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10 Best Waterproof Cameras 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

GoPro HERO13 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

The GoPro HERO13 Black stands out as an excellent choice in the waterproof camera category. With its impressive waterproof depth rating, it is designed to withstand submersion, making it perfect for adventurers, swimmers, or anyone wanting to capture moments in wet conditions. The camera features best-in-class 5.3K60 video quality and 27MP photos, ensuring that you get sharp, vibrant images and detailed video playback. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize high resolution in their action shots.

The durable build quality is another strong point, as GoPro cameras are known for their ruggedness, able to endure rough handling and harsh environments. Moreover, the enhanced battery life means you'll spend less time worrying about recharging and more time capturing memories. Ease of use is also a key feature, with straightforward controls and a compact design that makes it user-friendly for beginners.

Connectivity options allow for easy sharing of your adventures, although it primarily relies on USB connections. On the downside, the camera can be a bit pricey compared to other waterproof options on the market, which may deter budget-conscious users. Additionally, while it excels in video quality, some might find the audio recording capabilities somewhat limited unless paired with additional accessories. The GoPro HERO13 Black is a fantastic pick for anyone looking for a robust waterproof camera, ideal for capturing high-quality footage during water sports, travel, or outdoor activities.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Waterproof Depth Rating
Super easy to set up and use, plus the waterproof feature is awesome for beach trips and underwater shots.
Image Quality (Megapixels and Sensor Size)
Very good picture quality, making users happy with their purchase.
Durability and Build Quality
Held up like a champ during various adventures and water sports.
Video Capabilities
The video quality is unreal—sharp, smooth, and crystal clear, even when on the move.
Ease of Use
Super easy to set up and use, plus the waterproof feature is awesome for beach trips and underwater shots.
#2

GoPro HERO12 (Hero 12) Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K HDR Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization + 64GB Card & 50 Piece Accessory Kit - Bundle

The GoPro HERO12 Black is a top-tier waterproof action camera that excels in several key areas. With a waterproof depth rating of 33 feet, it’s perfect for underwater adventures, making it very reliable for various extreme conditions. The camera captures high-quality images with its 27MP sensor and advanced HDR capabilities, ensuring excellent photo and video clarity even in challenging lighting. Coupled with HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, you can expect consistently smooth footage, which is ideal for action-packed activities like biking or skiing.

Battery performance is strong, especially with the Enduro battery, providing up to 2.5 hours of recording on the lowest settings and robust recording times even at high resolutions like 5.3K. This makes it well-suited for extended shooting sessions without frequent recharges. The HERO12’s ease of use is enhanced by its dual screens and intuitive interface, while its connectivity features, including Bluetooth audio support, add convenience for on-the-go users.

The included 64GB card and extensive accessory kit offer great value, providing everything necessary to start capturing adventures right away. However, the unit’s compact size might make it slightly less comfortable to handle for extended periods, and the premium price tag could be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers. Nonetheless, for those seeking a high-performance action camera with advanced features and durability, the GoPro HERO12 Black is a stellar choice.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Image Quality (Megapixels and Sensor Size)
Image quality is exceptional and the field of view is impressive, making it a significant upgrade from older models.
Durability and Build Quality
The camera's build quality and ease of use stand out, making it user-friendly even for those not tech-savvy.
Battery Life
Battery life can vary, with some users getting around 60-70 minutes of recording time, but it's generally seen as adequate.
Video Capabilities
Video stabilization with HyperSmooth 6.0 is top-notch, ensuring smooth footage even during intense activities.
Ease of Use
The camera's build quality and ease of use stand out, making it user-friendly even for those not tech-savvy.
Connectivity and Sharing Options
The wireless integration is a nice feature, though some users had trouble with initial connectivity.
#3

OM System Tough TG-7 Red Underwater Camera, Waterproof, Freeze Proof, High Resolution Bright, 4K Video 44x Macro Shooting (Successor Olympus TG-6)

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is a robust waterproof camera designed for outdoor and underwater enthusiasts. With a waterproof depth rating of 15 meters and freezeproof capabilities down to -10°C, it stands out for its durability in extreme conditions. The camera's image quality is decent with a 12 MP effective resolution, complemented by a high-speed F2.0 zoom lens, which is great for capturing clear images in varied environments. The RAW recording option allows for more flexibility in post-processing, a feature that amateur photographers may find handy.

Video capabilities are impressive, supporting 4K resolution at 2160p, which is ideal for those wanting to document their underwater adventures in high detail. The digital image stabilization can help maintain clarity in dynamic situations, enhancing video quality. Battery life is sufficient for day trips, but users should consider bringing a backup if they plan to shoot extensively.

Ease of use is a key feature of the TG-7; it’s designed with amateur photographers in mind, offering simple shooting modes and an intuitive interface. Connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, make it easy to share photos and videos, a plus for social media enthusiasts. The camera's 12 MP resolution may not satisfy users seeking higher megapixel counts for large prints. Additionally, while its construction is strong, the relatively lightweight design means it's not as rugged as some heavier competitors. The fixed LCD screen, while clear, lacks the versatility of a flip screen, which can be a limitation for creative angles. Finally, the autofocus technology, though functional, operates on contrast detection, which may not be as quick as phase detection in challenging light conditions.

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is a great choice for those looking for a reliable, easy-to-use camera for underwater photography and outdoor activities, but it may fall short for users seeking higher image resolution or more advanced autofocus capabilities.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Waterproof Depth Rating
The camera performs exceptionally well in underwater photography.
Image Quality (Megapixels and Sensor Size)
The image quality is solid for a compact camera, with sharp photos and vibrant colors.
Durability and Build Quality
The TG-7 feels more solid and has better grips and zoom compared to older models.
Ease of Use
Built-in modes for different activities, like underwater HDR and macro, add versatility.

Buying Guide for the Best Waterproof Cameras

Choosing the right waterproof camera can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you love capturing moments in and around water. Whether you're planning to take photos while snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying a day at the beach, a waterproof camera can be a great investment. To make the best choice, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a waterproof camera.
Waterproof Depth RatingThe waterproof depth rating indicates how deep the camera can go underwater without getting damaged. This is crucial if you plan to use the camera for activities like diving or snorkeling. Cameras with a depth rating of up to 10 meters (33 feet) are suitable for snorkeling and shallow water activities. For scuba diving, look for cameras with a depth rating of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. Choose a depth rating based on the maximum depth you expect to reach during your activities.
Image Quality (Megapixels and Sensor Size)Image quality is determined by the camera's megapixels and sensor size. Megapixels refer to the resolution of the images, with higher numbers generally providing more detail. Sensor size affects the camera's ability to capture light, with larger sensors typically offering better performance in low light conditions. For casual use, a camera with 12-16 megapixels and a small sensor will suffice. If you want professional-quality photos, look for higher megapixels and a larger sensor.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are important for ensuring the camera can withstand rough conditions. Look for cameras that are not only waterproof but also shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. This is especially important if you plan to use the camera in extreme environments. Cameras with rugged designs and reinforced bodies are ideal for adventurous users who need a reliable device that can handle drops, extreme temperatures, and other harsh conditions.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use the camera before needing to recharge or replace the battery. This is particularly important for long outings where you may not have access to power. Cameras with longer battery life are more convenient for extended use. If you plan to be out for a full day or longer, look for cameras with a battery life of at least 300 shots per charge. For shorter trips, a lower battery life may be sufficient.
Video CapabilitiesVideo capabilities refer to the camera's ability to record video, including resolution and frame rate. Higher resolution (such as 4K) and higher frame rates (such as 60 fps) provide better video quality and smoother motion. If you plan to shoot a lot of videos, especially action shots, look for cameras with advanced video features. For casual video recording, a camera with 1080p resolution and 30 fps will be adequate.
Ease of UseEase of use includes the camera's interface, controls, and overall user experience. A camera with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface is important for quickly capturing moments without fumbling with settings. Look for cameras with simple menus, easy-to-access buttons, and features like touchscreens or voice control. If you're a beginner, prioritize ease of use to ensure you can operate the camera comfortably and efficiently.
Connectivity and Sharing OptionsConnectivity and sharing options allow you to transfer photos and videos to other devices or share them online. Features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC enable easy sharing and remote control of the camera. If you want to quickly upload your photos to social media or back them up to the cloud, look for cameras with robust connectivity options. For those who prefer to transfer files manually, these features may be less critical.

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