Best Waterproof Camera Options for All Eventualities

Waterproof cameras have any number of applications, from extreme sports to exploring coral reefs. But which is the best waterproof camera? Thankfully, there’s a vast choice available in 2022. With that, buyers can choose based on what’s likely to be on the agenda. In the past, those seeking truly waterproof cameras have been limited to barely a handful of different makes and models.

Consumer-focused options traditionally struggled with various limitations, while waterproof cameras tailored more toward professionals were wildly expensive. Fast-forward to today, though, and there’s a dizzying array on the market. That includes models from brands like Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic.

Slightly less conventional options are also available from GoPro and other similar brands. As a result, and from all-around models to those designed for extreme sportspersons, there’s a waterproof camera for every eventuality, starting with going diving.

Diving is a great way to explore entirely new underwater worlds. Given that, it’s no surprise that many divers wish to capture footage of what they witness. That’s true of both first-time participants and more experienced divers alike. Accordingly, there’s now a huge range of waterproof cameras for diving on the market.

However, one stands out in 2022 in the shape of the $389.95 Nikon Coolpix W300. Many similarly priced waterproof cameras have ratings up to depths of just 20 or 30 feet. That’s fine for the beach or when splashing around in the pool, but divers often reach much greater depths. Thankfully, the Coolpix W300 is safe at depths of up to 100 feet, making it perfect for divers.

And there’s little risk of going too deep with the Nikon Coolpix W300 as well. That’s thanks to its built-in depth gauge. It’s also extremely compact, making it easy to carry, both on land and below the waves. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, 5x optical zoom, and the ability to capture video at up to 4K resolution.

Image quality is impressive, courtesy of the Coolpix’s 16-megapixel low-light sensor. Furthermore, the Coolpix W300 is also shockproof when dropped from heights of up to eight feet and is freezeproof to 14°F. It’s therefore equally great for skiing, snowboarding, and any number of other outdoor activities in addition to diving.

Where an individual isn’t planning on diving to great depths with their waterproof camera, various options stand out. But based on a combination of cost, versatility, and availability, the WG-70 from Ricoh is arguably among the best all-around choices.

The $279.95 Ricoh WG-70 packs a punch, outperforming numerous more expensive models. The WG-70 is waterproof down to depths of 45 feet – more than twice what some costlier models are capable of. Like the Nikon Coolpix W300, it, too, boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and is freezeproof to 14°F.

It’s not quite as rugged, though, and is only shockproof when dropped from heights of less than six feet. It also lacks support for 4K video and records in 1080p. However, its 1080p video isn’t surprising given the Ricoh WG-70’s sub-$300 cost. Where it really impresses, though, is with its additional functionality and all-around usability.

The WG-70 from Ricoh, for example, has a built-in ring light that’s a nice touch missing from most cameras, especially at similar price points. The WG-70 also has a clever night mode and can focus at an almost microscopic level – great for close-up underwater photography and capturing unique images more generally.

The action camera market has never been bigger or more impressive. Tailored toward surfers, extreme sportspersons, and others keen on high-octane activities, they’re generally compact, rugged, and largely straightforward. Today, most action cameras are waterproof by default, and many are based on the original GoPro.

It should come as little surprise, then, that it’s a GoPro model that’s the best waterproof action camera in 2022. The company’s latest model, the GoPro Hero 10 Black, results from years of refinements across an ever-growing range of past models.

While still pleasantly straightforward, the newest GoPro model is also more feature-packed than ever. It boasts Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a latest-generation processor, a new 4:3 aspect ratio, high-level image stabilization, a water-shedding lens cover, and the ability to take still images at up to 23 megapixels.

The GoPro Hero 10 Black is waterproof to depths of 33 feet. More video-focused than either the Nikon Coolpix W300 or Ricoh WG-70, it’ll also capture footage in 5K.

It’s admittedly somewhat less conventional than the other waterproof cameras considered here. Despite its diminutive size and boxy appearance, it’s costly, too, priced at $499.99. Still, where it excels, it does so in spectacular fashion. And while it may not entirely replace more traditional cameras, waterproof or not, there’s no better action camera on today’s market.

Waterproof cameras boast one big selling point over more traditional options. The clue, of course, is in the name. And while many waterproof cameras can stand up to some rough and tumble, no model is indestructible. Furthermore, all are at risk of manufacturing defects, mechanical faults, and other failures.

It’s for this reason, first and foremost, that an extended camera warranty is so important. However, the benefits don’t end there. That’s because, with Upsie, all extended camera warranties also include accidental damage protection. As such, they’re further safeguarded against any number of other mishaps and breakages, including drops, scratches, and spills.

Every Upsie warranty is comprehensive, affordable, and straightforward. Upsie’s experts cut out intermediaries to ensure that customers save up to 70 percent on that cost of coverage (when compared to warranties sold by manufacturers and retailers). Upsie’s warranties are available for cameras, video cameras, and lenses. Find out more at Upsie.com.