Whether swimming in the sea or kayaking along a river, the best waterproof cameras let you capture unique images without worrying about water damage, plus they will keep out sand and take knocks, too. We’ve tested all of the latest models and learnt that waterproof cameras take many different forms: some ‘tough’ models are ideal shooting sea-life stills during dives; while other ‘action’ models are perfect for capturing easy videos.
If we had to choose a waterproof camera for ourselves, we’d go for the OM System Tough TG-7. Its 4x zoom and useful photography features make it a surprisingly versatile shooting tool, even if its image quality isn’t up there with the best. But there’s every chance that a different camera will be a better choice for you, especially if you’re equally keen on shooting video, for which a camera like the Osmo Action 5 Pro is a superb choice.
The idea of this guide is give you a comprehensive overview of the top waterproof cameras you can buy in 2024. That includes a summary of the feedback from our in-depth reviews, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each camera. You’ll find options for every budget below, as well as useful buying advice to help you decide.
Top 3 picks
Want to get straight to the best waterproof camera? Use our round-up below to quickly find a waterproof camera that suits you. You can find out more about it by jumping to our full write-ups using the links.
The best waterproof camera overall
Compact but rugged, the Tough TG-7 is a great grab-and-go waterproof camera with a generous set of photography features for the price.
The best waterproof camera for low light
Waterproof to 20m and up to 60m with case, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is our top action camera pick for underwater adventures, complete with excellent low-light image quality.
The best waterproof action camera for accessories
GoPro’s flagship is packed with video tricks, is waterproof to 10m or 60m with a case, and has enviable accessories, including a waterproof charging dock.
Best by use-case
The best waterproof camera with LED lights
5x optical zoom gives the WG-60 versatility when framing, while six LED macro lights around the lens are handy for illuminating underwater subjects.
The best 360 degree waterproof camera
Waterproof to 10m, this class-leading 8K camera lets you shoot underwater footage in 360 degrees, capturing truly unique footage.
The best budget GoPro
No longer the flagship GoPro, the Hero 10 Black is still available new for a lower price than the Hero 13 Black, while still shooting 5.3K video at depths of up to 10m.
7. Panasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7
The best option with a viewfinder
Smaller pixels impact image quality from the TS7, but its electronic viewfinder is an uncommon and welcome feature among rugged rivals.
The best miniature waterproof camera
Its Action Pod is only splashproof, but the tiny Insta360 Go 3S itself is waterproof to 10m, while AquaVision 2.0 enhances underwater video in the app.
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. He’s worked for more than 15 years as a photographer and technology journalist, giving him a unique insight into what makes an excellent camera. He’s had the opportunity to shoot with a whole range of kit during his career, including many of the best waterproof cameras. Tim notes, “we’ve included a wide variety of waterproof cameras in this guide, from tough models designed to capture stills at impressive depths, to action cameras that make it easy to shoot sharp footage of your water adventures.”
The best waterproof cameras in 2024
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Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best waterproof cameras in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best waterproof camera for most people
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Buy it if:
✅ You’re into underwater photography: The TG-7 has a number of useful shooting modes, including white-balance adjustments based on water depth.
✅ You want a really tough camera: Besides being waterproof to 15m, the TG-7 is also protected against dust, sand and drops, as well as freezing temperatures.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best possible image quality: Even with its scene modes, the TG-7 is limited by its 12MP sensor, which lags behind the latest smartphones.
❌ You already own the Tough TG-6: While the TG-7 is an improvement, it doesn’t do enough to justify swapping from the previous model if you already have it.
It’s not a huge upgrade over the Tough TG-6, but with a rugged, pocket-friendly build and plenty of photography features, we think the Tough TG-7 is a great grab-and-go option for most people. Although its 3-inch screen isn’t touch-sensitive, its tactile array of buttons makes it easier to handle than a GoPro in tricky conditions, particularly for beginners. And as the name suggests, this is a camera to take anywhere: waterproof to 15m, it can also survive dust, drops, crushing and freezing.
In testing, we found that image quality from its 12MP sensor can’t compete with many modern smartphones, even with a fast f/2 aperture at the wide end of the 25-100mm zoom range. 4K/30p video also looks a little dated. Yet the TG-7 does benefit from a surprising number of shooting modes, including macro focusing and white balance presets which match different water depths. The real benefit lies in its practicality, allowing you to shoot without fear in the waves.
Read our in-depth OM System Tough TG-7 review
The best waterproof camera for low light
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Buy it if:
✅ You want really good waterproofing: The Osmo Action 5 Pro is rated as waterproof down to 20m without a case, making it a standout camera.
✅ You need clear sight: The Action 5 Pro’s upgraded dual OLED screens are easier to see in low light and the main screen is bigger than before.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You like to get up close to subjects: The Action 5 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor and 155-degree lens are great, but the result is a limiting 0.4m minimum focus distance, so shots of tiny details aren’t possible.
❌ You want high resolution video: Video quality is great, but it is capped to 4K whereas GoPro and Insta360 rivals shoot 5.3K and 8K video respectively.
GoPro now has two big action camera rivals, DJI and Insta360, and the Osmo Action 5 Pro is DJI’s latest flagship with Hero 13 Black-beating underwater skills. We think its video quality is better in low light such as underwater, and that’s thanks in part to its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor that uses bigger pixels with better light gathering potential. The result is brighter and punchier underwater images, with the option for 40MP stills – that’s a big leap from the Action 4’s 10MP resolution. Video resolution is lower than GoPro’s, being 4K up to 120fps, but we’d take the cleaner image over a higher resolution one, especially for underwater encounters. Video is also supports DJI’s D-Log profile with 10-bit color. In our review, we found that this significantly improves color depth and dynamic range. Less handy is how the increased sensor size and wide lens extend the minimum focus distance to 0.4m, which could be an issue if you plan on recording sea life up close.
Physically, the Osmo Action 5 Pro has a few upgrades from the Action 4, many of which position it as our top waterproof action cam. Waterproofing is even better, up to 20m even without a case, plus there’s a pro depth gauge built-in, and you can embed your depth data to your images – super neat. The upgraded screens are OLED rather than LCD, meaning that they are easier to see underwater. The camera will work all the way from -4F / -20C to 113F / 45C too. Overall, the Osmo Action 5 Pro feels like a sensibly refined flagship action camera with unmatched build quality for your extreme adventures.
Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review
The best waterproof action camera for accessories
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Buy it if:
✅ You plan to shoot for social: Because it shoots native 5.3K with an 8:7 aspect ratio, the Hero 13 makes it easy to reframe footage for different channels.
✅ You like the idea of accessories: As well as numerous underwater add-ons available for the Hero 13’s mounting feet, Lens Mods can get you different looks and capture details.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You shoot in dim underwater conditions: The Hero 13 Black is at its best when things are bright, with noise still an issue when you shoot in the murky depths.
❌ You want class-leading battery life: Even with GoPro’s larger Enduro battery inside, the Hero 13 can’t compete with the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Physically, the Hero 13 Black is almost identical to its predecessor, including its 10m waterproof rating which can be upped to 60m with GoPro’s underwater housing. It likewise uses an 8:7 aspect ratio sensor to capture 5.3K video that can easily be cropped for social, while itss slow motion recording has been improved for cinematic effects. With the addition of HDR video and GoPro’s 10-bit Log color profile, we found the Hero 13 Black able to capture sharp, smooth and dynamic video in bright conditions, plus you can snap 27MP photos. Low-light remains an issue for video quality, meaning the GoPro and can’t compete with DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro especially for deep water adventures.
GoPro brought back built-in GPS, with the option to include performance stickers in your videos, including altitude / depth. There’s also magnetic mounting now, and so there’s three ways to attach accessories. And it’s GoPro’s range of accessories that sets its action cameras apart. Not only do you have a choice of optional Lens Mods, including Macro for close ups such as coral, or the ultra-wide for a wider perspective, but the camera’s door can be removed and replaced with a new waterproof charger accessory. Trail its cable out of the water to your power source, and the Hero 13 Black can have unlimited power supply, ideal for long videos in the pool. GoPro also improved battery life in its latest flagship, but its another area that the Osmo Action 5 Pro outshines the Hero 13 Black.
Otherwise, the same front and rear screens are handy for framing yourself at sea, even if the rear touch interface doesn’t work underwater. If you want a feature-packed action cam that can shoot sharp video above and below water, with unique accessories especially lenses, then the GoPro Hero 13 is our top pick.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black review
The best waterproof camera with LED lights
Buy it if:
✅ You need something really tough: As well as being waterproof to 14m, the WG-80 is crushproof, shockproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof.
✅ You want a versatile shooting tool: The WG-80 combines a 5x zoom lens with close-focusing for macro shots, meaning you can cover a range of subjects.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best image quality: Stills from the WG-80 can be disappointing and its sensor is beaten in high-contrast scenes by most modern smartphones.
❌ You plan to shoot a lot of video: With footage capped at 1080p/30fps, there are better options in this list for recording video underwater.
The WG-80 from Ricoh has some pretty strong tough credentials: it’s waterproof to a depth of 14m/45.9ft and shockproof from a fall of up to 1.6m/5.2ft, while it should withstand a force of up to 100kg/220lbs. It’s also dust-proof and can operate in temperatures down to -10°C/14°F. While we think it can’t quite compete with the OM System Tough TG-7, it also costs quite a lot less.
The 5x optical zoom has a pretty broad focal zoom range, from 28-140mm, while there are six LED macro lights dotted around the front of the lens barrel to deliver bright and uniform lighting round your subject – ideal when shooting underwater subjects. The macro lights also provide other useful functions, such as the LED Lighting mode, which uses the lights for adding light to portraits in poor light, delivering a more flattering look than the WG-60’s dedicated flash.
The best 360 degree waterproof camera
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a compact 360 camera: The Insta360 X4 makes it easy to shoot and edit 360-degree video, producing results that no smartphone can match.
✅ You want to shoot 360 under the sea: Thanks to locking port covers, the X4 is fully waterproof to 10m, meaning you can safely swim with it.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t have the capacity of large files: 8K video files require a large amount of storage space and processing power, so they don’t work for everyone.
❌ You shoot a lot in low light: Although the camera and Insta360’s software work hard to clean up video, results are still at their most crisp in bright conditions.
We waxed lyrical about the best 360-degree camera in our Insta360 X4 review, but it’s also way more than an 8K 360-degree video camera. It also packs a powerful single camera 4K 60p mode and, crucially, it’s waterproof up to 10m. That’s not as deep as dedicated options like the Tough TG-7 or discontinued models like the Nikon Coolpix W300, but we think its rare for most people to go deeper than 10m.
What you do get with the X4 is photos and videos with a difference: complete panaromas of every angle, stabilized footage, smart video effects using Insta360’s Studio app and more. The host of accessories that make taking your underwater photos and videos easier, such as a range of selfie sticks, only adds to the appeal. If you’re after a camera that’s as capable on land for all your adventures as it is underwater, this could be the option for you.
Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 review
The best budget GoPro
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a waterproof vlogging camera: Waterproof to 10m without a case and equipped with a useful front screen, the Hero 10 Black is a good self-shooter.
✅ You want a good-value GoPro: It’s not the latest model in the GoPro line-up, but the Hero 10 Black offers a lot of features for a price that’s now more reasonable.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want properly cinematic video: Results from the Hero 10 Black can be great, but later models like the Hero 12 Black achieve a more cinematic look.
❌ You need a low-light winner: Noise reduction helps, but its relatively small sensor means the GoPro Hero 10 Black still isn’t a champion in low light.
The Hero 10 Black is no longer top of the GoPro pile, but it remains a great choice if you want to save money on a waterproof action camera and don’t need 10-bit recording or support for vertical video. In our tests, we found both its 5.3K/60p and 4K/120p footage impressive. We also found it versatile, fun and easy to use, even if its responsive touchscreen doesn’t work underwater.
With HyperSmooth stabilization available across most shooting modes, it’s an ideal tool for recording high-resolution clips in all conditions. Low light does remain a challenge, though, which means performance will drop off if you test its 10m waterproofing in dim conditions. The latest GoPro Hero 12 Black offers more editing flexibility, while the DJI Osmo Action 4 performs significantly better in low light. But if you want a GoPro action camera without the flagship price tag, we think the Hero 10 Black is still a great option to consider.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 10 Black review
The best waterproof camera with a viewfinder
Buy it if:
✅ You plan to go really deep: Waterproof to a very impressive 31m, the TS7 has better waterproofing than any other camera on this list, making it ideal for diving.
✅ You like an electronic viewfinder: As well as a generous number of exterior controls, the TS7 is unique for a waterproof camera in having an electronic viewfinder.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want perfect image quality: With a lot of pixels squeezed onto a small sensor, the 20.4MP resolution comes at the cost of low-light performance and raw capture.
❌ You want the best battery life: Where its predecessor delivered 370 shots, the TS7 delivers 300, which drops to 250 if you use the electronic viewfinder.
Launched in 2018, the Panasonic Lumix TS7 (known as the Lumix FT7 outside the US) isn’t the latest waterproof camera here. Still, it remains relevant by virtue of one feature in particular: a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), something rarely seen on a waterproof camera. The 1,170k-dot, 0.2-inch display might not be the largest out there, but it does offer a useful alternative to shooting with the rear display, especially in bright light, which can make composition tricky.
There’s lots to like about the Lumix TS7 / FT7, including its excellent tough credentials. Lens coverage remains the same as its predecessor, with a useful 4.6x zoom range that covers 28-128mm. What lets it down is the sensor, which crams too many pixels onto a relatively small area: Panasonic increased the pixel count from 16.1MP on the TS5 / FT5 to 20.4MP on the Lumix TS7 / FT7.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix TS7 / FT7 review
The best miniature waterproof camera
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a miniature action camera: The beauty of the Insta360 Go 3S is it’s small as waterproof cameras come, letting you capture unique angles.
✅ You want to to forget about framing: The FreeFrame mode lets you shoot footage without framing, then loss lessly crop it later on.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to capture the sharpest video: With a maximum video resolution of 4K, the Insta360 Go 3S isn’t the sharpest tool for waterproof video in this list.
❌ You want a completely waterproof solution: The camera itself is waterproof to 10m, but the add-on ActionPod with its screen extra features is only water-resistant so you can only take the camera for underwater shots.
If you want a tiny waterproof camera for your next beach trip, we think the Insta360 Go 3S could be just the ticket. What it lacks in video quality and stabilization tricks, it makes up for in miniature versatility: the camera features a magnetic mount that can stick to all sorts of surfaces and is so small that you can position it for unique perspectives – this is creative filmmaking. It also comes with an arsenal of modular accessories. The main peripheral is the Action Pod, which features a flip-up touchscreen that makes framing easier. Sadly, this isn’t waterproof, so you’ll need to leave it in your dry bag when you take the core camera unit into the sea, and which means you are shooting blind.
With 4K/30p video, the Go 3S’s video specs can’t compete with rival action cameras on resolution or frame rates, nor can the low light image quality. That said, videos from our review had decent contrast and dynamic range, plus the AquaVision 2.0 setting in the Insta360 app is also a useful addition, leveraging AI to enhance colors and combat underwater glare. It can’t add missing detail, but it does make a difference.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 3S review
How to choose the best waterproof camera for you
How to choose the best waterproof camera?
A key consideration when choosing a waterproof camera is its waterproof rating. If you only need a camera for beach trips, something with a rating of 10m should be fine, such as the Insta360 Go 3S. If you’re planning more adventurous underwater pursuits, look for something rated for deeper waters. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is rated to 20m, while the Panasonic Lumix TS7 is good down to 31m, which should be enough for most recreational dives.
The best waterproof cameras are optimized for use underwater. That usually means tactile physical buttons that are easy to access and operate. Many also feature specialized shooting modes which adjust settings for underwater conditions, compensating for factors such as color distortion.
A good waterproof camera should be more than just water-resistant. You’ll want something with a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of your outdoor adventures. Consider factors such as shock resistance, dustproofing plus working temperatures, as well as the overall build quality.
If you’re planning to swim at dusk or dive deep, look for a camera with good low-light skills, such as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, or one with built-in LED lights, like the Ricoh WG-80. For some cameras, these can be fitted as optional accessories. You might want to also consider the macro skills if you hope to capture the little details such as ocean life.
Many waterproof cameras have housings that limit the range of any optical zoom. That said, some models do offer a modest zoom range, such as the 4x zoom on the OM System Tough TG-7, which gives you additional flexibility to select sub-aquatic subjects.
How we test waterproof cameras
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When testing waterproof cameras, we do our best to simulate the demands of outdoor adventures in the real world. While we don’t test waterproof cameras to destruction, we do assess each model’s functionality while submerged, to ensure that build quality lives up to its billing.
Because waterproof cameras exist to let you shoot photos and videos in aquatic conditions, we assess every camera’s imaging performance in a range of scenarios. We test for color accuracy, detail and any signs of distortion. We also check the effectiveness of any underwater shooting modes to see how well these compensate for lighting conditions and color variation.
We also consider the practicality of each camera’s size, weight and build in the real world. Our testers assess how easily each camera can be used during various activities, specifically those in and around water, to check both its practicality and functionality.
To accurately assess battery life, we conduct usage tests to replicate common scenarios, such as burst shooting and a series of video clips. The aim is to see how actual figures stack up against claimed longevity.
Finally, we test any extra features to see how they enhance the overall user experience, including GPS and Wi-Fi.