10 Best Underwater Cameras 2025 in the United States

The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is a solid choice for underwater adventures thanks to its built-in waterproof design (no separate housing needed for most depths) and robust build quality. It offers a very wide 177-degree field of view, which is great for capturing expansive underwater scenes and immersing viewers in the action. The camera shoots high-resolution 27MP photos and supports impressive 5.3K video at 60 frames per second, delivering sharp and detailed footage that stands out compared to many other action cameras. Its HyperSmooth stabilization is top-notch, ensuring smooth videos even in choppy underwater conditions or during active movement. The Ultra Wide Lens Mod comes pre-installed, enhancing your creative options without extra setup.

Controls are straightforward, and the touchscreen is responsive, making it easy to operate even with wet hands or gloves. Battery life is decent, especially with the included Enduro battery, but heavy 4K or 5.3K use can drain it faster, so having spares is advisable for longer dives. While it lacks a dedicated underwater mode with color correction or white balancing, you can adjust settings manually or fix colors in post-production.

If you want a versatile, high-quality camera that excels in video and can handle underwater environments with ease, the HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is a strong contender. For very deep or technical diving beyond typical recreational limits, additional waterproof housing might be necessary.

The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 is a compact and rugged underwater camera designed for casual users and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly option. Its waterproof rating of up to 15 meters (49 feet) makes it suitable for snorkeling and shallow diving, though not for deep scuba diving. With a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, it delivers decent image quality for everyday underwater shots, especially in good lighting. The 4x optical zoom lens offers flexibility to frame photos from different distances, while digital image stabilization helps reduce blur in videos and photos, though it won’t be as effective as optical stabilization.

The camera supports Full HD 1080p video recording, which is good for casual vlogging and underwater videos, but lacks higher resolution or advanced video features that more expensive cameras offer. The 2.7" LCD screen is clear enough for composing shots, though a bigger or touch-sensitive screen would improve ease of use. Controls and menus are straightforward with auto and some manual settings, making it friendly for beginners.

Battery life is average, allowing nearly two hours of continuous video recording, which should be enough for typical dives or outings. The build is shockproof and dustproof, enhancing durability for rough conditions. WiFi connectivity is useful for quick sharing but may drain battery faster. Limitations include a maximum SD card size of 32GB and no support for MMC cards. Digital zoom may reduce image quality, and low-light performance is limited by the sensor size and aperture. The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 serves as a solid choice for amateurs who want a reliable, easy-to-use underwater camera for casual use rather than professional photography or deep diving.

The OM SYSTEM Olympus Tough TG-7 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a rugged underwater camera that can handle harsh environments. It’s waterproof and crushproof, designed to survive tough adventures, including underwater use, freezing temperatures, and impacts up to 100 kg. With a 12-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, this camera delivers decent image quality for everyday underwater snapshots, though it won’t match the detail of higher-end cameras with larger sensors.

It offers 4K video recording, which is great for capturing underwater moments in sharp, smooth motion, and the variable macro system allows very close-up shots of tiny subjects, adding creative flexibility. However, stabilization is digital rather than optical, so videos and photos might show some shake if you move quickly underwater. Controls are user-friendly with an automatic autofocus system and manual options, making it accessible for beginners while still letting you experiment with settings.

The camera is lightweight at 249 grams, so it’s easy to carry on dives or trips. Battery life supports around 260 minutes of recording, which should be adequate for day excursions but may require spares for longer use. The build quality is impressive for its price range, focusing on durability and reliability in extreme conditions rather than premium image quality or professional-level features. This camera is best suited for amateur underwater photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a tough, easy-to-use camera that works well for casual diving, snorkeling, and rugged adventures.