A waterproof camera is a great way to capture a variety of outdoor sports, adventures and underwater scapes. Different waterproof cameras will be able to assist you to get that perfect shot. At Camera House, we have curated our top picks for the best waterproof cameras for 2023 below.
What is a waterproof camera?
A camera that can be used to take pictures and films underwater are known as a waterproof camera. It may be used for underwater video shoots while snorkelling, or swimming. Most waterproof cameras can also be used out of the water but will provide you additional peace of mind when using them near the water. There is a range of digital, analog and waterproof camera housings to assist you to capture images underwater.
What are the key features of a waterproof camera?
In order to take excellent pictures, waterproof cameras have a variety of features that set them apart from regular cameras. See below for a list of the essential qualities to consider when purchasing a waterproof camera.
Durable Design
Waterproof cameras are most likely used in the great outdoors so getting a camera with a durable and sturdy design is important to ensure longevity. Look for cameras with a shockproof design to ensure they can withstand unexpected impacts while on the go.
Water Resistance Levels
Most waterproof cameras have a certain level of resistance which determines how deep the camera can go underwater. This is important to consider depending on the type of activity you’ll be using the camera for.
Image Quality and Performance
As with any camera, you want to ensure it will be able to take high-quality images and videos while underwater. Waterproof cameras have a waterproof option in the settings to adjust the white balance specifically for underwater photos. This will help improve the clarity and colour in every shot.
Price Range
There are a number of waterproof cameras on the market, from single-use disposables to high-end professional cameras. If you’re only just starting out with underwater photography, it might be best to start out with a cheaper camera to understand the art form and what you like out of your camera. This will then help you determine what you are looking for before making a bigger financial investment in a waterproof camera.
Brand and Model Comparison
With a wide range of waterproof camera models in the market, find the one that's perfectly suited to your needs. An action camera is best for those taking photos and videos while participating in activities such as surfing, diving, or snowboarding. A digital waterproof camera will suit activities such as snorkelling or happy snaps in water where you want to focus on a subject. A waterproof film camera on the other hand is kid-safe and wonderful to take on holidays.
What are some of the best waterproof cameras on the market?
Olympus TG-6 Digital Compact Camera
The Olympus TG-6 Black Digital Compact Camera is a sturdy camera that is impact-proof, waterproof, and everything-proof, making it ideal for those just getting started. The camera is kid-friendly as well thanks to its basic, user-friendly controls and functions. Numerous focusing options are available on the camera, including Face Detection AF, AF tracking, and Focus Area Selection. The 25-point autofocus system makes it simple to swap between functions based on your needs.
The camera provides five distinct underwater settings in addition to being waterproof, which allows it to take better pictures when working in or near water. To further improve the image quality, there are special underwater white balance options available.
GoPro HERO11
With the GoPro HERO11 Black, you can capture your activities in beautiful frames. This set includes the GoPro HERO11 Black, which can shoot 27MP photographs with its cutting-edge image sensor and carry aspect ratio shots. It can record in 5.3K, 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p formats. Additionally, it boasts HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilisation with Horizon Lock to guarantee stable images and videos.
The HERO11 gives you the option of 8-bit or 10-bit colour, which displays more than one billion colours for improved video reproducibility. This action camera has a front screen that is 1.4" in size and a rear touch screen with a touch zoom that is 2.27". It is powered by an Enduro battery, which has a capacity of 1720mAh and improves camera performance even in cold weather.
GoPro HERO11 Mini
Capture more on the go with the compact GoPro HERO11 Black Mini. The GoPro HERO11 Black's capabilities and technological advancements are housed in this model, although it is smaller. With its 1/1.9" CMOS image sensor, it can capture films with 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second and in the aspect ratios of 8:7, 4:3, and 16:9.
For simplicity of use, this action camera has a "One-button Simplicity" feature. With the inbuilt battery and two mounting fingers, this action camera weighs a mere 133 grammes and has dimensions of 52.4mm (W) x 51.2mm (H) x 38mm (D).
What are some of the best waterproof accessories on the market?
Pentax SP 12x50 Waterproof Binocular
The Pentax SP 12x50 Waterproof Binocular provides excellent viewing capabilities. This Porro prism binocular has a 50mm objective lens, a 12x magnification, a 4.2° angle of vision, and an 87.15m at 1000m field of view. Additionally, it functions with a.46m minimum focusing distance.
While its architecture incorporates strong body construction to ensure durability and comfort while viewing and completely multicoated lenses to maximise light transmission. In order to guarantee operation and usability regardless of the weather, it is both waterproof and nitrogen-filled.
Knog Qudos Waterproof Action Light
Protect your action camera with the Knog Qudos Waterproof Action Light case. The Knog Qudos case effortlessly partners the GoPro 2, Hero3, 3+, and 4, as well as Sony action cams or other action cameras with GoPro conversion mounts, providing nocturnal thrill-seekers with unheard-of freedom. With multiple modes adjust brightness and light speed, to control shots with complete freedom.
Joby TelePod SPORT for Action Cameras - Waterproof with Tripod Base
With the Joby TelePod SPORT for Action Cameras - Waterproof with Tripod Base, you will always be prepared to capture the action. Aluminium, polycarbonate PC, stainless steel, silicone, and TPE are all used in the construction of this telepod. This adaptable telepod may be used as a tabletop tripod, elevated tripod, extended grip, and handgrip. It functions flawlessly with the newest action and 360-degree cameras from a few action camera manufacturers, including GoPro, DJI, and Insta360.
GoPro Protective Housing
Although HERO9 Black is tough and waterproof right out of the box, the GoPro Protective Housing is capable of withstanding any abuse. It offers protection from dust and flying debris and is waterproof for deep-water diving down to 196 feet (60 metres). Give yourself some additional peace of mind while you’re adventuring in the great outdoors by knowing your GoPro is as protected as possible.
Considerations when choosing a waterproof camera
When choosing a waterproof camera there are a number of features to consider to ensure it's right for you. The first one for any photographer is whether the camera has a manual mode. This will allow you to adjust the exposure to control how much ambient light the camera lets in - especially important if you want to invest in an external strobe. On settings, a macro setting will also allow you to take close images from something further away. You also want to be able to shoot in RAW which will allow you more freedom when you upload your images to the editing suite later.
White balance is an important setting to be able to use manually in underwater photography. This is because the amount of light that is let into your camera will significantly change the blurriness of an image.
In terms of the body of the camera, you want to ensure you can fit it into some kind of housing to protect it when out and about. You may also want to consider the battery life to ensure you’ll get enough time while shooting before the camera goes flat.
Shop waterproof cameras & accessories from Camera House
Take advantage of Camera House’s knowledgeable staff in-store and online and ask them what waterproof cameras are right for you! Check out our shipping information online and enjoy flat-rate delivery Australia-wide, or check out our store locator to visit a Camera House store near you.
