Capturing the wonders of nature underwater takes more than just any camera. You need the best underwater camera for diving. Diving exposes, you to wonders underwater. However, to capture this amazing work of nature in the water a good camera will be needed underwater. If you love to dive, and capture whatever you see, read on. A good camera that will work underwater has special features that you need to pay attention to. To get a clear shot in the water, capture every fascinating moment, you will need to choose a camera that gives you the best.
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Below Are Some Factors to Be Considered When Choosing an Underwater Camera
Digital Single-lens Reflex
To capture high-quality pictures, your best choice should be a camera with DSLR. To capture professional images, go for the DSLR camera, though it is costlier than other kinds of cameras, it gives the best shot. Some of the advantages of DSLR over compact camera include: it reduces shutter lag, higher image quality from a larger sensor, multiple lens choices with better optics and different focal length, and so on.
Housing
Most waterproof cameras are used with a case underwater to prevent water from affecting the operation of the camera. A good case/house for an underwater camera should be one that gives access to all the buttons on the camera underwater. Other points to note about the housing of a camera are: does the camera have available housing from different brands? What types of connections are available for external strobes? Can wet lenses fit into this housing? Can you adjust aperture and shutter speed underwater?
Battery Life
After proper research and check, we have been observed that the camera with the lithium battery gives the longest hour of fun. We will recommend you get a camera that can last at least 8 hours after a 2-hours full charge. The longer the battery life the more you can explore the underworld. You won’t want to get a camera that will stop working after a few hours.
Storage Unit
High image resolution consumes storage fast. To continue to enjoy high-quality images, you will need a camera with a high storage capacity. The digital camera is compatible with an external SD card in case you can’t lay your hands on a camera with high storage capacity.
Manual Mode
If you are considering purchasing an external strobe, you will need to have full control over exposure and how much light that enters the camera. If you plan on working on the images with Lightroom or Photoshop, you should ensure the ability of the camera to capture in raw.
Manual White Balance
The dominant color of the water is blue, to capture a picture with balanced color, you need to prioritize the white balance ability of a camera. A camera without this feature will only produce an image with an overwhelming blueness. Note that a red filter on a camera lens will do no good as a white balance would. White balance creates a huge difference in underwater photography.
Below Are Some of the Best Underwater Camera for Diving That We Recommend
APEMAN Action Camera
The best underwater camera for diving comes with 4k 30FPS resolution and delivers ultra HD videos of marine life. It comes with EIS sensors and supports external microphone usage for better quality sound recording and 16MP for better scenery capturing. It comes with multiple mounting kits, and as a result, allows off-hand shooting when diving. The remote control operates within 10M range and can be used to control the action camera or files via Wifi app. It also features an HD out port and a USB port for easy file transmission to the pc. The camera casing features material that guarantees a 40M waterproof effect during usage.
Pros
- Multi-recording mode
- 40M waterproof
- External microphone
Cons
- Cannot use an unformatted new SD card
SEREE Waterproof Camera
The 3-meter SEREE waterproof camera delivers full-HD photos with its 24.0MP and videos at 1080P. Once safely locked, the camera boast of 100% waterproof effect and can perform underwater for up to an hour. The battery compartment is well secured to restrict water from seeping inside. You can access the battery by pressing the cover lock, but ensure that you seal it tightly before further use. It has a dual-screen measuring 1.8 inches at the front, and 2.7 inches at the back to take pictures and videos from different directions. Other accessories include drawstring bags, wrist-strap, and mounting kits. It features numerous modes and functions that include anti-shake, flashlight, face detection, self-timer, smile capture, automatic, night, portrait, and night scenery.
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Multiple modes and functions
- Dual screen
Cons
- Uses micro SD, not memory card
Campark Underwater Camera
Rechargeable batteries with a life of up to 180 minutes are some of the many advantages of the Campark underwater camera. The camera comes with 4K recording and Sony sensors to deliver 4k/30FPS video footage and 16M photography. The angle lens can be adjusted over 170 degrees and it features multiple angle adjustment modes. This 170-degrees adjustment mode makes it possible to capture all scenery and every activity in the background. It comes with a Wifi remote control that is compatible with android systems and iOS systems. Its waterproof case design allows up to 98Ft waterproof diving.
Pros
- Dual rechargeable batteries
- 170-degree adjustable viewing angle
- Wifi remote control
Cons
- Weak sound
AKASO Brave Underwater Camera
This is an upgraded series of the EK7000. The AKASO Brave underwater camera includes 20Mp 1080p/60fps, 2k/30FPS, and 4k/24fps video resolution for quality captures. The quality of the capturing and recording mode allows you to take ultra-HD videos and capture clear recordings. The angle view of the camera can be adjusted to fit between 140-degrees, 70-degrees, 110-degrees, and 170-degrees. It also includes an in-built gyroscope that prevents shaking and stabilizes your camera action. You can edit and shares your videos in real-time. You need to download the free app and install it on your device, then connect it to the camera. Also, it can be connected to a TV with the use of an HDMI cable and port. It offers waterproof protection when you dive below 100ft and comes with a 2 IPS screen.
Pros
- 19 kit accessories
- Remote control wrist band
- 90-minutes recording
Cons
- Does not pick up low light very well
VanTop Underwater Camera
This sports camera comes with Sony sensors for 4K video recording, 20Mp for image capturing, and 32GB micro SD card for storage. It has faster sensors that ensure more shadow details, adequate lighting, and zero shutter lag. It comes with an ultra-responsive and sensitive touch screen that supports previewing and user-friendly shooting experience. Electronic image stabilization also stabilizes the frame and reduce tremors when shooting a video or when taking pictures. You can control the camera wirelessly via the Camking app or make use of the 2.4Ghz remote control. It features multiple functions that include motion detection, video lapse, car mode, slow motion, burst mode, and photo lapse.
Pros
- Compatible with GoPro
- 3-way grip
- Multi-function
Cons
- Minimal glare instructions
Sea Frogs Underwater Camera
With depth rate of about 195Ft, the Sea Frogs underwater camera comes with a front housing that has 67mm thread and is compatible with other 67mm accessories like, wet wide-angle correctional dome port lens, macro lens, and filter. Stainless steel which is situated at the bottom of the camera can be used to mount it to an underwater tray handle for easier handling. During usage, starting from 15-20Ft, a red color diving filter effect filters the water effects. As a result, the deeper the dive, the more the camera filters warm red spectrum out of the ambient light.
Pros
- 24-month warranty
- 30-days money-back guarantee
- Red diving filter
Cons
- Complex O-ring feature
Victure Action Underwater Camera
Victure Action waterproof underwater Camera performs within 30 meters owing much of its waterproof quality to its waterproof casing. To use, you need to place the camera inside its waterproof casing and secure it. It comes with adjustable exposure value that ranges from -2 to +2 to guarantee maximum brightness/ darkness effect under certain conditions. It supports multiple functions such as burst photo, 180-degrees rotation, video loop, and time-lapse. It’s equipped with dual rechargeable batteries that can each record about 90 minutes of diving action. The camera is compatible with Android ad iOS systems and supports real-time streaming via the app. You can edit your videos and post them online from the camera.
Pros
- High resolution
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
- 98Ft waterproof performance
Cons
- Weak mount screws
Crosstour Action Underwater Camera
The Crosstour camera offers ultra HD 4K camera that includes multiple high-resolution options such as 1080P, 2.7K, and 4K, out of which you can set your preference. The camera lens is made from 6 layers of optical lens for more vivid and satisfying pictures. The Crosstour camera is made of Ip68 waterproof material that allows you to dive up to 98Ft without swallowing water. The case also protects the camera from scratches and dust during a dive. It’s CE, RoHS, and FCC certified and comes with 12-months guarantee. Some of the camera accessories include strap and fixed base, mounting kits, remote control, and dual 1050mAh batteries. It is best underwater camera for diving.
Pros
- 12-month guarantee
- 6-layers of optical glass lens
- IP68 waterproof
Cons
- Overheats
Pellor Underwater Camera
Quality design and rich style make the Pellor underwater camera one of the most sought after camera from classy divers. The camera comes with 8* digital zoom, and 2.8” HD screen for capturing high video definition and quality photo. It’s image sensor pixel stand at 800W and the picture pixel stand at 1200w. Accessories include 16G memory card and a single 1000mAh lithium battery that can be used for up to 2 hours. As if to make a statement, the classy style of the Pellor camera comes with a compact design with anti-fall features for both adults and kids. It is lightweight, rugged, portable, dustproof, and can be carried along under any road condition.
Pros
- 12-months warranty
- Compact design
- Kids-friendly
Cons
- The battery compartment is difficult to open
Prymax Underwater Camera
The Prymax underwater camera with 4* zoom features comes with 16MP photo resolution, and 30fps, and 60fps video resolution. The camera allows you to view pictures and videos captures on your mobile phone via a supported app. It comes with a built-in 2.0 inch HD LCD touchscreen feature for easy shooting and preview. Another excellent feature is the 170-degree wide-angle lens that allows you to capture more vivid and impressive images. Two pieces of 1050mAh batteries and various mounting accessories are included in the camera package. It comes with a waterproof case that supports underwater filming up to 30M.
Pros
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
- Dual batteries
- Waterproof casing
Cons
- No internal memory
HOCOMO Underwater Camera
The HOCOMO underwater camera is another excellent diving camera that is good for kids and any other person with the desire to capture every underwater moment. It delivers quality images at 2Mp, 3Mp, 5MP, 7MP, 8MP, 12MP, 16MP, 20MP, and 24MP under any condition. It features a dual viewfinder that supports continuous shooting, 16* digital zoom, flashlight, self-timer, face detection, and Anti-shake properties. Although rugged, the camera is lightweight and compact enough to carry without fear of falls and slips. The battery can last up to one hour and can be used within 10ft water depth.
Pros
- Dual-screen design
- Different users
- Different pixel setting
Cons
- Weak sound quality
Olympus Underwater Camera
While most underwater camera for diving comes with just waterproof features, the Olympus underwater camera is waterproof for diving, 7 Ft shockproof, 14-degrees freeze proof and 220lb crushproof. The combination of all these features permits you to capture raw and live underwater scenarios as they unfold. It comes with various modes that allow fast 2.0 high speed capturing with its 4* wide-angle optical zoom feature. It has a waterproof depth of 50Ft and supports Wifi and GPS0020settings.
Pros
- Fast 2.0 high-speed lens
- 4* wide-angle optical zoom
- Wifi and GPS setting
Cons
- Short battery life
Conclusion
If you are in search of creating quality diving moments with friend and family, grab yourself any of the diving cameras listed above and capture moments that you wish to relish when you are out of the water.