Making a Splash with Underwater Cameras (it’s a hard life!)
When looking at buying a camera to take amazing underwater shots, there are many to choose from. Initially, though, you need to consider if you want an underwater camera, an underwater casing for your camera (many smartphone manufacturers make cases to fit their newest models too), or a waterproof camera.
Beyond this, there are compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, and the best DSLR cameras, along with a whole heap of lenses, sensors, and more to experiment with and decide.
The big difference between the three types of camera is that DSLR and mirrorless models can use different lenses, whereas the compact has just the one attached and therefore has limited flexibility.
Generally, the points you need to check for in an underwater camera are:
- Good quality UW housing available – must allow for full manual control use
- Ability to take a variety of lenses eg wet, fish eye, macro & wide angle
- Full manual mode available
- Low shutter lag
- Long battery life
- Ability to view histogram
- Ability to manually adjust white balance
So, without further ado, let’s dive in to the best underwater cameras this year:
1. SJCAM SJ400 Underwater Camera
Overview
The SJCAM SJ4000 Action Camera is a powerful action-packed device that shoots in stunning 4K30fps, featuring an impressive 40MP UHD image capability. A truly all-rounder for capturing your thrilling adventures, whether it’s diving, hiking, or skydiving. The device offers 170°FOV 5X Digital Zoom, stabilization, and a generous 98ft underwater waterproof rating. It also comes with two batteries, a 32G SD card, and a helmet mount accessories kit. At a discounted price of $47.99, it’s hard to resist.
What We Like
The WiFi wireless connectivity is a standout feature, enabling you to edit videos on-the-go and share your adventures in real-time. With the multitude of modes available, you can customize your shots to the minute detail. The kit is packed with value, including a 32GB memory card and a spare battery, ensuring you’re well-equipped for extensive outdoor shooting sessions. We can’t overlook the 4K Ultra HD action camera feature, which makes the SJCAM SJ4000 a truly impressive device at an unbeatable price.
What Needs Improving
While the SJCAM SJ4000 is practically feature-packed, we’ve noticed a minor inconvenience with the battery door, which is unattached and can easily be lost. A hinged design for the battery door would be a smart addition. And although the 32GB SD card included is a generous addition, support for larger memory cards would be beneficial for those long shooting sessions.
2. Apexcam Action Sports Camera
Overview
Take your adventures to the next level with the Apexcam Action Camera 4K Sports Camera. Offering exceptional video quality with various resolutions, ranging from 720p to 4K, this camera has an amazing 20MP, 40M 170°wide-angle for stunning images. With features such as 2.4G remote control, WiFi connectivity, and waterproof abilities up to 130ft, this camera allows you to capture the best moments no matter where your journey takes you.
What We Like
We are incredibly impressed by the Apexcam’s Professional 4K Ultra HD video capabilities. The clarity of images and videos, along with the 170° super wide-angle lens, truly enhances the overall experience. The wireless wrist remote control is a handy and practical feature, perfect for capturing those on-the-move shots. What’s more? It’s waterproof! The camera’s 130FT waterproof rating makes it a stellar companion for water-based activities.
What Needs Improving
Though this camera offers a multitude of features, it would be an added bonus if it had built-in image stabilization to reduce shakiness during fast-paced activities. Additionally, improvements could be made in the assembly instructions for the mounting accessories kit, making it more user-friendly for beginners.
3. GoPro HERO8 Black Action Camera
Overview
The GoPro HERO8 Black + Lanyard is an exceptional entry in the ever-evolving line of GoPro cameras. It effortlessly blends high-quality 4K60 video recording, live streaming capabilities, and a solid waterproof design, making it a top-tier choice for adventurers and content creators alike. The additional bonus of HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization and the bundled lanyard simply round off an already attractive package.
What We Like
There’s a lot to love about the HERO8 Black. The camera’s standout feature, the HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, makes capturing smooth, professional-quality footage a breeze, even in the most rugged conditions. The impressive 4K60 and 1080p240 video capabilities are a dream come true for videographers seeking ultra-high-definition footage. The HERO8 Black’s rugged, waterproof design adds to its appeal, making it a truly versatile camera for all sorts of adventures.
What Needs Improving
Though we’re big fans of the HERO8 Black, there’s always room for improvement. While the battery life is decent, it could always be better. Furthermore, the process of transferring files from the camera can be a bit tedious, requiring removal of the SD card to directly transfer files to a computer.
4. AKASO Pro 4K Action Camera
Overview
The AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera emerges as a top-tier contender in the action camera market. With its competitive price and an impressive array of features, it boasts of 4K video capturing capabilities, a 2-inch IPS touch screen, an adjustable view angle, and waterproofing up to 131 feet. It’s more than just an action camera – it’s your ultimate adventure companion.
What We Like
We’re truly fond of the intuitive UI design that makes operation a breeze, even while you’re hurdling down a mountainside or snorkeling under the sea. The Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is another standout feature, delivering steady and smooth videos, regardless of the fast-paced action. Last but not least, the camera’s 131 feet water resistance ensures you capture all your aquatic adventures with stunning clarity.
What Needs Improving
While the AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K is no doubt a spectacular piece of equipment, we find the audio quality could use a bit of improvement. Its performance in extremely loud environments could be better, and the absence of external mic support is a missed opportunity. However, these are minor quirks in an otherwise superb package.
5. WOLFANG GA100 Waterproof Camera
Overview
The WOLFANG GA100 Action Camera sets the bar high for adventure lovers, vloggers and sport enthusiasts. A 4K UHD video and 20MP photo resolution ensures stunning detail in every frame, while its range of special features including EIS image stabilization, waterproof casing, dual microphones, and varied modes cater to every requirement you could have. A healthy sprinkle of extra accessories and 2 batteries ensures this is a complete package for any explorer.
What We Like
Primarily, we were astounded by the high-quality resolution – whether you’re clicking a photo or shooting a video, the details captured are simply impeccable. The waterproof feature adds to its charm, ensuring you can take it for a dip or even a dive up to 40m deep! We were also pleased with the EIS Anti-shake function, ensuring smooth and stable video capture during high adrenaline activities. The cherry on the cake? It’s also an excellent dash cam and webcam, offering a flexible range of uses.
What Needs Improving
While the GA100 is packed with features, we noticed the lack of an SD card in the package. For a gadget with such high-resolution capturing abilities, it’s a significant miss. Additionally, the setup instructions could be a tad more user-friendly, especially for first-time users.
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