The undersea environment is teeming with exciting things for photographers to capture. The cameras for underwater photography have never been more high-performance and inexpensive, and today everybody can take stunning photographs of their snorkeling excursions and bring them back home with them. There are various reasons why someone may decide to purchase a snorkeling camera.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your next snorkeling excursion or your first time diving into the water. No one wants to lose out on bringing back some unforgettable memories from the sea. In today’s technologically advanced world, there are various underwater snorkeling cameras to choose from – and they all range significantly in terms of pricing, specifications, and capabilities.
Scuba divers will benefit from specific waterproof cameras, while snorkelers will benefit from others built for usage at the water’s surface and are hence suitable for snorkelers. In this article, we’ll look at the ten best snorkeling cameras for the year 2022. We’ve detailed each cam’s advantages and disadvantages and its features and overall value for money honestly and impartially.
Comparison Chart of 10 Snorkeling Cameras
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 |
| Check Price |
 | SeaLife Micro 3.0 |
| Check Price |
 | GoPro HERO9 Black |
| Check Price |
 | CAMWORLD Action Camera 4K |
| Check Price |
 | Gnolkee 4K WiFi Action Camera |
| Check Price |
 | Heegomn Waterproof Digital Camera Full HD 1080p |
| Check Price |
 | VEMONT Action Camera 1080p |
| Check Price |
 | Insta360 ONE R |
| Check Price |
 | SeaLife DC2000 |
| Check Price |
 | Nikon W300 |
| Check Price |
1. OLYMPUS Tough TG-6
- It is water-resistant (to a depth of 50 feet/15 meters), dust-resistant, and shock-resistant.
- An F2.0 lens with an excellent resolution is included.
- A variable macro system with four different macro shooting modes is included.
- It is possible to capture 4K videos and full HD 120 fps fast speed movies.
- There are three different underwater white balance options.
This waterproof camera from Olympus is an attractive option if you’re searching for something highly sturdy and trustworthy in all conditions. It is waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freeze-proof distinguishes this underwater camera from the competition.
Aside from its endurance, it also takes fantastic images, and it is capable of capturing a single water drop in 4K quality. The Olympus Tough’s zoom can be extended up to eight times, making it simple to record even the most minor details in the distance. Even without any processing, the image quality is vibrant and clear.
It is water-resistant (to a depth of 50 feet/15 meters), dust-resistant, and shock-resistant, among other characteristics. Included is an F2.0 lens with excellent resolution and contrast. There is also a changeable macro system with four distinct macro photography modes to take advantage of. You won’t find the same feature in the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1.
The Olympus TG-6 is equipped with a one-of-a-kind lens that enables excellent macro photography without needing an extra lens. The microscope mode enables focusing as close as 1 inch away, and even though this camera does not have a full manual mode, you can still take professional-quality photos with this little compact.
The Tough underwater camera is ideal for shallow dives, snorkeling, and swimming, and it has five underwater shooting settings. It is also suitable for a variety of other outdoor activities.
Our Recommendation
This underwater camera, which is one of the most durable options on the market, is perfect for shallow dives, snorkeling, and individuals who want a camera that they can carry with them everywhere they go.
Pros
- Excellent zooming options
- High-resolution pictures
- Durable in quality
Cons
- Quite expensive
2. SeaLife Micro 3.0
- The camera includes a 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor.
- It is capable of recording video in 4K ultra-high definition.
- The camera’s operation is enhanced by including three large Piano key-style buttons.
- The built-in wide-angle 100° lens enables the diver to get up and be close to the object.
- The 260K high-resolution 2.4″ TFT color LCD simplifies taking and reviewing images.
New and enhanced software has been released for the SeaLife Micro 3.0 underwater camera. The SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera is the third generation of the popular permanently sealed Micro camera series and is much better than the 2.0 in terms of resolution and many features.
The camera is leak-proof, and there are no O-rings to lubricate or maintain, so there is never any concern about the camera flooding. Like its predecessors, this model has an ergonomic, compact design with straightforward controls and menus that are easy to use.
The camera includes a 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor and can record video in 4K ultra-high definition. Because it is completely sealed, the Micro 3.0 has a significant 3-plus hour battery life, sufficient for a full day of diving. It also has a built-in 64GB of memory, which allows you to keep thousands of photographs and hours of footage.
To begin, the camera’s simplicity of operation is enhanced by including three large Piano key-style buttons that are simple to detect and use even when wearing diving gloves. The Easy Setup function on the intelligent Micro 3.0 swiftly walks you through the necessary settings according to the shooting situation, depth of field, and lighting accessories used.
For those who wish to edit their underwater photographs later, the Micro 3.0 has a new manual white balance adjustment and the option to take images in RAW format, ideal for those who want to fine-tune their underwater images afterward.
The built-in wide-angle 100° lens lets the diver get up and be close to the subjects while still capturing everything in the frame. If you have a smartphone or tablet with the Micro 3+ software, you may wirelessly preview, download, and share photos and videos.
Our Recommendation
We love the Micro 3+ app available for free from the Google Play or Apple App stores. On the compact camera, the bigger 260K high-resolution 2.4″ TFT color LCD simplifies taking and reviewing images and videos. Overall, a solid one, this snorkeling camera!
Pros
- High-resolution camera
- Solidly built
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Not made for beginners
3. GoPro HERO9 Black
- Shoot gorgeous 5K video while retaining a high level of detail.
- It takes advantage of SuperPhoto to ensure that you acquire the shot.
- HyperSmooth 3.0 now includes in-camera horizon leveling as a standard feature.
- With TimeWarp 3.0, you can create captivating time-lapse films.
- 1.5 seconds before and after your shot should be recorded.
Activity cameras are compact digital cameras meant to film action, generally from the shooter’s perspective. They’re ideal for sports such as surfing, bicycling, diving, and, yes, snorkeling.
The best action camera on the market right now is the Hero 9: as of 2022, it’s the only waterproof camera capable of capturing 5k footage! That is something the GoPro Hero 8 doesn’t offer. The Hero 9 is waterproof to 10m / 33ft without its waterproof shell, which is more than enough for snorkeling.
An inexpensive, separately bought underwater housing allows it to be transported to 60m / 196 feet, allowing it to be used on scuba dives. The Hero 9’s 23.6 mp sensor allows it to capture incredibly detailed 20mp photographs – underwater shots come out substantially better at shallow depths, which is why the Hero 9 excels as a snorkel camera.
Other intriguing features are advanced picture stabilization, 8 X slow motion, time-lapse mode, and digital lens settings that enable wide, linear, or narrow views. There is an 8 X digital zoom, but it will not deliver any more information; it is more of a glorified cut. In addition, the Hero 9 has WiFi integration, which allows you to share your photographs and movies on social media effortlessly.
Our Recommendation
GoPro is a legendary name in the action camera sphere – the Hero 9 will cost you more than any of the other snorkeling cameras we’ve reviewed. Still, the reputation of this camera brand is truly stellar, and users are virtually guaranteed to be impressed with its impressive 5k video shooting capability.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Digital lens mode
- 2 LCD screens
Cons
- More expensive than others
4. CAMWORLD Action Camera 4K
- With the wireless wrist remote control, skiing, riding, surfing, and other activities are possible.
- A comprehensive selection of complementary accessories can assist you in expanding your use situations.
- It includes a variety of features, including time-lapse photography.
- WiFi is built-in, allowing you to connect through the app.
- It has a 20 MP sensor and a 170° ultra-wide-angle fisheye lens.
The CAMWORLD X40 waterproof 4K action camera has a video resolution of 4K 30fps and a picture resolution of 20MP. It offers super HD video recording and picture experience and a choice of recording or shooting options.
It boasts a sophisticated built-in. The EIS technology can compensate for any bump, wobble, or camera tilt while in operation, ensuring that your photographs and videos are clear and steady even in the most challenging settings, capturing every moment in sharp detail and exceptional clarity.
The 4K waterproof action camera can operate regularly in water up to 131 feet deep when protected by the waterproof casing. Because of its excellent waterproof capability, it can shoot video underwater.
You may capture the gorgeous seabed landscape and share it with your family and friends. It is suitable for any experience such as cycling, trekking, driving, diving, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, etc. Superior color dual-screens for selfies and video shooting; 2-inch IPS back touch screen makes operation more straightforward and more comfortable,
A 170 ° super wide-angle lens can capture a greater variety of surroundings and give a wider field of vision. Within 10 meters, you may effortlessly utilize the remote control to capture images and video recordings. You don’t have to hold the action camera in your hand anymore.
After installing the App DVKING 4K on your smartphone (iOS/Android), you may operate the action camera on your mobile by adjusting settings, taking images, recording movies, and downloading data. That is something the older CAMWORLD 4K 20MP wouldn’t comply with.
Our Recommendation
We love that this 4K action camera comes with two 1350 rechargeable batteries, a remote control wrist band, and a variety of accessory packages. These kits are compatible with most action cameras, including the GoPro. Each battery has a recording time of up to 90 minutes. The wrist strap for the remote control is not waterproof.
Pros
- Excellent customization
- Fantastic camera
- Wireless wrist remote control
Cons
- Not the ideal choice for beginners
5. Gnolkee 4K WiFi Action Camera
- Gnolkee action camera with 170-degree ultra-wide-angle lens is waterproof.
- The camera supports WiFi remote control through mobile phones (Android and iOS systems) and tablet PC.
- Two 1050 mAh high-capacity lithium batteries are included inside the underwater cameras.
- The firm offers a money-back guarantee of 30 days.
- It also offers loop recording, motion detection, and other features.
The Gnolkee 4K 12MP WiFi Action Camera provides makers with a supporting experience during each journey. With settings including internal recording mode, continuous shooting mode, and loop recording mode, this camera can meet a variety of purposes with only a few clicks.
With this camera, you may also experiment with time-lapse photography. So it won’t be long until you’re filming slow-motion action sports. Each Gnolkee battery provides users with around 100 minutes of continuous recording time.
When you need to charge the batteries, it takes roughly three hours for them to return to the total capacity. The Gnolkee 4K 12MP WiFi Action Camera is designed similarly to GoPro cameras, and it has a 170-degree wide-angle lens. While the older Gnolkee doesn’t offer the wide-angle feature, this one indeed does!
You may expect to swiftly transfer photographs and film to your phone or tablet using the camera’s WiFi connection. It also shoots 12MP photographs and 4K videos. The film is stunning, catching minute details with ease. However, we’d like to see some enhancements to the picture resolution. Furthermore, the battery door seems to be brittle.
This action camera also allows you to operate it remotely using your smartphone or tablet. As a result, you won’t have to fiddle with your camera to change the settings on the go. Color depth is well represented by the Gnolkee 4K 12MP WiFi Action Camera.
Our Recommendation
The Gnolkee camera is simple to use and offers excellent value. Whether you’re looking for a camera with a dependable design or you’d want to have access to a high-quality creative tool, this camera will do the job!
Pros
- 100 minutes of recording time
- 3-hour charging
- Support mobile phones and tablets
Cons
- Fragile battery door
6. Heegomn Waterproof Digital Camera Full HD 1080p
- The grin and face recognition functions on this camera are excellent additions to the package.
- Anti-shake, in conjunction with Active mode, compensates for camera movement.
- The digital zoom on this little digital camera is eight times greater than the optical zoom.
- The flashlight serves as an additional source of illumination.
- A built-in microphone is included with this tiny camera.
Designed for children, students, and beginners in photography, this lightweight and the portable point-and-shoot camera has a cute appearance and are ideal for on-the-go shooting.
The waterproof camera is equipped with a built-in flash, microphone, 8X zoom, face capture, continuous shooting, time-lapse shooting, and other features, among other things. If you compare the waterproof feature to its competitor, Minolta, the Heegomn takes the lead!
This camera is capable of taking still images and recording 1080P videos. Because it is waterproof up to 16 feet, children can explore the vibrant underwater world with this camera.
The 8X Optical Zoom allows you to get up close and personal with the action, while the 16 Megapixel Image Processor ensures that the images you capture are vibrant and clear enough to share or print.
This pocket camera is simple to operate, making it suitable for boys and girls aged 5-16. It’s simple to import photos into your computer with the help of a manual and a USB cable. Depending on the lighting conditions, the camera will automatically use the flash (or not) to illuminate the scene.
Our Recommendation
We love the sizeable 2.8-inch viewing monitor is excellent for seeing what you’re photographing and makes it simple to compose your shots. It shows the current battery charge and any other customizations you’ve made. It is also straightforward to view any photographs that have been taken.
Pros
- Excellent features
- Easy to use
- Decent zoom ability
Cons
- A bit expensive
7. VEMONT Action Camera 1080p
- Slow-motion mode helps capture fantastic activities and turn them into shareable moments.
- With this camera, you may dive up to 98 feet.
- The small form makes it simple to transport.
- A 120° wide-angle lens enables you to capture more significant scenes.
- Together, 12M and 1080P can ensure that you record high-quality images.
The VERMONT camera offers smooth but lively 1080p video capture at high frame rates in terms of video capabilities. While not as good as the GoPro, the VERMONT captures photos with exceptional picture quality, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the outside world while browsing through your collection of images.
Aside from that, this underwater camera can be easily tilted upwards by 120 degrees, allowing you to take fantastic selfies both above and below the water’s surface. A 12-megapixel camera with three-times zoom capabilities is included, allowing you to take stunning photos with minimal effort.
We appreciate how quickly and easily photos can be transferred via WiFi and USB. The VERMONT 4K camera is equipped with a micro HDMI port and two USB 2.0 micro-B ports. Record high-definition video of a moving event in either rapid or slow motion to turn fantastic activities into shareable memories.
You may dive up to 98 feet underwater with the waterproof case mounted. Swimming, surfing, diving, and other water sports are all possible. This underwater case may offer excellent protection for your camera from scratches and bumps while you’re underwater.
Our Recommendation
Divers who want to capture beautiful moments with a high-definition camera quickly will find this an excellent choice. It is waterproof, offers 1080p resolution, and has a 120-degree wide-angle to allow you to click the kind of pictures you want!
Pros
- Decent resolution
- Waterproof camera
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- SD card doesn’t have sufficient space
8. Insta360 ONE R
- It emphasizes critical moments with cinematic slow-mo or accelerates everything with a stable hyper-lapse.
- It has a 4K wide-angle camera as well as 360-degree cam choices
- The AI-powered tracking technology maintains it in the center of the picture
- It comes with a 5.7K shooter with a 1-inch sensor to shoot professional videos
- It features a Deep Track technology which captures the photo as soon as your subject emerges
Insta360 takes pride in its original and creative capabilities, which have helped it carve out a new position in the action camera industry. Since its introduction in 2014, the firm has swiftly risen to the top of the market, becoming a global leader in 360-degree video cameras with products such as the Insta360 One X.
Building on this success, Insta360 unveiled the ONE R, an ambitious product with a modular framework that enables customers to swap between camera types easily.
You have several alternatives when buying the ONE R, which we’ll discuss later. The Twin Edition has a 4K wide-angle camera and 360-degree cam choices, and the 1-Inch Edition includes a 5.7K shooter with a 1-inch sensor. This 5.7K wide-angle camera makes it better than the Insta360 One R 4K edition.
When included in the supplied Mounting Bracket, the Insta360 ONE R is IPX8 waterproof to 5 meters (16.4ft). The ONE R’s AI-powered tracking technology maintains it in the center of the picture. Even when impediments block your view, Deep Track captures the photo as soon as your subject emerges.
Our Recommendation
With its 5.3k video resolution and AI-powered stabilization, Insta360 ONE R would make the best video camera for snorkeling, which is easy, versatile, and inexpensive.
Pros
- H.365 encoding
- Point to track capturing
- FlowState Stabilization
Cons
- Complicated connectivity to the app
9. SeaLife DC2000
- It features a Seadragon strobe, which provides a respectable 2500 lumens
- It allows you to capture the video up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second
- It comes with a 5x optical zooming to help you zoom in and out properly
- It works well down to a depth of 60ft without the supplied housing
- It includes four underwater shooting modes to provide distinct options
The SeaLife DC2000 HD was designed expressly with divers in mind, and it is an excellent choice for individuals who desire high-quality diving photos but don’t mind preceding a zoom lens. You can take your SeaLife down to a depth of 60ft/18m without the supplied housing, but with the housing, you can take it down to a depth of 200ft/60m.
Additionally, with four underwater shooting modes, it’s designed to meet your specific demands and is durable and reliable. Even if there are superior options on our list for video quality, SeaLife should not be dismissed since it is 1080p and 60 frames per second.
Moreover, it comes with a 20-megapixel camera that allows you to capture the seamless video at 60fps, making it better than the SeaLife RM 4K, which is equipped with a 14-megapixel camera.
We like the inclusion of the Seadragon strobe, which provides a respectable 2500 lumens and ensures that the camera operates well in low light.
Our Recommendation
SeaLife may not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking about an underwater camera, but the DC2000 from SeaLife is a good choice if you want something simple to set up and jump in with good picture quality.
Pros
- Perfect zooming
- Macro mode
- DIGI 8 processor
Cons
- Limited housing options
10. Nikon W300
- It includes a 16MP low light sensor and a fast f/2.8 lens for dependably clean and precise photographs
- It records high-quality video in 4K resolution for realistic images
- It comes with a wide-angle lens at 24mm to help you shoot the proper wide-angle videos
- It has a massive waterproof depth of 100ft, making it perfect for snorkeling
- It features a built-in image stabilization that allows you to capture the focused shots
The Nikon W300 offers several similar or comparable characteristics to the Olympus Tough in the picture and video quality. The W300 has a 16MP low light sensor and a fast f/2.8 lens for clean and precise photographs.
Aside from the higher waterproof depth, the W300 boasts a 5x optical zoom over the Olympus Tough’s 4x optical zoom. The W300 also records high-quality video in 4K resolution for realistic images and 2160p Full HD.
Other significant characteristics of this best underwater camera for scuba diving include a wide-angle lens at 24mm, a great battery life, fast concentrating speeds that are great for halting fish motion, a built-in activity track sensor that records the water depth, among other things, built-in WiFi to transfer photos to your computing phone directly, and built-in image stabilization.
Our Recommendation
The W300 is the most incredible Nikon waterproof camera on the market, with a waterproof rating of up to 100 feet. And since the W300 is shock-resistant, dustproof, and freeze-proof, it is ideal for various outdoor activities.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Built-in image stabilization
- Good battery life
Cons
- Fogging issue with the lens
Conclusion
When recording movies or taking photographs of persons submerged in water, there are a few crucial principles to keep in mind to ensure that the picture is of high quality.
In this case, we’re talking about the fundamentals: white balance, RAW settings, and underwater filters, to mention a few examples. The Best Camera for Snorkeling offers all that. Click your shot wisely!
