Best Waterproof Cameras in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 11, 2024
If you adore outdoor activities and want to make stunning photos underwater, here’s a great device to use! Find one of the best waterproof cameras from our review and turn your diving experience into an exciting adventure with memorable shots to look through afterward. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Protection
Optical Sensor
Display
Zoom
Video
Connectivity
Power
Warranty
 
PROS
You can easily share photos and videos with another device thanks to NFC technology. An altimeter will show you the altitude you are at whereas you will know the depth thanks to the built-in barometer. It's easy to use this camera while travelling because of a handy compass.
CONS
If you have big palms, you might unintentionally block the flash.
OUR VERDICT
Panasonic Lumix is one of the most durable waterproof cameras resistant to water, frost, dust, and shock. No matter where you take pictures or shoot videos, you will always enjoy the perfect image quality.
detailed parameters
Protection
Waterproof - 43 ft, Shockproof - 6.6 ft, Freezeproof - 10°C, Dustproof
Optical Sensor
16.1 MP MOS 1/2.3''
Display
3''
Zoom
4.6x Optical zoom, 4x Digital zoom
Video
1080p
Connectivity
MicroHDMI, AV output (PAL/NTSC), USB (AV/USB Multi), SD/SDHC/SDXC, Wi-Fi
Power
Li-ion battery pack, 370 shots
Warranty
1 year
PROS
This waterproof camera can make really huge pictures thanks to the high-resolution CMOS sensor.
CONS
The lens of the camera is quite large, so a big case is required.
OUR VERDICT
Inov8 C204M waterproof camera offers fantastic performance for quite a budget-friendly price. Excellent for everyday life and underwater use.
detailed parameters
Protection
Waterproof - 10 ft, Shockproof - 5 ft, Dustproof
Optical Sensor
20 MP CMOS
Display
2.7''
Zoom
4x Optical zoom
Video
720p
Connectivity
USB, SD/SDHC/SDXC
Power
Li-ion battery NP-45,~200 shots
Warranty
1 year
PROS
Polaroid waterproof camera has quite few settings, so it's easy to configure it. You can shoot amazing selfies since the device has a front LCD display.
CONS
The waterproof rate isn't record high.
OUR VERDICT
This Polaroid underwater camera makes a great replacement for some more expensive professional devices. It's a fantastic choice for people who like diving, hiking, travelling, and active leisure.
detailed parameters
Protection
Waterproof - 10 ft, Shockproof, Dustproof
Optical Sensor
14 MP CMOS
Display
2.7'' rear, 1.8'' front
Zoom
5x Digital zoom
Video
480p
Connectivity
USB, MicroSD
Power
2x AAA batteries
Warranty
1 year
PROS
This waterproof camera has quite a powerful digital zoom that allows you to shoot distant objects.
CONS
Video recording quality could be better.
OUR VERDICT
PowerLead Gapo waterproof camera offers a great price to quality ratio and it will always help you shoot marvellous pictures during holiday trips.
detailed parameters
Protection
Waterproof - 33 ft, Freezeproof - 10°C, Dustproof
Optical Sensor
5 MP CMOS 1/2.3'' (16 MP by interpolation)
Display
2.7''
Zoom
8x Digital zoom
Video
480p
Connectivity
USB, SD/SDHC
Power
Li-ion battery
Warranty
1 year
PROS
Polaroid IS525 waterproof camera is very easy-to-use and compact. It's an optimal choice for amateur photographers and teenagers who don't need an overly sophisticated and expensive camera.
CONS
Opening a slide-lock battery door might be somewhat difficult.
OUR VERDICT
IS525 waterproof camera will be a helpful assistant on any holiday! Take pictures during rain, at a party, by a swimming pool, on the beach, etc.
detailed parameters
Protection
Waterproof - 10 ft, Dustproof
Optical Sensor
16 MP CMOS
Display
2.4''
Zoom
5x Digital zoom
Video
480p
Connectivity
USB, SD/SDHC
Power
2x AAA batteries
Warranty
1 year
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5EB-K Compact Waterproof Camera

One of the Most Durable Waterproof Cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5EB-K is a compact waterproof camera created for those who lead an active lifestyle. This small wonder of present-day technology will help you take photos while hiking in the mountains, rafting down the river, and, of course, diving during your beach holiday. If you like snorkeling or scuba diving, this Panasonic waterproof camera will help you make fantastic shots of the underwater world: myriads of fish, corals, crabs, and so on! This water- and dustproof camera can withstand the immersion as deep as 43 feet and boasts pressure resistance of 100 kg per pound. Moreover, Panasonic waterproof camera can withstand falls from 6.6 feet and even sub-zero temperatures (up to -10°C). As you can see, this camera is incredibly durable! Professional divers usually track their location in order to remember the best places for diving and that's why this waterproof camera has a built-in GPS. But this is not all! Panasonic waterproof camera has a compass, barometer, and altimeter, so you always know where, how high and how deep you are. Also, the camera has advanced 16.1 MOS sensor and wide-angle LEICA lens so the image quality is flawless (for this kind of devices, of course). The camera offers special modes (e.g. panorama mode) and filters that allow you to adjust the settings and achieve the best image quality possible.

We recommend using a memory card with a high data transfer rate.

Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5EB-K Compact Waterproof Camera

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00BET0VFK

 

Inov8 C204M Underwater Compact Digital Camera

For Holiday and Everyday Life

Inov8 C204M is a compact digital camera offered for a really wallet-friendly price. The model offers quite good technical specifications, decent image quality, and a sufficient protection level. First of all, let's mention that this waterproof camera has the IP5X protection rate, which means the unit is dustproof (no sand particles will penetrate inside the casing), waterproof (the camera can be immersed as deep as 10 feet under the water), and withstands being dropped on hard surfaces from the height of 5 feet. Thus, we can tell you this waterproof camera is very useful in swimming pools and in shallow waters. As for image quality, it is fairly good thanks to the high-resolution 20 MP CMOS sensor. The camera is capable of taking detailed underwater pictures due to the digital stabilisation function, which is really useful as waves impact the camera and make it move in your hands. As for videos, this Inov8 waterproof camera shoots HD videos (1280x720 pixels), so you can feel like a film director! It makes this waterproof camera a great choice for everyday life as well as for holidays or when practicing extreme sports. Take this device wherever you go and you will be able to save all of the best moments of your life! Also, we recommend you to get a high-capacity and fast memory card.

Review of Inov8 C204M Underwater Compact Digital Camera

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B017H660IU

 

Polaroid IF045 Waterproof Dual Screen Digital Camera

Easy-to-use Camera With Two Displays

Polaroid IF045 is an excellent compact waterproof camera featuring a high-quality 14 MP CMOS sensor. This device shows the best performance when used in shallow waters, in a swimming pool, during a rain, etc. The camera is totally splashproof and can be immersed at the depth of 10 feet. Preset scene modes allow you to shoot beautiful pictures on land and under water. This camera is perfect for taking photos in a clean transparent water in swimming pools. Needless to mention, Polaroid camera allows you to adjust ISO and light exposure. Moreover, the Anti-Shake stabilisation technology minimises blurring in dim light and at a long exposure. Let note that configuring this camera is very simple and requires no effort. A single look at this Polaroid underwater camera is enough to notice that it has two LCD displays - a front (1.8'') and a rear one (2.7''). Therefore, Polaroid IF045 is perfect for making selfies! You can make selfies even under water while snorkeling in the sea. Of course, this camera will come in handy when you go fishing, hiking, or just backpacking. The best moments of your life will be recorded! As for the power supply, this Polaroid underwater camera requires just two AAA batteries that you can find in any department store. So, you can quickly buy new batteries and go on shooting pictures.

We recommend using a shockproof case for storing your underwater camera. And don't forget about a high-speed memory card (choose the capacity you need)!

Review of Polaroid IF045 Waterproof Dual Screen Digital Camera

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B008RFA1BS

 

PowerLead Gapo G051 Digital Camera Underwater

Affordable Yet Functional Camera

PowerLead Gapo G051 is an affordable yet reliable and functional enough waterproof camera. Take this wallet-friendly device on a holiday and don't worry if you ever drop it in the sand or water. The casing of the device can withstand the immersion to the depth of 33 feet. This result isn't record-high but it's enough to allow taking pictures when diving or snorkeling along a beautiful coral reef. Travelling to a mountain resort? No problem! The PowerLead waterproof camera can help you shoot stunning pictures while standing on top of the slopes. Needless to say, this affordable waterproof camera will come in handy during any outdoor activity too. Many DSLR cameras can't stand cold weather but Gapo G051 withstands the temperature of -10°C. Of course, this waterproof camera is dust-, moisture-, and sand-resistant so you are welcome to take some shots of a daredevil quadricycle ride somewhere in a desert! The rubber strip around the casing protects the device and ensures a firm grip when you hold it. As for the hardware, PowerLead waterproof camera has 5 MP CMOS 1/2.3'' sensor that takes pictures even in dim light. We would like to note that the sensor resolution can be increased to 12 or even 16 MP by interpolation. In all, the image quality is decent, particularly if taking into account the price for this camera.

Even though it's an affordable waterproof camera, a high-speed memory card should be used.

 

Review of PowerLead Gapo G051 Digital Camera Underwater
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B019DYNF4G

 

Polaroid IS525 Waterproof Camera

Simple Camera for Any Occasion

Are you looking for a decent camera that can work even under water and in rainy weather? Aren't you ready to pay thousands of pounds for an expensive yet fragile professional DSLR camera? If your answer is 'yes', you need the Polaroid IS525 waterproof camera that combines brilliant specs and a really attractive price tag. This device will certainly be highly helpful in any situation: at a dazzling pool party, during a beach tour, while hiking, etc. The camera is waterproof and allows taking photos even if you submerge it to the depth of 10 feet. Is it raining but you need to take pictures? Not a problem at all! As for image quality, this Polaroid waterproof camera has a high-resolution 16 MP CMOS sensor that allows you to make detailed photos with naturally vivid colours. We would also like to highlight the usability of the device - selecting the right settings is effortless and anyone can cope with it. There are several pre-set modes that adjust camera settings to every particular situation; they are Auto, Night Scene, Portrait, Backlight, Sports, and Landscape. In our opinion, the Polaroid IS525 is a fantastic addition to a more performing camera. This device will help you make the most memorable shots of your family or friends without fear of dropping or breaking it. The Polaroid IS525 works on 2 AAA batteries, which is quite an advantage as such batteries are available in any shop. You can buy a new set of batteries and continue taking photos! Moreover, the camera is supplied with 2 AAA batteries! Yet, the shipping kit doesn't include a case and a memory card, so you should buy them separately.

Review of Polaroid IS525 Waterproof Camera

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00TBG9WJE

 

What is a Waterproof Camera

Everybody likes holidays. You can visit beautiful places and see amazing sights, some of which are worth recording and keeping in your album. It may be a nice landscape, an underwater scene or snow-covered mountains. Though, you may be reluctant to take an expensive camera or smartphone to places where they can be easily damaged. Yet, if you want to save your holiday memories, you should get a waterproof camera resistant to hits and falls, sand and dust. Such camera will easily shoot photos of deep-sea inhabitants or your water-sports’ buddies and survive if you drop it on some rock or into the mud. We have chosen the most popular waterproof cameras, so you are welcome to choose the right one for your needs and record the brightest moments of your leisure. 

If you are fond of outdoor activities, you may also like our review of action cameras.

What Features to Compare

Extreme Capabilities

The first thing to consider when choosing a waterproof camera is the intended scope of application. All waterproof  cameras are rated differently and so, may suit or not different purposes. For example, if all you need is to record your child swimming in a pool and maybe occasionally take pictures in the rain, you don't need the highest water protection rate. However, if you wish to dive with the cam and take underwater photos, the protection should be high enough to withstand immersion as deep as 30 feet. For ski activities, the camera should also be freezeproof. The other properties to pay attention to are shockproof and crushproof rates. If the camera is highly secured from external impact, it can be used in any extreme conditions fearlessly and still provide smooth operation and functioning.

Picture Quality

Most of us use a waterproof camera as a backup option when using a professional-grade cam in extreme conditions isn’t possible and therefore, the image quality isn’t expected to be the best. But not anymore! Most advanced waterproof cameras boast a high picture resolution, good sensor size, zoom, and lenses. The number of pixels is commonly pretty much average, making 8 megapixels, but more than enough to view pics on a big screen in a good quality. Consider the sensor size, the bigger the better. The optimal sensor size for most users is about 1/2.3”, delivering pictures with a higher contrast and brighter colours. Any camera should allow zooming in and out, so find out the focal length as well. Or you can use an additional digital zoom and make shots at a higher magnification. As usual, waterproof cameras are configured to minimise manual settings and, thus, offer plenty of already pre-set modes.

Extras

Apart from protection rates, waterproof cameras can provide some extra features to enhance user's experience. Some of them can have a built-in GPS to let users track their location on a global map and record the routes. Some models support Wi-Fi for instant image sharing on the Internet. Users who practice active sports would appreciate a cam that is easy to manipulate on the go by clasping or tilting it with one hand. Compatibility with other accessories can greatly expand the functionality of a camera and further picture processing for different needs.

Sources:

1. Ryan Shaw, How to buy the best digital camera, Which?

2. How to Choose a Great Underwater Camera, SwimOutlet.

3.Tips to Choose Waterproof Camera, BusinessInsider. July 18, 2012.

4. Underwater photography, Wikipedia. November 7, 2016.

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