5 Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling – Buying Guide

Are you eager to capture your underwater adventures with a camera that can handle wet conditions? You might be wondering which one to choose. There are many different types of waterproof cameras for snorkeling on the market, but they have additional features, prices, and capabilities. Some of them are more suitable for deep diving, while others are designed for shallow water use, making them perfect for snorkeling. In this article, we will review the 10 best underwater cameras for snorkeling of 2023.

QUICK LOOK – What are Best Snorkeling Cameras?

Looking for the best action underwater camera for snorkeling to capture your underwater adventures? You might want to consider these five models:

• The GoPro Hero10 Black
• The GoPro Hero9 Black
• The DJI Osmo Action
• The GoPro Hero8 Black
• The Insta360 ONE X2

These cameras are all waterproof and can deliver stunning photos and videos with incredible image stabilization.

But how do they stack up against each other when it comes to snorkeling? Here are some of the key features that you should pay attention to:

Features	GoPro Hero10 Black	GoPro Hero9 Black	DJI Osmo Action	GoPro Hero8 Black	Insta360 ONE X2
Max Video Resolution	5.3K	5K	4K	4K	5.7K
Max Frame Rate	240fps @ 1080p	240fps @ 1080p	240fps @ 1080p	240fps @ 1080p	50fps @ 4K
Max Photo Resolution	23MP	20MP	12MP	12MP	18.4MP
Max Battery Life	112 mins @ 4K	112 mins @ 4K	63 mins @ 4K	74 mins @ 4K	80 mins @ 5.7K
Extra Front-Facing Screen	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Image Stabilization	HyperSmooth 4.0 + Boost	HyperSmooth 3.0 + Boost	RockSteady	HyperSmooth 2.0 + Boost	FlowState
Waterproof Depth	10m / 33ft	10m / 33ft	11m / 36ft	10m / 33ft	10m / 33ft
3D Video	No	No	No	No	Yes
Price Level	$448	$299	$257	$279	$385

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Best Underwater Camera for Snorkeling in 2023

If you want to take photos of your snorkeling or surfing adventures, you need a camera that can withstand the water. There are many options for waterproof cameras for snorkeling, but they are all different. Some are better for deep-water diving, while others are made for shallow-water activities, like snorkeling. In this article, we will show you the 5 best snorkeling cameras of 2023.

Snorkeling and surfing are very dynamic sports. (If you are new to snorkeling and want to know more about it, just don’t worry. We have a complete informative guide for you: Snorkeling 101: The Complete Guide to Snorkeling, so you need a camera that is small, light, and easy to use. You also need to consider the resolution, image quality, video features, and design of the camera.

You only have a little time to adjust your settings or change your lenses when you are in the water, so you need a camera that is ready to go. That’s why we have selected only the most compact, user-friendly, and high-quality best underwater camera for snoreling available. We have also included some smartphone housing options for you. Smartphone housing can be a cheap way to start taking underwater photos and videos.

You can also use your smartphone to edit and share your photos and videos right away. You can find more tips on underwater photography in our guide: [Snorkeling Photo Tips].

What’s The Best Action Camera For Snorkeling?

You don’t need to be an expert on technical terms to appreciate these cameras. They all have excellent features that make them great for capturing action. But which one is the best action camera for snorkeling?

Let’s compare them based on some crucial aspects:

GoPro Hero10 Black

The GoPro Hero10 Black is the latest and greatest action camera from GoPro, the leading brand in the industry. It has many features that make it ideal for snorkeling, such as a large image sensor, a new GP2 processor, and an innovative Hindsight function. Let me explain why these features matter and how they compare to other action cameras.

• First of all, the GoPro Hero10 Black has the same big image sensor as the Hero9, which means it can capture 23-megapixel photos and 5.3K videos with incredible detail and clarity. But the Hero10 also has a new GP2 processor, which makes it faster and smoother than ever before. The GP2 processor enables better image stabilization, which is essential for snorkeling, as you can get tossed around by the waves and currents. The Hero10 can stabilize your video with minimal cropping, even if you are shooting at 4K resolution, which is still very high and clear.
• Another feature that sets the Hero10 apart from its predecessor is the Horizon Lock function, which was introduced in the Hero9. This function allows you to keep your horizon level even if you tilt your camera up to 45 degrees (compared to 27 degrees in the Hero9). This means you can get more stable and consistent footage, whether you are underwater or above water.
• But the most impressive feature of the Hero10 is the Hindsight function, which is a game-changer for snorkelers. This function allows you to capture moments that you might have missed otherwise. How does it work? Well, when you enable Hindsight, your camera will constantly record and delete any footage that you don’t actively save within a 30- or 60-second time frame. This means you can relax and enjoy snorkeling without worrying about missing a shot or ending up with a vast and unwieldy video.
• Of course, using Hindsight will drain your battery as much as regular recording, so it’s a good idea to get an extra battery and charging pack on Amazon if you use this feature often. But your SD card will be spared, which is a big plus.
• The Hero10 also has some other features that make it a great snorkeling action camera, such as a front-facing “selfie screen” to help you frame your shots and high-end slow-motion frame rates (up to 240fps). These features are optional for snorkeling, but they are nice to have anyway.
• The only drawbacks of the Hero10 are its weight and price. It is heavier than other action cameras due to its larger battery and image sensor, but you won’t notice it much in the water. It is more expensive than other options ($449-499), but it is worth it for the features it offers and how well they suit snorkeling.

(You can read our detailed review if you want to learn more about the GoPro Hero10 Black and how it works as an action camera for snorkeling.)

Possible alternatives to the GoPro Hero10 Black for snorkeling are:

• The Panasonic Lumix TS7 has an electronic viewfinder, 4x optical zoom, and is waterproof to 102 feet.
• The Olympus Tough TG-7 has a microscope mode, manual white balance adjustment, and is waterproof to 50 feet without housing.
• The Sealife Micro 3.0 has an underwater color correction for shallow and deep water, a 260K OLED screen, and is waterproof to 200 feet.

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GoPro Hero9 Black

The GoPro Hero9 Black is the predecessor of the GoPro Hero10 Black, and it shares many of the features that make it a great action camera for snorkeling, such as the large image sensor, the Hindsight function, and the Horizon Lock function.

However, it also has some limitations that make it less powerful and versatile than the Hero10. Let me show you what they are and how they affect your snorkeling experience.

First of all, the GoPro Hero9 Black has a different processor than the Hero10, which is called GP1. The GP1 processor is not bad, but it is slower and smoother than the GP2 processor in the Hero10.

This means that the Hero9 has lower performance and quality in some aspects, such as image stabilization, photo resolution, video resolution, and frame rate.

For example,

• The Horizon Lock function in the Hero9 can only level your horizon up to 27 degrees (compared to 45 degrees in the Hero10), which means you have less flexibility and stability when you tilt your camera.
• The photo resolution in the Hero9 is 20 megapixels (compared to 23 megapixels in the Hero10), which means you need more detail and clarity in your photos.
• The video resolution in the Hero9 is 5K (compared to 5.3K in the Hero10), which means you have less sharpness and crispness in your video
• The frame rate in the Hero9 is 30fps for 5K recording and 60fps for 4K recording (compared to 60fps for 5K recording and 120fps for 4K recording in the Hero10), which means you have less smoothness and slow motion options in your videos.

These differences are not insignificant, but they are not deal-breakers either. The Hero9 Black is still a perfect action camera, especially if you are on a budget (the Hero9 usually costs $349-399, compared to $449-499 for the Hero10).

You can find out more about the GoPro Hero9 Black here on Amazon. (If you want to know more about how the GoPro Hero9 Black works as an action camera for snorkeling, you can read our detailed review here: The New GoPro Hero9 Black: Is it the Best GoPro for Snorkeling?)

Possible alternatives to the GoPro Hero9 Black for snorkeling are:

• The Panasonic Lumix TS7 has an electronic viewfinder, 4x optical zoom, and is waterproof to 102 feet.
• The Olympus Tough TG-7 has a microscope mode and manual white balance adjustment and is waterproof to 50 feet without a housing.
• The Sealife Micro 3.0 has an underwater color correction for shallow and deep water, a 260K OLED screen, and is waterproof to 200 feet.

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DJI Osmo Action

If you are looking for a budget-friendly action camera for snorkeling, check out the DJI Osmo Action (Amazon). This camera was the first serious competitor to the GoPro Hero Black series when it was launched, and it is still a perfect choice for snorkeling today. The DJI Osmo Action has some features that make it stand out among snorkeling action cameras.

For instance,

• It can go deeper underwater than the GoPro Hero9 Black (11 meters or 33 feet versus 10 meters or 33 feet).
• Also has a powerful image-stabilization technology called RockSolid, which can match the earlier versions of GoPro’s HyperSmooth.
• It can capture fantastic snorkeling photos and videos with its 4K video and a 12-megapixel camera.

The DJI Osmo Action has one significant advantage over the GoPro, at least for now, and that is its front-facing screen that makes it easier to take selfies and group photos.

The GoPro Hero9 Black also has a “selfie screen,” but it is more expensive than the Osmo Action, which costs only $199 (usually).

The DJI Osmo Action could be better, though. It has a smaller battery and sensor than the GoPro Hero10 Black, which is a beast of a camera. However, the Osmo Action is still an excellent snorkeling camera because of its low price and high-quality video recording capabilities.

Possible Alternatives to the DJI Osmo Action 4:

• Sony RX0 II: This is a compact and rugged camera that can shoot 4K video at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps. It has a 1-inch sensor, a Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm f/4 lens, and a flip-up LCD screen for selfies and vlogging. It also supports external microphone input, image stabilization, and eye AF. It’s waterproof down to 33 ft (10m), shockproof from drops up to 6.5 ft (2m), and crushproof up to 440 lbs (200 kg).
• Garmin VIRB Ultra 30: This is an action camera that can record 4K video at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps. It has a 1/2.3-inch sensor, a wide-angle lens with three field-of-view options, and a touchscreen display. It also features voice control, electronic image stabilization, and built-in GPS and sensors that can overlay data such as speed, altitude, and G-force on your videos. It’s waterproof down to 131 ft (40m) with the included case.
• SJCAM SJ8 Pro: This is a budget-friendly action camera that can capture 4K video at up to 60 fps and 1080p at up to 240 fps. It has a 1/2.3-inch sensor, a wide-angle lens with eight field-of-view options, and a dual-screen design with a touchscreen on the back and an OLED on the front. It also supports external microphone input, electronic image stabilization, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s waterproof down to 98 ft (30m) with the included case.

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GoPro Hero8 Black

The GoPro Hero8 Black is still one of the best action cameras for snorkeling, even though it has newer and more advanced siblings. It also has a lower price tag, which might appeal to your wallet.

The Hero8 Black has all the great features that GoPro is known for, such as HyperSmooth for fantastic image stabilization, a wide range of compatible accessories, a user-friendly interface, and more. It can record in 4K resolution, take 12-megapixel photos, and survive underwater up to 33 feet, just like the DJI Osmo Action. It sounds perfect.

The only thing it lacks is a selfie screen, which you can find on the GoPro Hero10/Hero9 Black or the DJI Osmo Action. Unlike previous Hero Blacks, which had removable lens covers that made it easy to attach different lenses and other cool extras, GoPro decided to make the lens cover fixed on the Hero8 Black, which makes it harder to do so. But the Hero9 Black brings back the removable lens cover.

However, if you want to save some money (the Hero8 Black costs $299, $50 less than the Hero9 Black), you will get a lot of bang for your buck with this camera.

Sure, you pay a bit more for the GoPro brand and features, but the GoPro Hero8 Black’s excellent image stabilization and reliable GoPro performance make it a tempting choice.

Alternates to GoPro Hero8 Black:

There are many alternatives to GoPro Hero8 Black in the market, but some of them may have similar features or better performance than others:

• Sony FDR X3000: This is a premium action camera that has a large image sensor, optical image stabilization, and a Zeiss lens. It can shoot 4K video at 100Mbps and has a live-view remote that can be worn on the wrist. It also has a stereo microphone and a wind noise reduction feature.
• Oclu Action Camera: This is a sleek and compact action camera that has customizable modes, universal mounting, IPX7 waterproof rating, and motion recording. It also has a live-view remote that can be attached to your wrist or bike.
• Olympus TG-Tracker: This is a challenging and rugged action camera that can withstand harsh shooting conditions. It has electronic image stabilization, immersive ultra-HD video, a front LED headlight and built-in sensors. It also has a flip-out LCD screen and a wide-angle lens.

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Insta360 ONE X2

Snorkeling is not a typical use case for 360-degree action cameras, but it can create some fantastic effects that are only possible with 360 videos. For example, if you want to appear in your videos next to marine life or if you’re going to capture the beauty of the surroundings on all sides, a 360-action camera might be a good option.

The GoPro MAX is probably the most popular 360-degree action camera, but I suggest the Insta360 ONE X2 as a potential top choice for a snorkeling camera (here on Amazon).

Don’t get me wrong, the GoPro MAX (Amazon) is the best 360-degree action camera. It has GoPro quality and more features for making advanced 360-degree videos. But it also requires some video editing skills to fully use it. And it is more expensive than the ONE X2 ($499 versus $425).

The MAX and ONE X2 are very similar in most other aspects. They both have 5.7K 360 video, excellent image stabilization, selfie stick removal, horizon leveling, and waterproofing up to 10 meters/33 feet.

The ONE X2 has a unique advantage in its mobile app, which is very user-friendly and powerful. Insta360 has made sure that the app can help anyone, from beginners to experts.

In the app, you can use the AI to edit your video based on a template you choose, including making cuts, choosing angles, and adding effects. Great for snorkelers, it also has AquaVision, which automatically adjusts the colors of your underwater video according to its specific needs.

(Editing 360 videos on your phone can be demanding, so you need a very new and capable phone for this. This is true for both the GoPro MAX and 360 videos in general. And you need a powerful computer if you want to edit them that way.)

The ONE X2 is a good option if you want to make 360 videos on a budget, as it costs only $425 and comes with an app that is designed for different users.

Some other 360-degree action cameras for snorkeling:

• The GoPro MAX is probably the most popular and best 360-degree action camera. It has a GoPro quality and more features for making advanced 360-degree videos. But it also requires some video editing skills and a powerful phone or computer to use it. And it is more expensive than the ONE X2 ($499 versus $425).
• The Garmin VIRB 360 is a rugged and waterproof 360-degree action camera. It has a 5.7K video resolution, a voice control feature, and a built-in GPS and sensors. It also has a spherical stabilization technology that smooths out the video regardless of the camera movement. But it is also pricey ($799) and bulky.
• The Ricoh Theta V is a compact and lightweight 360-degree action camera. It has a 4K video resolution, a 360-degree spatial audio feature, and a remote playback function. It also has an underwater housing accessory that makes it waterproof up to 30 meters. But it has a short battery life and no image stabilization.

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The Winners: Our Top Picks For Best Snorkeling Cameras

The Best Action Camera for Snorkeling

The best overall action camera for snorkeling is the GoPro Hero10 Black. Its technical specs truly are unparalleled. A 5.3k image sensor is awesome and useful in some situations.

The large, high-quality photo resolution of 23 megapixels is fantastic. Those few extra grams are well worth the substantial battery life they provide. Everything here is excellent.

However, I find that the Hero10 Black’s unique features, such as Horizon Lock and Hindsight, set it apart from the competition. You can take exceptionally steady underwater footage while snorkeling and never miss a moment of the action (which is just the worst when it happens and a wonderful thing to be able to avoid).

Because of this, I am willing to spend a little more on the Hero10 Black to ensure I obtain the best possible results when snorkeling.

The Best Affordable Action Cameras for Snorkeling

Not wanting to spend on the Hero10 Black is no shame if you don’t go snorkeling as much. There are, thankfully, many other excellent choices.

What I think are the best snorkeling action cameras are…

Go for the GoPro Hero9 Black if you don’t want to spend as much money. You won’t receive as much power out from the Hero9 as you would from the Hero10, but you’ll still get all of the essential features that make both cameras great for snorkeling. So even if you only save $100, you’ll still have a reason to celebrate.

Or, if you’re on a tight budget but still want that extra front-facing “selfie screen,” the DJI Osmo Action is a great option. Finally, get the GoPro Hero8 Black if you don’t care as much about the secondary display; I find it useful, but just occasionally.

The Osmo Action and the GoPro Hero8 Black are similar underwater camera for snorkeling that work well.

Great if the extra space on your device allows you to take better selfies and video calls. You won’t regret purchasing the DJI Osmo Action. The GoPro Hero8 Black is a great choice if you care about battery life, video quality, and stabilization. The majority of people can understand it that easily, in my opinion.

The Best 3D Action Cameras for Snorkeling

You can’t go wrong with the GoPro MAX or the Insta360 ONE X2 if you’re in the market for a 3D action camera to take snorkeling footage.

In conclusion, the GoPro MAX is the best option if you’re a GoPro veteran who wants access to the most advanced capabilities for creating spectacular 360-degree footage (and has some prior expertise in doing so).

Otherwise, I recommend the Insta360 ONE X2 (Amazon) if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get started editing 360 videos (and have a decent phone) and keep things simple.

However, either one is a fantastic 3D action camera for snorkeling, and you’ll have no trouble recording your entire underwater journey in stunning detail. (As a side note, the ONE RS Twin Edition (Amazon) from Insta360 is essentially a very sturdy traditional action camera linked with a 360 action camera in a really interesting assembly, making it ideal for those who are on the fence about which type of action camera to buy for snorkeling. If you’re on the fence, you should check it out because it’s a fascinating concept with many of the same advantages as their other types of action cameras.

What is an Underwater Camera for Snorkeling?

A compact, tough camera made to take photos and films underwater is known as an underwater camera for snorkeling designed for use. In contrast, snorkeling is often either completely waterproof or at least resistant to splashes. In addition, several extras are included to ensure smooth integration with your current tools.

What To Look for In An Underwater Camera?

Consider the following before committing to the purchase of an underwater camera for snorkeling:

What type of camera should I buy?

The market is stocked with a wide variety of underwater camera for snorkeling. Action cameras and waterproof cameras are the two most common variations. Choose wisely! On the other hand, if you plan to take images or videos for an extended period, a waterproof camera or action camera may be better suited to your needs.

The main reason is that most action cameras can’t withstand being submerged for long because of the lack of ventilation provided by their open-housing design. However, if you don’t intend to snorkel for more than 20-30 minutes at a time, it doesn’t matter which camera you choose because both will give you good photos in those short periods.

If you wish to take pictures and videos throughout your entire dive (which should last no more than an hour), you need either invest in an underwater camera with a closed housing or refrain from using it altogether. An action camera is ideal for snorkeling because you can concentrate on snapping pictures for brief bursts of time.

However, their use should be limited to no more than 30 minutes at a time. Our underwater cameras range in price from cheap to very expensive, depending on the model and function. Rather than an action camera, we recommend a waterproof camera or one with a closed housing if you plan on spending a lot of time shooting underwater.

What accessories should I get?

Invest some time in researching the many add-ons available to you before settling on one to use with your camera or video recorder. So here are some suggestions to help you choose the right one for your snorkeling trip:

• POP Filters: These filters are a must when shooting in bright environments to reduce glare and enhance contrast.
• Remote Control: You can accomplish more with your hands-free when utilizing an action camera with a remote control, especially if you have a second photographer along. Some waterproof camera models come with remote control, but this is not the norm.
• Float Strap/Handlebar Seat: The float strap is a must-have if you want to bring your underwater camera for snorkeling with you. Our thoughts? If this is your first time snorkeling, this is a must-have item. Due to their size, snorkel fins pose a significant risk when near moving objects (including people). Injuries can occur if another person accidentally strikes the fins. It’s also recommended to bring a float with you when snorkeling. A float strap is a must-have if you want to bring your underwater camera for snorkeling with you.
• UV Filter: These filters are a must-have for taking images in bright environments, such as beneath water when a lot of sunshine is present, blocking light and improving clarity.
• Tripod: Selfies taken while swimming can be significantly improved using a tripod. As a bonus, you can shoot excellent pictures of marine life without using a mask or snorkel!
• Bag/ Backpack: Use a waterproof bag or backpack to store your underwater camera every time you return from a snorkeling trip. Corrosion and other forms of damage may happen if this is neglected.
• Lens Cloth: When diving in salt water, a lens cloth is necessary for keeping your camera’s lens clean and ensuring that your underwater images look great. We highly recommend using a microfiber cloth, which is well-recognized for its softness and ability to trap particles inside. They cost only $3 to $5, and you can get them at any camping or outdoor store.
• Waterproof Case (Optional): Even if you already have an action camera, we recommend acquiring an underwater camera if you intend to take it snorkeling.

Why Use an Underwater camera for snorkeling?

One of the numerous benefits of using an underwater camera for snorkeling is the possibility of capturing images and videos. Listed below are some of them:

• Photography: The underwater world is a photographer’s paradise, so if you’re into snapping pictures, don’t forget to bring your underwater camera on your snorkeling trip. There is no need to limit what you bring because there will always be room for more. To avoid startling marine species, you should always have your flash or strobe on the “off” setting. If you don’t use the flash, your batteries will last longer, too. You’ll be able to acquire higher-quality photos and longer videos this way.
• Recording Moments: An underwater camera is a fantastic addition to any snorkeling trip. After saving them on a Micro SD card, you can send them anywhere in the globe.
• Just For Fun: Why go underwater and snap some photos rather than sit around bored? It’s a blast and simple to execute, but you’ll need a waterproof camera for your images.

How To Prepare Your Action Camera For Snorkeling?

We advise taking the following precautions before going snorkeling with an action camera:

Where To Place Your Camera During Snorkeling?

Both action and waterproof cameras have unique features that make them suitable for underwater photography. Here are several convenient spots to stash your camera while you snorkel:

• Shoes: Slip it inside your footwear to cover your point-and-shoot or tiny camera. If you’re wearing something made of neoprene or latex, keep it out of the water as much as possible once you put it on. Instead of hiding it within the shoe, a watertight pouch is better.
• Hands: You can protect your camera from getting wet by using gloves. Put the camera in the palm of your hand and secure it with a lanyard or rubber bands.
• Leg Pockets: If you’re planning on wearing shorts, this is the perfect spot to stow your camera, provided the pockets have secure closures like zippers or buttons. Using a sealable waterproof bag can avoid dealing with zippers and other hassles.
• Snorkeling Belt (Optional): There are snorkel vests that have both front and back pouches, so you can keep your camera safe from water splashes. This is an excellent option if you want to take pictures of marine life without having to worry about them running away because of your camera.
• Baggy Shorts (Optional): To protect your camera, use loose-fitting swimming shorts or pants with multiple pockets (s). Verify that all pockets (including the ones on top) have zipper closures. Putting them in a neoprene pouch can help prevent water from entering the zippers.
• Back Pouch (Recommended): You should acquire a new piece of equipment with its own waterproof pouch. Having it stashed away in a convenient location makes it more convenient to retrieve when needed. Alternatively, you might invest in a snorkel backpack to carry your gear and other necessities like food, beverages, and towels.
• Pre-plan Your Shots: It is important to remember that the shots you want to capture for both images and movies will require some planning in advance. This also applies to the shooting distance and angle to provide optimal image quality from your camera(s).
• Tripod: Make a duo with an old one, or improvise one out of PVC pipes, rubber bands, and silverware if you don’t have a waterproof tripod. Remove any unneeded length by cutting the tube or other object before joining it with tape or a fastening like a zip tie.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

Now you know that taking pictures while snorkeling doesn’t require much more than a few basic techniques! Checking for water leakage in advance will prevent unpleasant shocks afterwards. If you take your time and plan, you’ll have much better outcomes than if you try to take a bunch of random photos under pressure and end up with subpar shots.

So, That’s it from Adventure in Blue about a complete and informative guide to Best underwater camera for snorkeling in 2023 with Buyers guide. If we miss anything, you can mention that in the comment section so we can add it to the article.