Best Waterproof Video Cameras And Camcorders
When you think ‘waterproof video camera,’ you probably also think ‘out of my budget.’ And it’s true; waterproof HD cameras have been quite expensive until recently! You probably think you have to compromise on sound quality if you’re buying a cheap camcorder that’s also water-resistant.
Luckily, camera technology is moving forward fast, so that’s no longer an issue. Whether you’re setting out on a cruise or spend a lot of time at the beach, you can carry a water-resistant camera along to capture it all! You can snap photos of your water aerobics class or get beautiful high-quality footage of your scuba-diving adventure. All this at very reasonable prices.
I'm Xavier, a cinematographer for 10 years. In this article I have compiled a list of some of the best waterproof camcorders on the market. So gear up to pick out your new adventure companion!
LIST OF BEST WATERPROOF CAMCORDERS
IMAGE | BRAND | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 |
REVIEWS OF BEST WATERPROOF CAMCORDERS
1. OLYMPUS TG-TRACKER - BEST WATERPROOF DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The first in my list of the ten best camcorders of all time is the OLYMPUS TG-TRACKER. If you’re an action sports fanatic, this is the ultimate camcorder for you. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, skydiving, or scuba-diving you can take this along with you. The camcorder’s wide-aperture of F/2 captures crisp, clean, and bright shots, whether you’re shooting in dark environments or deep underwater.
The lens also responds very quickly and sensitively, so you won’t miss any moments when shooting videos. You can also capture ultra-wide angles at 204°, and tap into the slow-motion or timelapse modes. However, when you’re shooting in dangerous situations, you need a camcorder that can keep things steady.
Luckily, the Olympus TG-Tracker also has a fantastic 5-axis electronic image stabilization system. No matter what sport or activity you’re engaging in, any jolting will be evened out and your footage will look smooth and clean.
DESIGN:
This is a rugged, well-built waterproof HD cam that can tackle pretty much anything you throw at it. It’s lightweight and also dust-proof! There are Action Track sensors in the camcorder's design to record GPS, temperature, and pressure, and a bunch of other things. If you don’t believe the claim that you really can take it anywhere, you’ll be happy to know that it’s crush-proof up to 220lbs, shockproof up to 7ft, and also freezeproof up to 14°F.
So even if you’re trekking long distances or shooting in cold clim, your camera can safely capture snaps and high-quality footage. And of course, the TG-Tracker is also waterproof up to 100ft, which makes it the perfect scuba-diving or snorkeling buddy. You can also make use of the 1.5” LCD to monitor and adjust your shooting angles and settings.
PERFORMANCE:
If you’re looking for a versatile rugged camcorder that’s perfect for any shooting situation, you’ve hit the jackpot with this. It’s priced in the mid-range bracket and is really good value for money. Also, you don’t normally find camcorders with built-in Wifi features at this price point. You can sync your data to your phone, upload your clips on socials, and do so much more!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
2. KODAK PIXPRO SP1 - BEST WATERPROOF HD CAM
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
If a budget-friendly waterproof video camera is what you're looking for, I can guide you right to the classic, Kodak! Kodak cams have been popular for ages, and you can trust them to come up with a good product that's light on the pocket. Their signature yellow camcorder, the SP1, is a durable piece of equipment that's ideal for your sporting adventures.
The 14 MP CMOS sensor gives you clear, bright photo and video results. And say you're surfing a tall wave or acing a skateboard move in that case, and you can also shoot in Burst Mode at 10fps. Great right! Whenever you want to capture each frame in clear, crisp detail, this burst mode will help you get great results.
You can also switch to High-Speed Movie settings for fun slow-motion and timelapse footage. At this price (around $180), the electronic image stabilization is also a huge bonus and will keep your shots blur-free.
DESIGN:
This is a compact camcorder and comes with a 1.5" LCD that you can also control remotely using the PIXPRO app. The camcorder has built-in wireless connectivity so that you can share your photos in the blink of an eye. But what makes it one of the best HD waterproof video cameras on the market? Let's see.
Well, it's waterproof up to 32ft, so it's absolutely safe to use for shots at the beach or while surfboarding. It's also great for mountain-climbing or generally harsh terrain because it's shock-proof up to 6.5ft and also freeze-proof up to 14°F.
Cleaning a KODAK PIXRO SP1 is also very easy because it's dust-proof as well. You don't have to worry about sand or dirt clogs!
PERFORMANCE:
For the price, this is a real winner from Kodak. Because it's a cheap waterproof video camera, you might think you're going to end up with a dud/misery. But let me tell you this camcorder has some great features. Although it doesn't have too many bells and whistles, it's ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a solid, basic camcorder that's built specifically for action sports.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
3. GOPRO HERO 9 - BEST WATERPROOF 5K CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
You probably know about GoPro already, because they make some of the best mini camcorders on the market. The HERO9 is one of their finest products, and it’s also light and highly portable. It’s one of the best small waterproof video cameras and is a great travel companion when you’re taking on some tough action sports.
Not only can you shoot in a variety of resolutions (including 5K), you can also use features like LiveBurst so you’re capturing 1.5 seconds before and after shoots. You won’t miss a single moment when you use this video cam.
You can also use the HERO9 to livestream in 1080p, so if you’re taking on a particularly ambitious sport, you can broadcast it for your friends or followers. You also have the HyperSmooth 3.0 feature to keep your video smooth, and the HERO9 is also great at capturing timelapses and slow-motion video.
DESIGN:
This is a tough little camcorder, so you don’t have to worry about taking it into intense shooting situations. It’s waterproof up to 33ft, so it’s ideal for shooting water sports. You can use the front camera for selfies and the back camera (touch-screen operated) to adjust your settings and frame your shots.
Both front and back interfaces are quite intuitive, and the large 1720mAh battery lasts quite a while. You won’t have to constantly charge your GoPro while you’re out. Also, GoPro sells a line of accessories so you can make the most of your videography experience. If you’d like to mount the camcorder or operate it wirelessly, you can purchase some additional stuff.
Performance:
There’s a reason GoPros are so popular, and people even shoot movies on them these days! The HERO9 is an outstanding waterproof HD cam, and it’s a great choice for beginners who don’t know a lot about videography since it’s so easy to use. Often larger camcorders have a steeper learning curve and can confuse you with too many options. But the HERO9 is a good place to start, and also delivers outstanding footage that’s clear and bright.
Overall, it's a tiny cute waterproof mini camcorder that you can try purchasing!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
4. MINOLTA MN4KP1 - BEST WATERPROOF 4K CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
If you’re looking for a cheap waterproof video camera under $100, this pocket camcorder from Minolta fits the bill. You might think that at this price, you’ll end up with a pretty generic camcorder, but that’s not true. The Minolta MN4KP1 is a pretty great 4K waterproof camcorder which you can use to record in UHD, HD, or FHD, whatever you like.
You can record videos at different frame rates per second, and see crisp, smooth results. You can also capture 16MP photos of your action adventures, and the camera rotates up to 270°, with a 170° field of view. When you’re out with this cam in your hand, you won’t miss out on a single detail. Also, for such a small and cheap camcorder, digital image stabilization is a nice surprise and is very useful for getting smooth, high-quality footage.
DESIGN:
This is a small, light water resistant camcorder with a simple, polished interface that’s easy to use. With a 1.3” LCD, you can preview every still and shot. Most importantly, the Minolta MN4KP1 is waterproof up to 100ft, and a special waterproof case is included so you can fit the camcorder into that before going scuba-diving or surfing.
A built-in tripod mount allows you to mount the camcorder easily for more versatile shots. Also, unlike with most cameras where you have to go out and buy a memory card, Minolta has thoughtfully included a 16GB one here. The addition of Wifi and Bluetooth functionality is also a huge bonus, and you can easily control your device remotely or share photos in a jiffy.
Performance:
This is a huge bargain for the price and totally worth the buy. Most waterproof HD cameras are a bit of an investment at a couple of hundred dollars, but this is perfect if you’re picking up a camera for a last-minute vacation or if you want to try your hand at videography. The wireless features are a bonus for a budget camera, and the good picture and video quality make this camcorder well-worth a purchase.
Lastly, handling the camcorder is very easy as it is very compact and has user-friendly controls. Overall a great handheld waterproof camcorder to work with!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
5. DRIFT GHOST X - CHEAP WATERPROOF VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The Ghost X is a small, sleek little device that can achieve a lot at very little cost to you. It’s a very affordable waterproof camcorder, with which you can shoot FHD videos at 1080p (30fps). It also has a very useful and unique feature: Car DVD or dashcam mode, where, once plugged in via USB, it records continuously until it’s unplugged or the car ignition is turned off. So, vloggers kindly note this point.!
If you want a camcorder that’s also useful for recording security footage, this is a handy extra tool to have. The cam also has a Clone Mode feature so you can set up a multi-cam network and record on several cameras simultaneously. You can mount the Ghost X on almost all standard tripods.
DESIGN:
Now coming to how is this Ghost X a good waterproof cam. The Ghost X is a great companion for all water-related adventures, as it is waterproof for up to 40m. Its lens rotates up to 300°, so no shot is too difficult to capture. Also, even if you’re shooting in 1080p, your battery lasts up to 5 hours, so you can go a long time without having to recharge your camcorder.
This is particularly ideal if you’re on holiday, or just too busy to keep topping up your charge. The Ghost X does have a front microphone with noise-reducing features, but you can also plug in an external mic if that’s what you require. Also, you can connect to the Drift Life app to edit your footage, share your shots on socials, and back up your data to your phone.
Performance:
There’s a lot of value here for a $100 item. If you’re keen on extreme water sports, you will have to purchase the waterproof case separately. The camcorder is water-resistant even without the extra cover, though. It also has a universal clip system for easy installation, as well as a video tagging feature that allows you to save and access your best footage.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
6. DJI OSMO ACTION - SMALL WATERPROOF VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The DJI Osmo is a great buy for action sports enthusiasts, and it is reasonably priced. It’s an amazing waterproof video camera with a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that allows you to capture clear, bright footage. Also, when recording in HDR, the camera projects every small detail clearly, so your videos look beautiful and dynamic.
You can also tap into the voice control commands to access functions quickly, so you can start recording or power down your camera through voice control. The icing on the cake is the RockSteady image stabilization; no matter how unsteadily you hold the camcorder, still the footage will be smooth and blur-free.
DESIGN:
With three layers of aspherical lenses, you can expect some truly stunning video quality. You can also shoot on two screens, using the front screen for selfies and the rear screen for everything else. You can access all settings and modes via the Quick Switch button as well. Mainly, the cam is waterproof up to 11m, with a watertight seal to keep it safe.
Performance:
This is a stellar water-resistant camera and a real steal at this price. Not only is image quality truly outstanding, but the cam also has a pretty good built-in mic as well as a great image stabilization system. What’s not to like?
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
7. REXING A1 - WATER RESISTANT CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Another great waterproof high definition video camera! This one from Rexing has a dual screen feature, so you can record using both the front and back screens (the cam also has a useful selfie timer). You’re basically getting a 2-in-1 camera! It’s easy to shoot timelapses, burst photography, and slow-motion video with this cam, and you can access all the settings immediately at the press of the Quick Switch power button.
Rexing includes a bunch of useful (and free) accessories, including a wrist strap allowing you to control the cam wirelessly.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
8. AKASO V50 - WATERPROOF HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Last but not least, this waterproof high definition video camera from AKASO is a small, compact device that has some truly great optics. With 4K at 30fps, you won’t miss a beat. The IPS touch screen makes it easy to operate the cam, and with a great electronic image stabilization system, you get smooth and clean footage.
Once you’ve attached the waterproof case to the cam, you can dive up to 30m without fear and capture some great underwater scenes. You can also hook up the V50 Pro to Wifi, connect to your phone, and share your footage on socials. The V50 Pro comes with a bunch of useful accessories, including a remote control and mounts.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
BUYING GUIDE
Before you pick out the best waterproof video camera for you, there are some things you should keep an eye out for. Going for a waterproof recording camera is more of a niche buy, so you should know what to look out for.
This is pretty important, especially if you’re planning to use the camcorder for deep-sea dives or on a cruise. The better your lens, the sharper your footage. Settling for a low-quality small sensor camcorder might limit your video/picture quality when underwater, as you’ll need to rely on the lens letting in a fair amount of light. You don’t want to miss out on capturing those beautiful underwater scenes!
Whether you’re underwater or above ground, chances are if you’re engaged in action sports, your camcorder is bound to be shaken around a bit. A good image stabilization system is crucial to getting those smooth, stable shots.
When you’re underwater or are only partly paying attention to the recording process, with most of your concentration focused on the sport, you need a cam that allows you to access controls quickly and easily. It’s also useful if the cam has large buttons, so you can press them while underwater or wearing gloves or other gear.
A simple, clean user interface with all the settings in one place is another thing to look out for.
A good action cam won’t just be waterproof. It’ll also be shock-proof and freeze-proof. If you’re not just using it underwater, it’s good to have a cam that is useful in all environments, especially harsher ones.
Although many waterproof video cameras don’t have this function, it’s always useful if they do. It allows you to control the camera wirelessly, and share and back up footage quickly. Action cams allow you to capture the moment, and there’s no going back, so it’s good to have a strong backup system in place.
Also, remote operation is quite useful when engaging in sports like skateboarding or surfing, where you don’t necessarily have the camcorder on hand.
FAQ
Generally speaking, you won’t be shooting action sports at home. So it’s good to have a camcorder that can at least run on a few hours of battery, otherwise, you’ll find that you’re constantly having to recharge the device.
This depends on which brand you’re going for. Most camcorders do come with mounting options, but some are more limited than others. It’s best to go for a camcorder that has a wide variety of mounting options, so you can use it in many different scenarios.
CONCLUSION
Now you know which waterproof 4K camera you need to add to your shopping basket! Remember to pick the camcorder that best suits your sport, as there’s no point buying a heavily waterproofed cam if you’re just taking it to the beach. Waterproof camcorders have come a long way since the early days, and thanks to advancing camera technology, you get a lot more for a lot less money. Most of the cams on this list are quite affordable and won’t break the bank, so be sure to pick up a camcorder before you head out on vacation or pick up a new action sport!
