The best waterproof cameras / compact cameras 2024
One of the most difficult questions we are asked from time to time in our store in Düsseldorf is certainly the question of a waterproof camera. Because water is an element that electronics absolutely hate.
Compact camera or action cam?
An actioncam is either equipped with a diving housing, as in the past, and thus offers a simple and relatively inexpensive way of taking photos as well as video recordings underwater. However, the cameras are not optimized or directly designed for this and do not offer a flash, for example, which is sometimes difficult underwater without appropriate lighting.
For professional divers with a particular dedication to photography, there are also special underwater diving housings for system cameras or SLRs that allow them to be used underwater with a specific Lens. The camera can then also be operated to some extent through the body.
What should you look out for when buying?
Which camera you ultimately choose depends on your specific requirements. Here are our criteria that we think will help you decide on an underwater camera.
- It should either have IP verification or a manufacturer's specification of how many meters the camera is waterproof to.
- The camera should have a flash or support good image quality in adverse situations.
- For divers, whether the camera supports color filters, because from a certain depth, this is needed to correct the colors. Especially a red filter.
- Does the camera need an extra body for underwater
The best waterproof cameras for diving and vacations
OM SYSTEM TG-7
This camera is characterized by maximum robustness, it also offers special functions for the construction site, which, for example, reduce dust in the recordings. Diving is also possible with the camera and the underwater housing.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo
The action cam from DJI, the Osmo Action 4, offers an extra improved white balance for underwater shots. The front glass also offers good water beading, which enables shots in which the camera is above and below water.
Insta360 X4
If you want your shots to be special, the Insta360 X4 offers 360° recording. So you can capture moments at any angle and use them afterwards.
Pentax WG-8
It is similar to the TG-7 from OM System, it is waterproof up to 20m, offers 4K video and is also very robust. Due to its compactness, it is also a good camera for children and possibly also seniors who no longer want to have so many buttons and switches on the camera.
GoPro HERO13 Black
The GoPro HERO action cams are perfect for adventures and, like the DJI, can be mounted anywhere and used in a variety of ways, although the focus here is clearly on video production. But the GoPro offers a few more accessories.
Insta360 Ace Pro
The action cam that gives you video quality up to 8K and has an open aperture of f2.6. It is waterproof up to 10m and also offers a RAW format for photos. However, a special highlight is the cooperation with Leica for the optical technology and the entire imaging. It is also the only action cam with a touch display that can be folded.
Areas of application away from the vacation
For contractors who need to create documentation in adverse situations, such as on construction sites where it can be dirty and wet, these cameras can be a tremendous help. The OM SYSTEM and Pentax cameras are very compact, very easy and intuitive to use and extremely robust. For example, many of the OM SYSTEM cameras are tested to military standard, the advantage over a TG-7 here is that you can use interchangeable lenses and have a larger sensor available, which allows for even better image quality.
We are happy to provide further information and individual offers for our business customers.
Our conclusion
You can always use a camera for a wide variety of adverse conditions. But it also depends on your own requirements and, above all, on the accessories on offer, which you should take a close look at. We very much hope that we have been able to help you with this article!
