An underwater camera is the best way to capture all the beauty that you see during scuba diving. Many dive centers let you rent one to try out different models after reading the beginner’s guide to underwater photography to get a feel for them.
If you already tried shooting below the surface but didn’t quite get the shots you wanted then check out the best underwater photography tips for a little guidance. Or, get started on the beginner’s guide to GoPro for underwater video if you really want to step up your game.
Best Underwater Cameras for Scuba Diving
Already tried different cameras during your dives but haven’t found the right one for you? Then, read on for the best underwater action camera reviews to help you find your next favorite scuba diving accessory.
Once you have that all-important scuba diving camera, you’ll want to start looking at the best dive destinations for underwater photography. If you’re looking for something to up your videography when diving then we would highly recommend looking into investing in an underwater drone.
1. Akaso Brave 4 Ultra HD Underwater Camcorder
Best Overall for Beginners
| Depth Rating | 100 ft |
| Megapixels | 20 |
| Video | 4K Ultra HD |
| Screen Type | 2 in IPS screen |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
This product by Akaso wins the label of overall introductory best action camera for scuba divers because it checks many of the requirements such as affordability, user-friendliness, image quality, and useful features. It is a 20-megapixel camera that can also shoot in 4K ultra HD for fast-moving objects.
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The Brave 4 is the follow-up to the Akaso EK700 so you can expect the same basic features but with more precision and better handling. Compared to other models on the list the dimensions are somewhat thicker but overall it is still a compact design that you can easily attach to your BCD.
One added bonus specifically for divers is that it has a dive mode which filters out red light. It also comes standard with a waterproof housing that has a depth rating of 100 feet which is not the deepest but still sufficient for most recreational divers.
The small 2 inch IPS touch screen gives you a preview so you can check your recordings at any time. Also, don’t worry about how this might affect your battery life because each package comes with 2 extra rechargeable 1050mAh batteries.
2. SeaLife DC2000 Underwater Camera
Best All-In-One Set
| Depth Rating | 200 ft |
| Megapixels | 20 |
| Video | 1080p |
| Screen Type | LCD display |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
SeaLife cameras are specifically designed for scuba divers so you can be assured that it has all the basic features that you are looking for. Their DC2000 model has an inner camera that is waterproof up to 60ft of depth but it comes standard with housing that gives this model a depth rating of 200 feet.
Next, to the LCD display, you will find extra-large keys in the control panel which is great for when you are wearing diving gloves. With this intuitive and compact camera, you get to take photos that are DSLR quality without actually using (and paying for) a DSLR camera which is why it is on our list of best action cameras.
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The video graphics are good with 1080p at 60 frames per second. You can also make use of the picture-in-video option so that you don’t have to switch between video and photo mode while diving.
There are 8 different shooting modes available which you can store as either a JPEG or RAW file for editing later on. This is a great introductory underwater camera that doesn’t require endless accessories for it to be waterproof.
3. GoPro Max Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera
Best Low Budget Option
| Depth Rating | 16 ft without housing |
| Megapixels | 16.6 |
| Video | 5.6k360 |
| Screen Type | Touchscreen |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
There are action cameras available that are waterproof enough for shallow dives without needing clunky casing. The best choice for shallow dives is the GoPro Max which is waterproof for a depth of up to 16 feet – perfect for snorkeling and reef photography.
GoPro packed a boatload of features into this tiny action camera and we are loving each and every single one. The most notable feature is that it has 3 different camera functions; the traditional GoPro HERO style, a front-facing camera for vlogging (including shotgun-mic) and a 360-degree capture mode.
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This model is extremely stable thanks to the Power Pivot technology. Finding the horizon is no longer an issue – whether you are taking a selfie, action shot or panorama, the camera will find the horizon for you and keep it level.
Other great elements are the PowerPano which takes 270-degree shots without creating distortion, 6 different mics for the greatest sound and the Max TimeWarp which we all remember and love from the GoPro HERO series. It is a miracle what this tiny camera can do.
4. APEMAN A80 4k Waterproof Up To 40M
Best Mid-Range for Recreational Divers
| Depth Rating | 120 ft |
| Megapixels | 20 |
| Video | 4K |
| Screen Type | 2 in LCD display |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
Another APEMAN camera to make it on the list is the A80 which has a slightly better depth rating of 120 feet. On top of that, it has a built-in anti-shaking gyroscope that should give you clearer and higher quality photos.
Sharing your moments was never easier thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI output, and USB port that lets you effortlessly transfer all the collected captures to your PC. Have fun with the different features like time-lapse and looping to create eye-catching underwater videos.
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This model has a dedicated dive mode for better quality underwater shots and greater ease of use. It also holds a motion detection feature for catching the aquatic life just at the right time.
5. Upgraded APEMAN A77 Action Camera with Wi-Fi
Best Hands-Free Option
| Depth Rating | 100ft |
| Megapixels | 16 |
| Video | 4K |
| Screen Type | 2 in LCD display |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
What puts this APEMAN underwater camera on the list is that it offers a hands-free experience when you make use of the wrist strap remote control. You can attach the small device to your BCD or wear it on top of your head so that you always have your hands free for other diving tools.
This piece of gear is capable of shooting 1080p video at an impressive 60 seconds per frame so it is a great choice for capturing fast-moving fish. However, you can also upgrade to the 4K mode which gives even brighter footage but can only work at 25fps.
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The included housing has a depth rating of 100ft which again, is great for most recreational divers but probably not deep enough for professionals and technical divers. On the other hand, this is still a fun toy to mess around with underwater while capturing your memories and is great when making an action camera comparison alongside the alternatives.
6. Victure Action Camera with 170° Wide Angle
Most Connected Model
| Depth Rating | 100ft |
| Megapixels | 16 |
| Video | 4K Ultra HD |
| Screen Type | 2 in display |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
If connection to other devices is important to you, then check out the Victure underwater action cameras that have a great wide-angle lens to help you capture large areas in one photo. This version has built-in Wi-Fi and is compatible with most iOS and Android mobile phones for real-time live streaming.
You can adjust the exposure value between -2 – +2 which gives you more control over the shooting conditions. The 4K video camera also has cool features like a 180-degree rotation, time-lapse, and looping function.
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There is also the cool effect that you get from using the wide-angle lens underwater. This is not the same as a panoramic shot but for underwater purposes, it is a great feature.
This is a great option to take with you on longer dive trips since it comes with two rechargeable batteries that should last you 90 minutes each. This should give you enough underwater recording time for the day.
7. VanTop Moment 4
Most Compatible Model
| Depth Rating | 100 ft |
| Megapixels | 20 |
| Video | 4K |
| Screen Type | IPS ultra-responsive touch screen |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
VanTop makes use of a Sony sensor for its 4K video camera and it is compatible with most GoPro gear so there is no case of proprietary technology that forces you to buy expensive branded accessories. The focus of this product is capturing fast-moving objects at a high quality.
The Moment 4 has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) which gives you clearer images, even when you are shooting in low light conditions (which happens often in the ocean). The touch screen is also ultra sensitive so it is easier to handle, even in water.
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Another advantage of this design is the 20-megapixel photo which is more than many of the other models on this list. Connect this device to the Camking app for wireless control and transfer to your mobile phone.
The Moment 4 is truly an action camera phone so you can get great shots at a high speed while on your dive. This is a great versatile camera that you can connect to many different accessories for a more creative approach.
8. DJI OSMO Action Camera
Best for Cold Weather
| Depth Rating | 36 feet |
| MegaPixels | 12 |
| Video | 4K HDR |
| Screen Type | Dual screen touch screen |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
This technologically advanced action cam is a great choice if you are a cold-water diver because it has been specifically designed to withstand freezing temperatures and is, therefore, up there on the list as the best action camera. It has a built-in watertight seal and hydrophobic layer on the back touchscreen which makes this device safe for dives up to 36 feet of depth.
If you have trouble keeping the images perfectly still then this is a great choice because of its RockSteady technology that avoids shaking and blurring for incredibly clear HDR video. This video mode also automatically compensates for differences in lighting which gives you smooth transitions as you swim along.
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Other cool features are the 8x slow-motion mode which lets you slow down scenes for even more captivating videos. This is a great advantage when you are trying to shoot fast-moving schools of fish.
Another reason to choose this option is the dual-screen, there is a touch screen on the front and back. This way you will always capture exactly what you want when taking an underwater selfie.
9. Intova Nova Floating Underwater Camera
Best for Traveling
| Depth Rating | 330 ft |
| Megapixels | 12 |
| Video | 1080p |
| Screen Type | 2 in LCD display |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
Another equally impressive product by Intova is its Nova floating model. It has many similar qualities to the Intova Connex but with a greater focus on capturing video in extreme conditions.
This version has a 140-degree wide-angle lens that captures in 1080p HD with 30 frames per second. One example of this video-friendly design is the Video Rotation function that lets you flip over recordings by 180 degrees.
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However, the most special feature is still that the camera is built into the waterproof, UV treated, scratch-resistant and reflection reducing casing. This eliminates the need for buying housing for your dive camera which also lets you pack lighter.
10. GoPro Hero 7 in Black
Most Popular Model for Action Adventures
| Depth Rating | 30 ft |
| Megapixels | 12 |
| Video | 4K60 |
| Screen Type | 2 in LCD display |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
This is the newest version of perhaps the most popular around today. The GoPro Hero 7 is waterproof up to a 10-meter depth on its own but can reach much further below the surface with the appropriate housing.
This version has a SuperPhoto feature that takes stunning 12 mp photos that are automatically optimized which saves you editing time. However, the brand is better known for its videos and the quality does not disappoint with its newest release.
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The video function delivers HyperSmooth Video Stabilization which GoPro claims gives you the quality of shooting with a gimbal. Other cool video features are its TimeWarp function, 8x slow motion, and the possibility to live stream as you go.
This is the go-to brand with lots of tutorials and informative articles on how to use GoPro for diving. This is an unmissable piece of gear for any adventurer and you can have a lot of underwater fun with it when you add a dive casing.
11. GoPro HERO8 Black
Most Popular GoPro Action Camera
| Depth Rating | 33 ft without housing |
| Megapixels | 12 |
| Video | 4K60 |
| Screen Type | Touchscreen |
| Continuous Shooting | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
With every new GoPro HERO edition we are adding to cart immediately because each new update is fantastic. The GoPro HERO8 is a must-have for divers since it is waterproof for a depth of up to 33 feet without the addition of a casing.
The lens is twice as tough as previous models so it can withstand a few bumps. One of it greatest features, though, is the Hypersmooth 2.0 with 3 different levels of stabilization, no matter the frame rate or resolution.
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It also has a new and improved TimeWarp 2.0 which automatically adjusts to what it is filming. Plus, in LiveBurst setting it takes a shot 1.5 seconds before and after you click the button so that you get more chance of capturing the perfect moment.
The design itself has also undergone a facelift with a simple side panel for changing the batter in a matter of seconds. It also has different mods so that it is easily adjusted for vloggers and other creatives looking to shoot amazing footage.
For a very quick recap of our article, Here are our Top 3 products:
- Gimbal like Stabilization
- Waterproof to 10m
- 60m with Housing
- Live Streaming
- 4K HDR-Video
- Dual Screens
- Waterproof to 11m
- 60m with Housing
- Waterproof to 40m
- HDMI Output
- Built-in Wifi
- Sold with Accessories
