Best Action Camera for Underwater Videos

If you’re planning a scuba diving trip and want to capture your underwater adventures, an action camera is a must-have accessory. These compact-sized digital sports cameras are perfect for capturing high-quality underwater videos and photos. In this article, we will review the best action cameras currently on the market for scuba diving.

Why Should You Buy an Action Camera for Scuba Diving?

There are several reasons why buying an action camera for your next scuba holiday is a great idea:

1. Superior Video Quality: Action cameras have incredibly high resolution, often surpassing larger cameras used for underwater photography. Most action cameras have a resolution of 1080p or 4K, ensuring excellent video quality.

2. High Versatility: Action cameras are not only great for underwater photography, but they can also be used for various outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and skiing. This makes them a versatile investment.

3. Ease of Transport: Compared to conventional underwater camera sets, action cameras are small, compact, and lightweight. They can easily be carried in your carry-on luggage or backpack without adding much weight.

4. Ruggedness: Action cameras are designed to be rugged and shock-resistant, making them perfect for the unpredictable underwater environment. You don’t need to worry if your action camera falls on the dive boat’s deck, and you don’t need to invest in expensive protective cases.

5. Ease of Use: Most action cameras are plug and play, automatically adjusting to the environment and light conditions. You won’t have to spend a lot of time setting up your camera for underwater photography or videography.

Now that you understand the benefits of using an action camera for scuba diving let’s take a closer look at how we selected the best action cameras for underwater videos.

How Did We Select the Best Action Cameras for Underwater Videos?

When selecting the best action cameras for scuba diving, we considered several important criteria to ensure our recommendations are comprehensive and reliable. As scuba diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers ourselves, we have tested and used these action cameras personally.

Here are the criteria we used to make our selection:

1. Price: We only included action cameras that are reasonably priced, not exceeding the cost of a conventional underwater camera set. All the action cameras on our list can be purchased for $500 or less.

2. Resolution: Video and image quality are crucial for underwater photography. We only included action cameras with a minimum resolution of 1080p or 4K, ensuring excellent quality videos and photos.

3. Number of Accessories: Many action cameras require additional accessories to protect them from water damage. We selected action cameras that have a wide range of compatible accessories available, giving you options when it comes to purchasing additional equipment.

Now that you know how we selected the best action cameras for scuba diving, let’s dive into our ultimate list of the top action cameras for underwater videos.

GoPro Hero11 Black

The GoPro Hero11 Black is our top pick for the best underwater action camera. It offers unbeatable image and video quality, making it perfect for capturing your scuba diving adventures. With a resolution of 5.3k and 24.7 megapixel stills from video recordings, the Hero11 Black produces stunning visuals. It also features GoPro’s latest video stabilization technology, ensuring steady and smooth footage underwater.

The Hero11 Black is waterproof up to 33 feet without the need for a separate housing. It has a battery life of 61 minutes, more than enough for a typical recreational dive. The GoPro remote control is also waterproof up to 16ft, allowing you to take underwater videos and selfies with ease.

To get the most out of your GoPro Hero11 Black, we recommend purchasing a waterproof protective housing, the Polar Pro Dive Master Filter Kit, and a floating hand grip. These accessories will enhance your underwater videography experience.

DJI Osmo Action 3 Diving Combo

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is another excellent choice for underwater videography. Known for its exceptional video stabilization technology, DJI delivers superior image stabilization with the Osmo Action 3. This makes it a great option if you tend to have shaky hands or if you want to capture smooth footage underwater.

The Osmo Action 3 has an automatic color temperature calibration, adjusting the white balance and AE for natural-looking colors underwater. It is waterproof up to 55 feet, but we recommend purchasing the Osmo Action Diving accessories kit to extend the depth rating to 196 feet.

AKASO Brave 8

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable action camera for underwater videos, the AKASO Brave 8 is an excellent choice. It offers impressive video and image quality, recording videos in 4K and capturing photos with 48 megapixels. The Brave 8 features automatic video stabilization, ensuring smooth footage underwater.

The AKASO Brave 8 is waterproof up to 33 feet, but you can purchase a waterproof case to extend the depth rating. It is a great backup action camera or a budget-friendly option for occasional use.

AKASO EK7000 Pro

For those looking for the most affordable action camera for underwater videos, the AKASO EK7000 Pro is a solid choice. While it may not offer the same image and video quality as higher-end models, it still delivers impressive results for its price.

The EK7000 Pro records videos in 4K and shoots photos with a 30MP resolution. It features electronic image stabilization, although not as advanced as other models. The AKASO EK7000 Pro is suitable for scuba diving up to a depth of 130 feet when used with AKASO’s special housing.

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 Set

If you’re interested in transitioning from underwater videos to photography, the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 Set is a fantastic option. This set combines the functionality of an action camera with the features of a digital camera, making it ideal for scuba divers who want to capture both stunning videos and photos.

The ReefMaster RM-4K Pro can handle both still images and 4K videos. It comes with the Sea Dragon 2000F UW photo-video light, providing 2000 lumens and a wide beam angle. This compensates for the slightly lower image quality compared to other action cameras, making it perfect for underwater photography.

SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro Dual Beam Set

For scuba divers who prioritize photography over videography, the SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro Dual Beam Set is an excellent choice. This camera offers impressive image quality with its large 16MP CMOS sensor and 4K Ultra HD video capability. It also has a built-in 64GB memory and a long battery life, perfect for a full day of diving.

The SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro is leak-proof and doesn’t require O-rings, making it hassle-free to use. It is expandable with popular SeaLife accessories and comes with the Sea Dragon 3000SF Pro Dual Beam, providing 3000 lumens and a wide beam angle for underwater photography.

Dragon Touch Vision 3 Pro Action Camera

If you’re on a tight budget and want a reliable action camera for occasional underwater videos, the Dragon Touch Vision 3 Pro is a great choice. It offers 4K video recording and adjustable angle lenses, allowing you to choose between various wide angles.

The Vision 3 Pro is waterproof up to 100 feet and delivers impressive video and image quality for its price. It is a budget-friendly option for capturing your scuba diving adventures.

Wrap Up

An action camera is an essential accessory for any scuba diver who wants to capture their underwater experiences. Whether you’re looking for superior image quality, video stabilization, or a budget-friendly option, there is an action camera on our list to suit your needs.

Our top pick is the GoPro Hero11 Black, offering unbeatable image and video quality. If you prefer superior video stabilization, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is a fantastic choice. For those on a budget, the AKASO Brave 8 and EK7000 Pro are reliable options. If you’re interested in transitioning to underwater photography, the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 Set and Micro 3.0 Pro Dual Beam Set are excellent choices.

Capture your scuba diving adventures with the best action camera for underwater videos and create lasting memories of your underwater experiences.