Best underwater cameras for snorkeling
The best cameras for snorkeling photos and video: OM System TG-7, DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, GoPro HERO13 Black, Insta360, plus floating straps and settings that work.
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Snorkeling photos are harder than they look: water absorbs red light, the surface reflects, and everything moves. The right camera handles most of that for you.
Our picks
| Pick | Best for | Skip it if | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
OM System Tough TG-7Best for photos | Sharp photos, macro shots | Vloggers who want stabilized video | Check price |
DJI Osmo Action 5 ProBest for video | Smooth, colorful video | Close-up macro photos | Check price |
GoPro HERO13 BlackBest ecosystem | People who want accessories and mounts | Deeper dives without a housing | Check price |
Insta360 Ace Pro 2Alternative action camera | Flip screen and low light | Those wanting the GoPro ecosystem | Check price |
Insta360 X5Best 360° | Immersive 360° video | Simple point-and-shoot photos | Check price |
Floating hand grip or strapMust-have accessory | Every snorkeler with a camera | — | Check price |
How we chose
We compared waterproof depth without a housing, sensor and lens, stabilization, ease of use with wet hands and independent reviews. We did not run our own lab tests.
Best for photos
OM System Tough TG-7
A rugged compact with an optical zoom lens and excellent macro mode, waterproof to 15 m without a housing. It is a long-time favorite among snorkelers and divers for close-up photos of fish and coral.
- Waterproof
- 15 m without housing
- Lens
- Optical zoom
- Strength
- Macro
Good
- Real optical zoom
- Superb macro
- Waterproof out of the box
Not so good
- Video less stabilized than action cameras
- Small sensor
Best for video
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI's action camera has a larger sensor than most rivals, very good stabilization and is waterproof to 20 m without a case. Reviews highlight its low-light performance and battery life.
- Waterproof
- 20 m without housing
- Strength
- Low light, stabilization
Good
- Excellent stabilization
- Good in low light
Not so good
- Wide lens only
Best ecosystem
GoPro HERO13 Black
The most popular action camera, with a huge range of mounts, lenses and accessories. Waterproof to 10 m without a housing.
- Waterproof
- 10 m without housing
Good
- Huge accessory range
- Great stabilization
Not so good
- Shallower waterproof rating
Alternative action camera
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
A strong competitor with a flip screen and good image quality.
- Feature
- Flip screen
Good
- Flip screen
- Good image quality
Not so good
- Fewer third-party accessories
Best 360°
Insta360 X5
Shoots 360° video so you can choose the frame later. Lenses need extra care underwater.
- Format
- 360° video
Good
- Frame later
- Unique shots
Not so good
- Editing takes time
Must-have accessory
Floating hand grip or strap
Most action cameras sink. A floating grip or strap is cheap insurance.
- Use
- Keeps camera afloat
Good
- Cheap insurance
Not so good
- Adds bulk
Photo or video?
- Photos, especially close-ups: a compact like the TG-7 with optical zoom and macro.
- Video: an action camera with stabilization.
- Both: an action camera is the easier all-rounder; take photo frames from video.
Tips for better snorkel shots
- Shoot in the morning when the water is calmer and clearer.
- Keep the sun behind you.
- Get close. Water reduces contrast; the closer the subject, the better.
- Shoot slightly downward from the surface, or take a breath and dive down if you are comfortable.
- Use a floating strap and keep it on your wrist.
- Rinse in fresh water after every session.
Comparing the top three? Read GoPro vs DJI vs TG-7 for snorkeling.
