Category:

11 Best Underwater Cameras for Snorkeling in 2023

Article By: Faheem Hussain Published On: June 19, 2023 , Last updated on : August 31, 2023 | Reviewed by : Editorial Board
best underwater camera for snorkeling

If you’re out vacationing in a tropical location, it’s either hanging out at the beach or snorkeling. Many find it difficult to take pictures on your favorite moments should they go for the latter. But with waterproof cameras becoming more affordable, you can take pictures of your favorite scenes underwater. But, where can you find the best underwater camera for snorkeling?

For this list, we’re going to look at what we consider to be the best cameras to bring for snorkeling. We’ll go over the three factors we’ve used to determine what makes an underwater camera best for snorkeling. Then, we’ll go over our top picks what we’ve selected with those factors in mind.

The best camera features for snorkeling

So, what should the best underwater camera for snorkeling look like and have? There are three factors we used to find the best camera: image stabilization, visual range and whether it’s waterproof or housed. As for what camera should look like, this is no beauty contest, that’s all up to you.

Camera Housing or Native Waterproofing?

There are two types of underwater cameras, one with native waterproofing, and one that comes with an underwater camera housing. Underwater camera housing is a means to take your non-waterproof camera underwater. This is done by means of a vacuum pump prior to diving underwater, so naturally it’s time-consuming.

Most underwater cameras are waterproof by nature, so there’s no need to use any underwater housing. These cameras are easier to carry thanks in part to their convenient designs. However, one advantage underwater housing has is the extra protection it offers. If anything, the waterproof capabilities act as an extra precaution in case the housing fails.

Image Stabilization

When you’re underwater and you open your eyes, you might have noticed something. First, that images are wavy and blurry, and second, you’re almost always moving when you’re swimming. Thankfully, there are cameras out there that have image stabilization to get around this, especially underwater cameras. So, we kept this feature in mind when looking for our top pick.

Also read: Best Underwater Cameras for Fishing

Visibility Range

Another thing you’d notice when you open your eyes underwater is that you can’t see far, especially if the water is dirty. Which is why we’re going to need underwater cameras with lens designed to see further underwater. This is especially needed if you’re going snorkeling in places with sprawling underwater sceneries.

Sony Alpha 7 II

Sony Alpha 7 II

The best snorkeling camera, bar none, thanks to how high definition its photos and videos are. The camera also happens to be very good at taking pictures under the sea, despite not being made for underwater photography. Make sure you buy an underwater camera housing to go with this one.
View On Amazon
Canon EOS R5

Canon EOS R5

Easy to carry with an 8K video resolution makes Canon EOS R5 the best underwater video camera for snorkeling. Along with a 5-axis image stabilization, you can take clear pictures even while swimming. An excellent camera for snorkeling, if you don’t mind the ridiculously high price tag.
View On Amazon
OM System Olympus TG-6

OM System Olympus TG-6

The camera is surprisingly durable against extreme conditions, especially warm ones. The camera’s white balance is also helpful for taking colorful pictures underwater. The camera is also great for macro photography, even though thr setup can get tedious.
View On Amazon
GoPro HERO11 Black

GoPro HERO11 Black

One of the best camera for snorkeling brought to you by GoPro. Durable with a long battery life, the camera was built to capture crystal clear underwater videos and pictures. Unfortunately, it also sports the lowest battery life on the list, so charging is a must.
View On Amazon
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

An excellent choice for beginners, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II captures stunning pictures under or above water. The camera’s also good at taking macro photography, minimizing shakes as you try to focus for a clearer picture. However, in addition to the underwater housing, the camera is very expensive.
View On Amazon
Canon G7 X Mark III

Canon G7 X Mark III

Made and designed for posting on social media, the Canon G7 X Mark III is one of the best underwater cameras for snorkeling. Not only can you take pictures in high clarity, you can share those pictures directly on social media too. Sadly, the camera’s is fairly expensive, so it…
View On Amazon
Sony RX100 VII

Sony RX100 VII

With top-of-the-line image stabilization and a decent microphone, Sony’s RX100 VII is designed for letting you comfortably capture photos and videos in HD. However, if you want to house this camera, you’ll need to change the large lens attached to it.
View On Amazon
DJI Osmo Action

DJI Osmo Action

DJI Osmo Action can take pristine underwater photos thanks to its excellent image stabilization feature, all while staying affordable. The camera is also waterproof so you can wide angle shots of the deep with little to no worries. Save for the camera’s subpar battery life, so charging may be necessary.
View On Amazon
Nikon W300

Nikon W300

One of the more durable cameras on this list, Nikon’s W300 is the perfect camera to take with you in any underwater environment. The camera wastes no time taking pictures in high definition, thanks in part to its fast autofocus. Unless you’re in a low light environment, then the picture…
View On Amazon
SeaLife Micro 3.0

SeaLife Micro 3.0

The best camera that is both affordable and waterproof, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 was made for its namesake. Thanks to its color correction technology, this camera has no problem bringing out the color out of any scenery. It does have trouble taking pictures in low light conditions, however.
View On Amazon
ReefMaster RM-4K Camera

ReefMaster RM-4K Camera

Able to capture pictures in 4K and customizable, the ReefMaster is one of the best underwater cameras for snorkeling. Moreover, the camera doesn’t just take pictures in HD, the colors shown are shown in stunning detail. But you need to house the camera, since it has a nasty tendency to…
View On Amazon

The best underwater camera for snorkeling | Top 11 picks

Now that we’ve gone over our three determining factors, let’s look at the best underwater cameras for snorkeling. For this list, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each of our top picks, and why we chose them. So, let’s dive in and find the best camera for your snorkeling dives.

List of the best underwater camera for snorkeling

  • Sony Alpha 7 II
  • Canon EOS R5
  • OM System Olympus TG-6
  • GoPro HERO11 Black
  • Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
  • Canon G7 X Mark III
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • DJI Osmo Action
  • Nikon W300
  • SeaLife Micro 3.0
  • ReefMaster RM-4K Camera

Sony Alpha 7 II

01 Sony Alpha 7 IIType: Mirrorless

Resolution: FHD 1080p

Sony Alpha 7 II stands above as the best underwater cameras for snorkeling, and it shows. So, what are we looking at? For one, the camera sports 5-axis image stabilization in full-frame, so you can take clear photos while you’re swimming. Moreover, the camera takes pictures in high detail and vivid colors, being a 2.43-megapixel camera and all.

To sweeten the deal further, the camera is also compatible with nearly any lens. So, if you want to use wide-angle, especially when snorkeling, fisheye lenses, the camera will let you. Ironically, the camera isn’t waterproof, just good at taking underwater pictures, so you’ll need underwater camera housing to use it.

Pros

  • High definition photos and videos.
  • Compatible with any lenses of your liking.
  • The best image stabilization, bar none.
  • 43 megapixels for extra detail.

Cons

  • Battery life not suitable for long diving sessions.

Though the camera isn’t waterproof, that is not what’s holding this camera back. The camera has a low battery life, unsurprising given how powerful the camera and its features are. This can be worked around by fully charging the camera before diving in, so conserving energy is a must. With features like this, it’s not hard to see why Sony’s Alpha 7 II is the best on our list.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
View On Amazon

Canon EOS R5

02 Canon EOS R5Type: Mirrorless

Resolution: 8K

Canon’s EOS R5 is the high-definition, longer-lasting counterpart to our first place, and it’s not hard to see why. As a full-frame camera, the EOS R5 is able to take photos and videos in stunning quality. What’s more, it is not as bulky and is designed to be much easier to carry than most full-frame camera.

Sharing this feature with our first-place contender among many, the camera’s 5-axis image calibration allows you to take pictures as you swim. But speaking of pictures, what about recording videos underwater? Well, on top of capturing videos in 8K, the camera also reduces any noise captured during the recording process. Did we mention that it’s battery lasts longer?

Pros

  • Amazing photo and video quality
  • Autofocus is fast and precise
  • 8K video resolution for high quality and reduced noise
  • Compact and easily carriable design

Cons

  • High price range

From everything we’ve described, it sounds like Sony Alpha 7 II but better, but you might have to hold your horses there. What knocked it down from first place, was one thing and that’s its price; it’s very expensive. So, if you don’t mind burning a hole in your wallet, Canon’s EOS R5 is the best underwater camera for snorkeling.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
View On Amazon

OM System Olympus TG-6

03 OM System Olympus TG-6Type: Ultracompact

Resolution: 4K

System’s Olympus TG-6 is the best underwater camera for snorkeling in tropical and arctic locations. Now why you’d be at the arctic is not important, but what is important is that it’s the first freeze-resistant camera here. But resisting the elements isn’t all this camera can do. With the help of its Microscope Control Mode, you can even take macro photographs under the ocean.

What’s more the camera has three White balance mode for underwater photography, to help you take sharp and colorful pictures. Given how difficult it can be to take pictures in waters of different temperatures, this feature is very helpful.

Pros

  • Waterproof and freeze-resistant
  • Beautiful color and image detail
  • Microscope Control Mode for macro photography
  • Sharp and colorful underwater photography

Cons

  • Macro photography needs more refinement before use

So, given how durable and capable the camera is, what is holding this camera back? Despite its capabilities for macro photography, it can take a while to adjust the settings, and when you’re swimming, that can be a problem. Regardless, OM System’s Olympus TG-6 is the best underwater camera for snorkeling in any tropical or cold locations.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
View On Amazon

GoPro HERO11 Black

04 GoPro HERO11 BlackType: Action Camera

Resolution: 5.3K60 Ultra HD

GoPro never disappoints when it comes to delivering the best cameras. So, if you’re looking for the best underwater camera for snorkeling, GoPro’s HERO11 Black has you covered. The camera’s image stabilization is pretty top-notch, especially when recording videos. This is thanks to the camera’s award-winning HyperSmooth Stabilization, letting you record smooth footage.

The camera is also surprisingly durable, so it can take a few bumps on the coral reefs. Moreover, the camera sports a long battery life, so unlike some entries on this list, makes it perfect for long snorkeling trips.

Pros

  • Excellent video stabilization
  • Capture unbelievable photos in stunning detail
  • Ultra-durable material and waterproof
  • Long battery life that works better at cold temperatures

Cons

  • Very low battery life

In spite of these benefits, why isn’t this camera placed higher? The camera is cursed with having a very low battery life, a paltry 60 minutes in this case. As a result, you’ll need to keep it fully charged and the photo shoots to a minimum. But, if you’re a fan of GoPro’s camera and need one for snorkeling, then don’t sleep on their HERO11 Black.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
View On Amazon

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

05 Panasonic Lumix LX100 IIType: Compact

Resolution: 4K DCI 2160p

Panasonic’s Lumix LX100 II is the best underwater camera for snorkeling and perfect for beginners wanting to go professional. Perfect for macro photography, you can take pictures of the smallest crabs, coral, or whatever in stunning detail. But what really sells this camera is its ability to reduce blur with its anti-shake capabilities.

This anti-shake feature is often used in cases when you’re in an unstable environment, like on a boat for example. But you’ll find this feature just as useful underwater as well. Moreover, this anti-shake feature also help the camera take clearer photos, which is perfect for macro photography.

Pros

  • Impressive anti-shake capabilities that minimizes blur
  • Brilliant macro photography
  • Bevy of extra features to make your underwater photos even better

Cons

  • In addition to a housing, quite expensive

However, the one thing that is holding it back is that it’s expensive. And that’s before you consider the housing needed to take it underwater. In spite of this, Panasonic Lumix LX100 II establishes itself as the best underwater camera for snorkeling and macro photography,

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
View On Amazon

Canon G7 X Mark III

06 Canon G7 X Mark IIIType: Point and Shoot

Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p

Canons G7 X Mark III is the best underwater camera for snorkeling photos perfect for sharing on social media. With a 4.2x optical zoom and an image stabilizer, you can take photos underwater with perfect clarity. Moreover, its expandable memory card slot lets you take as many photos as you want. You can even use the camera as a laptop webcam for online meetings.

Pros

  • Expandable memory card slot
  • 2x optical zoom and with image stabilizer
  • Can be used as a webcam

Cons

  • In addition to a housing, quite expensive

The G7 X Mark III is nearly similar to our second-place contender, both in terms of features and downsides. The camera is also expensive, though not as bad as the EOS R5; it is something to keep in mind. So, if you want a more affordable variant of Canon’s EOS R5, then their G7 X Mark III is the camera for you.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 7/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
View On Amazon

Sony RX100 VII

07 Sony RX100 VIIType: Point and Shoot

Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p

Sony’s RX100 VII is the best underwater camera for snorkeling if you want high precision in your photography. Like the Sony Alpha 7 II, the camera has an impressive image stabilization function, perfect for taking video and photos underwater. Moreover, the camera also comes with a microphone, which is surprisingly decent for a camera dedicated to underwater photography.

Pros

  • Convenient and intuitive design
  • Image stabilization perfect for underwater photography
  • Outstanding image and video quality

Cons

  • Lens too long to put into housing

However, there are some hiccups that hold this camera back, and you need to consider. The camera is not waterproof, so you need a housing. Unfortunately, the lens this camera comes with is too long for most housing, so you can’t utilize the camera’s full zoom range. If you don’t mind this minor hiccup, Sony’s RX100 VII is the camera for you.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 7/10
Material: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
View On Amazon

DJI Osmo Action

08 DJI Osmo ActionType: Action Camera

Resolution: 4K HDR

If you’re looking for an underwater camera that is both affordable and effective, then try out DJI’s Osmo Action. With a price range like that, it might sound ridiculous that you could get a waterproof camera with a super-wide field of view. But, if the low price doesn’t do it for you, then maybe its top-of-the-line image stabilization should.

Pros

  • Affordable and waterproof
  • Crisp and clear photography thanks to its image stabilization
  • Super-wide field-of-view in Ultra HD

Cons

  • Low battery life

But that isn’t to say that it’s perfect, as it has one issue that holds this otherwise exceptional camera back. Though not as bad as GoPro HERO11, the camera’s battery is pretty low. So be careful of how much time you spend taking pictures underwater. But if you don’t mind this issue, then DJI’s Osmo Action might be the camera for you.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
View On Amazon

Nikon W300

09 Nikon W300Type: Point and Shoot

Resolution: 4K UHD

Cameras are not cheap, so breaking them can be a major loss for you, both professionally and financially. This is where Nikon’s W300 comes in, resistant to low temperatures, shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof. With resistant attributes like that, you’ll don’t need to put it in a housing. Moreover, the camera has fast autofocus, so you can take clear and detailed pictures.

Pros

  • Excellent photos with fast autofocus
  • Waterproof, freeze-resistant, and very durable
  • No housing needed

Cons

  • Has difficulty taking pictures in low-light conditions

However, despite its impressive durability, there is a minor problem we’ve neglected to mention. The camera has trouble taking pictures in low-light pictures. You need an external flash to take pictures if the water is dark or murky at worst. In spite of this, Nikon’s W300 is the best underwater camera for snorkeling in terms of durability and endurance.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 7/10
Design: 7/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
View On Amazon

SeaLife Micro 3.0

10 SeaLife Micro 3.0Type: Underwater

Resolution: 1080p HD

SeaLife Macro 3.0 is the best underwater camera for snorkeling that is both cheap and excellent in underwater photography. The camera may be light, but thanks to its solid build, it can endure a lot of punishment. Moreover, the camera’s color correction helps you photograph coral reefs in all of their colorful glory.

Pros

  • Powerful image sensors for sharp and colorful pictures
  • Light and solid construction to withstand anything
  • Color correction designed for underwater photography

Cons

  • Has trouble in low light conditions

The camera is effective when it comes to taking colorful photos, but it has one glaring weakness in that regard. Similar to the Nikon W300, this camera, too, has trouble taking pictures in low light. So, the camera’s not good for taking underwater pictures during overcast weather. So, if you want a good underwater camera for snorkeling at a cheap price, this camera is for you.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 7/10
Material: 7/10
Design: 7/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
View On Amazon

ReefMaster RM-4K Camera

11 ReefMaster RM-4K CameraType: Action Camera

Resolution: 4K

Finally, we have the ReefMaster RM-4K, the best underwater camera for snorkeling in terms of customizability. If you’re diving into a colorful seabed, you can capture every tiny detail and hue with this camera. This clarity is all thanks to the camera’s sensitive image sensors. On top of being able to fit in a housing, the camera can easily be modified to a configuration of your liking.

Pros

  • Sensitive image sensor for sharp color quality
  • Easy to expand and modify
  • Easy to use and control

Cons

  • Unless housed, water can leak in

But there is one fatal flaw that this camera suffers from. Unlike most of the cameras on this list, ReefMaster RM-4K isn’t well-built, so much so that water can leak in. Hence, the camera needs to be housed. Regardless, this is the perfect camera if you’re looking for an underwater camera you can build to make your own.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 6/10
Material: 7/10
Design: 6/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
View On Amazon

Breathe life into your underwater photos

Thanks to the ever-evolving nature of technology, we can take photos of anything, anywhere, and from any angle. We can also easily buy a waterproof camera and take pictures of various underwater scenery. With our list of the best underwater camera for snorkeling and buying guide, we hope you’ve found your top pick.

Related Post

See More