Best Underwater Cameras for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling (2026)
Four underwater cameras for divers and snorkelers, how depth ratings and housings work and tips for better underwater photos.
Capturing the Underwater World
Bringing a camera underwater lets you share what you see on a dive or snorkel. The best camera depends on whether you prefer photos or video, how deep you dive and how much gear you want to carry. Action cameras are small and great for wide-angle video. Rugged compacts take better photos and excel at macro. Full mirrorless setups in housings produce the best images but cost far more. This guide focuses on cameras that are practical for most recreational divers.
OM System Tough TG-7
Best compact for dive photos
- Waterproof to 15m (50 ft) without housing
- Strong macro capability
- Shockproof and crushproof
GoPro HERO13 Black
Best action camera for video
- Waterproof to 10m (33 ft) without housing
- 5.3K video
- Dive housing available for deeper use
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Best action camera without a housing
- Listed as waterproof to 20m
- Large 1/1.3-inch sensor
- 4K video
Underwater Cameras Compared
| Camera | Type | Depth Without Housing (Listed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OM System Tough TG-7 | Rugged compact | 15m (50 ft) | Photos, macro |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | Action camera | 10m (33 ft) | Wide-angle video |
| DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | Action camera | 20m | Video without a housing |
| SeaLife Micro 3.0 | Dedicated underwater camera | Check listing | Simple underwater shooting |
Depth ratings are as listed by the makers. Use a dive housing rated for your depth when diving deeper.
The Best Underwater Cameras
1. OM System Tough TG-7
The TG-7 (successor to the Olympus TG-6) is a favorite rugged compact among divers. It's waterproof to 15m (50 ft) on its own, shockproof, crushproof and freezeproof, shoots 4K video and is especially strong at macro photography of small marine life. With an optional housing, it goes deeper.
Good to Know
- Excellent macro
- Very tough
- Waterproof without a housing for snorkeling and shallow dives
Watch Out For
- Needs a housing for most scuba depths
2. GoPro HERO13 Black
The HERO13 Black shoots high-resolution 5.3K video and is waterproof to 10m (33 ft) without a housing. For scuba diving, GoPro's protective dive housing extends the depth rating to 60m (196 ft). It's ideal for wide-angle video of reefs, wrecks and dive buddies.
Good to Know
- Great video quality
- Small and easy to mount
Watch Out For
- Needs a housing for scuba
- Wide lens isn't ideal for small subjects
3. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The Osmo Action 5 Pro is listed as waterproof to 20m without a housing, deeper than most action cameras out of the box, with a large 1/1.3-inch sensor for better low-light footage. It's a good choice for snorkelers and shallow divers who want to skip the housing.
Check Price on Amazon4. SeaLife Micro 3.0
SeaLife specializes in underwater cameras. The Micro 3.0 has a 16MP sensor, 4K video and built-in underwater color correction modes. Check the listing for its depth rating.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose an Underwater Camera
Depth Rating
Choose a camera or housing rated deeper than your maximum dive depth. Open water certified divers typically dive to about 18m (60 ft); advanced divers to about 30m (100 ft) or more.
Photos or Video
Compacts with good macro modes are best for photos. Action cameras with wide lenses and stabilization excel at video.
Controls
Large buttons are easier to press with gloves. Housings make small buttons usable underwater.
Lighting
Red light disappears quickly with depth. A video light or strobe restores color and lets you shoot in caves, wrecks and at night.
Total Cost
Housings, lights, trays and arms add up. Budget for the full system, not just the camera.
Tips for Better Underwater Photos
- Get close: less water between you and the subject means sharper, more colorful shots.
- Master buoyancy first so you don't damage reefs or stir up sand.
- Shoot slightly upward toward the surface for more light and contrast.
- Use a wrist lanyard so you don't drop your camera.
- Rinse your camera and housing in fresh water after every dive and check the O-rings.
More Dive Gear
Complete your kit with dive fins, a mask and a waterproof watch. See the full scuba equipment list or compare snorkeling vs scuba diving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a GoPro scuba diving?
Yes, but recent GoPros are waterproof to only about 10m (33 ft) on their own. For scuba diving, use a dive housing rated for your depth. Check the specific model's rating.
What depth rating do I need for scuba diving?
Recreational diving goes to around 18m (60 ft) for open water certification and 30 to 40m (100 to 130 ft) for advanced divers. Choose a camera or housing rated deeper than your maximum depth.
Why do underwater photos look blue or green?
Water absorbs red light first, so colors fade with depth. Get close to your subject, use a red filter for video in shallow water or use lights or strobes to restore color.
Is a compact camera or action camera better for diving?
Compacts like the TG-7 are better for photos, especially macro. Action cameras are better for wide-angle video and are smaller. Many divers use both.
Do I need a housing for my underwater camera?
Only if you'll dive deeper than the camera's own rating. Housings also make buttons easier to use and add mounting points for lights.