Cameras are probably underrated these days. There are models that have great features but are always trumped by latest, more advanced camera models. Cameras can be found in phones, mobile devices, or it could also be an individual camera. These cameras exist in different pixel numbers. They may also have water-resistant properties. However, only a limited number of models that are sold in the economical level have waterproof properties that allow them to take pictures underwater.
Fortunately, affordable underwater cameras are making its way to the market and here are the features that our specialists think you should look out for when you buy the best underwater camera.
Table of Contents
- Most appreciated Products – Comparison Table
- Underwater Camera Buying Guide
- Top 5 Best Underwater Camera Reviews
- What We Recommend
- 1. Fujifilm FinePix XP200 16MP Digital Camera
- 2. Canon PowerShot D20 Waterproof Digital Camera
- 3. Fujifilm FinePix XP60 Digital Camera
- 4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 Tough Digital Camera
- 5. Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera
Most appreciated Products – Comparison Table
| Product | Max resolution | Price | Max depth | Image stabilization | Customer Rating | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm FinePix XP200 | 16.4 MP | $$$ | 50 ft | Sensor shift | A+ | Amazon |
| Canon PowerShot D20 | 12.1 MP | $$$ | 33 ft | Optical | B+ | Amazon |
| Fujifilm FinePix XP60 | 16.4 MP | $$$ | 20 ft | Optical | B | Amazon |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 | 16.1 MP | $$$ | 23 ft | Optical | B | Amazon |
| Nikon COOLPIX AW110 | 16 MP | $$$ | 59 ft | Optical | C+ | Amazon |
Underwater Camera Buying Guide
Housing Availability
If you intend to use your underwater camera very often, you have to consider getting one with a reliable housing. All of the camera controls must be accessible and there should be available connections for the external strobes. The camera’s housing must also have external add-on lens for a wider shooting angle.
Manual Controls
Controlling images under water takes skills, practice, and the right equipment. Taking photographs under water is more difficult than on land. Automatic mode may not be too helpful. That is why you need an underwater camera that has great manual controls. Auto mode can still be done underwater but it might not give promising results.
Manual White Balance
Underwater photography can be really tricky and the conditions of the environment may not be consistent. For taking pictures in ambient light without using strobes, a camera that has great manual white balance is required. These features are not necessarily reported in every underwater camera box but reading the underwater camera reviews 2015 will lead you to the right product that has the specs you are looking for.
Lens Options
Lens options are different for point and shoot cameras and DSLR cameras. The camera housing selection for a point and shoot camera has everything to do with its lens options. The camera must be able to accept external lenses which allow the photographer to capture wider angles and enable macro shooting. In DSLR cameras, on the other hand, have available high quality lenses.
Shutter Lag
The shutter lag is the distinct delay in the time when you click the shutter button and the time when the image is actually captured. This can prove to be a bummer when shooting things that move such as fish and other marine wildlife. Choose a model that has the least shutter lag.
Megapixels
Resolution is everything. The increase in megapixel also means increasing the resolution by a certain factor. The quality of the sensor determines the resolution of your camera lens. If you are interested in capturing detailed pictures with great image quality, you should consider buying an underwater camera with bigger megapixel number.
Strobes
A good underwater camera allows the addition of strobes which basically increases the image quality of your captured pictures. Investing on strobes is a more practical move than upgrading to a better camera model.
Top 5 Best Underwater Camera Reviews
What We Recommend
Before, only professional underwater photographers can take great photos underwater because cameras with that kind of ability are absolutely delicate and expensive. But now, these cameras have been trimmed down into budget models that anybody can enjoy. With the clever and convenient innovations in the world of digital photography, knowing that you now have the power to experience underwater photography is very exciting news. More and more underwater cameras are becoming available on the market, making it rather tricky to pick the best underwater cameras. Lucky for you, we have cut the list down to 5 outstanding products which will make your search faster.
1. Fujifilm FinePix XP200 16MP Digital Camera
Our Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
Fujifilm has raised the bar for underwater photography with its FinePix XP200 Digital camera. This 16 MP high resolution underwater camera sports a compact and lightweight housing which features a four proof design. An all-weather digital camera with style, the FinePix XP200 is great for all kinds of outdoor activities you plan to take on. It has an impressive CMOS sensor that delivers great image quality and it allows wireless connectivity for easy file sharing.
2. Canon PowerShot D20 Waterproof Digital Camera
Our Rating: 
(4.0 / 5)
Sporting all the excellent features of a high-end underwater camera model, the Canon Powershot D20 has undoubtedly impressed the consumers, gaining its 5 stars and 4 stars ratings in the underwater camera reviews. It offers waterproof abilities for as deep as 33 feet; temperature resistant and is shockproof for 5 feet. The 12.1 MP resolution is powered by high-sensitivity CMOS sensor. With its great image capturing ability, the Powershot D20 can record Full 1080p HD videos.
3. Fujifilm FinePix XP60 Digital Camera
Our Rating: 
(4.1 / 5)
Fujifilm is a major competitor in the digital camera industry and it has put out some great camera models on the market, one of which is the FinePix XP60. This 16.4 MP high resolution digital camera has an impressive waterproof ability up to 20ft, shock proof property up to 5ft, and a temperature resistance up to 14 deg. Fahrenheit. This is the perfect camera for family and group outings to the beach and absolutely all kinds of outdoor activities for the whole family.
4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 Tough Digital Camera
Our Rating: 
(3.8 / 5)
Panasonic is known to be the creator of cutting edge household appliances as well as the best underwater cameras. These two items may not be totally related but the consistency of quality with every product they introduce to the market is superb. The Lumix DMC-TS25 is just one of the remarkable camera models designed by Panasonic. Its 16 MP resolution is ideal for capturing all your perfect moments both on land and underwater.
5. Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Wi-Fi and Waterproof Digital Camera
Our Rating: 
(3.6 / 5)
Nikon is one of the concrete names in the industry. The name is almost synonymous to camera. Consistent with its reputation, Nikon has designed the best waterproof camera – the Nikon COOLPIX AW110. The AW110 is the ultimate camera for all kinds of outdoor activities. It has great waterproof, freezeproof, and shockproof properties that make it an all-weather sort of digital camera. Aside from its great image quality results, it also has GPS features.
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