11 Best Cameras For Underwater Video

Are you looking for the best cameras for underwater video? As water sports, scuba diving and snorkeling become increasingly popular, more and more people have started investing in waterproof cameras to capture and share their memories. Underwater video cameras are designed to capture vivid, high quality footage while submerged.

Finding the right one, however, can be a daunting task given the huge amount of options available on the market and the potential cost associated with them. We’ve put together a list of the 11 best cameras for underwater video to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an underwater camera.

1. Sony DSC-RX100 VI

The Sony DSC-RX100 VI is a powerful, compact, and waterproof camera perfect for underwater video. It features a 20-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor, 24-200mm zoom lens, and 4K video recording capabilities. The camera’s Exmor RS CMOS sensor produces vibrant and detailed video even in low light conditions.

With its wide-angle capability and pre-programmed functions such as Underwater White Balance, the RX100 VI is easy to use and ready to capture great footage right out of the box.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• 24-200mm zoom lens
• 4K video recording
• Pre-programmed underwater white balance

Cons

• Limited battery life
• Quite expensive

2. GoPro HERO7 Black

The GoPro HERO7 Black is an obvious choice for underwater videography. This rugged and waterproof camera is designed for extreme sports, but also works well for capturing stunning aquatic footage. The HERO7 has a 2.0-inch touchscreen display, native 4K 30fps video recording and stereo sound support.

Its built-in video stabilization reduces camera shake for smooth footage, One of its best features, however, is its super slow-motion mode which allows you to capture creative and unique shots.

Pros

• Rugged and waterproof
• Native 4K video recording
• Super slow-motion mode
• Built-in video stabilization

Cons

• Limited image stabilization
• Limited battery life

3. Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 is a waterproof rugged camera that is designed to function in extreme conditions. This camera is crushproof and waterproof up to 30 meters, and its tough frame makes it suitable for underwater photography.

It features a 20.4-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording and image stabilization, ideal for capturing clear and vibrant footage. Its unique feature, however, is its night mode, which allows you to shoot in low light situations without losing image quality.

Pros

• Crushproof and waterproof up to 30 meters
• 20.4-megapixel sensor
• 4K video recording
• Night mode

Cons
• Lack of autofocus
• Limited battery life

4. Canon PowerShot D30

The Canon PowerShot D30 is designed with underwater photography in mind. This waterproof camera has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x Optical Zoom and Full HD 1080p video recording. The camera also features Intelligent Image Stabilization which helps reduce image blur, allowing you to capture clear and reliable underwater footage.

Thanks to the camera’s underwater shooting mode, the colors of underwater subjects can be accurately detected and reproduced, resulting in stunning footage.

Pros

• Waterproof up to 25 meters
• 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
• 5x optical zoom
• Intelligent Image Stabilization
• Underwater shooting mode

Cons
• No 4K video recording

5. Olympus TG-6

The Olympus TG-6 is a waterproof camera that packs plenty of features in a small frame. It features a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, 1080p video recording and an OLED viewfinder. The camera also has a wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture the more distant and wider scene. Other features include a macro mode, image stabilization and RAW image support.

Pros

• Waterproof up to 15 meters
• 12MP BSI CMOS sensor
• 4x optical zoom
• Wide-angle lens
• Macro mode

Cons

• No 4K video recording
• Limited battery life

6. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is another great underwater camera. It has a 17-megapixel MOS sensor and a light-capturing capability of 12 stops. This camera also features 4K video recording, 4K Photo Mode, and an array of creative filters, making it easy to capture stunning and creative footage.

Thanks to its electronic viewfinder. You can view the entire scene before shooting, eliminating the need for trial and error.

Pros

• 17-megapixel MOS sensor
• 12 stops of light-capturing capability
• 4K video recording
• 4K Photo Mode
• Electronic viewfinder

Cons

• Limited battery life
• Quite expensive

7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a lightweight, waterproof and interchangeable lens camera. It features a robust 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, 5-axis image stabilization for stable video, 1080p video recording and built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing. It also has pre-programmed underwater shooting modes, allowing you to capture amazing footage even in poor light conditions.

Pros

• Lightweight and waterproof
• 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor
• 5-axis image stabilization
• Pre-programmed underwater shooting modes
• Built-in Wi-Fi

Cons

• No 4K video recording
• Limited battery life

8. Nikon KeyMission 170

The Nikon KeyMission 170 is designed for capturing immersive 4K UHD video footage. This waterproof and rugged camera allows you to shoot up to 10m underwater and is one of the few cameras on the list with a rotating lens. It features a 170-degree wide-angle lens, Electronic Vibration Reduction, and a programmable shutter speed up to 1/8000s. There’s also an option for interval and burst shooting modes for creative and unique footage.

Pros

• Waterproof up to 10 meters
• Rotating lens
• 4K UHD video recording
• Electronic Vibration Reduction
• Interval and burst shooting modes

Cons

• Limited battery life
• No image stabilization

9. Panasonic Lumix FT7

The Panasonic Lumix FT7 is a tough and waterproof camera that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It features a 16.1-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, a 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization system, and a durable body designed to withstand being submerged up to 26.2m.

Thanks to its 3.0-inch touchscreen display and Wi-Fi capabilities, you can easily control and share your footage with the touch of a button.

Pros

• Waterproof up to 26.2 meters
• 16.1-megapixel sensor
• 4K video recording
• 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization
• 3.0-inch touchscreen display

Cons

• Limited battery life
• Quite expensive

10. Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II

The Canon Powershot G9X Mark II is a small yet powerful camera that packs plenty of features in a compact frame. It’s equipped with a 20.1-megapixel sensor, Full HD video recording, and a 3x optical zoom lens. The camera also has three levels of image stabilization and a fast autofocus system, allowing you to capture crisp and clear underwater footage.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• 20.1-megapixel sensor
• Full HD video recording
• 3x optical zoom lens
• Three levels of image stabilization

Cons
• No 4K video recording
• Limited battery life

11. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 is a stylish and convenient point and shoot camera. Even though it may look small and unassuming, this camera is equipped with a powerful BIONZ X image processor and a 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor for crisp, vibrant shots. It’s also capable of recording video in Full HD and features a 30x optical zoom lens. Thanks to its Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, you can easily upload and share your videos with friends and family.

Pros

• Stylish and convenient
• 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor
• Full HD video recording
• 30x optical zoom lens
• Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities

Cons

• No 4K video recording
• Limited battery life

Final Thoughts On Best Cameras For Underwater Video

Underwater photography is a great way to capture stunning footage, but having the right camera is key. Choosing the best camera for underwater video can be tricky given the sheer variety of options available on the market. We hope that this list of 11 best cameras for underwater video has helped you make more informed decision when it comes to purchasing an underwater camera.

No matter which camera you choose from the list, you’ll be sure to capture amazing and unique footage of your underwater adventures. Have fun!