Almost all action cameras are suitable for underwater shooting, as their body is completely sealed. But different models work at different depths, and besides, they can differ significantly in technical parameters. About what to buy an action camera for underwater shooting, and what to look for, is described in this article.
The content of the article
- Basic selection rules
- Top 10 best models
Basic selection rules
It is quite understandable that a model for underwater shooting should have a durable, completely sealed body. All models have this property, including those that are intended for use under normal conditions. Therefore, before buying, you should pay attention to other criteria that play a very important role:
- Resolution - the camera must comply with the 1920 * 1080p standard, that is, the Full HD format. If you need to get detailed images, it is better to buy a device that can work in 4K mode.
- Recording speed determines the smoothness of movement. The minimum requirement is 30 frames per second, the optimal is 60 frames.
- Viewing angle - you can view panoramic models at 360o or standard ones with an angle of 120-180o.
- The presence of a connector in which you can connect a microphone. In the case of underwater shooting, it is better to buy an additional recording device in a sealed case - otherwise the audio quality will be very low.
- You can take into account additional characteristics - battery life, memory card capacity, support for Wi-Fi, NFC and other useful options.
Top 10 best models
If we consider the best action cameras for underwater shooting, we should take into account not only the parameters described, but also the brand. It will not be superfluous to study customer reviews. If you select the most popular models in terms of price and quality ratio, you get the following top 10:
- Sony RX0II - a device that allows you to get a very high-quality picture at a depth of up to 10 m. The viewing angle is 84 degrees, the screen can be rotated 180 degrees, which is especially convenient for selfie lovers.
- GoPro Hero 9 Black Edition - a device for high-quality professional shooting in 5K mode. The viewing angle is 132 degrees, you can shoot at a depth of up to 10 m.
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Digma DiCam 800 - one of the best cameras among budget models. Shoots video in 4K format, equipped with electronic stabilization. You can shoot at a depth of up to 30 m.
- Rekam A340 - Another inexpensive model with ultra-wide-angle optics. Shoots in 4K mode, transmits data via Wi-Fi at a distance of up to 30 m.
- SJCAM SJ4000Air works autonomously up to 90 minutes, during shooting it can increase the contrast, which results in a very high-quality video even during sunsets and sunrises.
- Digma DiCam 420 - the best option for beginners. The camera is in a sealed aqua box, shooting can be carried out at a depth of up to 30 m. It is equipped with an additional screen on the front, on which you can see the settings you have set.
- Olympus Tough TG-6 - a compact device that records video in 4K mode. Allows you to shoot at a depth of up to 15 m. The camera is equipped with a large optical zoom, which allows you to make high-quality recordings of not only video, but also audio.
- Nikon Coolpix W300 - another device that operates in 4K mode at a depth of up to 30 m. The case is reliably insulated, frost-resistant, withstands temperatures down to -10 degrees.
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Ricoh WG-70 - camera for filming at a depth of up to 14 m. The body is shockproof, the optics are of high quality, 16 megapixels. The device is equipped with built-in ring lights.
- Panasonic FT30 – a camera with a waterproof case, designed for shooting at a depth of up to 8 m. It can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees, equipped with an LCD display and a sensor. However, video quality is only available at 720p.
Users can choose a suitable camera from any brand. Manufacturers have provided for the possibility of shooting both in shallow water and at a fairly large depth of up to 30 m. Choosing a specific model, you should take into account not only the video quality, but also additional parameters, including data transfer over Wi-Fi and battery life work.
