10 Best Underwater Scuba Cameras 2025 in the United States

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is tailored for both amateur and experienced underwater photographers, offering a robust design and impressive image capabilities. With a waterproof rating up to 15 meters (50 feet), it's suitable for snorkeling and shallow diving, making it a solid choice for recreational underwater activities. The camera features a 12 MP sensor that produces decent quality images. It does support RAW format, which is a plus for those looking to edit their photos later.

In terms of video, the TG-7 shines with its ability to record in 4K resolution (2160p), adding to its appeal for videographers wanting to capture vibrant underwater scenes. Durability is a key strength, as it’s freezeproof and shockproof, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures beyond just underwater use. The lens is bright with a fast F2.0 aperture, allowing for great low-light performance, and the 4x optical zoom gives flexibility in framing shots.

However, the camera's battery life could use improvement, especially during long underwater excursions. Users should be prepared to carry extra batteries, particularly if they plan to shoot for extended periods. While it is relatively easy to use, those new to photography might find the array of features somewhat overwhelming. The digital image stabilization helps but may not completely eliminate shake, especially in turbulent water conditions. The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is a trustworthy underwater camera that excels in durability and video quality, although some may wish for higher image resolution and better battery longevity. It's ideally suited for outdoor enthusiasts and underwater adventurers looking to document their experiences without worrying about equipment failure.

The GoPro HERO11 Black is a robust underwater-scuba-camera designed for capturing high-quality images and videos underwater. Its standout feature is its capability to record in 5.3K60 Ultra HD video, providing a significant 91% increase in resolution over 4K and an impressive 665% over 1080p. This ensures that your underwater footage is exceptionally detailed and clear. Additionally, the camera's 27MP photo resolution allows for stunning still images.

The HERO11 Black's new 1/1.9" image sensor enhances the field of view, making it perfect for capturing expansive underwater scenes. The Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth Stabilization ensures your videos remain stable and smooth, even in challenging underwater conditions. The camera also offers a variety of digital lenses and aspect ratios, ensuring flexibility in your shots. The water-repelling lens cover is a nice touch, helping to reduce lens flare and other artifacts that can affect underwater photography.

On the downside, the camera's battery life may be a concern for longer dives, as action cameras of this caliber tend to consume power quickly. Additionally, while the GoPro HERO11 Black is highly durable and built to withstand underwater conditions, its compact design may make it slightly challenging to operate with diving gloves. Its ease of use is generally good, but the small 2.27-inch screen may be difficult to navigate for some users. Nevertheless, with wireless connectivity and features such as live streaming and webcam capabilities, this camera is a versatile choice for both amateur and professional divers looking to capture their underwater adventures.

The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS TG-6 Red is a robust underwater camera designed for scuba enthusiasts and amateur photographers seeking durability and performance. With a waterproof depth rating of up to 50 feet (15 meters), it is suitable for recreational diving and snorkeling. The camera boasts a 12 MP resolution, which is adequate for capturing detailed underwater photos. Its 4K video resolution ensures high-quality video recording, which is a significant plus for capturing underwater footage.

The camera offers an 8x optical zoom and a high-resolution F2.0 lens, providing flexibility in capturing subjects both near and far. Additionally, its variable macro system allows for impressive close-up shots, up to 1 centimeter from the lens, which is ideal for capturing intricate marine life details. Battery life is decent, with approximately 340 images or up to 50 minutes of recording under standard testing conditions. However, the battery might need frequent recharging during extended underwater shoots.

Durability is a standout feature, as the camera is not only waterproof but also dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof, making it highly reliable in harsh environments. The camera is user-friendly with a variety of underwater shooting modes and white balance settings tailored for different underwater conditions. Despite its many advantages, the fixed LCD screen might limit flexibility in shot composition. While it includes Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos, it lacks advanced focus features found in more professional models. The Olympus TG-6 is an excellent choice for amateur divers seeking a sturdy, high-performing underwater camera with versatile shooting capabilities.