Waterproof cameras allow you to take charming underwater photography. This world is seldom seen by the naked eye and even less captured on film, unless you have a truly waterproof camera. Finding a high-quality, cheap underwater camera can sometimes be a challenge.
Unfortunately, regular cameras probably can’t venture into this frontier without taking a serious permanent hit to their electronics. Waterproof cases are an option, but quality ones are expensive and trusting your expensive gear to a cheap alternative is risky. Fortunately, there is a solution. Waterproof cameras!
Now, when we say “waterproof”, we don’t mean “water-resistant”. These babies can be fully submerged so you can get those great underwater shots. Although many waterproof cameras are expensive, there are some that won’t cost you a mortgage on your house.
We’ve researched some of the best budget, affordable underwater cameras. These are high-quality and will give you great photos. Check them out below:
Best Waterproof Cameras
- Best Overall Waterproof Camera: Campark ACT74
- Best Price for Quality: Yisence Waterproof Camera
- Best for Vacationing: Seree Waterproof Camera
- Best for an Active Lifestyle: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30
- Best Features for Price: FujiFilm FinePix XP130
- Best for Under $50: APEMAN A66 Action Camera
- Best for Family Photography: Nikon COOLPIX W100
- Best Budget Waterproof Camera: Dragon 4K Action Camera
1. Campark ACT74
This is the Lumoid staff’s best pick for its waterproof cameras category, largely because of its versatility for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Campark ACT74 action camera was created explicitly for outdoor people who participate in various activities. Taking photos of your adventure isn’t that easy without a proper camera, and that’s exactly what Campark wanted to change. Their ACT74 camera is ideal for surfing, diving, snorkeling, but also for cycling, skiing, baseball, and other activities.
The ACT74 features ultra HD 4K video recording, and it allows users to capture crystal-clear video. Since it’s a 16MP device, your photos will have outstanding clarity as well.
The Campark ACT74 is waterproof up to 98ft or 30m. It is also worth mentioning that this action camera comes with a WiFi remote control and is compatible with iOS and Android systems. Its dual rechargeable batteries have a long battery life up to 180 minutes. Why is this our best pick for a cheap waterproof camera? It’s a simple action camera that gives users stunning underwater photos.
2. Yisence Waterproof Camera
This is the best waterproof camera for price/features.
If you are looking for a cheap waterproof camera that can still give you decent quality photos, then Yisence’s underwater camera is worth taking into consideration. This device is on the cheaper side and the advantages are numerous – including the fact it is compact and lightweight.
The Yisence Waterproof Camera can go 10ft underwater for about an hour per time. In addition to a rear-facing 2.7″ full-color LCD display, this waterproof camera also features front-facing 1.8” full-color LCD display for selfies.
Built-in electronic image stabilization delivers steady and clear pictures. This camera is easy to use and provides quality images above and below the water surface. Bear in mind you’ll need a microSD card for this device.
3. Seree Waterproof Camera
This waterproof camera allows you to take photography in up to 10 feet of water.
Here’s yet another one of the cheap underwater cameras you may want to buy for your vacation. With Seree’s camera, you can take photos up to 10ft or 3m underwater.
This digital camera is suitable for snorkeling, swimming, diving, but you can also take it camping. Just like the device mentioned above, the Seree waterproof camera has a dual-screen to make it easier to capture selfies as well.
Due to the fact the Seree Waterproof Camera camera shoots 24.0MP, it delivers decent images and the 1080p capability gives you clear videos. This camera has various features, including continuous shooting, flash, anti-shake, face detection, smile capture, and self-time. This is a good choice for people who are on a tight budget.
4. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30
Not only does this waterproof camera give you the benefits of impermeability up to 26 feet, this camera is also shockproof.
Compared to other items on the list, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30 waterproof digital camera is more expensive, but it’s a budget-friendly alternative if we bear in mind how pricey these devices can get. The DMC-TS30 was specifically made for an active lifestyle, and it is waterproof to 26ft or 8m. It’s also useful to mention this waterproof camera is shockproof as well as dust and freezeproof.
The camera features MEGA OIS which automatically compensates for blurring in the images caused by handshake. Additionally, it has an advanced underwater mode with red color reproduction to compensate for the red tones that are easily lost in underwater shooting. That way, users get to capture more natural images.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30 takes some decent images, but at the same time, there’s more of a learning curve.
5. FujiFilm FinePix XP130
The FujiFilm FinePix XP130 is the best underwater camera from FujiFilm.
Fujifilm is one of the biggest names in the world of photography, so it comes as no wonder we see their device on this list. The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 waterproof digital camera is waterproof to 65ft, shockproof to 5.8ft, and freezeproof to 14°F. The FinePix rugged camera is also dustproof and ideal for outdoor adventures.
Additionally, the XP130 comes with an internal 5x optical FUJINON zoom lens (28-144mm) which allows users to zoom right up to the action even when they are underwater. The addition of intelligent digital zoom means that this camera offers double the zoom range (10x) while providing optimal photo processing to counteract the degradation that usually occurs when the zoom is being used.
Some cheap waterproof cameras don’t capture all the colors you can see below the surface. That’s why it’s useful to mention that the FinePix XP130 reproduces colors exactly as they are seen by the human eye.
This camera is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. While it takes a while to get used to the operation, it gets the job done. Various options and features allow users to tweak settings for the desired quality of photos.
6. APEMAN A66 Action Camera
If you are looking for an action shot waterproof camera, the APEMAN A66 is a great fit for you.
Are you looking for cheap underwater cameras under $50? Then, the APEMAN A66 is a decent choice with some great features. For instance, 1080p and 12MP deliver clear videos and photos.
Compact and lightweight, this camera proves to be a loyal companion during outdoor adventures. APEMAN’s action camera is waterproof to 30m, and it comes with accessories that allow users to mount it on their helmet, bicycle, or wherever they want meaning this device is practical above and below the water surface equally.
The HDMI cable allows users to check their recordings on their computers or TV. An anti-shaking feature offers fluent video recording. While the 32GB maximum capacity SD card support is enough for some, heavy users may want to consider getting a backup card.
7. Nikon COOLPIX W100
This waterproof camera is a great pick for all ages and skill levels and is made by one of the most reputable brands.
When it comes to photography and cameras, Nikon is king. The COOLPIX W100 is on the higher end of the affordable range, this is still a convenient device to consider. The camera is waterproof down to 33ft and shockproof from a 5.9ft drop. Moreover, the W100 is also freezeproof to 14°F.
This model features Snap Bridge with WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth support that combine to give access to various functions, including geolocation tagging, instant image transfer, and others. The COOLPIX W100 features a NIKKOR 3x optical zoom lens that produces sharp images in various situations and environments.
Nikon designed this camera to be used by all members of the family, meaning it’s so simple and easy that even children can take photos on your vacation. This camera is durable and delivers good photos, but there can be an element of blurriness to photos.
8. Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera (Budget Winner)
Dragon Touch’s action camera is one of the most affordable cheap waterproof cameras you can find. The 4K action camera allows users to capture clear videos, while 16MP photo resolution delivers vivid and bright images. Moreover, the Dragon Touch action camera has a zoom range from 1x to 4x.
Users can easily take this camera on their next water adventure as it is waterproof up to 100ft. It’s useful to mention that the Dragon Touch action cam features a wireless wrist remote control, but bear in mind that the remote is not waterproof.
Users are advised to place the camera in a waterproof case and fasten it securely so they can dive below 30m and take wonderful images. Various functions are included in the Dragon Touch action camera including time-lapse, image rotation, driving mode, loop recording, and slow-motion among others.
How Are Underwater Cameras Different From Water Resistant Cameras
Water resistant cameras are different from waterproof cameras. Water resistant cameras. to a certain point, can withstand a certain penetration of water. For example, if your camera is water resistant, it will be able to get wet to a certain extent if you are out in the rain. However, waterproof cameras are 100% impenetrable by water and can go with you underwater why you are shooting in a pool or on a beach.
Bottom Line on Cheap Underwater Cameras
Waterproof cameras serve various purposes. They are practical for active people, amateur and professional photographers, and for anyone looking for a useful device they can take on their vacation, snorkeling or diving trip.
When it comes to the best cheap waterproof cameras, there are plenty of options to choose from but to choose the right device, pay attention to how deep in the water you can go with the camera, resolution, video quality, anti-shock, and other features. We also have guides on high-end waterproof cameras, underwater camera housing, and other underwater cameras.
