If you are looking to buy an action camera for your next Scuba trip, in this post I will review the best action cameras currently on the market.
Action cams are compact-sized digital sports cameras that can be easily carried along in your trips and vacations. Despite being considerably small compared to normal cameras, quality of underwater videos and pictures is often comparable if not superior to the image quality of larger cameras.
In most cases, underwater action cameras are no different from normal action cameras. You will just need to purchase an underwater housing to make sure that your action camera is protected from water leaks while scuba diving.
Short on time? Click here to jump to the ultimate list of the 10 best action cameras for scuba diving.
Alternatively, keep reading to see why you should buy an action camera, how I have selected the best action cameras for scuba diving, and why you should trust my recommendations.
Why Should You Buy an Action Camera For Your Next Scuba Holiday?
Whether you are new to scuba diving or a veteran diver, buying an underwater action camera is convenient under several aspects, even if you already own the best underwater camera set:
- Superior Video Quality: Despite being compact and lightweight, action cameras have an incredibly high resolution when it comes to shooting videos. Most of them have a resolution of 1080p or 4K, which is in some cases higher than the resolution of the most advanced mirrorless cameras used for underwater photography.
- High Versatility: Action cameras have multiple uses that go way beyond underwater photography or video shooting. Almost all action cameras can be used on the surface, while biking, hiking, skiing or for other outdoor activities. This makes them quite a versatile investment.
- Ease of Transport: as compared to conventional underwater photography sets, action cameras are small, compact and can easily be carried in your carry-on luggage or backpack without adding too much weight.
- Ruggedness: By definition, action cameras are more rugged and shock resistant then conventional cameras. This means you shouldn’t worry too much if your action camera falls down on the dive boat’s deck. It also means you don’t necessarily need to spend extra money on expensive protective cases.
- Ease of Use: As compared to conventional cameras, most action cameras are plug and play and automatically recognize the environment and light conditions in which they are used. This means you will not need to spend ages figuring out how to optimally set your action camera to take pictures or videos underwater.
How Did I Select The Best Action Cameras For Scuba Diving?
When selecting the best action cameras for scuba diving, I have considered a number of criteria to ensure I am providing you with the comprehensive, fair and transparent evaluation. Being a scuba diving geek and underwater photographer myself, I have also paid close attention and am only recommending action cameras that I have used, tested and that I either own or would buy for myself.
Let’s take a closer look at the selection criteria:
- Price: Action cameras are not super cheap, however in my view, they should not be more expensive than a conventional underwater camera set. This is why I have only selected underwater action cameras that you can purchase for $500 or less.
- Resolution: Video quality and resolution is extremely important while taking videos and pictures underwater. If there is a single most important factor you should take into account when buying an underwater action camera, this is the resolution. In my ultimate list I have only selected action cameras with a minimum resolution of 1080p or 4K.
- Number of accessories required: When buying an action camera, in most cases you will need to buy also some accessories to make it work without being damaged underwater. As a minimum, you will need to purchase an underwater waterproof housing and some additional accessories such as handle, and red light filters. I have only selected underwater action cameras that have several options available, as you don’t want to be stuck with a single brand when it comes to purchase accessories.
Why Should You Trust My Recommendations?
Besides being an avid scuba diver and underwater photography geek, I regularly teach PADI’s underwater photography specialty courses. To most of my students, I recommend taking these course with their own cameras or action cameras. This allows students to have a personalized experience, while giving me the possibility to test a wide range of underwater cameras and action cameras.
Click here if you would like to explore my background in more details.
Best Action Cameras for Scuba Diving: Ultimate List
My Top Pick: GoPro Hero11 Black
If you ask me which is the best underwater action camera, I recommend the GoPro Hero11 Black without hesitation. This is the action camera I regularly use for underwater videos and that I have tested in the most diverse environments, from crystal clear waters of the Maldives to muddy cold water lakes. You can check out some of the videos I have shot with my GoPro Hero11 Black in my Youtube channel.
When it comes to image and video quality, the GoPro Hero 11 Black is simply unbeatable. It records videos in 5.3k (highest video resolution on the market for action cams) with 24.7 megapixel stills from video recordings. The action cam features GoPro’s latest video stabilization technology, which works equally well underwater and above the surface.
Compared to previous GoPro models, the Hero 11 allows for greater customization of the white balance and ISO settings and it is also waterproof up to 33 feet without the need to purchase a separate housing. In addition, the Hero11 Black (using max video quality) has a battery life of 61 minutes, which is more than the typical recreational dive. If you want to take underwater videos of yourself or even selfies, the GoPro remote control is waterproof up to 16ft and has a range of 196ft (from experience, the range below the surface is more close to 100ft).
Like all GoPros, the Hero11 comes with a “fisheye” lens, which is an ultra wide-angle lens. This means the action cam is best suited for recording videos and taking pictures of relatively big marine life. For smaller marine creatures like nudibranchs, you will need to get really close to your subject. If you are mostly into macro photography / videography, you might want to consider a different camera setup (for example, mirrorless or dslr cameras).
If you are planning to buy the GoPro Hero11 Black, i strongly recommend buying waterproof protective housing, the polar pro dive master filter kit as well as the floating hand grip. These accessories can be purchased at a relatively small extra cost but will definitely ensure you are all set to shoot ultra high-quality video. You can also buy the full GoPro Hero 11 Black kit at the following link.
DJI Osmo Action 3 Diving Combo
When it comes to video stabilization, DJI is second to none. You might have heard of the brand from its famous air drones line. In 2022, the brand decided to enter the underwater action camera market with the release of the DJI Osmo Action 3.
The Osmo Action 3 comes with several features that will make shooting underwater videos super easy.
The automatic color temperature calibration intelligently adjusts the white balance and AE for natural looking colors, even underwater. The hydrophobic screens allow for clear viewing while at the surface and for convenient handling while framing selfies underwater.
Out of the box, the Osmo Action 3 camera is waterproof to 55 ft. To use it while scuba diving, I suggest buying the Osmo Action Diving accessories kit which includes the Osmo Action 3 Waterproof Case, DJI Floating Handle, Osmo Locking Screw, and Anti-Fog Inserts for underwater creation at depths of up to 196 feet.
Just like the Black Hero11, the Osmo Action 3 has an integrated wide angle lens, meaning that you will not need to purchase additional lenses for your wide angle shots. Compared to the GoPro Hero11 Black, the DJI Osmo Action 3, has lower video quality (records in 4k) and shoots 12 mp photos. It remains however the best choice in case you don’t have a firm hand and need superior video stabilization.
AKASO Brave 8
If you are looking for a cheaper, yet reliable alternative to both the GoPro and DJI Osmo Action 3, the AKASO Brave 8 is definitely the way to go. If you need a backup action cam or if you just want to have some fun taking underwater on a tight budget, the AKASO Brave 8 is the best camera you can choose.
The AKASO Brave 8 features a powerful 1/2″ CMOS image sensor and Quad Pixel technology coupled with a unique 9-layer array of glass lenses, allowing you to capture every single detail of your next underwater adventure. Just like the GoPro and DJI action cams, the AKASO Brave 8 has a compact size and is quite rugged.
In terms of video and image quality, the AKASO Brave 8 records videos in 4k and shoots photos with 48 megapixels (note that this is even a higher resolution than GoPro Cameras). The Brave 8 has an automatic video stabilization which will help you take amazing videos underwater, although this is not as technologically advanced as the video stabilization you have on the Hero11 Black or on the OSMO Action 3.
Out of the box, the Osmo Action 3 camera is waterproof to 33 feet. I however suggest buying the waterproof case to extend the depth rating to 130 feet.
AKASO EK7000 Pro
If you are looking for one of the cheapest action cameras for scuba diving, the AKASO EK7000 is definitely the best option. At such a competitive price, you cannot expect the same quality as the GoPro 11 Hero Black, however if you are limited on budget, the EK7000 will not disappoint you.
The action camera is suitable for scuba diving up to a depth of 130 feet if you purchase AKASO’s special housing. It records videos in 4k at 30p and has a 30MP max photo resolution.
The camera also features an electronic image stabilization system, but here is where you may start observing the impact of the lower price (not comparable to DJI or GoPro models).
SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 Set
If you are looking for a solution that is in between an underwater action camera and an underwater classic camera, you should consider the SeaLife Reef Master RM-4K Pro 2000 Set.
This set is ideal for scuba divers who are thinking of transitioning from underwater videos to underwater photography. In fact, the ReefMaster RM-4K Pro can excellently handle both as it is closer to a digital camera than to an action cam.
Although with just 14MP, the quality of still images is somewhat inferior to the quality of still images of most action cameras, the 4k video quality is definitely comparable. In addition, the ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 set comes with the Sea Dragon 2000F UW photo-video light which delivers 2000 true lumens and a smooth, even 120° wide beam angle. This counterbalances the lower quality of still images as compared to conventional action cameras.
The Sealife ReefMaster RM 4k Pro has been tested to a maximum depth of 130ft and is expandable with popular SeaLife accessories (One or two Sea Dragon Photo-Video-Dive Lights, Close-up Lens, Super Macro Lens).
SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro Dual Beam Set
If you are more into underwater photography than video, but still would like to be able to shoot videos with a relatively high quality, then the SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro Dual Beam Set is the way to go.
The SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera is the latest and third generation of the popular permanently-sealed Micro camera series. Contrary to most DSLR and mirrorless cameras, the Sealife Micro 3.0 Pro is leak-proof with no O-rings to lube or maintain. The camera offers impressive still images with its large SONY® 16MP CMOS sensor and 4K Ultra HD video quality. You can even shoot 8MP stills while you’re recording video.
The Micro 3.0 Pro has a large 3-plus hour battery, which is good for a full day of diving and built in 64gb of memory to store thousands of photos and hours of video. This is another advantage vs. most action cams where you will need to buy a memory card.
The Sea Dragon 3000SF Pro Dual Beam’s large COB LED delivers 3000 lumens in an even 120° wide beam, which is essential to take underwater pictures (less useful for videos).
Dragon Touch Vision 3 Pro Action Camera
The Vision 3 Pro Action Camera is a valid alternative to the AKASO EK7000 Pro. If you are tight on budget and are looking for an action cam that you don’t plan to use that often, the Vision 3 Pro is definitely a good choice. Like all other action cams in my ultimate list, you can use the Vision 3 Pro Action Camera for all your underwater and water activities. it is also a great action camera if you have kids and would like to let them play with it.
The Vision 3 Pro is waterproof to 100ft and records videos in 4k with a 16mp resolution for pictures. One of the nice features of the Vision 3 Pro is its adjustable angle lens: You can choose from various wide angles between 70°,110°,140°, 170° as you like. It’s up to you to decide on expansive or narrow field view.
Wrap Up
An action camera is a must-have accessory for any scuba diver. Even if you have a professional underwater camera, I strongly recommend bringing along a compact action camera to quickly record videos and make great memories from your underwater adventures.
Out of all the models available, the GoPro Hero 11 Black edition emerges as a clear winner with superior image quality, video resolution, and different shooting modes (slow motion, time lapse, normal video or picture). It is a rugged camera and can be used in multiple water or land based activities and sports. If you are low on budget or don’t feel like making a big initial investment, the best action cam that you can buy relatively cheap is the AKASO EK 7000 Pro, which is an optimal compromise between price and quality.