Best Waterproof Cameras for Taking Pictures Underwater

When it comes to a camera, one of the first things people pay attention to is rightfully the quality of the video that said camera is capable of shooting, generally manifesting in the highest possible resolution that the device supports. And since the model in question is Nikon, it comes as no surprise that the model is capable of shooting in 4K Ultra HD or 1080p Full HD videos with stereo sound. Thanks to the Short Movie Show feature, you'll be capable of combining your favorite clips into 30-second compilations and providing some background music and special effects with just a few clicks and no effort required. The W300 is equipped with a 16-MP backside illuminated CMOS low-light sensor with a Macro Mode function that when turned on will help you portray even the most inconspicuous details in flowers, plants, insects and more. It also comes with their own NIKKOR lens capable of 5x optical zoom and equipped with a hybrid vibration reduction feature that will keep your photos and videos steady, even when the path ahead gets bumpy.

Naturally, since the model in question is advertised as a waterproof underwater digital camera, you would expect it to hold up even in the most extreme conditions. And your expectations would not be misguided since the W300 is capable of handling anything that you throw its way. The camera is waterproof down to 100 ft so you can take it with you on your snorkeling or scuba diving sessions or if you just simply wish to shoot in a pool. The model is freezeproof of up to 14°F, so skiing, snowboarding, sledging or any other exciting winter activity is an option that is available to you. Last but not least, the camera is also shockproof and dustproof, meaning you can take with you on you dirt biking or just down to the beach and you won't have to worry about what happens if you drop it or if some sand or dirt gets in the way. The camera is incredibly easy to control with a large 3.0-inch LCD screen and a dedicated Tool button gives you quick access to GPS, eCompass and other features. Some people may find the model to be a bit pricey, but with the kind of quality and resistances it provides, the Nikon W300 is worth every penny of that price tag.

Although Olympus TG-5 is the kind of camera that will be able to satisfy virtually any customer regardless of their lifestyle and preferred way of spending their pastime, the camera is an absolute steal for anyone that doesn't like to sit still and likes to put himself in the situations that not everybody would necessarily describe as safe and harmless. If you're the type that likes to explore coral reefs or any other form of marine life and would like to shoot some videos while you do so, the camera features a protection against water of down to 50 ft. If mountain biking is your thing and you can't wait for the weekend to come so you can spend some time riding over rough terrains, the model has you covered with a protection against being dropped from over 7 ft and a crushproof structure capable of withstanding up to 220 pounds of force. Of course, being dropped or crushed is not the only potential danger a camera can face in this kind of environment, which is why this model also features a solid protection against dirt and dust.

Now, protection is great and important when it comes to this type of model, but this is a camera after all and a camera ought to be capable of shooting a quality image. People behind Olympus TG-5 are more than aware of that which is why this device comes equipped with a new 12MP high-speed image sensor for improved low light performance and noise reduction. And since we're talking about a premier camera in the current year, the model is also capable of capturing your adventures in vivid Ultra HD so you can watch your mountain trip, coral reef dive or a desert hike in a spectacular lifelike resolution. The camera also features Full HD 120 fps high-speed video for those moments where 30 or 60 frames per second just wouldn't be enough. Last but not least, the device also comes with built-in Action Track Sensors so you can record your movements and environmental data. You’ll find a GPS for latitude and longitude, a compass for direction, a temperature sensor, and a manometer for altitude and water depth. So no matter where you like to spend your free time, the camera will always be ready to accommodate your needs regardless of the environment you put it in.

The CMOS sensor size making 1/2.3 inches with the optical resolution of 16.4 MP allows you to shoot photos with the top quality in every detail and minimum noise. The Fujifilm waterproof camera boasts a continuous shooting mode with the speed of up to 10 pictures per second or ultra-high-speed of 60 photos. The modes can be activated by the special Burst Mode Button. A wide choice of other shooting modes includes almost all possible scenes and events. You will definitely find something suitable for your particular situation: whether you are in the mountains, desert or underwater. Impressive, Fujifilm guarantees you clear and vivid colors even in the underwater shooting modes with the macro zoom. The camera shoots video with 1080p resolution that can be watched on any large HD TV-screen. You will be able to invite your friends to watch a real movie of your own adventures. If you wish to record the same objects at a certain interval for time-lapse scenes like urban life or sunset, use an Interval Shooting Mode. You can select 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 60 seconds, 30 seconds or 15 seconds intervals. Thus, you can easily make a bright movie featuring the sun going down or a flower opening!

As for the extras, this Fujifilm FinePix camera has a standard jack for charging, USB- and HDMI-ports for file transfer and connection to PC or TV. We should also mention the available Wi-Fi allowing you to transfer files to smart gadgets. Having Fuji Remote Camera app installed on your smartphone or tablet, you will be able to control the camera right from your digital gadgets, which is a convenient feature for selfies and group shots. The power supply is the Li-ion battery NP-45S charged from the mains and sufficient for up to 210 photos. You can also use the FinePix XP80 as an Action Camera to record and broadcast your extreme adventures or sporting events. Note that this camera is available in different bright colors!

A waterproof camera is synonymous with extreme sports and some of the most exhilarating outdoor activities, which is why no good camera like that would be complete without the Motion Detection technology. Simply put, the technology helps the user snap sharper images by automatically selecting a faster shutter speed and higher ISO (light sensitivity) setting. The idea behind it is to compensate for subject movement or camera shake. With this technology in your arsenal, you won't have to worry about choosing the right camera setting and simply enjoy the freedom of taking great pics whenever you want them and however you want them.

And if that doesn't sound sufficient enough for you, the underwater camera also offers the VR image stabilization technology that works in conjunction with Motion Detection by detecting horizontal and vertical movement and offsetting that movement with compensating motion. As a result, you'll get sharper shots and you won't even have to rely on a tripod or flash for help.

Aside from all of these features, what we have here is a relatively standard waterproof camera. A sensor will ensure a sufficient amount of image clarity. With the help of this sensor, you will be able to shoot videos in Full HD at 30 frames per second. The camera is compatible with a SnapBridge app, so you'll also have the opportunity to automatically transfer images to your smart device for easy sharing and storage.

To sum it up, the Nikon W100 will prove to be a perfect choice for the technophile crowd and the extreme photography enthusiasts. With the help of the camera's cutting-edge shooting features, you will be able to take high-quality shots and shoot awesome films regardless of the surrounding environment.

Of course, all of that is possible thanks to the optical sensor. Or, in this case, a 16.4 MP CMOS 1/2.3" sensor that offers remarkable clarity even in the most low-light environment. By the way, you don't always have to choose between taking a photo or shooting a video as the model offers you the perfect middle ground with its 10 fps high-speed continuous shooting feature. Simply choose either the Cinemograph Mode or the Interval Shooting Mode and enjoy a number of high-quality still images of a moving element.

Furthermore, not dissimilar to some of the more expensive Nikon cameras, the model comes equipped with the automatic scene recognition feature that allows the user to focus on the shooting aspect and leave it up to the camera to choose the right setting. It also doesn't forego the familiar Geotagging feature as well as the optical (Sensor-Shift) image stabilization that successfully counteracts the camera shake and allows the device to produce sharp images and clear footage.

Having said all of that, we're not dealing with a regular camera here but a waterproof one and that means we wouldn't be able to complete the review without at least briefly mentioning the model's protective properties. And, again, sticking with the same approach, the kind of protective feature that the camera boasts have no business being attached to such a modestly priced camera. The device is waterproof up to 65 feet (20 meters), it doesn't care about dust, you can drop it from up to 6 feet without ruining the exterior or damaging its circuits, and it will be able to survive the frost as long as it doesn't drop below the 14 degrees Fahrenheit mark.

To rephrase our earlier point, the Fujifilm XP120 is a really attractive option and arguably the most interesting waterproof camera with good zoom in its price range. Despite the fact that it costs just a tad above a hundred bucks, the model boasts truly impressive specs and all the features and protection elements you need to shoot footage and take pictures anywhere you want.