As more people are discovering the underwater world we naturally want to capture it too! With underwater photography and videography getting more popular it is also becoming more accessible with great cameras now being cheaper than ever. I've compiled a list of my top 7 underwater cameras of 2022 that all come in under $500! I've also given my specific recommendations with each camera plus listed my recommended accessories to further help you capture stunning underwater images. So let's get this started with our cheapest camera and work our way up.
For accurate & current prices, please check the links provided
The best budget underwater cameras you can buy today
Akaso V50 Elite | GoPro HERO 8 Black | Kraken Smartphone Housing | Olympus TOUGH TG-6 | Insta360 ONE X2 | Insta 360 ONE R | GoPro HERO 10 Black
1. Akaso V50 Elite
Great for beginners
Specifications
Camera Sensor: Sony IMX078
Release Date: 2018
Weight: 78 grams / 2.75 oz
Battery: 1050mAh
Recording Time: 4K/2K About 60min | 1080p About 90min
Lens: 170° wide angle lens f2.8
Video Capture: 4K/60fps, 2.7K/60fps, 1080P/120fps, 720p/240fps | h264/h265
Photo Capture: 20mp RAW/JPEG
Memory Card Type: MicroSD
Waterproof Depth Rating: No
White Balance Modes: Video Scene Mode → Diving
Image Stabilisation: Digital
Today's best deals
Camera: Akaso V50 Elite
Price: $139.99
Memory Card: Samsung EVO Select 64GB (U3)
Price: $39.99
Tray & Arms: Movo GB-U70
Price: $24.95
Cheap Video Light: Suptig Diving Light
Price: $24.99
Selfie Stick: Sealife - Aquapod Mini
Price: $49.95
Grip: GoPro The Handler
Price: $29.00
Reasons to buy
+ Cheap (!)
+ Comes with tons of accessories including underwater housing
Reasons to avoid
- Camera body is not waterproof
- No front screen
Recommended for
Beginners on a budget
It's easy to shy away from the cheapest option on any list, as reduced price usually means reduced quality and features. Not so much with the V50 Elite which is the top action camera model from Akaso. This camera can shoot 4K/60fps for roughly 60 minutes before running out of battery. It also comes with 2 batteries and loads of mounts which are for the most part also compatible with other action cameras. If you've never owned an action camera or you're not sure how invested you are just yet in shooting video or photos underwater, this is a great starter package!
2. GoPro HERO 8 Black
More power & features
Specifications
Camera Sensor: CMOS 1/2.3 inch
Release Date: Oct 2019
Weight: 117 grams / 4.13 oz
Battery: 1220mAh
Recording Time: 4K/2K 75-120min 1080p 90-230min
Lens: 16-39mm (FF equiv) depending on resolution
Video Capture: 4K/60fps, 2.7K/120fps, 1080P/240fps, 720p/240fps | h264/h265
Photo Capture: 12mp RAW/JPEG
Memory Card Type: MicroSD
Waterproof Depth Rating: 10 m / 33 ft
White Balance Modes: Using a red filter is recommended
Image Stabilisation: Digital (HyperSmooth 2.0)
Today's best deals
Camera: GoPro Hero 8 Black
Price: $278.99
Underwater Housing: HERO8 60 m / 196 ft
Price: $41.44
Red Filter: Backscatter - FLIP8/9/10
Price: $99.00
Dome Port: SHOOT Dome Port Lens
Price: $50.99
Memory Card: SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC
Price: $34.99
Tray & Arms: Movo GB-U70
Price: $24.95
Cheap Video Light: Suptig Diving Light
Price: $24.99
Selfie Stick: Sealife - Aquapod Mini
Price: $49.95
Grip: GoPro The Handler
Price: $29.00
Reasons to buy
+ 4K/60fps & 1080P/240fps
+ Waterproof to 10 meters / 33 feet
Reasons to avoid
- Stabilization not as good as later GoPro models
- Low resolution photos
Recommended for
Beginners looking for a tough & solid action camera
While the GoPro Hero 8 Black isn't the latest and greatest anymore it's still a powerful camera for underwater shooters, especially at its price point. With its built in waterproofing you can safely take it out snorkeling or shoot images in other shallow environments without the need for other accessories. The underwater housing for it is cheap, and personally I find it easier bringing it underwater knowing it has some native waterproofing in case of housing leaks. For scuba divers the red filter is an absolute must.
3. Kraken KRH04/05
Perfect if you already own a good phone
Specifications
Housing Type: Smartphone
Release Date: Dec 2019
Material: Aluminum
Port Threading: 52/67mm
Phone Connectivity: Bluetooth
Waterproof Depth Rating: 80 m / 262 ft
Today's best deals
Basic Housing: Kraken KRH04
Price: $325.00
Pro Housing: Kraken KRH05
Price: $429.00
Adapter: Kraken M52 / M67 Adapter
Price: $49.99
Red Filter: Mozaik Red filter for 67mm
Price: $59.00
Macro Lens: Kraken Macro Lens +12 M67
Price: $215.00
Wide Angle Lens: Kraken KRL-07
Price: $265.00
Tray & Arms: Kraken Dual Handle w/arms
Price: $189.00
Video Light: Kraken Hydra 2500 WRU Macro
Price: $399.00
Reasons to buy
+ Both housings comes with vacuum seal system
+ Rated for 80 meters / 262 feet (!)
+ No need to change housing when buying new phone
+ Multiple apps supported for both IOS & Android with Bluetooth connectivity
Reasons to avoid
- Doesn't fit all phones
Recommended for
Anyone who owns a decent smartphone
The smartphone housings from Kraken are the most solid underwater housings we will include in this article. Built out of machined aluminum and rated for a depth far exceeding the needs of most underwater shooters, this thing is built like a tank. It even comes included with a vacuum seal system which allows you to check if the housing has been correctly assembled before taking it underwater, a must feature for owners of more expensive phones! The pro model also comes with a temperature & depth sensors at a slightly higher cost. Don't let the prices of the recommended accessories scare you, you can easily start shooting only with the housing. I do however recommend getting the adapter & red filter to help you get even better results, especially at depths when scuba diving.
4. Olympus Tough TG-6
Compact camera designed for underwater use
Specifications
Camera Sensor: CMOS 1/2.3 inch
Release Date: July 2019
Weight: 253 grams / 8.92 oz
Battery: 1270mAh
Lens: 25-100mm (FF equiv) f/2 – 4.9
Video Capture: 4K/30fps, 1080P/120fps
Photo Capture: 12mp RAW/JPEG
Memory Card Type: SD
Waterproof Depth Rating: 15 m / 50 ft
White Balance Modes: Several for various depths incl manual white balance
Image Stabilisation: Sensor shift 2.5 stops
Today's best deals
Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6
Price: $399.00
Underwater Housing #1: Olympus 45 m / 148 ft
Price: $299.00
Housing #1 + Dome Port: Olympus + Kraken KRL-02
Price: $699.00 Underwater Housing #2: Ikelite 60 m / 200 ft
Price: $299.00
Housing #1 + Dome Port: Ikelite + FCON-T02
Price: $549.00
Memory Card: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-I
Price: $29.38
Reasons to buy
+ Incredible macro features
+ Waterproof to 15 meters / 50 feet
+ Great options for underwater color balance
Reasons to avoid
- Small sensor for a compact camera
- Low resolution photos
- No slow motion options above 1080P
- Quite a large setup compared to others on this list
Recommended for
New shooters looking for a camera to learn with
The Olympus TG-6 is perhaps the most popular underwater camera for scuba divers. It offers truly incredible macro features and the best manual camera features of any camera on the list. It's not only waterproof to 15 meters or 50 feet but is practically indestructible, living up to the excellent TOUGH series of Olympus cameras. Features like optical zoom & sensor shift image stabilizer differentiates it from the other cameras on this list too. If you are serious about scuba diving and shooting underwater images, this is a great camera to start with!
5. Insta360 ONE X2
Best camera for budget 360 video!
Specifications
Camera Sensor: CMOS 1/2.3 inch
Release Date: Oct 2020
Weight: 149 grams / 5.25 oz
Battery: 1630mAh
Recording Time: 5.7K 80min
Lens: 7.2mm (FF equiv) f/2
Video Capture: 5.7K/30fps, 4K/50fps, 3K/100fps | h264/h265
Photo Capture: 18mp RAW/JPEG
Memory Card Type: MicroSD
Waterproof Depth Rating: 10 m / 33 ft
White Balance Modes: Aquavision
Image Stabilisation: Digital (Flowstate)
Today's best deals
Camera: Insta360 ONE X2
Price: $429.99
Underwater Housing: Official Housing 45 m / 147 ft
Price: $198.00
Memory Card: SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC
Price: $34.99
Selfie Stick: #270Pro Backpack S
Price: $139.99
Reasons to buy
+ Great 360 video capabilities
+ Waterproof to 10 meters / 33 feet
+ Built-in underwater mode
+ Good in low light
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive (yet well designed) dive housing
- 5.7 max resolution is not that great for 360 video
Recommended for
Underwater 360 video shooters on a budget
The Insta360 ONE X2 is a highly specialized 360 video camera with excellent features for the price. It features a bright f/2 lens, dual lenses that automatically stitch together your footage and native waterproofing down to 10 meters / 33 feet depth. Together with their excellent Flowstate stabilization shooting video with this camera is a dream! It also comes with an intuitive app that allows you to import & edit videos on your smartphone or tablet. Finally the battery life is quite good, something that's always welcomed on underwater cameras.
6. Insta360 ONE R
A modular setup with incredible functionality
Specifications
Camera Sensor: CMOS 1/2.3 inch / 1 inch
Release Date: Jan 2020
Weight: 121-200 grams / 4.3-7 oz
Battery: 1630mAh
Recording Time: 65-70min
Lens: 7.2mm - 14.4mm - 16.4mm (FF equiv) f/2 - 3.2
Video Capture: 5.7K/30fps, 4K/50fps, 3K/100fps | h264/h265
Photo Capture: 12 - 19mp RAW/JPEG
Memory Card Type: MicroSD
Waterproof Depth Rating: 5 m / 16.4 ft
White Balance Modes: Aquavision
Image Stabilisation: Digital (Flowstate)
Today's best deals
Camera #1: Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition
Price: $479.99
Camera #2: Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition
Price: $467.49
Underwater Housing #1: Housing for 360
Price: $27.88
Underwater Housing #2: Housing for Wide Angle
Price: $59.99
Underwater Housing #3: Housing for 1-Inch Edition
Price: $69.99
Memory Card: SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC
Price: $34.99
Selfie Stick: #270Pro Backpack S
Price: $139.99
Reasons to buy
+ The 1-Inch edition has the largest sensor of the cameras in this list
+ Built-in underwater mode
+ Great modular design
Reasons to avoid
- Only natively waterproof to 5 m / 16.4 ft
Recommended for
If you want to shoot everything, this is your camera
The modular camera system from Insta360 is something quite unique. There are 3 mods in total that all fit together with the same screen & battery mod, meaning you can quickly change between a action camera, 360 camera and a 1-inch camera. The 1-inch camera mod is perhaps the smallest ever made and produces better images in low light and a wider field of view than most action cameras. It's also expected that Insta360 will continue to upgrade this series with new camera mods, meaning you don't have to invest in a brand new camera system from scratch when upgrading.
7. GoPro HERO 10 Black
The ultimate action camera!
Specifications
Camera Sensor: CMOS 1/2.3 inch
Release Date: Sep 2021
Weight: 158 grams / 5.6 oz
Battery: 1720mAh
Recording Time: 4K 90min
Lens: 16mm (FF equiv) f/2.5
Video Capture: 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps, 2.7K/240fps | h264/h265
Photo Capture: 23mp RAW/JPEG
Memory Card Type: MicroSD
Waterproof Depth Rating: 10 m / 33 ft
White Balance Modes: Using a red filter is recommended
Image Stabilisation: Digital (HyperSmooth 4.0)
Today's best deals
Camera: GoPro Hero 10 Black
Price: $488.99
Price: $49.99
Red Filter: Backscatter - FLIP8/9/10
Price: $99.00
Dome Port: SHOOT Dome Port Lens
Price: $51.99
Memory Card: SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC
Price: $34.99
Tray & Arms: Movo GB-U70
Price: $24.95
Cheap Video Light: Suptig Diving Light
Price: $24.99
Selfie Stick: Sealife - Aquapod Mini
Price: $49.95
Grip: GoPro The Handler
Price: $29.00
Reasons to buy
+ 5.3K/60fps & 4K/120fps!
+ Waterproof to 10 meters / 33 feet
+ Improved processor for better & quicker functionality
+ Improved stabilization
+ 23mp RAW photos
+ Drop-resistant lens cover
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive
Recommended for
For those wanting the very best action camera ever created
Coming in at the top of the list, the GoPro HERO 10 Black is the most expensive but also easily the most powerful camera that is made for the below $500 price point. While GoPro have made minimal updates to their camera series over the years, this time they took a big step and upgraded pretty much every part of the camera to create something that far overpowers their competitors. It shoots at higher resolutions and frame rates than any of the competition, and it does so with excellent stabilization and functionality. It performs better in low light too which helps us massively underwater, especially when using red filters that causes some loss of light.
Need help finding the perfect underwater camera setup? Give us a shout!
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