GoPro vs DJI Osmo Action vs OM System TG-7 for snorkeling

GoPro HERO13 Black, DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and OM System TG-7 compared for snorkeling: waterproofing, photos, video, low light, ease of use and which to buy.

By SnorkelAtlas Editorial TeamUpdated 3 min read

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Woman in a floral bikini swimming underwater in clear sea
On this page
  1. Side by side
  2. Our verdict
  3. Which to buy

These three cameras cover what most snorkelers want: tough, waterproof without a case, and easy to use with wet hands. They are good at different things.

Side by side

OM System TG-7 DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro GoPro HERO13 Black
Type Rugged compact Action camera Action camera
Waterproof without case 15 m 20 m 10 m
Lens Optical zoom Fixed wide Fixed wide (lens mods available)
Strength Photos, macro Video, low light Accessories, mounts
Weakness Video stabilization No zoom Shallower rating

Specifications are from manufacturers. Always check the current model's rating before use.

Our verdict

PickBest forSkip it ifPrice
Fish and coral close-upsStabilized vloggingCheck price
Smooth video, low lightMacro photosCheck price
Accessories, mounts, editing appDeeper water without a housingCheck price

Photos

OM System Tough TG-7

Optical zoom and a superb macro mode make it the best of the three for still photos.

Waterproof
15 m

Good

  • Optical zoom
  • Macro

Not so good

  • Weaker video stabilization
Check price

Video

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Larger sensor and strong stabilization, waterproof to 20 m without a housing.

Waterproof
20 m

Good

  • Low light
  • Battery life

Not so good

  • Fixed wide lens
Check price

Ecosystem

GoPro HERO13 Black

The action camera with the widest range of mounts and accessories.

Waterproof
10 m

Good

  • Accessories
  • Stabilization

Not so good

  • 10 m rating without housing
Check price

Which to buy

  • You mostly want photos of fish, coral and turtles: TG-7.
  • You want smooth video, including manta night snorkels: DJI.
  • You already own GoPro mounts or want the biggest accessory range: GoPro.

More options in best underwater cameras for snorkeling.

Questions people ask

Which camera is best for snorkeling?
For photos, the TG-7. For video, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. For accessories and mounts, the GoPro HERO13 Black.
Do I need a dive housing for snorkeling?
Not for these three at normal snorkeling depths. A housing adds protection and depth if you also dive.

How we write these guides. We build every guide from official sources (park services, state agencies, operators), current tour listings and reader reports. We never claim to have tested gear we have not used. Spot something out of date? Tell us.