Shopping for the best camera for snorkeling can be extra confusing. There are several factors you need to check on, given the unique environment where you’re planning to shoot. But, shopping for one can get better if you know what features you should be shopping for. You wouldn’t want to miss capturing those precious moments under the sea!
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I know it can be overwhelming to shop for this product. If you’re after getting a simpler understanding rather than getting dumped with tech lingo, this review is for you! We have everything you need to find the right product and make sure you don’t break the bank getting one.
Best Camera for Snorkeling for 2023 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Picking the right camera at your ideal price point is hard enough. Imagine having to scour one that’s good for taking underwater shots! You’d want equipment that lasts longer but one that’s good to last until your snorkeling getaway may also be good enough.
The choices out there are robust if only you know what you should be looking for. Keep reading and learn all the practical information you need to shop for a snorkeling camera. Here’s a quick round-up of 7 of our top picks:
| Image | Brand | Dimensions | Weight | Resolution | Screen Size | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL   | AKASO | 1 x 2 x 1.5 inches | 22.4 ounces | 1080p | 2 inches | Check price |
PREMIUM PICK   | YISENCE | 3.15 x 2.76 x 0.79 inches | 4.4 ounces | 48 MP | 2.7 inches | Check price |
BEST VALUE   | FUNSHION | 6.38 x 5.87 x 2.44 inches | 10.5 ounces | 30 MP | 2.7 inches | Check price |
  | Safe and Perfect | 6.42 x 4.96 x 2.52 inches | 10 ounces | 48 MP | 2.7 inches | Check price |
  | Sakar | 8.23 x 5.75 x 1.85 inches | 11.7 ounces | 18 MP | 2.4 inches | Check price |
  | Kodak | 5.1 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches | 5.9 ounces | N/A | 35 mm Film | Check price |
  | Vmotal | 5.47 x 5.16 x 1.69 inches | 8.8 ounces | 1080p | 2.8 inches | Check price |
1. AKASO 4K30FPS Underwater Camera
- Waterproof up to 98ft
- WiFi-enabled
- HDMI resolution, 4K ultra HD
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
- 4K and 1080p HD Resolution
Capture once in a lifetime moments on the beach and under the blue sea. This camera stays safe and waterproof up to 98ft! That’s so much more than the 10ft waterproof capability of our Premium Pick, YISENCE Full HD Waterproof Digital Camera, for so much less!
Get everyone in your traveling party, including your tour guide, inside the frame because this camera comes with a 2.4G wireless remote control. A wide-angle lens makes sure it captures not just your face but also the breathtaking wildlife your eyes are bound to feast on during your vacation. Then, once you’re back in your hotel or cabana, have a fun time viewing your videos and photos captured in true 4K and 1080p HD. Don’t forget to recharge the batteries and be ready to shoot more captivating under the sea view for the next day.
2. YISENCE Full HD Waterproof Digital Camera
- Waterproof up to 10ft
- 48 MP resolution
- Zoom lens up to 16x
- 2.7 inch LCD dual screens
- Built-in 2 second, 5 second, and 10-second timer
If you’re looking for the best waterproof camera for snorkeling, this lightweight and compact camera definitely deserves your utmost attention. YISENCE is all about capturing every moment you want to cherish for life. Its 48-megapixel resolution, 2.7-inch dual screens, flash, and high-performing SD memory cards help you do just that.
3. FUNSHION Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling
- Up to 10ft underwater
- 1080p resolution
- 16x zoom lens
- 2.7-inch screen
- Comes in two colors: blue and black
It has a video resolution of 1080p and a lens that can zoom up to 16x. The screen is 2.7 inches wide, and the camera can record while charging. It is portable and easy to carry. And it’s also very durable and physically strong. It comes in two colors: black and blue.
We find the 6 fast-speed shooting functions highly practical and useful. Snorkeling can be very wobbly, not to mention it makes taking crisp and clear photos so much more difficult. With the camera shake function, however, those photoshoots are going to look just great!
Pros
4. S&P Dual Screen Waterproof Camera –BEST Waterproof HD Camera
- 48 MP resolution
- 16x Digital zoom
- 2.7k Video resolution
- Continuous shooting feature
This product is highly comparable to the FUNSHION Waterproof Camera for Snorkeling. This equipment can capture photos at a 48 megapixels resolution. Its lens can zoom up to 16x, and it can record videos up to 2.7k resolution. It has an anti-shaking feature that allows you to capture clear pictures despite constantly floating in the water.
5. Sakar Rechargeable Polaroid Underwater Camera – BEST Rechargeable Underwater Camera
- 18 MP resolution
- WiFi-enabled
- 2.4 inch rear screen
- 8x digital lens zoom
Capture your best, most unforgettable moments then share in an instant with the Sakar Polaroid Camera. The product supports WiFi connectivity, so you can share your photos and videos directly from your camera. It can zoom up to 8x, and it has a 2.4 inch rear screen. It’s very light, so you can carry it anywhere. It comes with a wrist strap, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it in the middle of the ocean.
6. Kodak Underwater Disposable Camera — BEST Disposable Underwater Camera
- Up to 50ft underwater
- 35 mm film
- Disposable camera
This camera is great if you plan on going on a vacation and you don’t want to risk your expensive camera getting wet. This offering from Kodak is tried and tested, and it’s so easy on the pocket. How can anyone say, ‘No’?
However, this camera still runs on old-school 35mm film. Nonetheless, it’s so easy to operate and very cheap camera. If you’re not an avid fan of the outdoors or very seldom snorkel, this can be a viable option that’s high-performing but easy on the pocket.
7. Vmotal 1080 HD Waterproof Camera — BEST Underwater Lightweight Camera
- Waterproof up to 16ft
- Multiple shooting modes
- 2.8 inch LED screen
- 16 MP and 1080p HD resolution
- Comes with a 1050 mAh rechargeable battery
This camera has a 2.8 inch LED screen and can shoot photos at a resolution of 16 megapixels. It can also record videos at a resolution of 1080p HD. It has a 1050mAh rechargeable battery, and it supports SD memory cards.
Best camera for snorkeling: Buying Guide
By now, you may have your eyes fixed on one of the cameras included in the list above. Before you go and buy the best underwater camera for snorkeling, have a look at these tips when shopping for one.
Weight
Nobody wants to be carrying around a camera the size of your own head when snorkeling. Aside from the hassle of having to lug around the huge thing, there’s also a big possibility that you drop it somewhere in the ocean. There’s already enough plastic in the ocean, the fish don’t need to be eating expensive cameras too!
That’s why you have to bring smaller cameras, no bigger than the size of your hand. That actually brings me to my next point…
Resolution
Smaller cameras tend to have a poorer resolution compared to the bigger models, but you’re going to have to sacrifice image quality for portability. That being said, that doesn’t mean that all of the smaller cameras have the image quality of an iPhone 4.
All of the cameras on our list above are portable but also have great resolution. Only Kodak Underwater Disposable Camera has a lower resolution. Most of them capture video at a 1080p resolution. It’s not 4K, but at least it’s not 480p, right?
Screen size
Of course, you need to be able to see what you’re taking pictures of. That’s why screen size matters. If you get a camera with a small screen, it would be hard to see what you’re capturing and it would also be hard to review and playback your pictures and videos.
Waterproofing and Casing
Naturally, all underwater cameras are waterproof. However, most of them are waterproof only up to a certain distance. Most are waterproof only up to 10 feet underwater. By far, the AKASO 4K30FPS Underwater Camera is the best performing if this is your primary consideration. You can use it safely up to 80ft.
However, if you plan on scuba diving a bit deeper, then you should get a camera built for such a purpose. Or, you could purchase a separate case. It’s up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you take pictures while snorkeling?
Make sure to set your camera’s brightness, texture, etc. to your preferences. Take pictures in areas with sunlight to ensure that the picture is visible. Hold the camera steady to avoid shaking and your picture being blurred.
Of course, the last thing you should do when taking pictures underwater is to make sure to get a decent camera. No matter how many times you make sure to follow the other instructions, if you get a camera that can’t do what you need, then your pictures will inevitably end up not looking how you want them to.
See above for our picks for the best camera for snorkeling.
Q: How do you carry a camera while snorkeling?
There are several ways to carry a camera underwater while still being able to capture some quality footage. Among them is carrying the camera by hand, which is the most obvious choice. However, using this method might mean that you will have shaky footage since you have no way to stabilize the camera.
Mounting the camera on your mask or head strap is the most recommended method by scuba divers, but this might also cause you to capture footage at an awkward angle. By far, the best method to capture video underwater is to mount it on a handheld pole.
Q: How much do underwater cameras typically go for?
The price of a camera depends on the model and its features of course. Typically, some of the cheaper underwater cameras go for around $40–$50. These cameras definitely will not have the best resolution or other features, but they will definitely get the job done.
That said, if you’re looking for a camera with much more features, resolution, and overall raw power, some cameras sell at around $500. But if you plan on professionally taking underwater pictures, and you need the absolute best in the market, then your best bet is to get one of those cameras that go for $2000 each.
Q: Should I just waterproof my camera by myself?
I know that the prices of the cameras in the previous question are really high, but that doesn’t give you the go signal to just go out and waterproof your camera by yourself. You may be tempted to just take your very powerful, non-waterproof camera, and drape a plastic bag over it.
However, I assure you that that is a very bad idea. For one, a plastic bag is not the most reliable waterproofing ever. All it takes is for the plastic to accidentally graze a coral or something, then you can say ‘bye bye’ to your camera. There are a lot of cheap underwater cameras out there that make it absurd to take a riskier option.
Q: How do you remove water from a camera?
Well, I did tell you in the previous question not to go out and start waterproofing your camera by yourself. But you just had to try the plastic bag method, didn’t you? And now your camera is wet, and not working. Fine, I’ll tell you how to remove water from a camera.
First of all, try putting on silica gel. Put the silica gel into a plastic bag along with the lens, battery, and other important parts of your camera, and wait for the gel to dry the water. If you don’t have silica gel, you can put it in an airtight bag along with rice.
Conclusion
So, that’s the end of our list. Feel free to refer back to the buying guide if you’re still not sure what to look for when shopping for the best camera for snorkeling. You can also head back to our table to see our picks for the best underwater cameras. We hope you enjoy your vacation, oh and remember to take some pictures!
