If you kind of people who like to memorize your activities, a camera will do a great job.
But if you often do outdoor activities then waterproof cameras will do greater job than standard camera.
You like to go to the beach, partying at the pool, doing some crazy actions and extreme sports, traveling overseas during the rainy or snowy season.
It will be much better if your camera is able to withstand with a direct contact with water.
Better prepared than sorry!!!
Another great reason is, most of waterproof cameras are also can be referred to as rugged cameras. So yes, this kind of camera is not only waterproof but also shockproof, freeze proof, and dustproof. And yes, it also useful out of water too.
In short, waterproof camera allow you to go anywhere and do whatever you like though it was rough and hard while capturing your precious moment.
Having it means you've just hit two birds with one stone!!!
However, there is no perfect things in this world.
So it would not be fair if we did not discuss the cons.
The fact is, because the camera lens is wrapped with sealed casing make the lens can’t extend very far when zooming. So waterproof camera isn`t your perfect companion when you want to capture close-up shots of subjects in the distance.
Another drawback is, there is no guarantee on how long or strong a rugged camera can withstand on the rapid change in water pressure.
What to look to get your first best waterproof camera?
1. Shooting Mode
If you like to take underwater photos, try to get the one that offer dedicated underwater shooting mode.
2. How deep do you plan to use it underwater?
Keep in mind, that most of standard underwater cameras on the market only offers waterproof up to 10 m deep (33 feet). So if you plan to dive more than 10m, try to look for the Pro models.
3. Ability to manual white balance
Because of the properties of water, images using only natural light will appear blue. Manual white balance is an effective way of removing this color cast.
4. Long battery life
You jut don`t want your happy moment ended quickly, right?
5. Features, hardware VS your budget
We can discus about features, hardware specifications all day long but your budget will determine the type of camera that you can buy.
Try to be wise with your budget. The general rule is, hardware will determine the camera quality rather than features.
I also like to remind you, if you are a beginner then the standard model is your best choice. Try to have fun with it while learning more about underwater photography. It takes time to be professional underwater photographers.
6. Customer reviews
If you decide to buy your first waterproof camera online, you have the opportunity to read what other customers opinion about a particular model. It will help you a lot!!!
5 Best Waterproof Cameras That You Should Check:
1. GoPro HERO3+ (Under $400)
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• Reviewed by 495 customers - 4.2 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• 20% smaller and lighter housing (waterproof to 131'/40m)
• 33% improved image sharpness and reduced distortion
• Faster built in Wi-Fi for enhanced connectivity to the Wi-Fi Remote (included) and GoPro App
• Super View video mode captures the world"s most immersive wide angle perspective
• 30% longer battery life (Lithium ion)
• Control your camera remotely—start/stop recording, adjust settings and more
• See what your camera sees with live preview
• View Photos and play back videos¹
• Copy photos and videos¹ to a GoPro album on your smartphone or tablet
• Share photos and videos¹ via email, text, Instagram™, Facebook® or other app
• Browse and delete files on the camera's memory card
• Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 9.7 inches ; 1.4 pounds
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2. Nikon COOLPIX AW110 (Under $240)
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• Reviewed by 329 customers - 3.4 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• Waterproof to 18m (59 ft) for up to 60 min, shockproof, and freezeproof to capture extreme moments
• Share amazing photos in an instant with built-in Wi-Fi
• Built-in GPS records the location of each shot you take
• Record videos in Full 1080p HD with stereo sound
• Dimensions: 1 x 4.4 x 2.6 inches ; 6.7 ounces
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3. Canon PowerShot D20 (Under $230)
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• Reviewed by 259 customers - 4.1 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• Waterproof to 33 feet, temperature resistant from 14-104 degrees Fahrenheit and shockproof up to 5 feet
• 12.1 effective megapixel, 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor
• 3-inch TFT PureColor system LCD
• Full 1080p HD video with dedicated movie button
• 28mm wide-angle lens (5x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 20x combined zoom) with optical image stabilizer
• Waterproof to 33 feet, temperature from 14-104 degrees fahrenheit
• 12.1 MP Canon HS SYSTEM with a High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm wide angle lens
• 3.0-inch Pure Color System LCD for easy viewing
• GPS tracker to record image locations on a map via Canon's software (does not work under water)
• Dimensions: 1.1 x 4.4 x 2.8 inches ; 8 ounces
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4. Fujifilm FinePix XP60 (Under $170)
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• Reviewed by 211 customers - 4.0 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• Waterproof to 20 ft., Shockproof to 5 ft., Freeze proof to 14°F and Dust/Sand proof
• 2.7-inch TFT color LCD monitor
• 16.4 million effective pixels 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor with primary color filter and Optical Image Stabilizer
• Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens with approx. 2x digital zoom (up to approx. 10x, with 5x optical zoom)
• Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080p) with a dedicated Movie Recording Button and Burst Mode Button
• Dimensions: 1 x 4 x 2.6 inches ; 6.4 ounces
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5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5D (Under $250)
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• Reviewed by 141 customers - 4.1 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• 16.1 MP 1/2.33" CMOS sensor
• 28-128mm equivalent f/3.3-5.9 lens (4.6x optical zoom)
• 5-axis optical image stabilizer
• Up to 10 FPS continuous shooting (7 images max./full resolution) plus 40 FPS high-speed burst
• ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 6400)
• 1080/60p HD video (AVCHD/MPEG-4)
• 3" TFT LCD with 460,000 dots
• Built-in GPS, WiFi and Altimeter
• Pressure resistance of 200 lbf/100 kgf
• Waterproof to 43'/13m
• Shockproof from 6.6'/2m
• Freezeproof to 14°F/-10°C
• Dimensions: 4.3 x 1.1 x 2.6 inches ; 1.3 pounds
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By: Ronny
But if you often do outdoor activities then waterproof cameras will do greater job than standard camera.
You like to go to the beach, partying at the pool, doing some crazy actions and extreme sports, traveling overseas during the rainy or snowy season.
It will be much better if your camera is able to withstand with a direct contact with water.
Better prepared than sorry!!!
Another great reason is, most of waterproof cameras are also can be referred to as rugged cameras. So yes, this kind of camera is not only waterproof but also shockproof, freeze proof, and dustproof. And yes, it also useful out of water too.
In short, waterproof camera allow you to go anywhere and do whatever you like though it was rough and hard while capturing your precious moment.
Having it means you've just hit two birds with one stone!!!
However, there is no perfect things in this world.
So it would not be fair if we did not discuss the cons.
The fact is, because the camera lens is wrapped with sealed casing make the lens can’t extend very far when zooming. So waterproof camera isn`t your perfect companion when you want to capture close-up shots of subjects in the distance.
Another drawback is, there is no guarantee on how long or strong a rugged camera can withstand on the rapid change in water pressure.
What to look to get your first best waterproof camera?
1. Shooting Mode
If you like to take underwater photos, try to get the one that offer dedicated underwater shooting mode.
2. How deep do you plan to use it underwater?
Keep in mind, that most of standard underwater cameras on the market only offers waterproof up to 10 m deep (33 feet). So if you plan to dive more than 10m, try to look for the Pro models.
3. Ability to manual white balance
Because of the properties of water, images using only natural light will appear blue. Manual white balance is an effective way of removing this color cast.
4. Long battery life
You jut don`t want your happy moment ended quickly, right?
5. Features, hardware VS your budget
We can discus about features, hardware specifications all day long but your budget will determine the type of camera that you can buy.
Try to be wise with your budget. The general rule is, hardware will determine the camera quality rather than features.
I also like to remind you, if you are a beginner then the standard model is your best choice. Try to have fun with it while learning more about underwater photography. It takes time to be professional underwater photographers.
6. Customer reviews
If you decide to buy your first waterproof camera online, you have the opportunity to read what other customers opinion about a particular model. It will help you a lot!!!
5 Best Waterproof Cameras That You Should Check:
1. GoPro HERO3+ (Under $400)
GoPro: HERO3+: Smaller, Lighter, Mightier Still
Features:• Reviewed by 495 customers - 4.2 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• 20% smaller and lighter housing (waterproof to 131'/40m)
• 33% improved image sharpness and reduced distortion
• Faster built in Wi-Fi for enhanced connectivity to the Wi-Fi Remote (included) and GoPro App
• Super View video mode captures the world"s most immersive wide angle perspective
• 30% longer battery life (Lithium ion)
• Control your camera remotely—start/stop recording, adjust settings and more
• See what your camera sees with live preview
• View Photos and play back videos¹
• Copy photos and videos¹ to a GoPro album on your smartphone or tablet
• Share photos and videos¹ via email, text, Instagram™, Facebook® or other app
• Browse and delete files on the camera's memory card
• Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 9.7 inches ; 1.4 pounds
2. Nikon COOLPIX AW110 (Under $240)
Nikon COOLPIX AW110 Product Video
Features:• Reviewed by 329 customers - 3.4 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• Waterproof to 18m (59 ft) for up to 60 min, shockproof, and freezeproof to capture extreme moments
• Share amazing photos in an instant with built-in Wi-Fi
• Built-in GPS records the location of each shot you take
• Record videos in Full 1080p HD with stereo sound
• Dimensions: 1 x 4.4 x 2.6 inches ; 6.7 ounces
3. Canon PowerShot D20 (Under $230)
Canon PowerShot D20
Features:• Reviewed by 259 customers - 4.1 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• Waterproof to 33 feet, temperature resistant from 14-104 degrees Fahrenheit and shockproof up to 5 feet
• 12.1 effective megapixel, 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor
• 3-inch TFT PureColor system LCD
• Full 1080p HD video with dedicated movie button
• 28mm wide-angle lens (5x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 20x combined zoom) with optical image stabilizer
• Waterproof to 33 feet, temperature from 14-104 degrees fahrenheit
• 12.1 MP Canon HS SYSTEM with a High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm wide angle lens
• 3.0-inch Pure Color System LCD for easy viewing
• GPS tracker to record image locations on a map via Canon's software (does not work under water)
• Dimensions: 1.1 x 4.4 x 2.8 inches ; 8 ounces
4. Fujifilm FinePix XP60 (Under $170)
Fujifilm FinePix XP60 On The Beach
Features:• Reviewed by 211 customers - 4.0 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• Waterproof to 20 ft., Shockproof to 5 ft., Freeze proof to 14°F and Dust/Sand proof
• 2.7-inch TFT color LCD monitor
• 16.4 million effective pixels 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor with primary color filter and Optical Image Stabilizer
• Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens with approx. 2x digital zoom (up to approx. 10x, with 5x optical zoom)
• Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080p) with a dedicated Movie Recording Button and Burst Mode Button
• Dimensions: 1 x 4 x 2.6 inches ; 6.4 ounces
5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5D (Under $250)
TS5 WiFi Tough LUMIX Point & Shoot Camera
Features:• Reviewed by 141 customers - 4.1 out of 5 stars - READ REVIEWS
• 16.1 MP 1/2.33" CMOS sensor
• 28-128mm equivalent f/3.3-5.9 lens (4.6x optical zoom)
• 5-axis optical image stabilizer
• Up to 10 FPS continuous shooting (7 images max./full resolution) plus 40 FPS high-speed burst
• ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 6400)
• 1080/60p HD video (AVCHD/MPEG-4)
• 3" TFT LCD with 460,000 dots
• Built-in GPS, WiFi and Altimeter
• Pressure resistance of 200 lbf/100 kgf
• Waterproof to 43'/13m
• Shockproof from 6.6'/2m
• Freezeproof to 14°F/-10°C
• Dimensions: 4.3 x 1.1 x 2.6 inches ; 1.3 pounds
By: Ronny
