What Makes The Best Compact Underwater Camera?
A compact camera is any camera that does not use interchangeable lenses and is roughly large enough to fit inside your pocket. Of course, when you place one in an underwater housing, the system might not be quite as compact. Underwater compact cameras tend to be easier to use than larger DSLR and mirrorless cameras. They are also smaller and more lightweight which makes them easier to travel with. Despite this, many modern compact cameras have excellent image quality that can often rival their professional cousins.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best underwater compact camera: size, weight, image resolution, underwater housing options, and the list goes on. It's also important to consider what you'll be using it for. Some are more video-oriented, some are waterproof to certain depths without the need for a housing, some are better for macro, and, of course, some are more expensive than others. In this guide, we discuss several different underwater compact cameras and rank them according to size, price, photo capability, video capability, and overall features. We'll also cover action cams and underwater smartphone housings as they are also affordable entries into the world of underwater photography. In fact, we think that smartphones just might be the future of underwater photography. Almost all of us already own a smartphone, so getting an underwater housing for your smartphone is often the easiest way to begin taking underwater photos and videos.
Improvements in Underwater Compact Cameras
The largest improvements to compact cameras we have seen in recent years includes the universal introduction of 4K video (and even 5.3K video in some circumstances), better ergonomics, improved burst shooting speeds, and quicker autofocus (including the introduction of functional autofocus tracking to some models). Read on to find out which compact underwater camera is right for you...
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Easiest-to-Use Underwater Compact Camera
1/2.3” CMOS Sensor, 16 MP
Read the SeaLife Micro 3.0 Review
If you want a run-and-gun setup that doesn't take any work to set up before you can use it, then the SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera is for you. It's a simple, permanently sealed underwater compact camera that couldn't be easier to use. The kind of people this camera will appeal to are the everyday divers who want to capture their next underwater adventure but aren't necessarily interested in professional results. As it's permanently sealed, there is no need for any o-ring maintenance, and you don't have to worry about flooding. You can get more than three hours of use from the SeaLife Micro 3.0, making it excellent for a full day of diving!
Key Features
- 16 Megapixel Sony CMOS image sensor
- Permanently sealed
- 3+ hours battery life
- Built-in 64GB memory card - there's no need to carry around an SD card!
- Easy operation
- "Easy Setup" feature
- Capable of manual white balance and RAW format for post-processing
- 100° Lens
SeaLife Micro 3.0 Packages
- SeaLife Micro 3.0 Ultimate Package
- SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro Dual Beam
- SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro 3000F Set
- SeaLife Micro 3.0 Pro 5000 Duo Set
Check out other SeaLife Products & Accessories
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Best Value Underwater Compact Camera
Canon G7X III
1” CMOS Sensor, 20 MP
Manual Control Available (unlike TG-6)
Price: $749.00
Read the Canon G7X Mark III Review
The Canon G7X III packs a secret gem in its compact body - a large 1-inch 20 MP sensor. The G7X III competes with the market-leading underwater compact cameras but retails for considerably less than its competitors. This camera's image quality is excellent; it has a dedicated macro mode, 4K video, slow motion video, quick bust mode, a larger buffer, and an upgraded processor to help it perform at the highest level. It even lets you shoot in full manual mode so you can control your triangle of exposure - ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
Key Features
- 20.1 megapixel 1.0” stacked CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 image processor
- 4.2x optical zoom lens (24-100m f/1.8-2.8) with optical image stabilization
- 3.0 inch touch panel LCD screen with tilt option of 180 degrees for selfies and vloggers
- Compatible with USB charge/power supply
- Contrast-detection autofocus (no dual pixel autofocus)
- 20 fps burst mode (upgraded from 8fps)
- 70 shot RAW buffer (upgraded from 21 shots)
- Slow motion video (120 fps in 1080p)
Canon G7X III Underwater Housing Options
Canon G7X III Packages
- Nauticam Canon G7X Mark III Pro Package
- Fantasea G7X Mark III Camera and Housing Package
- Fantasea Canon G7X Mark III Housing and YS-01 Solis Strobe Package
- Fantasea Canon G7X Mark III Housing and YS-03 Solis Strobe Package
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Best High-End Compact Camera
Sony RX100 VA and Sony RX100 VII
1” CMOS Sensor, 20 MP
Price: $998.00 & $1,299.99
Both are excellent for image quality, autofocus speed, & shooting video
The Sony RX100 VA is more versatile as it can do both wide angle and macro on the same dive. The Sony RX100 VII needs separate ports for wide angle and macro, but it excels in macro photography.
Sony RX100 VII Features
Sony RX100 VA Features
The Sony RX100 VA & Sony RX100 VII are excellent underwater compact cameras with a bunch of great features. RX100 series cameras are the market-leading compact cameras for a good reason. Thanks to their fast autofocus speeds, shooting fast-moving animals is a breeze with these two cameras. Both the Sony RX100 VA & Sony RX100 VII have full manual control, fast autofocus and excellent image quality. Where the RX100 VII excels is in its enhanced zoom lens - it features a 24-200 mm f/2.8 – 4.5 lens which is an incredible tool for macro and supermacro photography. The RX100 VA is a better camera for those photographers looking to shoot both wide angle and macro in the same dive. This is because the RX100 VII requires a separate wide angle and macro port due to its longer lens. Neither camera is cheap; they are among the most expensive underwater compact cameras on the market and the RX100 VII is the most expensive on this list. But, if it's within your budget, it's an excellent option with its fast autofocus tracking system, especially for video - which you can now record for an unlimited amount of time.
RX100 VII Key Features
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RX100 VA Key Features
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Sony RX100 Mark VA and VII Underwater Housing Options
There are a lot of underwater housing options for the Sony RX100 VA and VI on the market, check out the list below:
Nauticam Housings
Isotta Housings
Ikelite Housings
Fantasea Housings
Sea & Sea Housings
Sony RX100 V/VA Underwater Packages
- Nauticam Sony RX100 V/VA Ultimate Package
- Nauticam Sony RX100 V Housing Pro Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 V Housing and Camera Bundle
- Fantasea Sony RX100 V Housing, Camera and YS-01 Strobe Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 V Housing, Camera and YS-03 Strobe Package
Sony RX100 VII Underwater Packages
- Nauticam Sony RX100 VII Housing Pro Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 VI IHousing and YS-03 Strobe Package
- Fantasea Sony RX100 VII Housing, Camera and YS-03 Solis Strobe Package
Best RX100 Series Wet Lenses
- Nauticam WWL wet wide-angle lens
- UWL-09 super-wide lens
- Kraken KRL-01 wide-angle lens
- Kraken KRL-11 wide-angle lens (52mm thread)
- Kraken KRL-12 wide-angle lens (67mm thread)
- Bluewater +7 macro lens
- Nauticam CMC-1 Macro Lens
- Nauticam CMC-2 Macro Lens
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Best Underwater Compact Camera for Video
Panasonic LX10
1” CMOS Sensor, 20 MP
Price: $699.99
The Panasonic LX10 is our top choice for a video-oriented underwater compact camera. It features 4K video recording that offers you stunning levels of detail.
Key Features
- 20.1MP 1" CMOS Sensor
- 5-Axis HYBRID Optical Stabilization
- 24-72mm Lens Equivalent
- 4K Photo Mode
- 4K Video @ 30p
- Post Focus and Photo Stacking Modes
Panasonic LX10 Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Panasonic LX10 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Panasonic LX10, LX15 Underwater Housing
- Isotta Panasonic LX15, LX10 Underwater Housing
Panasonic LX10 Packages
Best Underwater Compact Camera for Macro Underwater Photography
Olympus TG-6 or OM System TG-7
1/2.3” CMOS Sensor, 12 MP
No Manual Mode
Price: $449.99 & $599.99
Best Beginner Underwater Cameras
The Olympus TG-7 has long been a favorite among adventure photographers looking for a rugged, ready-for-anything compact camera, and its latest iteration, the OM System TG-7, continues that legacy with impressive build quality and versatile imaging performance. Designed to be waterproof to depths of around 15 m right out of the box, this tough camera is ideal for snorkelling, beach days, and shallow reef dives without the need for extra protection. Its lightweight size and robust set of features make it a standout option in any roundup of the best underwater compact cameras, offering users confidence that they can capture high-quality stills and video in conditions where standard cameras simply can’t go.
For deeper dives and more serious underwater exploration, enthusiasts often pair the TG-7 with an Olympus TG-7 underwater housings, made by Olympus, Kraken, Weefine, Isotta, Ikelite, Marelux and Nauticam, which dramatically extends its usable depth and underwater capabilities. An Olympus TG-7 housing like the PT-059 allows this compact powerhouse to reach depths usually reserved for dedicated dive housings, giving photographers greater freedom and flexibility far below the surface. Whether you’re just getting started with underwater photography or expanding your kit with a dependable companion to traditional cameras, the Olympus TG-7 and its compatible housings are crucial considerations in any list of top picks for underwater compact imaging gear.
Key Features
- 12MP Hi-Speed image sensor for improved low-light performance and noise reduction
- Dual Quad Core TruePic™ VIII image processor
- 4K video
- Field sensor system w/ GPS, manometer, compass & temperature sensor
- Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof
Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing Options
- Nauticam Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing
- Ikelite Olympus TG-5/TG-6 Underwater Housing
- Olympus TG-6 Underwater Housing PT-058
- Recsea Olympus TG-5 and TG-6 Aluminum Underwater Housing
- Recsea Olympus TG5 POM Underwater Housing
- Isotta Olympus TG5, TG6 Underwater Housing
Aluminum Housings
Olympus TG-6 Packages
- Olympus TG-6 Perfect Exposure Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Starter Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Wide Angle Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Fluorescence Photography Starter Package
- Ikelite Olympus TG-6 Ultimate Package
- Olympus TG-6 Housing and Strobe Package
- Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera and Housing Bundle
Best TG-6 Wet Lens
- Kraken KRL-02 wide-angle lens
- Kraken compact wide-angle lens
- Kraken KRL-11 wide-angle lens (52mm thread)
- Kraken KRL-12 wide-angle lens (67mm thread)
- Bluewater +7 macro lens (for supermacro)
Best Action Camera
GoPro Hero 10
1/2” CMOS Sensor, 23 MP, 5.3K/30p
Price: $449.99
We couldn't talk about compact cameras without mentioning GoPro. While the GoPro Hero10 Black is not technically classed as an underwater compact camera, many people use them as an affordable, easy way to capture underwater footage. In fact, many professional TV and movie studios have used them too! The GoPro HERO 10 is the latest model in the lineup and is everything we love about GoPros and more. It has improved image stabilization that is quite honestly the best out of any action camera currently on the market. A super-fast processor helps it shoot 5.3K video at 60p and 4K at 120p, which is impressive for such a small camera. Travelers who value weight and space savings will love the GoPro HERO 10.
Key Features
- GP2 processor
- 5.3K 60p + 4K 120p video resolution
- 23-megapixel photos
- HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization
- Automatically upload footage to the cloud when charging
- Waterproof to 33ft
Underwater Housing Options
- Isotta GoPro Hero9, Hero 10 Black Underwater Housing
- Recsea GoPro Hero9, Hero 10 Black Underwater Housing
- Anglerfish GoPro HERO9 & HERO10 Large Underwater Housing
Easiest-to-Use Action Camera
SeaLife RM-4K
CMOS Sensor, 14 MP, 4K/30p
Price: $349.00
Everything with the SeaLife RM-4K is quick and easy. In fact, it's probably the simplest underwater camera we've ever used. If you're looking for an action camera that's designed for underwater environments with a couple of different color correction modes and easy ergonomics, the RM-4K fits the bill. The ergonomics and large buttons make using the camera easy and intuitive even when wearing thick gloves.
Key Features
- 14 megapixel Panasonic CMOS image sensor
- Captures 4K video @ 30fps
- 1080p @ 60fps
- Built-in color correction
- Whopping 140° field of view with fisheye lens
- Unique pressure lock thumb screw seal system
- Integrated with Moisture Muncher
- 4 button control system
- Wifi
- 2" LCD screen
- JPG image capture (no RAW files)
SeaLife RM 4K Packages
Check out other SeaLife Products & Accessories
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Best Smartphone Housings For Underwater Photography
Best Underwater Smartphone Housing
SeaLife SportDiver Smartphone Housing
SeaLife SportDiver Packages
Reefscene Captured with a Samsung Galaxy S20 in a SeaLife SportDiver Housing
Kraken Sports KRH08 Universal SmartPhone Housing
When discussing the best underwater compact cameras, it’s impossible to ignore how far smartphone technology has come—and how the right housing can elevate a phone into a serious imaging tool underwater. Modern smartphones now rival traditional compact cameras in image quality, computational photography, and video performance, making them an increasingly popular option for divers and snorkelers. With a high-quality Kraken smartphone housing, your everyday phone can function much like a dedicated underwater compact camera, offering intuitive controls, excellent image processing, and the convenience of shooting, editing, and sharing all from one device.
A standout example is the Kraken krh08, a robust Kraken underwater housing designed to transform a smartphone into a reliable underwater camera system. Often compared directly with compact camera setups, this advanced Kraken phone case provides deep depth ratings, accessory compatibility, and precise control—features traditionally associated with higher-end compact cameras. For underwater shooters weighing the choice between a standalone compact camera and a smartphone-based solution, the Kraken smartphone housing proves that phones now deserve a serious place in conversations about the best underwater compact cameras available today.
Kraken Sports KRH08 Packages
- Kraken Sports KRH08 Ultimate Smartphone Package
- Kraken Smart Phone Housing and KRL-02 Wide Angle Package
- Kraken Sports SmartPhone KRL-02 Wide Angle Package
Kraken Sports KRH08 Recommended Wet Lenses
Best Smartphone Housing for Surf & Snorkel
AquaTech AxisGo 13 Smartphone Housing
Other AquaTech AxisGo Housing Options
- AquaTech AxisGo 13 Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 12 Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 11 Pro Max Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 11 Pro Housing
- AquaTech AxisGo 11 Housing
AxisGo 13 Packages
Which underwater compact camera do you think is right for you?
You can either get in touch via email at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com or call 310-633-5052 for a personalized 5-star service.