliable, waterproof action cameras. HERO10 is the latest in a long line of high-megapixel waterproof cameras capable of capturing beautiful wide-angle footage.

This camera is waterproof to 33’, which means you can snorkel without additional underwater housing. The Max Lens Mod is an easy-to-use accessory. It provides a more impressive wide-angle lens than ever before on any GoPro.

GoPro HERO10 Action Camera
GoPro HERO10 Action Camera

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AquaTech AxisGO 12 WaterProof Case for iPhone 12

iPhone 12 users who want to take advantage of their phone as a compact camera will love the AquaTech AxisGO 12 WaterProof Case. Enjoy unimpeded touchscreen access so you can take underwater photos with all your favorite apps. Additionally, beginners to underwater photography will appreciate the simplicity of using their cell phone camera for impressive image quality below the surface.

AquaTech AxisGO 12 WaterProof Case
AquaTech AxisGO 12 WaterProof Case

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AquaTech AxisGO 11 Pro WaterProof Case for iPhone 11

With the AxisGO 11 Pro WaterProof Case, underwater photographers can take advantage of all three iPhone 11 lenses. Use the rear-facing lenses with full touchscreen control. Take a selfie with groupers, sea turtles, and other sea creatures using the front-facing camera.

AquaTech AxisGO 11 Pro WaterProof Case
AquaTech AxisGO 11 Pro WaterProof Case

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AquaTech AxisGO 11 ProMax WaterProof Case for iPhone 11 Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro Max features impressive camera specs, and The AxisGO 11 Pro Max WaterProof Case makes it easy to capture and explore underwater environments through video and stills. Thanks to the phone’s long battery life, you can keep taking high-resolution photos and HD video for as long as you want.

AquaTech AxisGO 11 ProMax WaterProof Case
AquaTech AxisGO 11 ProMax WaterProof Case

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AquaTech AxisGO Bluetooth Pistol Grip

When you want to improve your dexterity and control over any of AquaTech’s underwater housings, check out the AxisGO Bluetooth Pistol Grip. The Bluetooth shutter button makes cell phone cameras more responsive and simple to use. For video recording and underwater photography, this is a must-have accessory.

AquaTech AxisGO Bluetooth Pistol Grip, Black
AquaTech AxisGO Bluetooth Pistol Grip, Black

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underwater camera scuba diver
Image via Shutterstock

For the Diver

Scuba divers spend longer periods of time at greater depths while also needing to manage vital safety equipment. The best underwater cameras for scuba diving maximize simplicity and low-light performance.

Paralenz Dive Camera Vaquita

With 4K underwater video quality, built-in white balance correction, image stabilization, and plenty of other intelligent features, the Dive Camera Vaquita is one of the best compact dive cameras on the market. It’s shockproof and offers a depth rating of up to 1,150’. Therefore, there’s no adventure too extreme for this compact camera.

Paralenz Dive Camera Vaquita
Paralenz Dive Camera Vaquita

SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera

The SeaLife Micro 3.0 is a great compact option for underwater photographers who crave simplicity. Thanks to its permanently sealed camera body, you don’t have to worry about leaky underwater housings or unreliable water-resistant camera specs with this device. The three wide buttons are easy to use even when wearing dive gloves. Additionally, the f/2.8 lens provides plenty of light for continuous shooting of underwater video and photographs.

SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera
SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera

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SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera Pro Duo 5000 Set

Serious underwater shooters will covet the Micro 3.0 Camera Pro Duo 5000 Set. Combine the user-friendly Micro 3.0 digital camera with two Sea Dragon 2500F video lights. Now, you have the perfect underwater photography setup. Get ready to make the most of your video camera no matter where you dive.

SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera Pro Duo 5000 Set
SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera Pro Duo 5000 Set

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SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing

SeaLife is one of the top brands for underwater housings and the SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing is a fantastic option for iPhone and Android users alike. A large shutter lever and rear-control buttons make operation easy. Finally, you can quickly adjust your phone camera’s manual controls or HDR settings.

SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing for iPhone/Android
SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing for iPhone/Android

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SeaLife SportDiver Pro 2500 Set

When you want to add a video light or strobe to improve your cell phone’s underwater photography capabilities, the SportDiver Pro 2500 Set is the perfect underwater housing. Additionally, it’s easy to grasp and highly functional for photography and videography at any depth.

SeaLife SportDiver Pro 2500 Set
SeaLife SportDiver Pro 2500 Set

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Shop our entire line of underwater photography equipment now.