Best Waterproof Cameras in 2023

Olympus Tough TG-6

Great Update of an Affordable Family Camera

If you’re looking for a camera to take with you while exploring the Amazon rainforest or climbing the Everest, the Olympus Tough TG-6 should rank high on your shopping list. And if you’re wondering why here are the main reasons: first, the Tough TG-6 is built to be an underwater point-and-shoot camera, i.e. it’s waterproof up to 50 feet / 15 meter and incredibly easy to use. On top of that, it’s crushproof, shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof and anti-fog. Basically, this Olympus will outlive you, no matter what you’re doing, being something like the G-Shock of cameras.

And speaking of the latter, the Olympus Tough TG-6 ticks all the important boxes in the tech-department: high-resolution F2. 0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back-illuminated CMOS Image Sensor, 5 underwater shooting modes, a variable macro system, and even magnified shooting up to 1 centimeter from the end of the lens. In terms of video, this tough cookie can record 4K movie and full HD 120 fps high-speed movies.

Specs

• 12MP 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor
• 4x optical zoom lens (25-100mm equivalent), f/2.0-4.9
• 3-inch, 1040k-dot fixed LCD screen
• Slo-mo modes include 1080p at 120fps and 720p at 240fps
• GPS and Wi-Fi

Sony RX0 II

Premium Ultra-Compact Camera

Next in line, we have another tough camera, this time from Sony. The Sony RX0 II boasts a water, shock and crush-proof body, as well as high tech components, including the company’s famous 1” (1.0-Type) stacked back-illuminated Exmore RS CMOS sensor and a24mm F4 Zeiss tessar T* lens for high-res images. The video recording thing also works in 4K, and comes with Pro features and image stabilization, while the battery has enough juice to give you over half an hour of continuous video-shooting or 240 shots.

But what’s really interesting about the Sony RX0 II is that it offers Eye AF and a flip screen on the world’s smallest 4K capable tough video camera. Basically, this baby is Sony’s “kaizen” take at high-end water-proof (and more) all-purpose cams, and the end result is an impressive gadget which is great for travel photography and vlogging, to name just a couple of modern-day hobbies.

Specs

• 1.0″-type (0.52″ x 0.35″) Exmor RS® CMOS sensor, aspect ratio 3:2
• Approx. 15.3 Megapixels
• Wide-angle ZEISS® Tessar T* 24-mm4 F4 lens

GoPro HERO9 Black

Better Than Ever

The GoPro Hero9 is the hero of our times and brings big changes for the “outdoor” community, together with slightly rough edges. To make your buying decision real simple, the HERO9 is literally the most versatile and powerful action camera in the world, but if you’re looking for value for money, well, that would be the HERO8.

However, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest gadget money can buy, the HERO9 has your name on it. There’s a new sensors in the HERO9, better than ever before, plus a front display, which is a very useful addition.

To begin with, the new sensor is a 23.6MP variety capable of shooting 5K (!) video, and it delivers a bit more detail in the right conditions than the HERO8.

Another big upgrade over the HERO8 is the new electronic stabilization feature, which delivers HyperSmooth Boost in all shooting modes. And before you ask, this is the best stabilization in the industry, bar none.

All these new upgrades make the HERO9 a top performer in the action camera realm, and the best choice for users looking for high quality UHD video in all conditions, whether 4K or 5K. The new frontal display is an excellent addition, and it will make vloggers happy, even if it’s not quite a match for a dedicated articulated display.

Battery life is not as big improvement over the HERO8 though, and the same goes for low light performance, which is on par with the previous generation. The new TimeWarp 3.0 feature is pretty good for time lapse scenes, and the Live Streaming plus Webcam – Live stream in 1080p now brings HyperSmooth stabilization as you broadcast.

Waterproofness and tank-like build quality is as good as ever, and except from the fact that the HERO9 is a little bit heavier than the HERO8, we cannot recommend it enough for getting great videos and pics while on the go.

Nikon W300

Great Camera for Diving

Its compact design is always attractive to travelers who need something reliable and at the same time small enough to put into their pockets. Actually, Nikon W300 deserves to be called one of the best waterproof cameras for different occasions.

This camera is especially suitable for those who prefer extreme and action. It is 100 ft waterproof and freezeproof to 14° Fahrenheit. Besides, it can handle drops from 7.9 ft and it doesn’t allow dust to spoil shooting.

Thanks to fast f/2.8 NIKKOR zoom lens Nikon W300 can freeze actions with all details saved. And note that poor light conditions won’t be a hindrance for high image quality. You will also enjoy its Macro Mode effect that allows you to reveal all the details of the world around you.

There is an option of both 4K Ultra HD as well as 1080p Full HD videos that are provided with stereo sound. You can also edit your records using background music and special effects. Time-lapse recording and Superlapse video are included as well.

Specs

• Sensor: BSI CMOS
• Megapixels: 16 mp
• Max ISO: 6,400
• Shooting Speed: 7 fps

DJI OSMO

Better Than the Real Thing?

Compared to other GoPro copycats, the DJI OSMO is a fantastic little camera that’s perfectly capable of giving the Hero 7 Black a headache and a drop in sales figures. The thing is, the DJI Osmo Action delivers amazing image quality and a plethora of shooting modes, including a selfie screen, for an incredibly low price tag. If you’re a professional vlogger and you require steady video, yet you’re not ready to break the piggy bank and pay Go Pro prices, this Chinese made knock-off will give you a run for your money, and you’ll definitely ask for seconds.

The design is very GoPro-ish, and the image stabilization is nothing short of impressive; speaking of design, you’ll clearly appreciate the big-lens rear-screen style and the design cues borrowed from GoPro. The body is made of metal, and it looks and feels premium, featuring a grippy/textured band that wraps around the frame seamlessly on the right, left and top side. The ergonomics are solid, and the camera is waterproof for up to 11 meters. When it comes to video quality, the DJI OSMO really shines with slick and crisp images, while its image stabilization system dubbed RockSteady is clearly in the same league with the big boys out there.

Specs

• Sensor 1/2.3″ CMOS
• Effective pixels: 12M
• Lens FOV: 145° f/2.8
• ISO Range: Photo: 100-3200 Video: 100-3200

KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2

Dirt Cheap Action Camera

Kodak used to be a big name in photography; not so much lately, yet their rugged/waterproof PIXPRO WPZ2 seems to be the best friend of adventure lovers on a low budget. Compared to other “toys” presented previously, the Kodak action-camera is ridiculously cheap, as it’s retailing for way less than $200.

So, if the money is tight, this colorful little action camera will do its job with flying colors, that provided you don’t expect miracles. The star of the show is the 16MP BSI CMOS Sensor with 4x optical zoom and capable of shooting full HD 1080p video.

You’ll also get a rather minuscule 2.7″ 230k LCD/viewfinder, and Wi-Fi connectivity, but not much else. All things considered, if you want to take pics and vids underwater, without worrying too much, the KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 would make for the perfect companion, as it’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and it can survive a drop inside a volcano.

Hell, you even get electronic image stabilization, and bottom line, for the price asked, this yellow Kodak is pretty damn’ good.

RICOH WG-70

Perfect Camera for Watersports

If you’re looking for a waterproof/shockproof compact camera, the RICOH WG-70 may be the answer to your prayers, especially if you’re into scuba diving and similar stuff. The thing is, this brightly colored action camera can “survive” submerged down to 14 meters/46 feet for up to 2 hours.

Speaking of adventures, the RICOH WG-70 is also designed to survive a drop from 5 feet, and it can still work in subzero temps, up to (or should we say down to?) minus ten Celsius. Other than that, this orange ultra-rugged camera has a 16 Megapixel 1/2.3” backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with max sensitivity of ISO 6400, and it can record full HD 1080p video.

The lens has 28–140mm 35mm-equivalent focal length and an aperture range of F3.5-F5.5, being built using of 11 elements in 9 groups; obviously, you’ll get both optical and digital zoom and the familiar (for the fans of the brand) 2.7-inch monitor with 230k dots. Video recording maxes out at 1080p@30fps or 120fps@720p.

Since the WG-70 replaces the older WG-60, a number of improvements were made, besides the new orange color option: the Image Tone Mode filters have a new feature, Cross Process respectively, and the Digital Microscope mode is now better than ever before. Basically, if you’re looking for a G-Shock camera that comes with a built-in macro ring-light (6 LED lights), the WG-70 comes highly recommended.

Fujifilm FinePix XP140

Beach Friendly Snapper

The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 makes for the company’s latest addition to the waterproof/tough XP range, and at first sight, it definitely looks the part. Also, compared to some of the previously reviewed cameras, this time you’re in for the bargain of your life, as this tough guy retails for way less than $200. So, what do you get for that kind of money? The FinePix XP140 is robust and well built, and offers a ton of shooting modes, 4K @15 FPS included, so yeah, this baby is UHD ready despite its tiny price.

Fujifilm also provides a 25 meters waterproof rating for their affordable tough boy, which means you’ll be able to shoot effortlessly while scuba diving. Considering the price asked and the features, the FinePix XP140 definitely provides a lot of functionality in a nice form factor. Obviously, this is not your daddy’s DSLR, and there are no fancy controls or anything like that, but what really counts is that you’ll be able to get good shots, provided the conditions are right.

Specs

• Image sensor 1/2.3-inch CMOS with primary color filter
• Number of effective pixels 16.4 million pixels
• Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens