The Best Cheap Waterproof Camera

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, for under $200, you can choose from a few rugged underwater models that not only take great photos, but also capture HD video as well. Here's a look some of the best cheap waterproof cameras for 2014.

(Image: Panasonic TS25 available on Amazon. See link below.)

The Panasonic TS25 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 TS25 is waterproof down to 23 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 16 MP sensor, 4x optical zoom (8x digital zoom) and 720p HD video, you're sure to get great shots with this little point-and-shoot. The Lumix also offers creative panorama and 12 in-camera filter effects.

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 the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS25 waterproof camera.

What type of images can you capture with a rugged camera? Take a look at this video for a sample. These cameras are great for use in the pool, ocean, lake or local water park.

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.

Some of these options will probably appeal more to kids than adults, but the family-friendly point-and-shoot comes with solid photo shooting capabilities that everyone will appreciate. It has a 10.1 MP sensor, 3x zoom and 720p HD video. It's 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 model that the kids can use, too, you won't find a cheap waterproof camera that's easier to use than this one. Check out my article on the Best Nikon for Kids to see photos my 5-year-old and 11-year-old kids took with the predecessor, the Nikon S30, to get an idea of what's possible.

The S31 is available in blue, pink, white, brown or yellow.

Want some other options to consider? The following list shows the bestselling models in Amazon's underwater camera category and is updated daily so you can see what's popular. Many of these cameras will be much more expensive than the models shown above, but you can find mid-range models that achieve a good balance between price and features. Also, don't forget that these waterproof, shockproof models are great for shooting on land, too. They're perfect for travel!

More articles by lisadh

I love photography and like to share my passion with others. Here are some more articles I've written that you might enjoy.

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