5 Best Waterproof Digital Cameras

Without a doubt the best waterproof camera goes to the Olympus Tough TG-6. While it is the most expensive waterproof digital camera on our list, the user reviews for this model greatly exceed all others in this category.

Some positive attributes of the TG-6 include waterproof to 15m, shockproof to 2.4m, freezeproof to -10 C, 4K video recording, RAW image capture, and 20 fps continuous shooting.

The Nikon CoolPix W300 is a cheaper option, while being able to survive in deeper water – down to 100 feet. It is also shockproof up to 8 feet, and is freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

The picture quality is not quite as good as the Olympus TG-6, although it is very close. There also aren’t quite as many features, but it does have 4K video and Wi-Fi built in.

If you want to spend less money on a dedicated waterproof digital camera then we would recommend the Fujifilm Finepix XP140 which rates as the best waterproof camera under $200. It can survive up to 25m (82 ft) underwater, fall from 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) and function in temperatures as low as -10C (+14F).

The picture quality is decent, but it suffers in flash photos. While it takes 4K video it only does so at 15p, which really degrades the quality.

At this price the Ricoh WG-6 should be able to compete with the Olympus TG-6, but it just doesn’t measure up, especially with the overall features. It has decent image quality in good lighting, but poor low light performance with washed out colors.

The WG-6 has a unique macro light function for up close shooting, but it is limited to 3 mp photos. It also shoots decent 4K video and has built-in GPS. It is waterproof up to 20m, shockproof to 2.1m, and can function in temperatures as low as -10 °C.

Some of the negatives include lack of image stabilization, no Wi-Fi, and no zooming in video mode.

The cheapest, most compact and lightest waterproof camera is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 which sells for about $109. With a 16MP sensor, 4x optical zoom lens, and image stabilization the Lumix DMC-TS30 takes decent photos in good light, however it struggles in low light settings and in flash photos with grainy images.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 is freezeproof to 14 degrees, shockproof from 4.9 feet, and waterproof down to 26 feet. It captures 720p HD video that is of lower quality than most models in this class.

If size and weight are your primary concerns in a rugged digital camera and you will only use it in daylight then we would recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30, however there are better options for most situations.