7 Best Scuba Diving Cameras for Beginners and Buying Guide

If you are new to scuba diving, then a scuba diving camera for beginners should be of interest. Such cameras are good for you to record your best moments underwater. From the footage and pictures, you can know where you need to improve when scuba diving next time. There are multiple affordable scuba diving cameras a beginner can get; however, you need to find the best models. It is why we have reviewed some of the top options below to get you started.

By the end of the guide, you should have enough knowledge about the best scuba diving cameras for beginners and choose the right one.

PRODUCTBRANDEXPERT RATINGCHECK PRICE
Campark ACT74 Action Camera 4K Ultra HD Underwater Camera Check Price
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera Underwater 16MP Camera Check Price
VanTop Moment 3 4K Action Camera Check Price
Victure AC600 4K Action Underwater Camera Check Price
APEMAN A80 Action Camera 4K 20MP Underwater Camcoder Check Price
AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera with Touch Screen Check Price
Campark X15 4K Action Camera with Touch Screen and EIS Check Price

Top 7 Scuba Diving Cameras for Beginners

#1 CHOICE

Our Top Pick: Campark ACT74 Action Camera 4K Ultra HD Underwater Camera

Product Name: Campark ACT74 Action Camera 4K Ultra HD Underwater Camera

Product Description: This is a versatile camera you might want to check out. We found that it is good for surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, golfing, running, and so much more. You simply have to mount it on your gear and you are good for some underwater shots. The model is loved for having the best video quality you would want a scuba diving camera. Considering that it features 4K video recording, you can now end up with high quality videos and pictures while scuba diving. There are also multiple modes for you to check out including time lapse, loop recording, and slow motion. It comes with a built in Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity. Once you are done with the scuba diving activity, you can now simply upload the images via Wi-Fi or HDMI connection. It is waterproof up to 30M which should be an ideal depth for those new to scuba diving.

  • Water resistance
  • Material quality
  • Picture quality
  • Image stabilization
Overall
4.9

Summary

This is a top consideration for anyone who wants a scuba diving camera for a beginner. It is loved for its multiple new features that make it stand out. Also, it is waterproof up to 30m, which should make it great for anyone who needs to scuba dive more often.

Pros

✔️It offers high quality videos and pictures

✔️It is easy to mount and use

✔️The model comes with multiple important accessories

Cons

❌The battery run time is low

Runner’s Up:
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera Underwater 16MP Camera

Photo credit: Amazon

The model is one of the best to get right now for its 4K camera action. It is good in terms of the final photo and video resolution. As such, it allows you to capture exciting moments in life. With a zoom range from 1.0X to 4.0X, we find it being an ideal option for many.

It also comes with a wireless remote control. This is good for you to capture the photos and videos without necessarily touching the camera. The Wi-Fi capability means that you can transfer the photos and videos to a computer once you come from scuba diving.

It is waterproof up to 100 feet underwater. This makes it great for anyone new to scuba diving to record their first moments underwater. It also has multiple accessories to make it more versatile.

PROS
✔️It is easy to use
✔️Impressive waterproof depth for the price
✔️Compact for the best portability
CONS
❌The batteries take longer to recharge

VanTop Moment 3 4K Action Camera

Photo credit: Amazon

Being waterproof up to 100 feet is what makes it one of the best cameras for scuba diving. They would love to capture moment when they first started scuba diving. The model can still be used for other activities such as skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, hiking, and so much more.

Having a remote control and wireless share features make it easier to control the camera. You can now take videos and photos underwater without necessarily pressing the button on the camera. Simply use the remote-control device.

The camera comes with a 170-degree ultra-wide lens. This ensures that you get to capture different shots you have always wanted. Also, you get multiple modes with the unit. Depending on your needs, you can switch from one mode to another.

You will also love this model for having multiple accessories. These accessories are what makes it compatible with other devices. We found it is compatible with all GoPro Cameras.

PROS
✔️It delivers impressive 4K videos and HD photos
✔️It comes with the ultrawide lens
✔️The camera allows for wireless sharing of content
CONS
❌Overall durability could be better

Victure AC600 4K Action Underwater Camera

Photo credit: Amazon

As part of ensuring that you have a great time scuba diving without worrying about the battery, this one comes with 2 1050Am batteries. You can always switch them out when one dies while scuba diving. Also, the batteries do not take long to recharge, so you should be back to scuba diving in no time.

It is also a great scuba diving camera even for beginners because of its waterproof nature. It does remain waterproof up to a depth of 30M. This makes it great for you to take photos and videos while having fun underwater.

The photos that you take will be high quality considering it is a 16MP camera with ultra HD 4K recording capability. The results are that you have the best image resolution that would want to share with your friends.

Talking of sharing, the unit has Wi-Fi connectivity. This makes it easier to transfer the content to your phone or laptop and start editing where necessary.

PROS
✔️Waterproof up to 30m
✔️Impressive photo and video resolution
✔️Highly versatile for multiple activities
CONS
❌The camera feels cheap in the hand

APEMAN A80 Action Camera 4K 20MP Underwater Camcoder

Photo credit: Amazon

If you are still in the market for a top scuba diving camera, this is another top option for you to consider. It is liked for having the 20MP camera that ensures you get quality photos all the time. The videos will also be great considering that it offers 4K recording capability.

The camera also comes with up to 4 view angles. They include 170, 140, 110, and 70 degrees. You can choose the view angle depending on the current needs. It also has a smart gyroscope and anti-shaking mode built into the camera. These two are important to deliver steady and smooth videos each time when using the camera.

It comes with a high-quality waterproof case you can use today for all your outdoor activities. Considering it is waterproof up to 40 meters, it can be an ideal choice for those into scuba diving. Also, it comes with two 1050mAh batteries. They should be enough to help you explore the water without worrying about the battery capacity.

PROS
✔️Impressive photo and video quality
✔️Comes with multiple important accessories
✔️It has various photo and video recording modes
CONS
❌Not the best for low light conditions

AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera with Touch Screen

Photo credit: Amazon

This is a nice underwater camera you should consider getting if you are a beginner in scuba diving activities. It is waterproof up to 131 feet, which is enough for someone who is not yet a master in scuba diving. This depth allows for you to capture various moments underwater without worrying that the camera might malfunction. Also, the camera is ideal for other outdoor features such as snorkeling, surfing, and swimming.

The wide view angle of the camera helps to capture a lot more than what you get with other cheap cameras. It also has other multiple modes for you to choose from. Such include ultra-wide, wide, medium, and narrow.

Having the electronic image stabilization feature makes sure that you end up with steady and smooth videos. It can also be the best option for shooting fast moving objects.

The intuitive UI design makes it ideal for you to operate it with ease. Even if you have not used it before, it will be easier to work it. It is easy to change the settings, playback the footage, and explore any other features of the camera.

PROS
✔️It contains an electronic image stabilizer
✔️It is waterproof up to 131 feet
✔️The camera comes with multiple modes
CONS
❌Low battery capacity for long scuba diving sessions

Campark X15 4K Action Camera with Touch Screen and EIS

Photo credit: Amazon

If you are on a budget, then this is a nice option for you to keep in mind. The model offers an impressive 4K recording capability, which is just amazing for the price. Also, the photos are captured by the 16MP lens. You should now end up with high quality photos even under water.

It does also feature a humanized touch screen. Rather than having to deal with buttons all the time, the touch screen helps you to interact with the photos better. We must point out that it also features a great interface. The intuitive interface makes it easier to change any settings that you want.

This unit comes with a depth capacity of 30m. This ensures that those who want to go for a scuba diving session should have an easy time doing so.

With its multiple accessories, we find that it will be a great camera for the money. Many would find it ideal to keep using it for their scuba diving activities and other outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, surfing, and more.

PROS
✔️The model is easy to use
✔️It comes with an electronic image stabilizer
✔️It remains waterproof up to 30m
CONS
❌It could use more camera modes to make it versatile

Buying Guide for Scuba Diving Cameras for Beginners

Photo credit: B&H
Photo and Video Quality

The first thing you have to consider is the photo and video quality. Considering that you would be taking pictures and videos underwater, the light conditions will not be ideal. So, go for a model that can offer more resolution for the videos and photos. Luckily, right now most affordable cameras can offer the impressive 4K recording capacity. This should leave you enjoying the best quality of the final video or photo, even in murky waters.

Ease of Use

Depending on a model, how easy it is to use will vary a lot. It is why you need to consider getting yourself the best easy to use interface. The interface should be intuitive. This means that you can easily make the changes when the need arises. Most manufacturers will send you the camera with comprehensive guides on how to operate it. Also, many cameras today will be easy to use as manufacturers understand the importance of an intuitive UI.

Waterproof Depth

Another thing you would want to keep in mind is the waterproof depth. This type of depth determines how deep you can go with the camera. For a beginner, any camera with a waterproof depth of around 30m should be ideal for you. Since you are still a beginner, it is not worth spending so much on expensive models that are great deep scuba diving.

Camera Modes

Having multiple modes in a camera allows for you to choose the right one depending on your needs. You should consider taking the time to learn more about the types of modes you can get with a camera before making up your mind. Depending on the manufacturer, some can have fast shooting modes, slow motion, panorama, wide angles, and so much more.

Connectivity 

Many models right now come with Wi-Fi connectivity. This means that you can easily transfer the files to a PC or phone through Wi-Fi connections. Others would have HDMI or both. Whichever the connectivity, just make sure that the camera will be easy to transfer the files. It is best to compare the various units to see which one has the best connectivity options.

Summary

Now that you have enough information about best scuba diving cameras, it is easy to pick the right one now. Take note of the features we have mentioned in the buying guide above before making up your mind. This ensures that you always end up with the right unit that works for your scuba diving activities. With the right camera, you should have a great time recording your scuba diving moments more often.