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Best Waterproof Cameras for 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: August 12th, 2024

🌊Whether you're a thrill-seeker eager to capture underwater marvels or just need a camera that can handle the elements, a waterproof camera is a game-changer. While smartphones have their perks, they often stumble in rugged or aquatic conditions. After diving deep into research and testing these cameras ourselves, we've rounded up the best waterproof cameras for 2024.

Whether you're planning to dive deep, snorkel around, or just enjoy a beach day, our top picks will help you find the right camera for your adventures.

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Overall Best: Nikon Coolpix W300

Nikon W300 Waterproof Underwater Digital Camera with TFT LCD, 3", Orange (26524)

The Nikon Coolpix W300 is our top pick for the best waterproof camera of 2024. This robust camera is waterproof up to 100 feet (30 meters), making it perfect for serious divers. It boasts a 16MP sensor and 5x optical zoom, delivering crisp and vibrant images, even in the depths of the ocean. The Nikon Coolpix W300 also supports 4K UHD video recording, allowing you to capture every underwater adventure in stunning detail. Its rugged design withstands drops from up to 8 feet and temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), ensuring it’s up for any challenge. Additionally, the Nikon app makes sharing your underwater shots a breeze via Wi-Fi. While it's a powerhouse underwater, its low-light performance on land can be a bit lacking, but this is a minor drawback considering its overall capabilities.

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More Answers

Still curious about the Nikon W300 Orange? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How waterproof is the Nikon W300 camera?

The Nikon W300 is pretty well-equipped for underwater photography. The manufacturer says it can handle depths of up to 30 meters (around 100 feet), which is great if you're into snorkeling or diving. It's also toughened up against bumps, cold, and even dust, making it a solid fit for outdoor adventures. Based on what we've found, a lot of folks really like how it stands up underwater, especially in swimming pools and the ocean. But here's a heads-up: a few folks mentioned issues with water leakage. This seems to happen if the seals aren't properly closed, so it's really important to double-check that everything's closed up tight before taking it underwater. Pro reviewers seem to trust the W300 for outdoor and underwater shots, largely because it's designed to handle some rough and tumble use. Still, regular upkeep is key—check and clean those seals consistently to keep it watertight. If you're planning a big underwater shoot, maybe do a quick water test first just to make sure everything's sealed. This way, you can enjoy capturing those underwater moments without any hiccups. With a bit of care, the Nikon W300 can be a great choice if you need a reliable camera that's also waterproof.

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Does the Nikon W300 take good underwater photos?

The Nikon W300 is a strong option if you're considering diving into underwater photography. According to the manufacturer's product description, it can handle depths of up to 100 feet, which sounds great for snorkeling or scuba diving. It's pretty tough, too—it's not just waterproof, but also freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof, so it's ready for all kinds of adventures. However, our research suggests that experiences with this camera can vary a bit. Some have run into issues like water leakage, causing foggy lenses and spoiled photos. This isn't everyone's experience, but it might point to some inconsistencies with the sealing. To avoid these hiccups, definitely double-check that all compartments and seals are snug before you dive in. On the upside, lots of folks have been happy with the Nikon W300's underwater photo capabilities. It's often praised for capturing great quality photos and videos while you're out there exploring. Professional reviews usually note that it performs well below sea level, producing some impressive shots when everything's in place. So, in a nutshell, the Nikon W300 seems to be good at taking underwater pics. Just be sure to follow maintenance tips and keep an eye on those seals to make the most of it. If you're aiming to snap some underwater moments, paying attention to the handling and care of this camera should help you have a good experience. Overall, it's a popular pick among underwater photographers who want to capture their watery adventures.

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Is the Nikon W300 easy to use?

The Nikon W300 is built for adventures and tough conditions, which is reflected in some of its user-friendly features. Based on how the manufacturer describes it, it's waterproof up to 100 feet, and a lot of folks have used it for swimming and snorkeling without issues, according to our research. But, there are mixed reports on its waterproof reliability—some people experienced problems like lens fogging or water getting inside, even when they were careful. As for image quality, the W300 is made to be rugged, and it's great for adventure photography. However, our research shows it doesn't quite match the image quality of non-waterproof cameras. Some professional reviews have pointed out that aspects like autofocus and performance in different lighting conditions might not be its strong suits. If having super crisp and high-quality images is really important to you, this might be something to consider. When it comes to how easy it is to use, it seems to hit a nice balance. The controls are pretty simple, and it's designed for people who are busy with adventures—whether that's hiking, diving, or exploring rough environments. According to our research, many people appreciate not needing to fiddle too much with settings so they can focus on having fun. Before you take the Nikon W300 into extreme situations like underwater or dusty areas, it's a good idea to double-check all the seals and compartments to make sure everything's tightly closed. This extra step can help avoid water damage. If you're into underwater photography, maybe consider getting additional waterproof housing for more protection. Or, you might want to check out other cameras known for solid waterproof performance. All in all, the Nikon W300 is a solid option if you're looking for a tough camera for different types of adventures. Just be aware of its limitations and take some precautions, which might make your experience better and help prevent any issues.

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Runner-up: Olympus Tough TG-6

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS TG-6 Red Underwater camera, Waterproof, Freeze proof, High Resolution Bright, 4K Video 44x Macro shooting Red Base Underwater camera

Our runner-up, the Olympus Tough TG-6, shines with its sturdy build and versatile shooting modes. It is waterproof up to 50 feet (15 meters), making it a great choice for snorkeling and swimming. The TG-6 features a 12MP lens and can shoot in 4K resolution, ensuring you get high-definition videos. Its macro and microscope modes are excellent for capturing small details up close. The camera is designed to withstand harsh conditions, with durability up to 2.1-meter drops and functionality in temperatures as low as -10°C. Although some users report inconsistencies in underwater color balance, the camera's overall performance and durability make it a strong contender.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$428.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Fujifilm FinePix XP130

Fujifilm FinePix XP130 16.4MP Digital Camera, 5X Optical Zoom, 1080p Full HD Video, Motion Panorama 360, Wi-Fi, Water/Shock/Freeze/Dustproof, Yellow

For those seeking value without compromising quality, the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is an excellent budget option. Priced under $200, this camera is ideal for beginners or occasional photographers. It features a 16.4MP sensor and 5x optical zoom, offering solid performance for its price range. The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is waterproof up to 65 feet (20 meters) and drop-proof up to 1.75 meters, ensuring it can handle outdoor activities. While it doesn't support 4K video, it comes with useful features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing. The image quality may not rival more expensive models, but for its price, it's a reliable and durable option.

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Best Action Camera: GoPro Hero11

For action sports enthusiasts, the GoPro Hero11 is the best waterproof camera. Known for its durability and video quality, this camera is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without additional housing. It offers incredible 5K video recording with HyperSmooth stabilization, perfect for capturing high-energy adventures. The Hero11 also features a versatile mounting system, allowing you to attach it to all kinds of gear. While it can take decent 12MP photos, it truly excels in video performance. One minor downside is its battery life, which lasts around two hours of continuous use, potentially limiting its practicality for long dive sessions.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$229.99 at Amazon

Compact Option: Panasonic Lumix TS30

Panasonic LUMIX Waterproof Digital Camera Underwater Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer, Time Lapse, Torch Light and 220MB Built-In Memory – DMC-TS30K (Black)

The Panasonic Lumix TS30 is a great small and lightweight camera, perfect for travel. This camera is waterproof up to 26 feet (8 meters) and drop-proof from 1.5 meters. With a 16.1MP sensor, it provides consistent image quality, although it only supports 720p video recording. The compact design of the TS30 makes it easy to carry and hold, ideal for spontaneous shots on any adventure. While the camera's screen is smaller and less detailed than some may prefer, its portability and reliability make it an excellent choice for those needing a straightforward waterproof camera.

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