10 Best Budget Underwater Cameras 2025 in the United States

The OM System Tough TG-7 Red Underwater Camera is designed for those who need a durable and reliable camera for underwater and harsh conditions. It boasts a waterproof depth rating of up to 50 feet, making it suitable for various aquatic activities. This camera offers high-resolution 12 MP images and supports both JPEG and RAW formats, ensuring that users can capture detailed and vibrant shots. The 4K video capability is a standout feature, enabling high-quality filming for creative projects.

Additionally, the camera supports panorama and high-speed movie options, adding versatility for amateur filmmakers. It is crushproof up to 100 kgf and freezeproof down to -10°C, enhancing its durability for extreme environments. The variable macro system is useful for capturing close-up shots with great detail, ideal for underwater photography of small subjects. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the TG-7 offers convenient connectivity options for sharing and transferring media. At 249 grams, it is lightweight and easy to handle.

The camera's battery life might be a limitation for extended use, as underwater activities can be demanding on power. The digital image stabilization helps reduce blur but might not be as effective as optical stabilization. Despite these minor drawbacks, the OM System TG-7 is a strong contender in the budget underwater camera category, offering a balance of durability, image quality, and video capabilities suitable for amateur photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The GoPro HERO12 Black stands out in the budget underwater camera category with its impressive features. It has a waterproof depth rating of 33 feet (10 meters), making it suitable for most underwater activities like snorkeling and shallow dives. The image quality is exceptional, thanks to the 1/1.9" image sensor, 27MP photos, and HDR capability that ensures great detail and color accuracy in both bright and shadowy conditions.

The 5.3K60 Ultra HD video provides 91% more resolution than 4K, which means your videos will be incredibly sharp and cinematic. It's also equipped with Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, ensuring smooth footage even in the shakiest situations, perfect for action shots and extreme sports enthusiasts. Durability is another strong point; the camera is rugged and can withstand various tough environments, including mud, snow, and water. A water-repelling lens cover helps to reduce flare and artifacts, further enhancing photo and video quality.

The camera is easy to use with a 2.27-inch touchscreen and straightforward controls. Connectivity options like Bluetooth make it simple to share your content or use live streaming and webcam capabilities. However, the battery life could be a concern for some users, as action cameras typically have shorter battery spans when recording in high resolutions or using advanced features like stabilization. The camera also doesn’t go beyond 33 feet in depth, which might not be enough for professional divers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the HERO12 Black offers significant value with its high-end features packed into a budget-friendly underwater camera.

The AKASO EK7000 is a strong contender in budget underwater cameras, boasting a 131-foot waterproof rating with a protective case, which makes it suitable for many snorkeling and shallow diving adventures. Its 4K video at 30 frames per second and 20MP photo resolution offer impressive image quality for its price, along with built-in electronic image stabilization that helps keep videos smooth during action. Battery life is moderate, supported by two rechargeable lithium polymer batteries, which should cover typical day trips but might require extras for longer use.

The camera is built tough to handle outdoor and underwater conditions, though the included wrist remote control isn’t waterproof, so it’s best used on land. With Wi-Fi connectivity and a 2-inch screen, transferring and previewing footage is straightforward, especially with the dedicated app, but the wireless range is limited to about 10 meters.

Although it may not match high-end models in low-light performance or deep diving, its ease of use, decent video and photo quality, and rugged design make it a great choice for beginners or casual users wanting an affordable waterproof camera for adventure sports.