Underwater sports, surfing, and snorkeling are incredible life experiences you should document using a suitable underwater camera. A premium-quality underwater camera for snorkeling is fully waterproof; you don’t have to place it inside any underwater casing.
Lucky for you, the following guide presents the best underwater camera for snorkeling, whether you want a durable, affordable, or compact one.
An underwater camera has distinctive features, such as waterproof housing, zoom, MP sensor, 4K video, optical image stabilization, and higher video resolution. All these features work together to maximize your underwater photography experience.
Our Selection Process
When buying an underwater camera, the first consideration is the sensor's image quality and, of course, the resolution. The ergonomic design helps you capture video and photos at the desired angle without distortion.
All our shortlisted snorkeling cameras offer decent photography and filming specifications allowing you to take 12MP to 24MP underwater photos. Similarly, you can’t compromise on the zoom features to take close-ups of marine life and greenery.
Another feature that is a must for underwater photographers is the image stabilization feature to prevent blur and shaky videos. Last but not least is the electronic viewfinder feature that allows you to set and shoot the frame in bright light.
The good news is that the following guide presents the top waterproof cameras for snorkeling in terms of affordability, lightweight, and convenient operations.
GoPro HERO9 Black
Why You Should Buy It
The GoPro HERO9 Black is an allrounder underwater camera for snorkeling featuring wireless connectivity, zoom magnification, and image stabilization.
One of the most significant advantages of buying this dynamic snorkeling camera is that the x 8 optical zoom allows you to capture more details than digital zoom. Besides capturing a 20MP photo, the SuperPhot features come in handy to automatically select the optimal image processing for a perfect shot.
The GoPro HERO9 is an advanced digital camera with a front display and a rear touch screen for accessible operations. For instance, the rear touch screen has a touch zoom, while the front display allows you to select the frame and access other control buttons.
Another plus of buying this snorkeling camera is the heavy-duty 1720mAh battery. Hence, you don’t have to swap or carry additional batteries.
Lastly, Hypersmooth 3.0 is a state-of-the-art image stabilization technique to guarantee in-camera horizon leveling for accurate pictures.
What to Look Out For
The GoPro HERO9 Black is a versatile camera that captures high-definition 5K resolution videos of marine life. Also, the 23.6MP camera will enable you to shoot clear and precise underwater images.
The snorkeling camera has a battery but not an SD card which you need to buy separately.
OM System Olympus Tough TG-6 Red Camera
Why You Should Buy It
A snorkeler can’t compromise on the durability and waterproofing of an underwater camera. The OM System Olympus TG-6 Red Camera is one of the sturdiest and most reliable underwater cameras featuring 12 MP effective still resolution and 4 x optimal resolution. Besides practicing 50 feet, the camera is shock, crush, freeze, and dustproof.
The waterproof camera features a distinctive variable macro system offering four macro shooting modes. Also, the magnified underwater shooting up to one centimeter allows you to capture marine life.
The five advanced underwater modes comprise three underwater white balance modes and two underwater microscope modes.
Besides capturing high-quality images, it also allows HD video recording without reducing battery life. The snorkeling camera offers significant battery timing to capture around 340 pictures and 50 minutes of recording. On the other hand, if you don’t use operational and zoom functions, you can record videos of up to 110 minutes, which is excellent.
What to Look Out For
The OM System Olympus TG-6 Red Camera lives up to the higher standards of snorkelers who want the best photo results and a durable exterior. The features, such as a high-resolution F2.0 lens and back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, assist in capturing outstanding marine photos.
On the other hand, some people have complained about average video stabilization. However, you can use the program mode, i-enhance (low) with low NR, to capture and edit photos in raw mode later.
Adostob 5K 24MP Action Camera
Why You Should Buy It
The Adostob 5K 24MP Action Camera is one of the most lightweight and compact underwater cameras that doesn’t compromise image quality and video resolution.
It comes with a 5K ultra HD camera to capture accurate pictures. On the other hand, you can record video at 60 frames per second to capture all the minor details. The snorkeling camera comes in an underwater housing allowing you to dive up to 40 meters to shoot aquatic life.
Unlike the previously discussed underwater cameras, the Adostob 5K action camera includes a 64 GB SD card, so you don’t have to buy an additional one.
What distinguishes this compact camera from the rest is the support for the wireless microphone. You can follow the instructions to connect the phone to the camera. It’s entirely up to youtube to use the microphone to minimize noise or record your sound with the live video.
You can download the iSmrt DV2 app on your smartphone or tablet to instantly share photos and videos on multiple social media platforms.
What to Look Out For
As the name suggests, the Adostob 5K 24MP Action Camera is a 24MP camera coupled with freeze motion shooting to capture detailed and precise marine life photos.
On the other hand, the visible screen is 3 inches diagonal, which is relatively smaller than the rest.
AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera
Why You Should Buy It
We have great news if you want to buy the best underwater camera that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. The AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera is affordable, featuring image stabilization and 20MP photos. Not only that, but you can capture 4K video at 30 frames per scorned or 1080p video at 60 fps.
The IPS touch screen lets you see the photo details in a bright light. Not only that, but you can easily google between the shooting modes and customize other settings. You can always adjust the view angle, such as medium, wide, narrow, and super wide.
The AKASO EK7000 Pro camera has integrated electronic image stabilization (EIS) to guarantee smooth, clear, and stable videos without jitter or blur.
The box includes an action camera, a 2.4G remote control, one battery charger, a waterproof case, and one protective backdoor.
What to Look Out For
The AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera is a budget-friendly waterproof camera that allows you to take marine photos while dining up to 131 feet. As the name suggests, it’s an action camera with CMOS sensor technology to capture the fast-moving action of marine life.
On the other hand, the remote control isn’t waterproof. Also, the camera won’t be able to record if a waterproof casing is on.
Snorkeling Camera FAQs
Are you looking to take your snorkeling experience to the next level by capturing underwater photos and videos? An underwater camera is the perfect tool for this.
But with so many different brands and types available, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about underwater cameras for snorkeling so you can make an informed decision and get the best value for your money.
What Camera to Use When Snorkeling?
Snorkeling differs from scuba diving as snorkelers mostly stay near the water's surface. That’s why it’s essential to have a snorkeling camera with exceptional zoom capability to get a clear shot of the sea life without swimming closer to it.
You need a snorkeling camera with waterproof underwater housing and advanced underwater mode, so you don’t have to place the camera in an additional water-resistant container. The problem with the added exterior is that it restricts access to the control buttons.
The camera for snorkeling should be lightweight and compact so you don’t have to feel the burden of handling the camera, as it can significantly affect your experience.
How Do You Record Snorkeling Underwater?
Before operating the camera during snorkeling, practicing on the surface to familiarize yourself with the recording operations is best. The underwater cameras discussed above offer convenient control operations allowing you to record the video with the touch of a button.
Since you do snorkeling near the water's surface during the day, you don’t need additional video lighting.
Is a GoPro Good for Snorkeling?
Of course. GoPro is one of the most versatile underwater cameras you can use for snorkeling thanks to the 5K video, live streaming and webcam, and hyper smooth 3.0 for video stabilization. Not only that, but you can also use the 8 x slo-mo video with a high frame rate.
Finally, Hindsight is an added feature to capture the video 30 seconds before pressing the record button, so you don’t have to miss any worth-capturing moment.
Final Thoughts On Best Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a streamlined activity that requires a compact and still camera. The key takeaway of the above guide is to invest in a separate camera instead of the one you use for scuba diving.
Operating the underwater camera shouldn’t be a hassle for snorkelers as it can degrade their live experience. Whichever underwater camera you select from the above list, you don’t have to worry about the photo quality and video resolution.
Happy snorkeling while documenting it!
We hope you capture all your snorkeling memories using the best underwater camera.
