• Olympus Tough TG-5

  

  
  MSRP: $449.99 at

  • Bottom Line: The Olympus Tough TG-5 is a go-anywhere camera with a fast lens, speedy response, and 4K video, but it's more expensive than previous iterations.

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• Canon PowerShot D30

  
  MSRP: $329.99 at

  • Bottom Line: The Canon PowerShot D30 can go deep underwater, but feels pretty dated in terms of image quality and performance.

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• Leica X-U (Typ 113)

  
  MSRP: $2950.00 at

  • Bottom Line: The Leica X-U (Typ 113) is a ruggedized, waterproof compact camera with an SLR-sized image sensor that takes great photos, but it's very expensive.

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• Nikon 1 AW1

  
  MSRP: $799.95 at

  • Bottom Line: The Nikon 1 AW1 is the first interchangeable lens camera that you can take deep underwater, but it's best left in automatic mode.

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• Nikon Coolpix W100

  
  MSRP: $159.95 at

  • Bottom Line: The Nikon Coolpix W100 is a tough, inexpensive camera at a reasonable price, but image quality isn't any better than a good smartphone.

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• SeaLife DC2000

  
  MSRP: $699.00 at

  • Bottom Line: The SeaLife DC2000 is a capable point-and-shoot camera on land and under the sea, thanks to a crisp, bright lens and 1-inch image sensor.

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• SeaLife Micro 2.0 WiFi

  
  MSRP: $499.00 at

  • Bottom Line: The SeaLife Micro 2.0 WiFi can dive deeper than most waterproof point-and-shoot cameras, but it's a slow performer.

  Read Review

Product	Olympus Tough TG-5	Canon PowerShot D30	Leica X-U (Typ 113)	Nikon 1 AW1	Nikon Coolpix W100	SeaLife DC2000	SeaLife Micro 2.0 WiFi
Lowest Price	See it $449.99 MSRP	See it $329.99 MSRP	See it $2950.00 MSRP	See it $799.95 MSRP	See it $159.95 MSRP	See it $699.00 MSRP	See it $499.00 MSRP
Editors' Rating
Best For	Enthusiasts, Beginners, Travel, Kids, Underwater, Macro	Beginners, Travel, Underwater	Enthusiasts, Travel, Underwater	Enthusiasts, Beginners, Travel, Underwater	Beginners, Travel, Kids, Underwater	Enthusiasts, Travel, Underwater	Enthusiasts, Beginners, Travel, Kids, Underwater
Dimensions	2.6 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches	2.7 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches	3.1 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches	2.9 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches	2.6 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches	4 x 5.9 x 3.2 inches	2.1 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches
Weight	8.8 oz	7.7 oz	1.4 lb	11.1 oz	6.2 oz	1.5 lb	9.4 oz
Type	Compact	Compact	Compact	Mirrorless	Compact	Compact	Compact
Megapixels	12 MP	12 MP	16 MP	14 MP	13 MP	20 MP	16 MP
Sensor Size	1/2.3" (6.2 x 4.6mm)	1/2.3" (6.2 x 4.6mm)	APS-C (23.6 x 15.7mm)	1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)	1/3.1"	1" (13.2 x 8.8mm)	1/2.3" (6.2 x 4.6mm)
Maximum ISO	12800	3200	12500	6400	1600	25600	800
LCD size	3 inches	3 inches	3 inches	3 inches	2.7 inches	3 inches	2.4 inches
LCD dots	460,000	461,000	920,000	921,000	230,000	920,000	336,960
Video Resolution	720p, 1080p, 480p, 4K	720p, 1080p, 480p	720p, 1080p	720p, 1080i, 1080p	1080p	720p, 1080p, 480p	720p, 1080p, 480p
Waterproof Depth (Mfr. Rated)	50 feet	82 feet	49 feet	49 feet	33 feet	60 feet	200 feet
Read Review	Olympus Tough TG-5 Review	Canon PowerShot D30 Review	Leica X-U (Typ 113) Review	Nikon 1 AW1 Review	Nikon Coolpix W100 Review	SeaLife DC2000 Review	SeaLife Micro 2.0 WiFi Review

Don't Fear the Water

If you're spending a day lounging on the beach or snorkeling at an exotic locale, you may choose to leave your camera or smartphone at home for fear of getting it wet or otherwise damaged. If those are the only things holding you back from snapping photos during your outdoor adventures, consider picking up a model that can withstand some abuse and even shoot underwater and keep on ticking.

We've reviewed specialized cameras like the SeaLife Micro 2.0, which is rated to work at depths of 200 feet, where only the most highly-trained scuba divers dare venture. If your needs aren't that specific, you can also shop for a better all-around compact, like our Editors' Choice, the Olympus TG-5. It has a wide-aperture lens, can survive drops and extreme cold, and is rated for 50-foot dives.

You'll notice that most underwater compacts have short zooms or fixed focal length lenses. There's a good reason for this—all of the zooming mechanism has to be sealed in the body. Pocket models with long zooming lenses achieve 30x power by significantly extending the lens past the body when the camera is powered on. We typically see 4x or 5x zoom lens on waterproof models.

Larger Sensors, Better Images

Nikon has a unique offering in the form of the 1 AW1. It's the only interchangeable lens model on the market that can go underwater without a housing. It uses a 1-inch image sensor, much larger than those in a typical compact, and you can take it as deep as 49 feet. There are currently two lenses available for the camera that can go underwater with it, but if you're on dry land it can accept any 1 Nikkor lens. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a 1-inch sensor in a compact form factor, take a look at the SeaLife DC2000.

See How We Test Digital Cameras

If a 1-inch sensor isn't big enough, and you've got deep pockets, the Leica X-U is a solid option. It's rated for use 49 feet below the surface and has an image sensor that's the same size found in consumer SLRs. Its lens is also a gem, with a bright f/1.7 aperture and a fixed 35mm field of view.

External Housings

If none of these models tickle your fancy, consider choosing a camera that's not natively rated for underwater use and pair it with an external housing from Ikelite, Sea and Sea, or another well-regarded manufacturer. You can get housings for popular SLRs and compact cameras as well, giving you a bit more versatility. But it's typically a more complicated proposition than simply buying a waterproof model. You'll need to worry about getting the right ports for your lens and checking seals between dives. A housing is a choice for a serious underwater enthusiast, not a casual snorkeler.

An Action Cam Instead?

What about a GoPro? Most action cameras are waterproof, either on their own or by using an external case, which is typically included. They're typically better for videos than stills, with near fish-eye lenses that are designed to capture a wide swath of the world. If that's what you want, check out our picks for The Best Action Cameras.

For a look at every camera we've reviewed, not just those that can go underwater, check out our Digital Cameras Product Guide.