Snorkeling is amazing, especially the wonders of the underwater can be captured.
When it comes to selecting the best cameras for snorkeling, you have a couple of different options that range from very simple and affordable to a professional level of set up. For sure, there isn't any "one setup fits all" solution. As a matter of preference, you have to select the option that suits you personally.
Part 1: Cheap Underwater Camera for Snorkeling
For people who are fascinated by the cheap underwater cameras for snorkeling, here are some of the best affordable snorkeling camera selections.
1. Nikon Coolpix W150
Pixels: 13.2 million
Lens: NIKKOR lens with 3 x optical zoom
Image stabilization: Electronic vibration reduction
Waterproof: IPX8 equivalent capacity
Whether you are searching for the DSLR or a compact point-and-shoot camera, Nikon is a trusted name. The Nikon Coolpix is a pocket-friendly model that works great as a snorkeling camera.
It is an affordable underwater camera that supports 10 meters waterproof and features an underwater face-framing mode to automatically detect faces underwater. And its Shoot underwater function can improve images for shooting underwater, while the Add clarity underwater feature can compensate for the effect of blue water and make your snorkeling photos clearer.
Moreover, the snorkeling camera is so easy-to-use that it can be used by all family members.
2. FujiFilm FinePix XP80
Price: $189
Pixels: 16 million
Lens: 5x optical FUJINON zoom lens
Image stabilization: Optical image Stabilization
Waterproof: up to 50ft (15m)
The FujiFilm FinePix XP80 is engineered with all rugged features that a typical sturdy snorkeling camera ought to have. The camera is waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof.
The camera is highly recommended because it's cheap and has special underwater modes. It provides "Underwater" and "Underwater macro" modes, which can reproduce the colors as the human eye sees them underwater. Thanks to this functionality and the low price, this camera is certainly one of the cheapest waterproof cameras you can use for snorkeling!
3. Panasonic TS30
Price: $127.99
Resolution: HD video in 1280 x 720P
Image stabilization: Mega Optical Image Stabilizer
Waterproof: up to 8M
The Panasonic DMC-TS30 is a cheap waterproof camera for adventurers that wish to have amazing captures of their snorkeling trips.
You will enjoy the decent picture and video quality underwater with its "Red color Reproduction of advanced underwater” mode that can compensate for the loss of red light in blue water. And it comes with a torchlight, which is helpful when you are recording in dusky underwater environments.
4. AKASO EK7000 Pro
Price: $69.99
Resolution: 4K/25fps
Image Stabilization: electronic image stabilization
Waterproof: up to 40M waterproof with case
The AKASO EK7000 Pro camera promises to deliver a stripped-down version of the most expensive cameras without compromising on quality.
The camera looks just as exactly as you would expect an action camera to be like; a small 2.25” wide, 1.5” tall, and 1” deep tiny camera that can be mounted on your head or chest when snorkeling underwater.
With the waterproof case that comes in the box, the camera can be waterproof up to 40M. And it features a diving mode, which is designed for capture clear images underwater with the lack of red light.
5. AKASO V50x
Price: $99.99
Resolution: 4K/30fps
Image stabilization: electronic image stabilization
Waterproof: Up to 40M waterproof with housing
The AKASO V50x comes with a 2.0-inch IPS touch screen interface on the back. With a super-wide 170-degree lens, you can manually control shooting angles from 170, 140, 110 to 70 degrees.
The action camera also provides a 40M waterproof case and diving mode for underwater shooting. And comparing to EK7000, V50x upgrades the image resolution from 4K/25fps to 4K/30fps, which means you can get a clearer and stabler video when snorkeling.
Part 2: Waterproof Snorkel Cameras for Professional
1. Olympus Tough TG-6
Price: $349
Resolution: 4K/120fps
Image stabilization: Yes:
Waterproof: 15 meters waterproof
This camera is the preferred choice for professionals and can go up to 15M underwater. It provides 5 underwater shooting modes for snorkelers to get vivid color in the water, including underwater microscope and underwater white balance modes.
It has a bright f/2 lens with a stellar macro function and records video at 4k quality. The camera is also tough: 2.1 meters shockproof), 100 kgf crush-proof, 14 degrees Fahrenheit freeze-proof.
2. SeaLife DC2000
Price: $629.99
Resolution: 1080p 60fps HD video & 20MP
Image stabilization: optical image stabilization
Waterproof: 18 meters waterproof
SeaLife DC2000 is an underwater camera with a similar look as TG-5. Designed for diving and snorkeling, the camera has 4 underwater shooting modes with color correction for underwater photography.
The camera is compatible with Sea Dragon 3000 Light and the DC2000 Pro 3000 Auto Light set, letting you have a clear look of the underwater world in the dark. It is not only 18m waterproof, but also able to go as deep as 200 feet using the included case.
3. GoPro Hero8 Black
Price: $299
Resolution: 4K/60fps
Image stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
Waterproof: 10 meters waterproof
GoPro's compact designs and waterproof capability make it suitable for snorkeling. It can be mounted on a diving helmet for taking pictures underwater.
With its improved HDR while in motion, you can get more detail in low-light conditions. The option is compatible with GoPro's expandable mods. You can attach Light Mod, Display Mod, etc. To the action camera.
4. SeaLife Micro 2.0 Wi-Fi
Price: $469
Resolution: Full 1080p HD video/16MP
Waterproof: Waterproof to 200ft / 60m
Micro 2.0 Wi-Fi is a pleasant one with 4 Land & Sea scene modes: Land, Dive, Snorkel, and Light to automatically adjust the camera setup for different situations. Its 130°fisheye lens enables to get close to your subject and still capture everything. The snorkeling camera can be waterproof up to 200ft / 60m.
5. Canon Powershot D30
Price: $649.99
Resolution: 1080/24p HD video
Image stabilization: optical image stabilization
Waterproof: Waterproof to 25m
Canon Powershot D30 is one of the best underwater cameras with rich features. Its underwater mode can capture clear images underwater with a reduced backscatter effect. And the Underwater Macro mode can capture a magnified image of underwater objects.
It's claimed that this is the deepest waterproof camera down to 25 meters and with the Movie Digest mode, you can record your snorkeling journey when enjoying it.
Part 3: How do you carry a camera while snorkeling?
As a first-time underwater camera buyer, after the initial excitement, you might be scratching your head stressing about how you are supposed to carry the camera while snorkeling. Well instead of wondering and putting yourself through this stress, what you should is to follow any of the recommended options below:
- ● Carry your underwater camera using a snorkel Mask or a Head Strap;
- ● Carry your camera using a pole or a wrist Strap;
- ● You can decide to use a handheld camera;
- ● You can carry your underwater camera on a scuba Tank over your shoulders;
- ● You can also have your camera mounted to a catch bag;
- ● Finally, you can carry your camera on a Chest Harness or a Strap.
Part 4: How to use GoPro for snorkeling?
GoPro cameras are perfect for those that love going snorkeling. The GoPro cameras are some of the best underwater cameras in the market, as you will be able to capture beautiful underwater scenery in high definition shots. Here are some tips on how to use GoPro for snorkeling:
- ● Use of burst mode for still images;
- ● Use of filters for enhancing color;
- ● Stock up on anti-fog inserts;
- ● Get some stationary shots from different angles;
- ● Make use of a dome port.
