What good quality underwater video camera should I get?

Question by Jenni: What good quality underwater video camera should I get?
In need of a good quality, not badly priced water proof video camera that I can use underwater and as a regular video camera. Suggestions would be great. =)


Best answer:

Answer by lare
depends on depth. The Olympus Stylus 8000 "Rugged" is a good all-around camera with movie mode. For depths to 10 feet, the Stylus 550 is an economical choice. since you plan to use this in the water, i suggest you get the optional bouyant strap because otherwise the camera will sink.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

What camera is efficient both underwater and out of water? tough camera or housing?

Question by Bonnie Bullot: What camera is efficient both underwater and out of water? tough camera or housing?
I am looking to buy a camera for preferably under 650USD. I want to use it for snorkeling and shallow diving, but also have it to use as a regular camera that takes good photos-maybe with the option of manual exposure. Is it better to buy an underwater camera like Olympus Tough or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3, or to buy a decent camera and get underwater housing for it? What cameras would you suggest?


Best answer:

Answer by thankyoumaskedman
The waterproof cameras are usually outperformed photographically by non-waterproof cameras. Of the waterproof models, the Panasonic TS3/FT3 is probably one of the best. None have manual exposure.
A Canon S95 with an underwater housing should be better. You will need the optional weight set to counteract its buoyancy for diving. Without that the housing and camera have a net positive buoyancy (good for boaters), and you will be fighting that when diving. Also get some small silica gel packets to prevent fogging.

What do you think? Answer below!

Waterproof ACQUA WP6800 ( Blue ) UnderWater Digital Camera Video recorder 18MP Max.

Waterproof ACQUA WP6800 ( Blue ) UnderWater Digital Camera Video recorder 18MP Max.

• Waterproof up to 3 meters in depth
• 18 Megapixels with 4x digital zoom
• 2.4" LCD TFT Color Display
• Waterproof digital camera with video
• Compatible with Micro SD card ONLY ; supports up to 32GB external memory card

SVP introduces the newly developed WP6800 waterproof digital camera, a more advanced version of the WP5300 and now with 18 megapixels resolution! This series comes with three colors: Pink, Black and Blue. It features a 2.4 inch TFT color display with 4x digital zoom. It allows up to 4928 x 3696 resolution and records video. Easy to use and allows you to capture the perfect moments underwater of up to 3 meters in depth! The camera supports up to 32GB of Micro SD card and is compatible with Win XP(SP3), Vista (32/64), Win 7(32, 64) and Mac OS x 10.6.8 or above.

List Price: $ 0.00

Price: $ 49.99

More Products

Nocturnal Lights M220 LED Underwater Dive Light with Neoprene Hand Mount for Scuba Diving

Nocturnal Lights M220 LED Underwater Dive Light with Neoprene Hand Mount for Scuba Diving

• M220 LED backup light
• includes neoprene handmount
• Extra Bright 3W LED produces 220 Lumens
• Perfect for night dives or as a back-up for cave and other overhead environments
• The lights turn up in 100 nanoseconds so you don't have to wait for it to warm up

This Nocturnal Lights M220 LED Dive Light with its high intensity 3W LED bulb is a practical and convenient dive light. You could use it to look under ledges and to restore natural color underwater. The light is also perfect for night dives or as a back-up for cave and other overhead environments. It is submersible to 328'The light produces an extremely bright, white beam, that makes is a perfect light source for many on land applications. The light is very reliable, it's LED bulb last up to 10,000 hours, and can operate with-in a wide range of temperatures. It is very unlikely the LED will break due to accidental impact. The M220's precisely machined body and the double o-ring design makes flooding nearly impossible under proper care.Standard Package Information:-M220 LED Backup Light-Lanyard-3 X AA Batteries-Neoprene Hand Mount

List Price: $ 124.99

Price: $ 124.99

More Products

SeaLife SeaLife Reefmaster Underwater Camera, Black /Red SL332

SeaLife SeaLife Reefmaster Underwater Camera, Black /Red SL332

• Waterproof to 200 ft / 60m
• Mini Wide Angle Lens included
• Large, wide spread 3-button design for easy operation
• Video mode at 30 fps with sound
• 9 megapixels for sharp, high-resolution pictures

SeaLife SeaLife Reefmaster Underwater Camera, Black /Red SL332

List Price: $ 259.95

Price: $ 229.95

OceanLED A12 Amphibian Surface Mount Underwater Light - Ocean Blue

OceanLED A12 Amphibian Surface Mount Underwater Light - Ocean Blue

• Color: Blue
• Dimensions: 7 1/8 x 3 1/4
• Qty.: Each

Amphibian A12 ClassicThe Amphibian Series is the world's first lighting collection designed to be used both in and out of the water. Extremely powerful but with ultra low power draw and no start-up current required. Exceptionally easy to install and versatile enough to be mounted onto any transom, under the gunnels, engine brackets, t-tops, on masts as uplighters, and even on trailers for night launching. Not intended for use as Dock Lighting; please see our Dock Light Series. Maintenance is easy, just wipe away sea growth from its scratch resistant Tritonium Lens.?" Hole in HullEqual to some 35w Xenon12/24vDC40,000 Hour LifeChemically Resistant PolymerTwin Core WireFactory Sealed UnitNo Breakable Parts

List Price: $ 2,414.91

Price: $ 589.95

Related Products

Polaroid Floating Wrist Strap Orange for Underwater Waterproof Cameras Camcorders Housings

Polaroid Floating Wrist Strap Orange for Underwater Waterproof Cameras Camcorders Housings

• Low Buoyancy
• High Visibility
• Scuba Gear Attachment Loop
• Detachable Camera Loop
• Locking Wrist Strap Adjuster

Flotation Camera Strap

Excellent Camera Maneuverability - The Polaroid Flotation strap is designed for underwater cameras, camcorders and housings. Its pads provide little resistance while using your camera underwater. Its low buoyancy means you won't have to fight the upward force of the flotation pads while shooting under water.

Your Camera Is Never Lost - If for some reason the strap and camera accidently come off your wrist the two will gently float to the surface exposing the brightly covered pads.

Easy To Store - The Flotation pad includes an integral storage loop for clipping onto scuba gear of a life jacket

Convenience - A quick disconnect clip allows the camera to be separated from the strap without having to remove the strap from your wrist. The strap can be adjusted to fit securely round your wrist or arm using a push to release strap lock.

List Price: $ 6.99

Price: $ 6.99

More Products

Ocean LED OCE-001-500352 Amphibian A12 Pro Surface Mount Underwater Light (Blue)

Ocean LED OCE-001-500352 Amphibian A12 Pro Surface Mount Underwater Light (Blue)

• Blue light
• 12 or 24 Volt DC operation
• Twelve super-bright LEDs
• 7.2-inch W x 3.2-inch H x .75-inch D; Wt: 8.5 oz.
• Must be mounted below the waterline

The new A12 Pro from OceanLED raises the bar yet again for all underwater lighting on the market. The original Amphibian range was designed with the specific purpose of running in and out of water. With the Pro series, designed to be used only underwater, the power can be substantially turned up, thanks to consistent water cooling. In doing this the Pro A12 becomes almost 75% brighter than a standard A12, which means it will out-perform any competing LED underwater light on the market. The Amphibian range has been designed with a unique linear shape, versatile enough to be mounted onto any transom, and requiring just a 3/8-inch hole for the cable entry. The Amphibians are exceptionally easy to install and can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as trim tabs, engine brackets, or even on boat trailers for night launching. Despite the Amphibian's small size, they are extremely powerful, making them comparable to competitors’ halogen and xenon underwater lighting models. Using the very latest LED technology, Amphibians have an ultra-low power draw with no start up current required, over 50,000 hour LED life, and pure unfiltered colors designed to make an impact on any boat of any size. Extensive OceanLED research has also enabled all electronics to be built directly into the Amphibians, alleviating the need for an external LED driver. Once fitted, the Amphibians are virtually maintenance free. The lights are injection molded in Delnaeco Polymer - a state-of-the-art Polymer that is resistant to almost all known solvents and adhesives and is completely corrosion proof. In addition, OceanLED is renowned for using Tritonium glass. These unique glass lenses have been specifically designed by OceanLED and Tritonium Optical Technologies (a research laboratory specializing in optical systems) to inhibit barnacle build up and ensure that the Polymer light lens cannot be scratched like other plastic underwater lights.

List Price: $ 1,099.99

Price: $ 809.10

Related Products

Ikelite SubStrobe DS-160 - Underwater flash - 24 (m)

Ikelite SubStrobe DS-160 - Underwater flash - 24 (m)

• Package Includes: DS-160 Strobe Head, Diffuser
• Compatible Cameras: Ikelite Housings
• Guide # (ISO 100) feet - 76 surface - 38 underwater * Angle of Coverage - 90 degrees - 100 degrees with diffuser
• 225 flashes per full charge
• Recycle time of 3.5 seconds (Full power)

The SubStrobe DS-160 is compatible with all Ikelite TTL systems and current digital cameras, as well as all older TTL film cameras including the Nikonos system. A variety of sync cords, sensors, and TTL adapters are available to connect to almost any camera system currently on the market. The SubStrobe DS-160 recycles virtually instantaneously when fired at a fractional power -- whether in TTL or manual mode -- and still in a quick 1.5 sec from full discharge. Use a compatible TTL system and enjoy perfect automatic exposure and an increased number of flashes per full charge. When used in manual settings, the DS-160 offers 10 powers in half-stop increments for precise control over your exposure. A super-bright built-in 5-watt LED modeling light is perfect for focusing or night diving-- all with minimal drain on the strobe's battery. The beam is even, concentrated, and automatically turns off and on when the strobe fires. The #4060 DS-160 includes interchangeable rechargeable NiMH battery pack, flash diffuser, and standard mount with through-bolt. The NiMH battery pack requires #4066.1 Smart Charger, not included. An optional #9571.4 mount with 1" (2.5cm) diameter ball allows you to build a custom arm or attach the strobe to TLC or Ultralight arm systems. Complete strobe packages are available with strobe, arm, charger, and either sync cord or EV manual controller provide everything you need to add an external flash to your system.

List Price: $ 800.00

Price: $ 799.95

Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof 35mm Fuji Disposable / Single Use Underwater Camera (5 Pack)

Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof 35mm Fuji Disposable / Single Use Underwater Camera (5 Pack)

• 35mm format; 5 cameras included in pack
• Cameras are pre-loaded with 800-speed color film
• 27 exposures per single-use camera
• Waterproof to a depth of 17 feet
• Each camera includes a hand strap

This all-weather, one-time-use camera is ready for just about anything. It is designed for shooting outdoors in wet or snowy conditions, and will even operate up to 17 feet underwater. The package includes a wrist strap that can be used to keep the camera close and your hands free while swimming. The casing is made of lightweight and durable blue plastic to protect the camera from the elements and keep it afloat in the water. The camera is loaded with Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 800 film and has 27 exposures. The shutter release has been enlarged for easy operation.

List Price: $ 33.99

Price: $ 33.99

Kodak Sport Disposible Camera, 27 Exposure, Waterproof up to 50 feet

• Divers and snorklers, capture the vibrancy of life 50 feet underwater.
• No blurry pictures from sunscreen smudges; Avoid scratches from sand and snow that can ruin pictures.
• Rugged, durable, shock-proof rubber shell.
• Great for bumpy rides and rocky trails.
• Stocked with Kodak MAX Versatility Plus 800 Film

A One-Time-Use camera made to survive where a regular camera won't! Made with a rugged, durable and shock-proof frame; waterproof down to 50 ft. (15 m); scratch-resistant lens, this disposable camera can be used in virtually any outdoor land or water situation. Kodak MAX Versatility Plus Film brings picture quality to a new level by combining the color quality, fine detail, and picture clarity of lower-speed films with the benefits of higher speed films. This film delivers extra sharpness and unsurpassed fine grain (among 800-speed films) for crisper, clearer pictures, even when enlarged. Kodak MAX Versatility Plus Film produces consistently bright, vibrant colors across a wide range of lighting conditions. It provides accurate skin-tone reproduction for natural-looking "people pictures."

List Price: $ 22.99

Price: $ 2.50

Intova ISS 2000 Underwater Slave Flash with Arm & Mounting Bracket

Intova ISS 2000 Underwater Slave Flash with Arm & Mounting Bracket

• KIT INCLUDES 2 PRODUCTS -- All BRAND NEW Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
• <1> Intova ISS 2000 Underwater Slave Flash +
• <2> Intova Bracket & Flex Arm

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Intova ISS 2000 Underwater Slave Flash
♦ 2) Intova StaySlim Bracket with Flex Arm

The Intova ISS 2000 is a versatile slave flash that is waterproof, shock resistant, compact and easy to operate. With a waterproof depth rating of 180 feet (54 meters), the tough, durable housing gives you the ability to take the ISS 2000 anywhere your camera goes. Without a doubt, the ISS 2000 Underwater Strobe Flash is an essential accessory to add to your underwater digital camera outfit. Other features include 60-degree angle of coverage, 8-second recycle time and four manual power levels.

The Intova Stay Slim Bracket with Flex Arm consists of a base with a standard tripod screw, and an 11.8 inch (30cm) flex arm for mounting strobes or video lights to an underwater camera housing. The tripod screw is adjustable and will fit virtually all housings using a tripod screw mount system.

List Price: $ 169.95

Price: $ 169.95

Flip Video Underwater Case for Select Flip Ultra and Flip UltraHD Video Cameras

Flip Video Underwater Case for Select Flip Ultra and Flip UltraHD Video Cameras

• Compatible with select Flip UltraHD and Flip Ultra video cameras (U260 models, U2120 models, U1120 models)
• Designed to protect select Flip UltraHD and Flip Ultra video cameras under water to depths of 30 feet
• Offers a perfect way to shoot thrilling video under the sea or safely record fun times at the
• Provides full access to the Flip camcorder's controls, so you can capture all the underwater fun
• Note: The Flip Video Underwater Case is only designed to work with select models (U260 models, U2120 models, U1120 models). It will NOT work with other Flip Video models.

The Flip Video Underwater Case lets you safely capture video of your underwater excursions and poolside adventures. This clear acrylic case protects your Flip Ultra Camcorder to depths of up to 30 feet, while granting full access to the camcorder's controls. The case comes with a convenient wrist strap, so you don't have to worry about losing your camcorder while shooting underwater action. Note: The Flip Video Underwater Case is compatible only with Flip UltraHD and Flip Ultra 2nd Generation Camcorders.

List Price: $ 49.99

Price: $ 54.99

Ikelite 4061.1 Substrobe DS-161 TTL Underwater Flash with Li-on Battery and Smart Charger Reviews

Ikelite 4061.1 Substrobe DS-161 TTL Underwater Flash with Li-on Battery and Smart Charger

• Brightest, Smoothest coverage
• Built-in video light
• More flashes faster
• TTL Flash exposure

In a real world, side-by-side comparison, the DS161 remains one of the brightest strobes on the market. More importantly, the quality of light is exceptional due to a round flashtube and reflector designed specifically to delivery the softest, most even coverage possible.


The DS161 remains the favorite of pros worldwide for delivering a warm light without needing to add a light-dimming diffuser.

List Price: $ 1,099.95

Price: $ 1,099.95

Find More Products

Sea & Sea YS-D1 Compact Underwater Strobe

Sea & Sea YS-D1 Compact Underwater Strobe

• Equipped with 3 TTL circuitries like DS-TTL II, Slave TTL, Standard Nikonos Circuit
• The YS-D1 has a bright 1W LED target light to point at the target; it is bright enough to be used as a dive light on night dives
• The YS-D1 also features a 5 Pin Nikonos connector for electronic syncing with supported DSLR housings
• Includes 3 color LED: Red for ready lamp, green for TTL confirmation and Blue for Slave TTL mode
• Features DS-TTL II exposure compensation for +/- 4 steps

The Sea & Sea YS-D1 is a compact slave strobe that can be used for wide-angle or macro photography above and under that water. An external flash is your most important accessory for UW photography. The ocean is one big, blue filter. As you descend, the reds and oranges quickly become muted shades of blue and gray. This strobe light will bring back your subjects' natural colors. The YS-D1 is a breakthrough in the market featuring a maximum guide number of 32 for 80x80 degrees, 24 for 100x100 degrees or 20 for 120x120 degrees.

List Price: $ 750.00

Price: $ 699.95

BigBlue Underwater LED Light System Kit for GoPro Action Video Camera

• INCLUDES: BigBlue Camera Tray - Qty 2 BigBlue Aluminum LED Lights 250 Lumens each - Qty 2 Double Light Mounting Clips
• Each LED light produces a bright 250 lumens with a burn time up to 6 hours | Rated Down to 330'
• The energy efficient design and excellent quality of the LED guarantees a lifespan of 50,000 hours of burn time, reducing the need for frequent replacement of the bulb
• The 6500 °K white light reflects the true vibrant colors of the underwater world
• The twisting bezel makes turning the light on or off easy underwater | Constructed from aluminum alloy, and is anodized, to be anti-corrosive

Bigblue is supplying high quality accessories to accompany the R-Innovations camera tray made specifically for the GoPro® HD Video Camera. The accessories and tray are made from high grade TS6061 aluminum with stainless steel connects. The arms are integrated with a standard ball joint, and have a durable no-slip grip.

List Price: $ 369.95

Price: $ 369.95

Related Products

Fantasea WP-DC28 & WP-DC34 Big Eye Lens G10, Wide Angle Lens for Canon G10,G11 & G12 Underwater Housings Reviews

Fantasea WP-DC28 & WP-DC34 Big Eye Lens G10, Wide Angle Lens for Canon G10,G11 & G12 Underwater Housings

• Depth rated to 60m/200 feet
• Field of view recovery (magnification): 105% (X0.7)
• Angle of coverage: 80 degrees
• Lens material: Optical glass, hard coated plastic and anodized aluminum Dimensions: 157x77mm
• Weight: 498g

Patented Wide Angle Lens for the Canon WPDC28 and WPDC34 housing (for the G10 and G11 or G12 camera).

List Price: $ 219.95

Price: $ 219.95