Best Underwater Cameras in 2020

The beauty of nature untouched by man is fascinating, it is amazing and beautiful. In order to leave a piece of this magic as a souvenir, engineers have developed cameras that work underwater and allow you to take beautiful pictures when diving in depth, during snowfall, rain or heavy fog.

Modern rugged photographic devices allow people who are fond of photography to take pictures in the mountains, during precipitation, under the surface of the water and on the water. The line of cameras for underwater photography is divided into several groups of devices, differing in price and capabilities. To conduct underwater photography, it is not necessary to buy expensive, highly professional equipment; for this, an electronic device from a group designed for people who love active recreation is suitable. This article will describe the characteristics of underwater vehicles that determine the quality of underwater photography, and some aspects of building the very process of underwater photography.

Subtle points when organizing underwater filming and important characteristics of special cameras

Taking photographs in adverse weather conditions and underwater is different from photographing in normal weather on land. The main distinguishing feature is the presence of a liquid medium with its own characteristics around the photographer. The conditions for the propagation of light in a gaseous medium differ from the conditions for the movement of a light wave in a liquid.

Light propagation in water

It is known from school physics that water perfectly absorbs light waves. A feature of this process is that the degree of absorption of different light frequencies, the sum of which makes up visible light, is different. For example, when you dive one meter, the visible light will fall out red, and if you descend to a depth of more than 6 m, then all the surrounding objects will be visible in green and blue colors. With the standard settings of the machine, the images will be in blue. When submerged to a depth of 30 meters or more, photographs are obtained in black and white. You should also take into account such a property of water as color refraction.

Underwater pressure

When submerged under water, the pressure on a person and the equipment increases by about 0.1 MPa for every 10 m, so this factor must be taken into account when choosing equipment for shooting under water.

Refraction of light in water

Light refracts when passing through the interface, so objects observed in the liquid appear a little larger.When photographing underwater, it is necessary to take this circumstance into account and choose the correct distance to the subject.

The presence of various particles in the water column can scatter the light output from the flash and ruin the photo. If you take a picture from the bottom up, then the likelihood of obtaining a good image quality in the photo increases significantly.

Based on the above properties of water, it is necessary to choose a camera that meets all the user's requirements.

Each underwater photography device is designed for a specific maximum diving depth. The body is responsible for this characteristic of the device. The greater the depth at which the shooting will be carried out, the stronger the body of the device should be. There is also additional protective equipment that allows the camera to be immersed deeper than it was designed for.

Indicator of autonomy

The number of shots taken, the ability to connect one or two flash units determines the capacity of the battery. The more its ability to accumulate an electric charge (capacity), the more shots the battery will last. The best option is to have one more spare battery for a safety net.

A very important characteristic of a camera is the focal length range of the camera lens. For great shots, it is best to choose lenses with a wide field of view and focal lengths ranging from 24 to 29 mm.

A person who chooses a camera for underwater filming should pay attention to the operating temperature range at which the device will fully work, the shock and vibration resistance of the product.

The most popular camera models and their parameters

Description of the models of cameras that are loved by many people who love to capture their outdoor activities in the photo.

Sealed Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 camera

Indicator name	Indicator value
Machine monitor	LCD technology, 7.62 cm display with 0.46 Mpel resolution
Device lens	Leica DC Vario-Elmar family
Optical lens with a photodiode photosensitive matrix manufactured by technology	Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), 1 / 2.3
Light sensitivity range	ISO 100 to 3200, Auto mode. High sensitivity ISO range 1600 to 6400
Digital video recording format	Image resolution 1920 × 1080 pel
Optical approximation	4.6 times
Number of working points	16.1 Mpel
Digital approximation	4 times
Wi-Fi network	present
GPS navigation sensor	present
NFC	present
dimensions	109.2 / 28.9 / 67.4 mm
Additional options	Barometric pressure measurement module, altimeter, dive depth measurement sensor
Weight	188 g (battery and removable memory card removed)
The cost	from 290 $

This rugged camera is designed for people who prefer dynamic outdoor activities. Serious impact resistance and the feasibility of shooting at depths of up to 10 m make this device a worthy companion for the traveler.

The excellent lens of the Leica DC Vario-Elmar family with excellent 4.6x optical zoom, touchscreen display and high-performance processor that perfectly processes digital images of the Venus Engine, allow you to get stunning images of wildlife. The resulting photo and video files can be easily posted on any resources on the Internet, if synchronized with a smartphone connected to the global network.

• allows you to take pictures of wildlife at a depth of 10 m;
• has a shockproof housing;
• does not lose its strength upon impact after falling from a height of up to 2 m;
• the device will be operational at ambient temperatures up to minus 10 ° С;
• there are options such as NFC, Wi-Fi and GPS, which greatly facilitate the life of any travel lover;
• availability of additional modules that allow you to measure atmospheric pressure, altitude and depth of diving, recording all these data in a photo file.

• not found.

Underwater camera Olympus STYLUS TG-870

Description of characteristics	Feature value
Photodiode photosensitive matrix made by technology	CMOS, 1 / 2.3
Effective points	16 Mpel
Digital video recording format	Image resolution 1920 × 1080 pixels
Machine screen	LCD, 3-inch, 180 ° swivel monitor with 0.92 Mpel resolution
Light sensitivity range	Auto mode and auto mode with high sensitivity
Range of change of light sensitivity at manual setting	Discrete ISO 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
GPS navigation sensor	present
Image magnification optical	Widescreen 5 times
Wi-Fi network environment	present
Image magnification digital	4 times, in combined mode with optics up to 20 times
Super high resolution zoom	2 times, in combined mode with optics up to 10 times
dimensions	112.9 / 27.6 / 64.1 mm
Weight	224g (with rechargeable battery and external memory card)
The cost	from 300 $

The waterproof camera made by Olympus, along with excellent quality and serious functionality, has one highlight in the design - a swivel monitor that allows you to take a photo "selfie". A fearless blogger in any climatic conditions can take beautiful photographs, for example, capturing himself on a snow-covered peak or during spearfishing.

• a reliable and sturdy device that will work perfectly even after falling from a height of 2.1 m and at an ambient temperature of minus 10 ° С;
• the camera allows you to take pictures of marine inhabitants at a depth of 15 m;
• you can take panoramic photos using a wide-angle lens;
• the device allows you to record slow motion video and make time-lapse video.

• video is recorded in a rectangular format with an aspect ratio of 16/9.

Nikon Coolpix AW130 camera

Indicator name	Indicator value
Lens with a photodiode array made by technology	Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), 1 / 2.3
The size of the working points	16 Mpel
NFC	present
Digital video recording in format	With an image resolution of 1920 × 1080 pel
Sensitivity change values	ISO 125 to 1600. ISO 3200, 6400 (option available when using Auto mode)
Machine monitor	OLED, 2.8 inches with a resolution of 0.921 Mpel and coated to resist glare in the sun.
Optical approximation	Widescreen 5 times
dimensions	110.4 / 26.8 / 66mm
Digital approximation	4 times
Wi-Fi network module	In stock
GPS positioning sensor	there is
Additional options	Altimeter, depth gauge, electronic compass, barometer, altimeter
Weight	221 g (with replaceable modules)
Device cost	from 270 $

Nikon has developed and marketed an excellent waterproof underwater device (30 m depth). Although this is a record-breaking achievement, found only on Nikon models, only a professional diver will need it. The reliability and durability of the camera was confirmed by tests in which it was thrown from a height of 2 m, pictures were taken at a frost of -10 ° C.

The device is equipped with a bright monitor providing rich color reproduction and covered with high-quality anti-glare protection.
The backlight function built into the matrix provides the possibility of obtaining high-quality images in low-light conditions of the photographing subject. The small lens provides a 5x optical zoom which, when digitally processed, produces images at 10x magnification with little loss in image quality.

The totality of the characteristics of this camera allows us to assert that this is the best model on the market for such devices today.In fairness, it should be noted that when photographing in normal conditions, the quality of the images will be the same as when shooting with a good smartphone, so this device will be of interest only to fans of extreme conditions and divers.

• works great at a depth of 30 m;
• electronic map and location sensors GPS, GLONASS and QZSS will allow you to accurately determine your coordinates during the survey and mark them on the map;
• reliability and durability of the camera.

• not found.

Fujifilm FinePix XP90 camera

Parameter name	Parameter value
Photosensitive matrix produced by technology	CMOS, 1 / 2.3
Video recording	Image recording at 1920 × 1080 pel resolution
Working points	16 Mpel
Range of change of sensitivity to luminous flux	ISO 100 to 3200, maximum ISO 6400
Wi-Fi network	present
Optical approximation	5 times
Additional options	absent
Digital approximation	2 times
Device monitor	LCD, 7.62 cm display with 0.92 Mpel resolution
GPS navigation sensor	is absent
NFC	is absent
dimensions	110.2 / 29/71 mm
Weight	203g (with battery and external memory card)
The cost	from 185 $

Fujifilm employees, not giving up in the competition, have created a device with an unusual design, comfortable grip that allows you to take pictures with one hand and excellent technical performance. The manufacturer claims that the device works great in a frost of 10 ° C and under water at a depth of 15 m.However, it is better not to dive deeper than 12 m, because there are isolated reviews that the device could not take pictures deeper than 12 meters. It is possible that it was a manufacturing defect.

Using the “Underwater (Macro)” and “Underwater” options, the photographer will automatically optimize the capture of the image at depth to capture the best moments.

Smartphone remote control option allows you to control the device from a distance. When you press the Burst Mode key, you can capture high-quality fast moving subject, when the option "continuous shooting" the camera takes images at a speed of 10 shots per second.

The combination of all the advantages of this camera allows you to safely recommend it for purchase to people who like this model. True, if they are not interested in the coordinates of their location, because the device lacks a GPS sensor.

• works great at a frost of 10 ° C and under water at a depth of 15 m;
• the monitor displays images clearly and vividly;
• light weight;
• convenience of holding the device in hand;
• high-quality protection against sand and dust will make the operation of this device easy and enjoyable.

• no GPS sensor.

Olympus Tough TG-4 camera

Feature name	Feature value
Photodiode array produced by technology	Complementary metal oxide semiconductor, 1 / 2.3
Number of working points	16 Mpel
Video format	The device records video series with resolution 1920 × 1080 pel
The values ​​of the change in the sensitivity of the matrix to light	ISO 100 to 3200, maximum ISO 6400
Optical zoom	4 times
Approximation using digital processing	4 times
Gadget display	LCD, 3-inch display with 0.46 Mpel resolution
Wireless Wi-Fi	In stock
GPS Geo Positioning Sensor	there is
Additional modules	Pressure gauge, cotton control, electronic compass,
Dimensions parameters	112/31/66 mm
Weight	248g (with battery and external memory card)
The cost	310$

The underwater camera with a robust waterproof body is designed and marketed by Olympus employees.

According to experts, the design of the device has one serious drawback. The lens is located on the body in such a way that when photographing, the person's fingers can easily get on the photographed image and ruin a beautiful frame.Therefore, before taking a picture, it is necessary to pay attention to how the person holds the camera and whether his fingers fall into the frame.

The camera has a very convenient settings control system. Scroll the control wheel forward or backward to select the best setting for capturing the image. The presence of a GPS navigation module in the device allows you to accurately determine the coordinates and record them on the image, and using a wireless connection via Wi-Fi, transfer it to a smartphone or to the cloud on the Internet. The camera's battery is recharged via a USB connector developed by the company's engineers, which is not very convenient, the user will have to carry a non-standard micro USB suitable for many devices, as well as this unique cable. The identified shortcomings of the camera in no way prejudice its excellent characteristics and capabilities.

• convenient settings management system.

• non-standard micro USB, which is not very convenient;
• inconvenient lens location.

Canon PowerShot D30 camera

Parameter name	Parameter value
Photodiode Array Lens Manufactured by Technology	CMOS, 1 / 2.3
The size of the working points	12.1 Mpel
Digital video recording in format	The image is written with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels
The amount of change in the sensitivity of the matrix to light	ISO 100 to 3200, Auto ISO
Approximation using optics	5 times
Digital approximation	4 times
Machine display	LCD, 3 '' display with 0.461 Mpel resolution
Wi-Fi network	not
GPS navigation sensor	not
NFC	not
dimensions	109/28/68 mm
Weight	218 g (with battery and removable memory card)
The cost	from 250 $

The underwater camera from Canon, which is in constant competition with Nikon, is capable of capturing beautiful deep-sea shots and will be a godsend for the experienced diver. The maximum shooting depth, of course, is not championship, but very serious - up to 25 m. The upper part of the body is made of durable and lightweight aluminum alloy, so that the grip on the fingers is good, it is covered with rubber. The rest of the body is made of strong and durable plastic, which even looks very sturdy and serious. The controls are perfectly placed on the body.

Canon's traditional control menus are simple and intuitive. Even if a person has never worked with such a technique, he can easily figure it out in 10 minutes. The disadvantage is the lack of additional options in the form of a depth gauge, barometer and Wi-Fi module. The presence of the GPS navigation module in the design allows you to set coordinates on the image.

Poor lighting can ruin the picture, but with sufficient light output, the quality of the pictures is perfect, they are clear even in the very corners.

• shooting depth up to 25 m;
• the camera lens is equipped with 5x zoom;
• the pleasant design of the device does not give the impression of being over-protected.

• not found.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30 camera

Indicator name	Indicator value
Optical lens with a photodiode photosensitive matrix manufactured by technology	Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), 1 / 2.3
Number of working points	18.2 Mpel
Digital video recording format	Image resolution 1920 × 1080 pel
Matrix photosensitivity range	ISO 80 to 3200, Auto ISO, ISO6400, ISO12800
Approximation using optics	5 times
Digital approximation	4 times
Machine screen	LCD, 3 '' display with 1.2288 Mpel resolution
Wi-Fi network	Module not installed
GPS navigation sensor	Module not installed
dimensions	96/15/59 mm
Weight	140g (with rechargeable battery and external memory card)
The cost	from 260 $

This model is distinguished by the presence of the famous Carl Zeiss optical system and an interesting design. The camera is armed with a matrix with a resolution of 18.2 megapixels, and this is by far the best indicator among devices for underwater photography.And it gives its owner the opportunity to take pictures with excellent detail. The thin (15 mm) body of the device is made in various colors, and allows fans of underwater filming to choose a device to their liking.

The excellent electronic image focusing system keeps the subject always in focus and allows you to get very clear pictures. The device can record video at 30 frames per second. The large screen delivers a very clear image without glare from the sun

• matrix with a resolution of 18.2 Mp;
• high quality electronic focusing system.

• small size and weight of only 140 grams did not allow developers to place GPS and Wi-Fi modules inside it.

Nikon Coolpix S33 camera

Indicator name	Indicator value
Optical lens with a photodiode photosensitive matrix manufactured by technology	Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), 1 / 2.3
Number of working points	13.2 Mpel
Digital video recording format	Image resolution 1920 × 1080 pel
Range of change of the matrix sensitivity to light	ISO 100 to 1600, Auto ISO
Optically variable approximation	3 times
Digital approximation	4 times
Machine display	LCD, 2.7 '' display with 0.23 Mpel resolution
Wireless Wi-Fi	Not provided in the design
GPS navigation sensor	Not provided in the design
dimensions	110/38/67 mm
Weight	180 g (with battery and removable memory card)
The cost	from 115 $

Parents of young naturalists will love Nikon's inexpensive Rugged Camera, which will allow them to get the hang of this technique. For people who decide to try themselves in the role of a researcher of life under water, but who have a lot of free funds, this budget option is also suitable.

The device has good characteristics. The digital sensor with a resolution of 13.2 megapixels and a lens with optical zoom up to 3 times will allow you to take good photos. Ease of management will not allow even an ordinary user to get confused. Various autofocus modes allow you to take great pictures even at 10 depth.

• inexpensive model;
• Ease of controls;
• various auto focus modes.

• not found.

Ricoh WG-5 GPS camera

Name	Designation
Optical lens with a photodiode array made by technology	CMOS, 1 / 2.3
Number of working points	16 Mpel
Video	Recording with image resolution 1920 × 1080 pel
Sensitivity of the matrix to light radiation	ISO 125 to 3200, Auto ISO up to ISO 6400
Approximation using optics	4 times
Digital approximation	7.2 times
Machine screen	LCD, 3-inch display with 0.46 Mpel resolution
Wi-Fi network environment	Module not installed
GPS navigation sensor	Present
NFC	Is absent
Additional options	Electronic compass, barometer
Dimensions parameters	125/32/65 mm
Weight	235g (with battery and removable memory card)
The cost	485$

A Japanese electronics manufacturer has launched the WG-5 GPS underwater camera model. User reviews of this device are different. Some people argue that this is a good device with advanced functionality, others indicate the presence of various flaws in the device's design. The experts who examined this model had no comments on the design and parameters of the apparatus.

The maximum depth at which you can shoot is 14 m. Capturing high-quality photos and videos underwater is provided by various digital focusing modes. Information about the coordinates of the user's location by the device from the navigation sensor can be recorded in a photo or video file. The control menu is a bit peculiar, so you need to spend some extra time to understand it. The camera has built-in barometer and compass modules. An optional front panel monitor can display information about climbing altitude in mountains or diving depth in water. The built-in memory is 70 MB and will allow you to save several photos.

Various color versions of the cases will allow the user to choose the option he likes the most. The somewhat inflated cost of the camera scares off many potential buyers.

• the maximum depth is 14 m;
• various digital focusing modes;
• additional monitor on the front panel.

• not found.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30 camera

Indicator name	Indicator value
Optical lens with a photodiode photosensitive matrix manufactured by technology	Charge Coupled Device (CCD), 1 / 2.33
Number of working points	16 Mpel
Digital video recording format	Image resolution 1920 × 1080 pel
Matrix photosensitivity range	ISO 125 to 3200, Auto ISO up to ISO 6400
Approximation using optics	4 times
Digital approximation	4 times
Machine display	LCD, 2.7 '' display with 0.23 Mpel resolution
Wi-Fi network	No module
GPS navigation sensor	Not installed
NFC	Is absent
Additional options	Absent
dimensions	104/20/58 mm
Weight	144 g (with rechargeable battery and optional memory card)
The cost	from 180 $

The 10th place in this review is taken by a budget model from Panasonic. Low cost and a set of standard features are the distinguishing feature of this device. The device is not without its drawbacks. If you look at the display from a right angle, then the image quality drops noticeably, and it is difficult to assess what colors will be in the picture. This model can be recommended for budding underwater photographers on a budget.

• low cost.

• image quality decreases at an angle;
• tight buttons in control;
• slow zoom.

conclusions

Unfortunately, the opinion that a fancy camera is needed for high-quality pictures is supported by many people. The truth is that great photographs are taken by people who have learned how to use light correctly, choose the composition, and thoroughly study the characteristics of existing photographic techniques. Therefore, in order not to be disappointed with an expensive purchase, you should start shooting with your existing camera, and understand what additional options it needs to meet all the needs of the photographer.