The Best Cheap Waterproof Camera 2013

Get a cheap waterproof camera that takes great photos

Are you looking for an affordable rugged camera that can shoot excellent quality photos? You can find underwater cameras under $100 on the market, but the resolution on these models is typically low and they don't offer many features. If you're going on a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling adventure, you probably don't want to choose one of those models.

Fortunately, if you're willing to spend just a bit over $100, you can choose from a few waterproof cameras that not only take great photos, but also capture HD video as well. Here's a look at the best cheap waterproof cameras in 2013.

(Image of Fujifilm FinePix XP50 underwater camera provided by Amazon)

The Best Cheap Waterproof Camera

Fujifilm XP50

The Fujifilm XP50 takes the title for best cheap waterproof camera due to its high resolution, four-way rugged protection, ability to shoot HD video, in-camera editing features and its excellent price.

The XP50 is waterproof down to 16.5 feet, shockproof for falls from up to 5 feet, freezeproof down to 14°F and dust proof. So it can go just about anywhere. And with a 14 MP sensor, 5x wide angle lens, 1080p HD video and continuous shooting up to 10 fps, you won't miss any shots with this little camera. The FinePix also offers motion panorama and in-camera special effects such as soft focus and pop color.

I own the predecessor to this camera (the Fujifilm XP30 - see samples below) and have been amazed with the quality of the photos. They're crisp and clear, and the underwater video is great. There are definitely more expensive and feature-laden waterproof models on the market from big names like Nikon and Canon, but if you're looking to get a decent camera at a good price, you can't go wrong with any of the cameras in the Fujifilm waterproof series.

Fujifilm FinePix XP50 Digital Camera (Blue)

Product features:
- 14MP resolution
- 5x Optical Zoom Lens
- Waterproof 16.5', Shockproof 5', Freezeproof 14, Dustproof
- Full HD Movies

Sample Photos from the Fujifilm XP30 (Predecessor to the XP50)

A great camera for the swimming pool 

An Affordable Runner-Up

Nikon Coolpix S31

What sets the Nikon S31 apart from other underwater digital cameras is its ease-of-use. Nikon is marketing this as a camera that the whole family can use, from kids to grandparents, so they've simplified the menus and controls. Then they added a whole host of fun options, such as in-camera albums and slideshows, and special effects such as starbursts, soft focus and digital borders.

These options will probably appeal more to kids than adults, but the camera comes with solid photo shooting capabilities that everyone will appreciate. It has a 10.1 MP sensor, 3x zoom and 720p HD video. The camera is waterproof to 9.8 feet, shockproof to 2.6 feet and dustproof. And it's priced to appeal to families. If you need a simple camera that the kids can use, too, you won't find a cheap waterproof camera that's easier to use than this one.

Available in blue, pink, white, brown or yellow.

Nikon COOLPIX S31 10.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 720p HD Video (Blue)

Product features:
- Waterproof, shockproof design
- Easy-to-use oversized buttons
- Bright 2.7-inch LCD
- 720p HD video

See the Best Cheap Waterproof Camera in Action

Sample video from the Fuji XP50

What type of images can you capture with a rugged camera? Take a look at this video for a sample.

 

More Options

Find other underwater models

The following list shows the bestselling models in Amazon's underwater camera category and is updated daily so you can see what's popular.

More Options

Find other underwater models

The following list shows the bestselling models in Amazon's underwater camera category and is updated daily so you can see what's popular.

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video
(Orange)

Amazon.com

Canon PowerShot D20 12.1 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens a 3.0-Inch LCD and GPS Tracking
(Blue)

Amazon.com

Olympus Stylus TG-2 iHS Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD
(Black)

Amazon.com

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 16.1 MP Tough Digital Camera with 8x Intelligent Zoom
(Blue)

Amazon.com

Panasonic Lumix TS20 16.1 MP TOUGH Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
(Orange)

Amazon.com

Nikon COOLPIX AW110 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with Built-In Wi-Fi
(Orange)

Amazon.com

Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1 TOUGH Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Optical Zoom
(Orange)

Amazon.com

 

Kodak EasyShare Sport C123 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera
(Blue)

Amazon.com

Which is the Best Waterproof Camera 2013?

Why buy a waterproof camera?

How many people buy cameras and plan to dip them in water? Only very few people think about such strange things. It certainly can be a good idea to invest in a camera that will be water resistant or watertight. I like the thought of not having to worry about your camera when you go to the beach or pool. Makes you vacation less stressful.

Look at more of the best underwater camera on sale here on Amazon

You can only appreciate a waterproof camera if you have ever lost an electrical appliance due to water infiltration. If the appliance is not that expensive, you might not be too worried about it. On the other hand, if you have top end apparatus, you will do everything it takes to get it back into working condition.

If you regularly follow televised sporting events like football or tennis, you would have seen how journalists buy waterproof protectors for their cameras. In some cases, it is impossible to get your job done without investing in proper waterproof camera.

Best Seller Waterproof Cameras on Amazon

To help you out, I have found some of the most popular cameras for you to choose from. Orange and blue anre the most popular colors foe waterproof cameras. I have the orange Nikon Coolpix AW100 and am blown away by the clear images it takes! I highly recommend it!

Panasonic Lumix TS20 16.1...

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP...

Olympus TG-320 14 MP Toug...

Kodak EasyShare Sport C12...

Canon PowerShot D20 12.1...

Do you do a lot of scuba diving or snorkeling?

If you enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, having a waterproof camera handy will make your experience more memorable. There are things you cannot explain with words. It is said that a picture can speak thousands of words. That is very true when you are able to take great undersea pictures to show those who might not believe you.

There are those of course who make a living from taking underwater pictures. They appreciate that there are cameras designed specifically for the purpose. Having a water proof or watertight digital camera that is rugged, shockproof, and freezing proof for vacation and recreational underwater photography is a must. Unlike your standard digital camera, waterproof cameras come in really exciting colors too!

Here are a few of the top waterproof cameras that are worth considering:

Best Underwater Cameras for Snorkelling and Diving

I have never been scuba diving but I have gone snorkeling. I could have used one of these to capture some of vibrant colors of the sea.

Canon PowerShot D20 12.1...

Intova Sport Pro HD Video...

Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1...

Intova IC12 Digital Water...

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP...

Pentax Optio WG-1 Adventure Series 14 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom (Purple)

This digital camera is compact which makes it a great waterproof camera for those who are willing to have fun underwater. Another great thing about this camera is that it comes with straps that will allow you to keep your appliance closer to you. This is very important if you are planning to dive at very deep locations.

Pentax Optio WG-1 Rugged Waterproof Digital Camera

It can be used at swimming pools or when you go on holidays to sites with coral reefs. You can pick one up at most retailers for under $200. It comes with a flash and 5x optical zoom. The zoom might not appear to be enough but when you think about the visibility level underwater, you will appreciate the little you get. This durable underwater camera comes in lime green, black and purple.

Pentax Optio Wateproof Camera in all colors

Pentax is one of the best known names in cameras. You should enjoy these cameras.

Pentax Optio WG-1 Adventu...

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS Whi...

Pentax Optio WG-1 Adventu...

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS Ora...

Pentax Optio WG-2 Digital...

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

Camera is Waterproof to 33 feet.

Nikon is a well known brand in the world of digital cameras and photography. When it comes to waterproof cameras, you cannot go wrong with this offering from Nikon. Great image quality with 16MP and the CMOS sensor is ideal for low light shooting for rapid underwater photography. Water-proof, Shock-proof under 5 feet, and Freeze-proof down to 14 degrees F.

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

It doesn't have the look and feel of other fancy cameras; however, it is designed to withstand humidity and water. It is not the cheapest waterproof camera out there and neither is it the most expensive. The GPS and e-Compass functions are certainly and added bonus too.

Those who are familiar with the brand will not hesitate to pay $300 for this watertight camera that comes in black, blue or orange.

Nikon Coolpix AW100 Waterproof Camera in all Colours

Another good camera company, Nikon is well respected in the market. A friend of mine has one of these in blue and loves it.

 

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP...

 

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP...

 

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP...

 

Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP...

 

Nikon Coolpix AW100 Shock...

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TS3 Underwater Cameras

Has 3D photo capability!

The new waterproof 12.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 digital camera is excellent for both stills underwater photos (takes 3D photographs too) and works as a full high definition (HD) video camera, filming 1920 x 1080 videos.

The design is rugged, and very durable, being waterproof to approx 40 ft (12m); shockproof to approx 6.6 ft (2m), freeze-proof to 14*F (-10 deg C) and completely dust proof.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD - Red

Many consumers have been demanding built-in GPS functions, compass, altimeter and barometers and the Panasonic Lumix 2 has those too. In short everything you need in a great quality vacation camera! Comes in easy to find Red and Orange and the sleeker royal blue and light silver!

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TS3 Colours

If you are looking for more options, you can always look into Panasonic. They are getting a reputation for their digital cameras.

 

Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1...

 

Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1...

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 1...

 

  Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 1...

 

Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1...

Spongebob Squarepants Underwater Digital Camera

Fun waterproof camera for kids!

When you take a look at this cheap waterproof camera, one word comes to mind, cuteness. This is not a professional camera but that is also not why it was designed. This is a very nice underwater camera for parents looking to buy a practical gift for their young ones.

Spongebob Squarepants Underwater Digital Camera

The price will also make it very appealing for those who want a great product at an affordable price. If you are a parent who wants to get your children to be creative, investing in this $30 underwater camera is a great way to initiate your children to photography. It also comes with a USB cable that will allow your kids to upload their pictures.

Cool Kids waterproof cameras

Camera manufacturers realize that your children will want to take pictures also but you may not want to give them your more complicated camera. There are easy to use underwater cameras that are made for kids to use.

 

  Kodak EasyShare Sport C12...

 

Waterproof ACQUA WP6800 (...

 

Nikon COOLPIX S30 10.1 MP...

 

  Intova Waterproof Video C...

 

Spongebob Squarepants