Best Action Cameras for Water Sports

Waterproof and action cameras have revolutionized photography and filmmaking, enabling adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts to capture breathtaking moments even in the harshest conditions. These rugged cameras are designed to withstand shocks, water, dust, and more, making them perfect companions for anyone seeking to document their adventures in the wild, underwater, or anywhere else. 

Here are some of the top waterproof and action cameras on the market today.

Nikon COOLPIX W300

The Nikon COOLPIX W300 is a durable digital camera designed for adventurous photographers. It features a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, providing high-resolution images and excellent low-light performance. The 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens allows for versatile capture of wide-angle landscapes and close-up shots of distant subjects.

Key Features:

• Waterproof up to 100 feet, suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and pool activities.
• Freezeproof down to 14°F, suitable for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
• Shockproof for handling rough conditions.
• Time-lapse and super lapse recording modes for captivating landscapes and fast-motion videos.
• Built-in bright LED light for illuminating subjects or maps.

Olympus TG-6 Red

The Olympus Tough TG-6 12MP f/2.0 4X 3″ is an ideal camera for outdoor enthusiasts, offering pro features for challenging shots in extreme environments. It excels in low light and delivers vivid colors in macro and underwater photos.

Key Features:

• Pro Capture Mode for capturing nearly impossible shots.
• Anti-fog design for continuous shooting without lens moisture.
• Super-fast lens captures bright, richly detailed images even in low light settings.
• Underwater Microscope Mode for detailed underwater macro photography.

GoPro Hero 9

The GoPro Hero 9 is a rugged action camera designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and content creators alike. It is the ultimate companion for capturing high-quality videos and photos in various adventurous situations while ensuring steady and shake-free shots, making it the perfect companion for activities like biking, skiing, and snowy slopes. With new models coming out regularly, there are always new features to take advantage of.

Key Features:

• Waterproof up to 33 feet without external housing
• Extended battery life for prolonged shooting time compared to previous models
• Create captivating time-lapse videos with adjustable speed options
• Effortlessly navigate and review footage using the large, intuitive touchscreen
• Make quick and easy camera adjustments through the responsive touchscreen interface 

Ricoh WG-6 Black

The Ricoh WG-6 Black 20MP CMOS 5X 3 is a camera built to survive the toughest conditions. It excels in underwater photography with optimized white balance and offers Flash Off/Flash On dual pictures with a single press of the shutter.

Key Features:

• Dedicated Underwater mode with optimized white balance for natural colors.
• Waterproof for up to two continuous hours at 20 meters depth.
• Adjustable LCD monitor brightness for better viewing in changing lighting conditions.
• Shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof for versatile usage.

Lumix DMC-FT30

The Lumix DMC-FT30 is a rugged and versatile camera designed for capturing both above and below water images. It belongs to Panasonic’s “Tough” camera family, renowned for its ability to withstand challenging environments, being waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof. The camera’s robust construction makes it an ideal choice for adventurous travelers seeking a reliable camera that can withstand various conditions.

Key Features:

• Various shooting modes, including automatic, scene-specific, and creative filters.
• Lightweight design for easy portability during travel and outdoor activities.
• Digital image stabilization technology to reduce blur caused by camera shake.
• Intelligent Auto Mode automatically adjusts camera settings for great shots.

Canon PowerShot D30

The Canon PowerShot D30 is compact and tough, perfect for active outdoor adventures. Its Underwater mode and Custom White Balance ensure stunning aquatic shots, while the camera remains waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof.

Key Features:

• Underwater mode for excellent underwater shots and macro photography.
• GPS for easy image tracking to locate photos.
• Waterproof down to 25 meters and shockproof up to 2 meters.
• Childproof and designed for rough handling.

Fujifilm FinePix XP140

The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is a perfect companion for capturing memories in any environment, from underwater adventures to rugged terrains, and everything in between. With exceptional quality and durability, this camera is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers, offering an intuitive interface for easy navigation.

Key Features:

• Automatic modes and scene recognition optimize settings based on the environment for a seamless user experience.
• Waterproof up to 25 meters and shockproof up to 1.8 meters, ensuring worry-free use in challenging conditions.
• Records high-definition videos at 1080p resolution, with slow-motion and time-lapse features for creative filming.
• Includes artistic filters and shooting modes like black and white, sepia, and toy camera to add unique effects to the photos.

Nikon 1 AW1

The Nikon 1 AW1 is a rugged, waterproof mirrorless camera designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor delivers high-resolution images with excellent color accuracy, and its advanced hybrid autofocus system ensures quick and precise focusing, making it ideal for action photography.

Key Features:

• Waterproof up to 15 meters (49 feet). 
• Shockproof against drops from heights of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet).
• Fast continuous shooting with fixed focus or full autofocus.
• Versatile lens options for wide-angle landscapes to telephoto wildlife or sports photography.
• Creative Modes and Underwater Controls for rewarding moments

Investing in a high-quality waterproof and action camera ensures stunning clarity, durability and reliability when capturing and sharing unforgettable adventures. These cameras offer exceptional features and performance, making them essential tools for thrill-seeking photographers.

Get your waterproof and action camera now or visit Henry’s.com and check out the live chat where you can speak to an expert about your options.

What’s Next:

• Take Advantage of 0% Financing
• Find a Henry’s near you 
• Learn about Henry’s Trade-and-Upgrade Program
• Protect your purchase with Henry’s Extended Life Plan
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