It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to find the best cheap underwater camera. With so – many – options (!) for cheap diving cameras; each with numerous specs and features to compare, how the hell do you separate the truth from the hype?!
Never fear! We’ve scoured the seven seas to bring you the 10 best budget underwater cameras of 2026; having tried and tested dozens of the things.
As a dive instructor living in the Philippines, I see these cameras used by guests all the time — from first-time snorkelers to certified divers.
Some perform surprisingly well for the price, while others struggle the moment you get below the surface. That real-world use is exactly what this guide is based on.
The cheapest underwater cameras are action cams with waterproof housing; we start our reviews with these then move onto slightly pricier underwater cams with added perks such as macro lenses, included lighting or enhanced low light performance.
Use the Quick Look below to take a fast glance at the best budget underwater cameras currently available or scroll down further to read our Detailed Reviews!
Quick Picks: Best Budget Underwater Cameras of 2026
REVIEWS: 10 Best Cheap Underwater Cameras:
1) Cheapest Underwater Camera: Akaso EK7000
Quick Verdict: The cheapest underwater camera on this list — ideal for beginners and casual use, but limited for deeper diving.
One of the reasons for the Akaso EK7000’s popularity is its price; it’s the cheapest of all the underwater cameras we’re reviewing.
The Akaso EK7000 has been the top-selling cheap underwater camera on Amazon for some time, with thousands of positive reviews.
Despite the low cost, it’s built for underwater use; being waterproof to 100ft / 30m when sealed in its included casing.
👉 This was actually the first underwater camera I ever used back in 2020. It’s great for getting a feel for underwater video at a very low price — especially if you’re not sure you want to invest in something more serious.
It’s insanely cheap — but still delivers solid 4K video at 30fps, which is impressive for the price. Like most action cameras, video is its strength, while photo quality is more secondary.
That said, the 12MP sensor produces decent photos, with useful features like time lapse, looping, and built-in WiFi for sharing to the Akaso app — although low-light performance is limited, especially at depth or in darker conditions.
The EK7000 is the cheapest model in Akaso’s budget range. If you can stretch your budget by around $70, the Akaso V50 Elite is a big step up — which we’ve reviewed next.
Where to Buy Akaso EK7000:
2) Top Pick: Akaso V50 Elite
Quick Verdict: The best cheap underwater camera on this list — a big upgrade from entry-level models, with smoother 4K video, better photos, and deeper dive capability yet still very cheap.
The Akaso V50 Elite looks similar to its cheaper cousin, the EK7000 — but in terms of performance, it’s a big step up.
It shoots 4K at 60fps — double the frame rate of the EK7000, resulting in much smoother video. Photo resolution is also upgraded from 12MP to 20MP, delivering noticeably sharper images.
Seeing a pattern? Everything the EK7000 can do, the V50 Elite does better! That includes depth rating too — with its underwater housing, it’s waterproof to 131ft / 40m.
It also features electronic image stabilisation, which is especially useful underwater where camera shake is common.
👉 This is a camera I often recommend to people who want something cheap but actually capable — it’s a clear step up from entry-level models without a big jump in price.
All these features, combined with a very low price (it’s the third cheapest camera in this article), make the V50 Elite our favourite cheap underwater camera — affordable, but genuinely effective.
That said, there are higher-quality underwater cameras available if you’re willing to spend a few hundred dollars more — which we’ve covered further down in this article.
Where to Buy Akaso V50 Elite:
3)Cheap GoPro: GoPro Hero12
Quick Verdict: The best-value GoPro for underwater use — premium performance at a reduced price, but requires a housing for deeper dives.
Sitting as the third-cheapest option on our list, the GoPro Hero 12 Black makes it easy to own one of the most trusted action camera brands without spending a fortune.
While its price drop comes from the release of the Hero 13, the Hero 12 still delivers top-tier performance — with 5.3K video at 60fps, ultra-clear 27MP photos, and incredibly smooth HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, which is especially useful underwater.
👉 I’ve used the previous model (Hero 11), which performs very similarly — and the video quality and stabilization are genuinely excellent, even in moving water.
Out of the box, it’s waterproof to 10m / 33ft, but you’ll need to buy the underwater housing to extend this to 60m / 196ft — fortunately, it’s relatively inexpensive.
Another standout feature is HDR video, which helps balance highlights and shadows — giving you more detail and better colour in the flat, low-contrast lighting conditions you often get underwater.
Where to Buy GoPro Hero 12:
4) Newest GoPro: Hero 13
Quick Verdict: The GoPro Hero 13 Black builds on the Hero 12 with richer HDR, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and support for creative lens mods like macro, ultra-wide, and anamorphic!
Colour correction underwater is better thanks to its improved HDR processing and slightly tweaked colour science. In shallow to mid-depths without a red filter, colours stay more natural and balanced compared to the Hero 12.
It runs cooler and longer thanks to the upgraded Enduro battery, while GPS returns and magnetic mounting make it easier to use on the go.
Waterproof to 10 m out of the box, it’s great for surface action, but scuba divers will want the separately purchased (but very cheap) underwater housing, which extends depth to 60 m.
GoPro remains the legendary go-to action cam for scuba divers and extreme sports lovers, and this is their newest and best yet!
Where to Buy GoPro Hero:
5) Low Light / Deeper Dives: DJI Osmo Action 5
Quick Verdict: The best cheap underwater camera for low-light diving — far better than most action cams at depth.
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro stands out for its exceptional low-light performance.
On deeper dives, where light fades and most action cams produce dull, noisy footage, it still captures bright, detailed video. Its 1/1.3″ sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and improved processing help retain more light and colour.
Compared to the GoPro Hero 13 Black, the difference at depth is clear — with more detail and less muddy footage. You’ll need an underwater housing for diving, typically rated to 60m / 196ft.
👉 I’ve used the DJI Osmo Action 5 extensively on dives at varying depths, and it consistently delivers brighter, cleaner footage than most action cams — especially in low light, even without video lights.
DJI has released the newer Action 6, but the 5 Pro remains excellent value if you can find it cheaper.
Where to Buy DJI Osmo Action 5:
6) Macro-Specialist: Olympus Tough TG-7
Quick Verdict: The best cheap underwater camera for macro photography — the only one here with optical zoom and microscope mode, features usually found in cameras costing thousands.
The Olympus Tough TG-7 absolutely shines when it comes to macro — perfect for tiny subjects like nudibranchs and shrimp.
Its microscope mode lets you focus as close as 1cm, while the 4x optical zoom gives you stunning, almost microscopic detail — something action cameras simply can’t match.
It shoots 4K at 30fps, includes stabilization, and uses a 12MP sensor to capture sharp, vibrant images — especially for close-up work.
👉 I’ve used the TG-7 a bunch of times underwater, and it’s incredible for macro — easily one of the most fun cameras to shoot with. That said, video is only decent: colour isn’t as well balanced as SeaLife cameras, and stabilization isn’t as advanced.
It’s also slower and more hands-on than an action cam, mainly because cycling through controls and settings takes time — you need to slow down and be deliberate with your shots.
That’s the trade-off. It’s not built for fast-paced diving — but if you want stunning macro shots with real detail and clarity, it’s hard to beat.
The camera costs around $499 and is waterproof to 50ft / 15m. With the underwater housing (around $300), it can reach 147ft / 45m.
Where to Buy Olympus Tough TG-7:
7) Best Value for Money: Sealife Micro 3.0
Quick Verdict: The easiest cheap underwater camera to use — fully sealed, simple controls, and awesome underwater colour correction.
The SeaLife Micro 3.0 is one of the most beginner-friendly underwater cameras available. It’s fully sealed, so there’s no housing and no risk of flooding — a big plus for new divers.
👉 I’ve had a Sealife Micro 3.0 since 2021 — it’s small, well-balanced, and just works underwater without fuss, with it’s main strength being underwater videos.
The large piano-key buttons are easy with gloves, switching modes is instant, and it powers on quickly so you don’t miss shots.
Its underwater colour correction is a standout, with simple modes that produce natural colours without heavy editing.
👉 Compared to action cams, colours are noticeably better straight out of camera — even without filters or lights.
It includes advanced video stabilization and supports macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, and underwater lights.
Overall, it’s one of the most reliable and easy-to-use underwater cameras — ideal if you want a camera that delivers amazing results without breaking the bank!
Where to Buy Sealife Micro 3.0:
8) Trippy Panoramic Videos: Insta360 X4
Quick Verdict: The most fun cheap underwater camera — shoots immersive 360° footage, but more about creativity than pure image quality.
The Insta360 X4 is all about capturing your dive from every angle.
It shoots up to 8K at 30fps, plus 5.7K at 60fps and 4K at 100fps, delivering sharp, immersive 360° footage. You also get 72MP 360° photos, along with FlowState stabilization and Horizon Lock to keep everything smooth and level.
👉 I’ve used the Insta X360 camera myself, and it’s an absolute blast underwater — especially with the invisible selfie stick. You get super trippy shots that simply aren’t possible with normal cameras.
Out of the box, it’s waterproof to 10m, but with the Invisible Dive Case, you can take it down to 30m / 98ft — perfect for most recreational dives.
It’s compact, easy to use, and the touchscreen makes navigating settings straightforward underwater.
That said, it’s more about creative, immersive footage than perfect colour or sharpness — especially compared to more traditional underwater cameras.
There’s now a newer Insta360 X5 available, but we’re focusing on the X4 here as it’s significantly cheaper and still delivers excellent results for most divers.
If you want a unique way to capture your dives and create standout footage, the Insta360 X4 is a fantastic and affordable choice.
Where to Buy Insta360 X4:
9) Underwater Housing for SmartPhones: Sealife SportDiver
Quick Verdict: The best cheap underwater setup if you want to use your phone — huge flexibility, but bulkier than a dedicated camera. The SeaLife SportDiver lets you safely take your smartphone underwater — down to 130ft / 40m.
It’s shockproof and includes audio and visual alarms to ensure your phone is sealed correctly, along with an anti-moisture capsule to prevent fogging.
The big advantage is flexibility. It fits most iPhone and Android models and lets you use your phone just like on land — giving you access to apps, filters, and advanced camera settings.
👉 I’ve seen these used on dives, and the results can be surprisingly good — especially if you’re already comfortable shooting on your phone.
It also includes a removable colour correction lens to improve underwater colours, and supports tripod mounts, lights, and SeaLife accessories for more advanced setups.
That said, it’s bulkier than most compact cameras and depends on your phone’s performance — but if you want maximum flexibility without buying a separate camera, it’s a great option.
Where to Buy Sealife SportDiver:
10) Best Snorkeling Camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7
Quick Verdict; A great cheap underwater camera for snorkeling — sharp photos, optical zoom, and easy framing, but limited at depth.
The Panasonic Lumix TS7 is a solid choice for snorkeling and shallow diving.
It’s waterproof to 31m / 102ft without housing, with full control of buttons and dials underwater. It shoots 20.4MP photos and 4K at 30fps video with decent stabilization.
Its electronic viewfinder makes framing easy in bright sunlight — where most screens struggle.
You also get a 4.6x optical zoom and macro focusing down to 1.97 inches, making it one of the few affordable cameras (alongside the Olympus Tough TG-7) that can do this.
👉 The viewfinder is especially useful near the surface when glare makes screens hard to see.
That said, it’s less suited to deeper dives — the viewfinder becomes harder to use, and there’s no underwater colour correction, so colours fade quickly.
Overall, it’s ideal for snorkeling and shallow shots, but for deeper diving, other cameras here are a better fit.
Where to Buy Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7:
Cheap Underwater Cameras: BUYERS GUIDE:
First up, we want to make one thing clear: none of the underwater cameras we’ve reviewed on this page are of professional quality.
They might capture superb photos and videos, but these still won’t be professional quality – i.e. not like what you see in National Geographic.
If you want a pro level diving camera you’ll have to fork out a hell of a lot more than the price of anything on this page.
If that does sound like something you’re interested in, check out our article Best Diving Cameras.
However, the cheap underwater cameras reviewed here are fully capable of shooting excellent videos and snapping beautiful photos with which to remember your travels, share on social media and update your blog.
Technology is constantly improving and nowadays even the cheapest camera can do things that ten years ago would only be achieved by something that cost thousands of dollars. You will likely be surprised and impressed by just how capable your cheap underwater camera is!
Now we’ve got that off our chest, let’s take a look at some terminology jargon:
Cheap Diving Camera Specs and Terminology:
1) Underwater Photography
When it comes to shooting great underwater photos and avoiding the common downfalls that result in less great ones, there’s a few strategies you’ll want to remember. To find out more take a look at our article: “Underwater Photography Tips for Beginners“.
2) Underwater Housing
When we refer to underwater housing we’re talking about the protective outer casing that cameras must be placed in to make them waterproof.
Most “underwater cameras” are action cameras that include underwater housing, which usually makes them waterproof to 133ft. Outside of their casing they are either not waterproof at all or only waterproof to about 33ft.
3) Action Camera
A compact and generally low cost camera that’s packed with a range of accessories such as a wrist strap, remote control and accessories to let you attach the camera to helmets, handlebars etc and of course underwater housing, so it can be taken underwater.
Action cameras universally feature image stabilisation. As well as being used for diving, their also prized for recording other fast movement activities such as skating, biking and paragliding.
Most of the cheap diving cameras we’ve reviewed here are action cameras (the exceptions being the SeaLife Micro 3.0 and the Olympus Tough).
Generally speaking, action cameras primary source of control is via a touchscreen, however when encased in it’s waterproof housing, the action cam’s touchscreen cannot be used and so instead, it must be operated via one to two buttons through the waterproof housing.
4) Optical Zoom Lens VS Digital Zoom
Whereas some cameras are described as having a digital zoom, this isn’t something to get overly excited about. Digital zoom is just a glorified crop, you simply blow up an image but don’t get any extra detail!
Optical zoom, on the other hand is the real deal – this is where the physical properties of the lens actually magnify objects and therefore do provide extra detail! The only cheap dive camera with an optical zoom is the Olympus TG-7.
5) 4K Video
Nowadays, being able to shoot in 4K video is very much the benchmark for what is considered good video capability. 4K refers to the approximately 4000 worth of pixel width within the image.
If a camera can’t even shoot 4K, don’t bother with it – it’ll be terribly outdated compared to newer models!
6) MP Sensor
A megapixel (mp) is a million pixels – the term not only used for the number of pixels in an image but also for the number of image sensor elements.
The more megapixels a camera has in it’s mp sensor, the more detail it can capture in an image. So a 16 mp sensor can capture a more detailed image than a 12 mp sensor.
However, whilst a high mp sensor does mean better photo quality, it can actually detract from video recording quality due to making footage more noisy.
Therefore, an underwater camera that is good for both photos and videos, should have a decent number of – but not too many megapixels. A 16 to 20 mp sensor will be ideal.
Diving Squad Debriefing
And that’s it. We’re done. The articles over. We truly hope you’ve found this to be a useful and eye opening read and that you’re feeling ready to get out there and purchase your dream cheap underwater camera.
The take home message: It doesn’t matter if you’re low on cash – in today’s society, technology has and still is accelerating so much, that you can now buy the best budget underwater camera to immortalise your scuba adventures for less than $100. How awesome is that?!
Diving Squad Out.
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