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(Last Updated On: )Snorkeling can be a perfect opportunity to capture some great underwater photography. But no matter how beautiful the scene is, lousy underwater cameras will hinder your efforts to take photos that do the scene justice.
You can end up with low quality, blurry, and unimpressive photos if you don’t take the time to find one of the right underwater cameras for snorkeling
| Underwater Camera | Megapixels | Preview | Waterproof |
| AKASO Brave 4 | 20MP |  |
100ft |
| Dragon Touch 4K | 16MP |  |
100ft |
| Crosstour Action Camera | 12MP |  |
100ft |
| Campark ACT74 | 16MP |  |
100ft |
| Davola Action Camera | 12MP |  |
100ft |
Table of Contents
AKASO Brave 4 4K 20MP WiFi Action Camera
Sold with a waterproof camera case that can go up to 100 feet underwater and mounting equipment, you can easily use this camera for snorkeling, diving, and various other outdoor sports.
A remote allows for easy control taking pictures, as well as 4K videos.
A helmet mount goes one step further and will enable you to go hands-free if you prefer, and the 2-inch screen lets you view your shots before you take them.
You get the camera and all 19 accessories for a very affordable price.
Pros:
- Waterproof case up to 100 feet
- Remote control
- 4K video capable
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than the rest of the list
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera 16MP
Ideal for any water sport, this camera can go up to 100 feet underwater and take 4K video.
With Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control, you can easily set up your camera and take your shots, then quickly share them with friends.
The two-inch screen provides a clear picture of your snapshot or video to avoid missing the perfect moment.
This compact camera has plenty of different photo settings such as time lapses, drama shots, driving mode, loop recording, and rotation of images right on camera.
Pros:
- Several different photography settings
- Waterproof case up to 100 feet
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons:
- Need to use the case on it
Crosstour Action Camera Underwater Cam
At a very affordable price, this camera takes high-quality pictures and 1080P video while staying within any budget.
You will get a waterproof case that holds up to 98 feet underwater, two rechargeable batteries, wireless connectivity, and a remote control app connection.
The two-inch LCD screen makes it easy to see what your camera will capture, and the entire device can be helmet mounted.
This camera also takes photos of up to 170 degrees wide, making it perfect for water sports like swimming, diving, surfing, and more. You get the camera plus all 18 accessories.
Pros:
- Waterproof case up to 100 feet
- Wireless connectivity
- 2 inch LCD screen
Cons:
- Only 1080P video quality
Campark ACT74 Action Camera 16MP
Campack combines very affordable pricing with high-quality Sony technology for great underwater photos.
The Sony sensor enables 16 M photos, 4K videos, and the tech is waterproof up to 98 feet.
If you download the camera’s app, you can access the remote control feature for your camera right from your smart device.
A 170-degree wide view with an optional lens to adjust it further helps create beautiful panoramic shots encompassing everything you want in the picture.
Two rechargeable batteries are also included in the purchase that lasts up to 180 minutes per charge.
Pros:
- 4K video capable
- Waterproof case up to 98 feet
- 2 inch LCD screen
- Slow-motion shooting
Cons:
- Have to download the app to access remote
Action Camera Davola 1080P Wi-Fi Sports Camera 12MP
Rounding out the list is the Action Camera by Davola. Capable of shooting 1080P video and delivering high definition photos, you easily achieve amazing underwater shots.
The 170-degree wide-angle capabilities and a waterproof case that works up to 100 feet underwater allow for a wide variety of usage with water sports.
You can use it for swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, fishing and, of course, on land sports shots as well.
Wi-Fi connectivity makes sharing with friends easy, along with two rechargeable batteries that get 90 minutes of charge per battery. There is also excellent customer service and support.
Pros:
- 2 inch LCD screen
- Waterproof up to 100 feet
- Ultra HD
Cons:
- Only 1080P video quality
Features to Keep in Mind
To get the most from your camera, it is important to consider certain features.
Compact vs. DSLR
Compact cameras are an excellent option for beginners because of the point and click design.
They are also usually cheaper and easier to use for both land and water photography.
DSLR cameras are a much higher quality camera designed to give you more options and clearer pictures.
Pixels come out much clearer in DSLR camera resulting in more easily taken high definition shots underwater.
Along with much better sensors, you can also change lenses and adjust the shutter speed.
For all this, you will be looking at a much higher price tag and a larger unit that will most likely weigh more.
Underwater vs. Waterproof
There are some significant differences between buying a waterproof camera and an underwater camera.
Waterproof cameras are typically able to resist water in depths above 33 feet.
Any deeper and the camera produces subpar photos and has a higher chance of being damaged from the pressure.
Underwater cameras are designed to handle the pressure of underwater without any restrictions.
Shutter Speed and Continuous Shooting
Shudder lag is a major problem for shooting anything in motion. You need to try and keep yourself and your subject as still as possible while waiting for the shutter to drop and the picture to be taken; otherwise, you can end up with blurry photos.
Underwater, there is always a slight movement, making it harder to get a clear picture with average shutter speed.
You need to look for cameras that have faster shutter speeds to take pictures quickly before the subject can move.
You can also look for continuous shooting settings to get amazing action shots and multiple pictures per second.
Video
Sometimes, pictures just cannot fully show the beauty around you. When this happens, it is nice to have a camera that is also able to take videos.
Check to see how much video your camera can hold and whether or not it is a high definition to get the best quality.
Buoyancy
You don’t want to waste your time searching for a sinking camera if you accidentally drop it.
By having a camera with enough buoyancy to float, you don’t need to worry about losing your camera and all your pictures if it slips out of your hands.
Screen
You need a high-resolution display that is large enough to show you clearly what you are looking at.
You don’t want to struggle to see your screen and waste valuable time trying to get set up.
The underwater world will not stop to wait for you, so you should make sure you can see clearly to take your shot.
Tips on How to Use Underwater Cameras For Snorkeling
If you are new to underwater photography, you should know that it isn’t like taking photos on land.
With water moving you, absorbing light and blurring some details, it can be incredibly challenging to capture the scene in front of you.
This is why it is so important to understand the settings on the underwater cameras and what needs to happen to get a clear photo.
Check The Flash
Your flash is crucial when taking pictures underwater. You need a good light source, such as strobe lighting, to get the best results.
At the very least, you need to use the forced-flash; the auto flash can have a harder time taking in the picture when underwater.
Get Close
To get the most detail in your photographs, it is important to get close to the area or subject.
Preferably, you should be two or three feet away from the subject to reduce blurring from the water. This will also help to regulate color.
Use Your Zoom
If you want to get more in your shot, you should utilize your zoom.
This allows you to stay the two to three feet from your subject to get the most detail while getting more in your shot.
Simply zoom out until you get what you want in the shot.
Remember Aftercare
Once you are done and out of the water, it is important to care for your camera correctly.
First, give the camera an excellent rinsing to prevent saltwater build-up or any particles from sitting on your camera.
Then, thoroughly dry and store it in a cool and dry place. You should also remove the batteries when the camera isn’t being used to prevent corrosion.
Conclusion
Don’t settle for subpar underwater photos anymore. Any of these cameras are perfect for snorkeling, and you can rest assured that the pictures will capture the beautiful scenes in front of you.
