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 2025; having tried and tested dozens of the things.
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 Look:
REVIEWS: 10 Best Cheap Underwater Cameras:
1) Cheapest Underwater Camera: Akaso EK7000
One of the reasons for the Akaso EK7000’s popularity is how affordable it is; it’s actually the cheapest of all the underwater cameras we’re reviewing.
The Akaso EK7000 has been the top selling cheap underwater camera on amazon for sometime now, with thousands of positive reviews.
Despite this, it has truly been designed with underwater use in mind; being waterproof to 100ft / 30m when sealed in its included underwater casing.
It’s insanely cheap but this little action camera packs a great punch; especially with regards to video which it can shoot at up to 4K at 30fps; on par with the capabilities of many more expensive cameras.
The 12mp sensor lets you snap decent photos and there’s also several handy features like photo boost, time lapse and looping as well as built in WiFi that lets you share to the Akaso app.
The EK7000 is the cheapest model on a line of cheap underwater cams designed by Akaso. On the other end of that line and costing $70 more is the Akaso V50 Elite: it’s vastly superior so we’ve reviewed it next.
Where to Buy Akaso EK7000:
2) Top Pick: Akaso V50 Elite
The Akaso V50 Elite is similar in appearance to it’s cheaper cousin; the EK7000, but in terms of performance it’s so much more.
It can shoot 4K at 60fps – that’s twice as many frames per second as the EK7000; resulting in smoother video motion. Next, unlike the 12mp photo resolution of the EK7000, the V50 Elite boasts 20mp photo resolution
Seeing a pattern here? Everything the Akaso EK7000 can do, the V50 Elite can do better! The same applies to depth rating, as within it’s underwater housing, you can can take the V50 Elite all the way down to 131 ft / 40m.
It also features electronic image stabilisation which is exceptionally useful underwater where your camera movements are more likely to be shaky.
All these great features combined with an extremely low price (it’s the third cheapest camera in this article!), make the Akaso V50 Elite our favourite cheap underwater camera – it’s affordable yet highly effective
That said, there are better quality underwater cameras available if you’re willing to spend a few hundred bucks more. We’ve covered them a little further down in this article.
Where to Buy Akaso V50 Elite:
3)Cheap GoPro: GoPro Hero12
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 whilst spending surprisingly little.
While its price drop is thanks to the arrival of the Hero 13, the Hero 12 still shines with its rugged build quality, effortless 5.3K video at 60 fps, ultra-clear 27 MP stills, and buttery-smooth HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization—perfect for capturing every twist and turn, especially underwater!
Right out of the box, the Hero 12 is waterproof to 10 m (33 ft). You need to separately purchase the underwater housing that extends its depth rating to 60 m (196 ft) but fortunately it’s very cheap!
Another great feature divers will appreciate with the GoPro Hero 13 is its HDR mode, which balances highlights and shadows to reveal vivid colours and crisp detail even in the challenging, low-contrast lighting you often encounter beneath the waves.
Where to Buy GoPro Hero 12 & Waterproof House:
- Amazon (Camera)
- Amazon (Waterproof Housing)
4) Newest GoPro: Hero 13
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 12 & Waterproof House:
- Amazon (Camera)
- Amazon (Waterproof Housing)
5) Low Light / Deeper Dives: DJI Osmo Action 5
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has rocketed to the top of my dive camera list, and the main reason is its incredible low-light performance!
On deeper dives, where natural light fades fast and most action cams start producing dull, noisy footage, the Osmo 5 Pro still captures bright, crisp, detailed video. That’s thanks to its larger 1/1.3″ sensor, wider f/2.0 aperture, and improved image processing, which together pull in more light and preserve colour accuracy even when everything around you is turning dark blue.
Compared to cameras like the GoPro Hero 13, the difference at depth is huge—you actually see the texture of corals and the shimmer of fish scales instead of a muddy blur.
As with many other cameras, there are plenty of affordable underwater housings available for the Osmo 5 Pro, most of which are rated to take it down to around 60 meters.
Honestly, if you want an action cam that thrives where the light dies, this is the one. You can check out my full review for footage, tips, and my go-to dive settings!
Where to Buy DJI Osmo Action 5:
6) Macro-Specialist: Olympus Tough TG-7
Of all the cameras in this article, the Tough TG-7 absolutely shines when it comes to capturing macro—perfect for tiny, fascinating subjects like nudibranchs and shrimp. Its incredible “underwater microscope mode” lets you focus on objects as close as 1 cm from the lens, and with a 4x optical zoom, you get an almost microscopic view that’s truly jaw-dropping.
It shoots crisp video up to 4K at 30fps, packs electronic stabilization, and a sharp 12MP sensor to make every detail pop.
What really sets the TG-7 apart are its five dedicated underwater modes—wide, snapshot, HDR, macro, and microscope—boosted by five underwater white balance options that keep your colours vibrant and natural even in tricky lighting.
The camera alone costs around $499 and is waterproof to 50 ft (15 m), but adding the underwater housing (about $300) lets you dive much deeper—up to an impressive 147 ft (45 m).
All in all, the Tough TG-7 is an absolute beast for any scuba diver wanting to capture stunning, close-up macro footage with ease and incredible clarity.
Where to Buy Olympus Tough TG-7:
7) Best Value for Money: Sealife Micro 3.0 Gift Set
The SeaLife Micro 3 Gift Set is fantastic value, especially right now with the limited-time offer that bundles the camera with a powerful SeaDragon 2000 underwater light!
This light is designed to dramatically improve both video and photo quality by adding much-needed illumination in darker underwater environments, which is especially helpful on deeper dives or cloudy days.
What makes the SeaLife Micro 3 a great all-rounder is its dedicated underwater colour correction, which helps deliver vibrant, natural colours straight out of the camera—no heavy editing needed.
Its built-in stabilization keeps your footage smooth even when currents get tricky. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of accessories like macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, and extra lighting options, so you can tailor it to the kind of diving you love.
Overall, the Micro 3 offers a perfect balance of ease-of-use, versatile features, and excellent image quality, making it one of the best budget underwater cameras for divers looking to capture amazing memories below the surface.
Where to Buy Sealife Micro 3.0 Gift Set:
8) Trippy Panoramic Videos: Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 is an absolute blast for divers who want jaw-dropping 360° underwater footage without spending a fortune. Shooting up to 8K video at 30fps (plus 5.7K at 60fps and 4K at 100fps), it delivers stunningly sharp, vibrant footage that captures every angle of your dive!
With 72MP 360° photos and smooth FlowState stabilization plus Horizon Lock, your videos stay silky-smooth and perfectly level no matter how wild the conditions get.
While it’s waterproof to 10 meters on its own, using the Invisible Dive Case lets you dive down to 30 meters safely—perfect for most recreational scuba adventures. The compact design and easy touchscreen controls make it super user-friendly underwater.
If you want to tell your dive story in a totally unique, immersive way with incredible quality and fun features like the invisible selfie stick, the Insta360 X4 is a fantastic, affordable choice!
Where to Buy Insta360 X4:
9) Underwater Housing for SmartPhones: Sealife SportDiver
I know what you’re thinking—“Take my phone underwater? Are you crazy!?” But that’s exactly what the SeaLife SportDiver lets you do, safely and reliably down to 130 ft (40 m).
It’s shockproof and even has audio and visual alarms if the phone isn’t secured properly. An anti-moisture capsule prevents fogging inside the case.
The SportDiver fits most iPhone and Android models and lets you use your phone just like on land, giving you access to unlimited apps, filters, and advanced video and photo settings. With new movie-making apps constantly emerging, this is a huge advantage for capturing underwater adventures.
It also includes a removable colour correction lens to keep your footage vibrant and natural. Plus, it has standard tripod mounts and works with SeaLife torches and rigs for even more flexibility.
Where to Buy Sealife SportDiver:
10) Best Snorkeling Camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7
If you’re after a reliable underwater camera for snorkeling, the Panasonic Lumix TS7 is a great pick. Its electronic viewfinder makes framing shots easy even in bright sunlight, unlike typical LCD screens.
Waterproof to 31m (102 ft) without housing, all buttons and dials are fully usable underwater for quick control. It shoots sharp 20.4MP photos and smooth 4K 30fps video with decent stabilization.
The standout feature is its 4.6x optical zoom paired with a macro mode that focuses as close as 1.97”—one of the few affordable cameras to do this besides the pricier Olympus Tough TG7.
While great near the surface, the viewfinder gets harder to see deeper, and there’s no underwater colour correction. So, it’s ideal for snorkeling and shallow shots, but for deeper dives, other cameras in this article 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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