Best Waterproof Cameras in 2022 – Final List After Our Rigorous Test
If you are an outdoor enthusiast and love taking cool pictures in and out of the water, you know how important it is to have a sealed, waterproof camera. Like any other specialty cameras on the market, there are better ones and worse choices that you could go with.
Today, we are going to be giving you a little insight into the best waterproof cameras of 2020 and the unique features they have to offer.
Table of Contents
- Best Waterproof Cameras - Comparisons
- 10 Best Waterproof Cameras - Reviews
- 1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 16.2 MP Exmor R CMOS Digital Camera
- 2. Nikon COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Digital Camera
- 3. Canon PowerShot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera
- 4. Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
- 5. Fujifilm FinePix XP60 16.4MP Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD
- 6. Pentax Optio WG-3 orange 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen
- 7. Fujifilm XP70 16 MP Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD
- 8. Sony DSC-TF1/B 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD
- 9. Olympus OLYTG4RD-16GB4PC Stylus 16 Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x OIS Zoom
- 10. Nikon COOLPIX W100 13.2MP Waterproof Digital Camera
- Final Verdict
Best Waterproof Cameras - Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Camera Resolution | Optical Zoom | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
16.2 MP | 4x | |||
13.2-MP | 3x | |||
12 MP | 5x | |||
12 MP | 4x | |||
16.4 MP | 5x | |||
Pentax Optio WG-3 orange 16 MP (Currently unavailable) | 16 MP | 4x | ||
16.4 MP | 5x | |||
16.1 MP | 4x | |||
16 MP | 4x | |||
13.2 MP | 3x |
10 Best Waterproof Cameras - Reviews
If you are looking for a nice camera with great features in a compact package, this Sony Cyber-Shot may be the right choice for you. When it comes to holding up against the elements and the outdoors, this camera has you covered.
This sony Cyber-shot is fully shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof so that you can take it anywhere. That makes this handy little camera perfect travel and trekking in the outdoors.
This powerful camera can take 16.2 megapixel photos and can even record high definition video at 1080/60i. This gives you the ability to take flawless pictures and gorgeous photos. Another cool aspect of this waterproof camera is that it gives you the ability to take stills and pictures while you are recording video. You can review all of your photos on this camera’s three inch LCD display.
Trying to capture something from far away?
This camera has a 4x optical zoom that will allow you to take beautiful pictures from afar. This waterproof camera comes in a variety of fun colors to suit your style.
What we liked
- This Sony camera takes high-caliber photos with its 16.2 megapixel camera
- It uses a an Exmor R CMOS sensor to get incredible, defined pictures, even in low-light scenarios
- It has a three inch LCD screen which can you use to navigate all of the modes and settings on your camera
- The LCD display gives you a beautiful, large viewing area where you can review all of your photos
- One thing that any photographer can appreciate about this particular camera is that it is durable. It is certified dust proof, shockproof and waterproof so you can take this camera everywhere.
- This camera can record video in full 1080/60i high definition
- This Sony camera has a feature that you can use to record a movie, while you are simultaneously taking stills
- It has 4x optical zoom so that you can take some great photos, even from a distance
What we didn't like
- This camera is fairly expensive, when compared to other similar performance cameras
- Some of the buttons are located closely together and can be difficult to press
Let’s take a look at the Nikon S33 Waterproof Camera. The first thing that we have to note when mentioning this camera is the impressive amount waterproofing that you get with it. This camera is tested to be waterproof up to 33 feet of submersion.
That means that you could drop this camera to the bottom of a pool, lake or river, take it out and it can still work like new. If you are the serious outdoor adventurer or enjoy taking outdoor or wildlife photos, it is going to be difficult to beat the waterproofing and durability that this camera offers. It is also shockproof up to five feet, so you don’t have to worry about short, accidental drops.
This model uses a 3x wide angle glass zoom lens, so you can take beautiful, wide-angle pictures from afar. If you like taking video as well, this little waterproof camera has you covered. You can take videos in 1080P high definition with full stereo sound, so that you can get excellent video and quality audio as well. The navigation on this camera is really intuitive, and the over sized buttons on this model make it really easy to navigate to find the settings and modes that you need.
What we liked
- One of the most impressive features of this Nikon waterproof camera is that it is totally waterproof up to 33 feet.
- This camera is shockproof up to five feet, in case you would drop your camera
- This model uses a 3x wide angle glass zoom lens, which is perfect for taking wide shots
- This compact little device can even take full 1080P videos with stereo sound
- Many snapshot cameras can be difficult to use and navigate. This Nikon has over sized buttons and intuitive, easy to navigate menus so that you never get lost or confused, with your camera.
What we didn't like
- This is not the best camera for high quality, photography grade pictures
- With the software, it is easy to accidentally delete your pictures
This super durable Canon PowerShot Waterproof camera is built for serious outdoor and water use. This particular camera is waterproof up to 25 meters, or about 82 feet, giving it one of the high depth waterproof ratings in its class. If you are worried that you may drop this camera, which everyone is concerned about at some point, this camera is shockproof up to five feet.
It will have no trouble rebounding and working after taking a minor fall. It shoots 12 megapixel photos and is fitted with a 5x optical zoom which you can use to take high quality photos, from afar.
Another aspect of this camera that we really appreciate is that you can set the ISO from 100-3200, making it great for bright and low light pictures, respectively. This camera records 1080/24P high definition video and can even take slow motion video.
What we liked
- This is a 12 megapixel camera that is fully waterproof
- It uses a 2.3 BSI-CMOS sensor so that you can take high quality photos, even in low light
- 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 lens with optical image stabilization built into it
- This compact waterproof camera also has 5x optical zoom which can can use to take beautiful, high quality pictures, even at far distances
- With this camera you have the option of ISO 100-3200, so that you can take adjust your camera accordingly for bright and low light pictures
- Another benefit that you get with this camera is that it can record full 1080/24P high definition video
- It can even record super slow motion video at 640x480 (H.264)
- This camera is totally waterproof up to 25 meters
- It is shock proof up to 2 meters, which makes it great for traveling and the outdoors
What we didn't like
- This camera is purely a great underwater camera. You may feel that it is lacking in quality when you take photos of anything else.
When it comes to bells and whistles, this Olympus waterproof camera has you covered. This camera is waterproof up to 12 meters and drop proof up to 2 meters, making it a durable camera that is suited for outdoor use.
It records full HD video and even has an HDMI output so that you can review your video immediately, on your television, computer or other HDMI compatible devices. This camera has an impressive 8x optical zoom, so that you can take stunning pictures, at long distances. It also has built in iHS dual-image stabilization for clearer, more stable videos and photos.
What we liked
- This durable waterproof camera can take 12 megapixel photos
- It uses a BSI CMOS sensor so that you can take high quality photos and video in either bright light or low lighting
- This powerful camera can capture full HD video and then you can review on your television, computer or another device using the HDMI output that this camera has built into it
- Multi-motion movie IS
- This waterproof camera is waterproof up to 12 meters or about 40 feet
- This camera is also shockproof up to 2 meters, so that you don’t have to be concerned about dropping it. Although we still recommend getting a protective case or bag for it.
- This Olympus uses an 8x super-resolution zoom so that you can capture stunning pictures, even from far away
- It uses an F 2.0 high-speed lens to capture crisp, clear photos in both high and low light
- You get the added benefit of iHS technology, giving you dual-image stabilization for clearer photos and video
- It uses GPS and e-Compass technology so that you can record the geographic location of your photos
What we didn't like
- This camera is expensive in comparison to other cameras in its class
- This is pretty bulky in comparison to other, lighter, more compact point-and-shoot cameras
This Fujifilm FinePix camera is another waterproof point-and-shoot that has a lot to offer. It is waterproof up to 20 feet, shockproof up to five feet, dust and sand proof and freeze proof down to 14 degrees F, making this camera perfect for water use and any kind of outdoor adventure that you want to capture.
It has a beautiful 2.7 inch color, LCD monitor that you can use to view and review your photos and video. It takes stunning 16.4 megapixel photos, and is equipped with five times optical zoom and two times digital zoom. This camera has built in stabilization technology for pictures and video, and one of the most impressive aspects of this camera is that it shoots 1920x1080 full high definition video.
What we liked
- This nice little waterproof camera is totally waterproof up to 20 feet
- It is shockproof up to five feet
- It is freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit
- This camera is also dust and sand proof, making it ideal for rugged, outdoor use
- You can view and review all of your photos and videos on its 2.7 inch TFT, color, LCD monitor
- This camera shoots an impressive 16.4 megapixel photos
- This camera has a five times optical zoom lens with a two times digital zoom lens so that you can take clear, high quality pictures at a distance
- It uses a CMOS sensor with a primary color filter to give you bright, vivid colors
- It uses an optical image stabilizer to give you clear pictures and stabilized video
- One of the most impressive features of this camera is that it takes full HD 1920 x 1080P video
What we didn't like
- The zoom buttons are fairly small, and can be difficult to dial in
- The built-in internal memory is fairly small, so you will probably need to get an SD card
The Pentax Optio is yet another impressive waterproof camera, with a waterproof shell that keeps it safe up to 45 feet of submersion. It is shockproof up to 6.5 feet, as well as dustproof and cold resistant down to 14 degrees F.
It uses triple shake reduction to clear and steady your videos and photos. This camera has a beautiful three inch LCD display that lets you view and review all of your photos and videos, with clarity. One of the highlights of this camera is that it gives you ISO up to 6401, which makes it great for high quality pictures, in really low lighting.
What we liked
- This camera has a 16 megapixel sensor and a new type of imaging engine that can deliver high quality photos at a top-end sensitivity of 6401 ISO
- This camera has a high-quality waterproof construction so that it is waterproof up to 45 feet
- This camera is durable and shockproof up to 6.5 feet
- It is dustproof as well
- This camera is cold resistant down to 14 degrees F
- It uses triple shake reduction technology to help you take steadier photos and videos
- You can view and review all of your photos on the three inch LCD display
- This model records full, high-quality 1080P video
- H.264 compression at 30 frames per second
- It has 7 LED macro lights for macro illumination
What we didn't like
- To charge this camera you need to open a slot that exposes your camera to water. You need to make sure that this is sealed tightly before you take it out so your camera does not get damaged.
This durable camera from Fujifilm can handle water use up to 33 feet. It is also shock proof up to five feet and can handle temperatures down to 14 degrees F. This is one of the top-tier cameras in this review thus far, in terms of megapixels and shoots photos at 16.4 megapixels. This camera can also take full high definition video, and has five times optical zoom.
It utilizes a CMOS sensor to capture vivid, rich pictures in high and low lighting. One of the coolest features of this waterproof camera is that it can connect wirelessly to your devices, so that you can instantaneously share pictures from your recent excursion or trip.
What we liked
- This point-and-shoot camera is waterproof up to 33 feet
- It is shockproof up to five feet
- It is cold resistant down to 14 degrees F
- This is one of the highest megapixel ratings in this review at 16.4 megapixels
- It uses a CMOS sensor to capture beautiful pictures in low or bright lighting
- One of the unique features of this Fujifilm camera is that you can connect it wirelessly to your devices for instant photo and video sharing
- Five times optical zoom
- Shoots full HD video
What we didn't like
- This camera ships with a charger that only charges the battery while in the camera. It would be nice if this came with a charger that can charge the battery externally, so that you can still shoot with your camera on one battery, while the other is charging.
This sleek waterproof camera from Sony has a lot to offer your next photography adventure and is perfect for casual picture-takers and outdoor photo enthusiasts. With this model you have waterproofing protection for up to 33 feet of immersion, which makes it ideal for shooting in watery environments.
It has a 16.1 megapixel camera, which gives you the ability to take crisp, clear and colorful pictures that you can view and review on your 2.7 inch LCD screen. This camera has built-in four times optical zoom so that you can still take beautiful photos, even when you are at a distance from the target or object of your photo.
With the movie mode on this camera, you can record 720P high definition video. One of the highlights of this model is the sweep-panorama mode. With this mode on your camera you can take up to 360 degree panoramic pictures.
What we liked
- The Sony SC TF1 is waterproof up to an impressive 33 feet, which makes it perfect for outdoor shooting
- Takes pictures with a 16.1 megapixels
- Has four times optical zoom so that you can get clear, crisp pictures at a distance
- You can capture video in full 720P high definition video with the movie mode feature
- This camera has a built in stabilization feature to reduce blur and assist you in taking gorgeous pictures and stunning video.
- One of the highlights of this camera is that it has a sweep-panorama mode that lets you take up to 360 degree photos.
What we didn't like
- In comparison to the other cameras in this review, this is lacking in terms of features and photo/video quality.
- You can definitely find higher-performance cameras for a similar price.
This is another durable, high-tech model from Olympus that is perfect for rugged use and water use as well. This camera is waterproof up to 50 feet and freezeproof down to 14 degrees F. What’s also impressive about this sturdy camera is that it is shockproof up to 7 feet and can even withstand 220 pounds of force on top of it.
It shoots photos at 16 megapixels and shoots full 1080P high definition video. It has a nice four times wide angle zoom that you can use to take clearer, more expansive pictures, even while zoomed in. Another aspect of this camera that we really like is that it comes in a bundle with everything that you need to get started with using your camera, right out of the box.
What we liked
- This high performance camera from Olympus takes beautiful 16 megapixel photos
- It has a four times wide angle optical zoom that you can use to take beautiful zoomed in pictures, without having to sacrifice the scope of your view
- This waterproof camera is safe to be in water up to 50 feet deep, making it ideal for water pictures and outdoor photo excursions
- This camera is free proof down to 14 degrees F, making it great for cold weather
- It is even shock proof from drops of seven feet
- This durable foam is even crush proof, up to 220 pounds
- It features different modes for RAW capture, live composite and underwater so that you can take beautiful pictures in any circumstance
- This bundle comes with a lot including the camera itself, a 32 GB memory card, a pro reader, a micro HDMI cable and a microfiber cleaning cloth
- Built in GPS for geotagging
What we didn't like
- Since this is a high performance camera, the battery runs down quickly, depending on what features you are using
This Nikon COOLPIX Camera and bundle would be the perfect gift to give your waterproof photographer. The biggest selling point of this entire camera is the nice little bundle that it comes with.
When you buy this camera set, you are going to get everything that you need for using it right out of the box, which includes
- Cleaning cloths
- A protective carrying case
- Editing software
- A wrist strap
- A bigger neck strap
- USB cable
- AC adapter
- Rechargeable battery
- 32 GB memory card
And even more. This camera is fully waterproof and shoots full HD 1080P video. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can start sharing your pictures and video instantaneously.
What we liked
- 13.2 megapixel camera that shoots crisp, clear photos
- This camera features a three times optical zoom
- One of the coolest features about this camera is that it can connect to any of your smart devices over Wifi so that you can instantly share and review your photos and videos
- Takes high definition 1080P video
- This camera is waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof which makes it perfect for shooting in the water, underwater and in the outdoors in general
- Comes with a ton of great features: USB cable, camera strap, AC adapter, rechargeable battery, cleaning brush, high speed 32 GB memory card, All-weather case, carabiner, Paintshop Pro X9 software, screen protectors, a cleaning kit and a floating wrist strap
What we didn't like
- This camera comes with a nice bundle, but isn’t up to the higher quality cameras, in terms of performance
Final Verdict
So which of these waterproof cameras of 2020 looked like they were the best in terms of performance?
Which one seemed to provide the best value and features?
For us, we believe that the first camera in this review is actually the best value. Sony Cyber shot DSC provides all of the waterproofing and durability protection that you need to keep your camera safe.
It takes high quality photos and high definition video, and features a powerful four times optical zoom. You get to run and operate everything from its crisp, clear three inch LCD screen. For those reasons, we believe that this camera is the clear winner.
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