Summer is the best time to diversify your pastime and go on a trip to the nearest sea. And if the weather is outside, the trip on vacation will be the best solution. If lying on the beach is not at all interesting, you can arrange yourself a truly extreme vacation. And the best underwater cameras that are not afraid of water, bumps and falls will help to leave memories for life.
The underwater sea world is incomparable. Bright colors, exotic algae and fish - how not to share such beauty with others? Maybe it’s your photos and videos that will push friends and acquaintances on the same sea adventures. Going on an extreme vacation? Underwater cameras are a daunting task. But we will try to do it. It's time to explore the top 10 cameras for underwater shooting. So, we will begin to study this indispensable technique today.
What are underwater cameras?
A huge number of different models of different price categories and with different characteristics are presented on the market. All this seriously complicates the choice. And even professionals have a hard time. Usually, experts in the field of extreme photography distinguish two categories of underwater cameras:
- Chambers for shallow water. Those with which it is not recommended to shoot at a depth of more than 10 meters, the time the camera operates under water varies from 20 to 60 minutes. Their mission is to capture an intense rest. The case of such devices is sealed, which saves the equipment from moisture, dust and shock. The camera is suitable not only for underwater shooting, but also for work in rain, snow and wind. The disadvantage of shallow water machines is that in order to get high-quality and clear pictures, the water must be crystal clear. Otherwise, the photos will be blurry and not sharp.
- Cameras for depth. This technique belongs to the professional and is as much as possible protected from moisture and blows. Designed for depths of up to 60 meters, however, some cameras are capable of more. The advantage of such cameras is their long operating time in extreme conditions. On average, the duration of the shooting can be from an hour to two. Due to the high technical characteristics, the pictures are obtained in high quality and with high resolution. Professional underwater cameras come with specialized filters, flashes and lighting equipment. Such devices are well protected not only from water pressure, but also from mechanical damage.
If the purpose of buying a camera is to capture a bright vacation, then take a closer look at cameras designed for shallow water.
What to look for when choosing?
First of all, you should decide for what purpose the device is bought. When choosing, you should pay attention to such factors:
- The most important thing is depth. It depends on this parameter how deeply it will be possible to immerse the camera in water.
- The second most important parameter that affects the quality of images is the lens. Orientation is at the capture angle. In order to regulate the process and pamper your loved ones with high-quality images, it is recommended to purchase a camera with removable lenses or pay attention to models that differ in a wide range of capture angle values.
- In order for the photos to turn out to be of the highest quality at a depth exceeding 15 meters, you will have to stock up on additional flash. Stationary flash output is only suitable for shooting at depths of up to 10 meters. With all this, shooting is recommended in the daytime or spend money on a professional flash.
- The quality of photographs depends on the optics and resolution of the camera’s matrix. For example, for amateur photos at shallow depths, a value of 10 megapixels and ordinary glass lenses are suitable. If you need professional images, then the appropriate resolution is from 16 megapixels, and the optics should be professional.
- Pay attention to such a parameter as the strength of technology. After all, extreme photo shoots carry the risk of a device falling, for example, from a two-meter height. It is important that the camera continues to work stably. You can learn about the strength of the camera from the technical passport, which indicates the strength coefficient.
- The interface, as a parameter, is important only for convenience and does not carry any practical benefit. Choose a camera with a simple interface, because shooting under water is very dynamic, which is why you will have to quickly respond and set the necessary parameters.
- For shooting under water, an image stabilizer is vital.
- A fairly important parameter is the battery operation. Even when shooting on land, it is very disappointing when the battery sits at the most inopportune moment, what can we say about shooting the underwater world. Do not forget that when using an additional flash, the battery will drain many times faster, so the battery power is quite important when choosing a high-quality camera. If anything, a spare battery will always come to the rescue.
- In addition to depth, it is important to pay attention to temperature indicators at which the camera will function perfectly.
Making a list of the best cameras that can give high-quality images is not an easy task. Leading positions are occupied by world giants: Nikon, Olympus, FUJIFILM. An overview of cameras for underwater shooting begins with these models.
Tenth place - Xiaomi Yi Action camera
He is rightfully recognized as one of the best cameras designed for extreme shooting in 2018. The camera is very small and even fits in your jeans pocket. XIAOMI Yi Action Camera can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi. The camera has three buttons: turn on, start shooting and switch the mode from photo to video. For shooting under water, you need to purchase a water box, it allows you to dive with a camera to a depth of 40 meters.
Specifications:
- screen resolution - 16 megapixels, the pictures are sharp and bright;
- there are no settings for the camera, in order to control the device, you must install the proprietary application and work via Wi-Fi;
- video shooting - Full HD with 60 frames per second;
- you can go down 100 meters;
- convenient mounting will not allow the device to be at the bottom of the sea.
The main advantage of the camera is its affordable price and excellent quality. In addition to good technical specifications, the camera looks pretty pretty. Such a waterproof underwater camera works stably in all conditions.
Ninth Place - Contour Roam 2 Camera
Contour Roam 2 custom cylindrical camera. The case is protected from moisture at a depth of up to two meters, when buying a water box, this value increases to 50 meters. The camera is not afraid of falls, nor frost, nor snow.
According to reviews, the Contour Roam 2 is suitable for shooting underwater. Bright, saturated pictures are obtained even in low light. Just what you need for the deep sea. A convenient mount will not allow the camera to get lost at the bottom of the sea. The main advantage of the device is shooting video in Full HD quality. The gadget quickly responds to a change in lighting and location, adapts to any conditions.
Eighth place - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30 series camera
The most compact camera among analogues recognized Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30. Technical characteristics of the device correspond to the price. You can dive with the Sony camera to a depth of 10 meters. And if the immersion depth is quite low, then the advantage of the camera is image stabilization and an LED flashlight that perfectly illuminates objects when shooting close up. Therefore, you can refuse to purchase a flash.
The most important advantage of the Sony underwater camera over other cameras is the IntelligentAuto function, which is responsible for recognizing the format of pictures and automatically adjusts the device to environmental conditions.
To create stunning pictures, it is not necessary to have expensive professional equipment. It is only important to learn how to use the available light correctly, create a composition and correctly select images of the future picture. Of course, you should take into account all the nuances of the shooting conditions.
Seventh place - Pentax Optio WG-1 camera
Pentax cameras were remembered by consumers for their unkillable cameras. One appearance of the device hints that it’s time to go diving. Sports design will win the heart of any extreme.
Specifications correspond to the price:
- resolution - 15 megapixels, five times optical resolution;
- immersion depth with a camera is 10 meters;
- survive a fall from a height of 1.5 meters and frost to minus 10 degrees;
- Shooting - HD-video (720 p).
For shooting small objects, of which there are a huge number of underwater, the macro mode is intended, as well as LED backlighting, which allows you to not use an additional flash. The basic kit is not equipped with a GPS navigator, but there is an improved version, which costs significantly more.
Sixth place - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 camera
Externally, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4 is more like a toy camera than a shockproof and waterproof camera. The device is famous for its good technical characteristics and impresses with its price.
Camera specifications are as follows:
- resolution - 12 megapixels, a lens with a four-fold increase;
- immersion depth limit - 12 meters;
- strength coefficient assumes a safe fall from a height of two meters;
- the camera works stably at a temperature of minus 10 degrees;
- video shooting - Full-HD;
- GPS-chip, compass, altimeter for conquering high mountains are built into the camera.
The camera has gained popularity in narrow circles due to the fact that it takes pictures very quickly - 3.7 frames per second. This factor is quite important when shooting underwater, because the most unusual can happen in a second.
Opens the top five Nikon Coolpix AW130
This Nikon model is in the mid-price range and is small in size and durable. Suitable for shooting at a depth of 20-30 meters, which is suitable for both amateurs and professionals. Operating time under water - up to an hour. The temperature limits of the chamber are up to -10 degrees. The wide-angle lens is distinguished by a five-fold optical zoom, the camera has an expansion of 16 megapixels, a focal length range of 24-120 mm, an aperture value of 24 mm (has three values that vary with respect to the focal length), shutter speed is F2.8.
Perhaps on vacation you do not have to dive to a depth of 30 meters, but during diving you can not worry about the integrity and safety of the camera. For shooting nimble, but very beautiful fish, the camera provides a function for tracking the object, constant and frame-by-frame. Autofocus works flawlessly in both photo mode and video mode. This is an important option for underwater shooting. It is not superfluous to mention that the camera shoots Full HD-video. The camera can be controlled via Wi-Fi.
Ideal Nikon Coolpix AW130 will suit more lovers. If your goal is professional shots, and the process should be controlled from beginning to end, it is better to pay attention to other models. Nikon Coolpix AW130 is a great compact underwater camera that can be a true friend in any extreme travel. Fans of outdoor activities will definitely like the presence of a built-in world map on which you can leave points with detail. In addition to the map, there is a compass, but it works very approximately.
The camera interface is quite easy to use. For example, changing modes can only be done by tapping the case or tilting it. This is ideal for shooting in the winter. The best underwater camera found.
Fourth place - Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4 camera
Olympus is famous for its compact waterproof cameras for extreme shooting. In addition to the impressive technical characteristics, the camera even looks intimidating: all the connectors have rubber pads, and under the control panel there is a silicone lining. A feature of the device is the presence of LED autofocus and powerful flash. This is what you need when shooting underwater, where good lighting is a common problem.
Camera specifications are as follows:
- immerse the camera in water only to a depth of 15 meters;
- the device works without interruption at sub-zero temperatures;
- the lens has a fourfold optical zoom and an expansion of 16 megapixels;
- the strength factor promises that even when falling from a two-meter height, nothing will happen to the camera;
- 5 frames per second burst function allows you to catch even the sharpest movements;
- the device supports shooting video in Full HD format (frequency - 30 frames per second).
- remote control thanks to Wi-Fi;
- has a GPS chip and an integrated map.
An ideal camera for extreme holidays.
Third place - FUJIFILM FinePix XP80 camera
A budget camera that can afford any lover of travel and extreme relaxation. If your goal is curiosity and tourist interest, then Fiuggi is an ideal option. Since for relatively little money we get a decent device.
Camera specifications are as follows:
- you can dive with a camera for a maximum of 15 meters;
- The camera supports Wi-Fi remote control function.
- expansion - 16 megapixels and five-fold optical zoom, viewing angle - 28 mm;
- the device has an “action camera” function, which increases the viewing angle to 18 mm;
- The device supports recording video in FullHD format (30 frames per second).
To share the beauty of the underwater world is much easier than it seems. It’s better to see once than hear a hundred times, and the underwater camera does an excellent job of this.
Second Place - Nikonos 5 Camera
The Nikonos 5 is ideally suited for underwater shooting because it supports lens and flash changes. The standard UW-Nikkor 35 lens does its job perfectly. The Nikonos 5 is a professional camera, and in many magazines and books about the underwater world, the photographs presented are made specifically for this camera. There are real legends among photographers about Nikkor lenses. They have high resolution and powerful aperture, which allows you to take bright and sharp photos.
The body of the camera is metal, so this device has gained confidence even among US Navy scouts. For a waterproof camera for underwater shooting, you can choose any accompanying technique in the form of lenses and flashes for specific purposes.
First place - the camera in boxing
The most common aquabox takes the deserved first place. The easiest option for underwater shooting is a water box, in which you can put an existing camera. Covers provide the opportunity to take with you absolutely any camera that will satisfy all your needs. Even a professional SLR camera has a suitable case. However, this method has a significant minus - the severity and bulkiness. Aquaboxes allow you to immerse the camera to a depth of 30 to 100 meters. For example, Canon underwater cameras are only used in special cases. For example, the CanonG10 model will do its job perfectly. In addition to aquaboxes, you can use the so-called disposable cameras for underwater shooting. Despite the fact that these cameras are recognized as invulnerable, they also require careful care.