When you’re out on an adventure trip, you need a lightweight, durable and waterproof point-and-shoot camera that captures great photos. The traditional cameras you use in your everyday life are not ideal for outdoor photography purposes. You need a camera that is specifically designed for the purpose. These cameras are rugged, waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof and crushproof. They are great for serious activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, skiing, surfing, rafting, and even rock climbing. For these activities, we prefer to carry a higher-performance and lower-cost camera.
There’re a lot of options available when it comes to the types and sizes of cameras you can take. What you choose will depend on your budget and what kind of trip you’ll be taking.
Here we’ve compiled a list of 10 best waterproof point and shoot cameras. Consider them for your next adventure trip.
1. Olympus TG-5
Olympus has been making tough cameras for quite a while now with great quality. This allows extreme sports enthusiast like you to get out and shoot some extreme and awesome shots. The TG-5 has a compact design and can be easily fit into a pant or jacket pocket.
It is waterproof to 15 meters, shockproof to 2.1 meters, freezeproof to -10°C, and crush-proof to a pressure of 100kg. It is also sealed against dust and sand, and equipped with anti-fog glass over its lens. So this camera is going to find a natural home with adventures, sports enthusiast or just people who want a camera that is not going to break even if they don’t treat it super carefully.
Its buttons and dials are easy to control and you can use this camera even if you’ve gloves on. Inside the Olympus TG-5 camera, you will be able to discover a quad-core true pic image processor. This image processor is advanced and it can enhance the overall functionality offered by the camera. The camera has built-in GPS as well, which can help you with your navigations.
Olympus TG-5 is a premium, rugged and compact camera which offers an impressive number of high-end features. This camera is very popular in adventures and travelers because of its features and performance. It’s definitely not the cheapest rugged camera available on the market, but it is one of the best.
Key Features
- Pixels: 12 MP
- Zoom: 4X optical
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 12800
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: 55 MB built-in + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL
- Screen: 3.0″ LCD
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B, USB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 4 built-in
- GPS: Yes
- Battery: 1350 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 4 x 2.6 x 1.3″
- Weight: 8.82 oz with battery and memory card
Pros: Easy to use, very feature-rich, it works underwater and shoots in RAW + JPEG
Cons: The Wi-Fi only works with cell phones. You cannot use Wi-Fi over a network or PC.
2. Nikon COOLPIX W300
If you are a Nikon fan and if you are looking forward to getting your hands on a high quality, you can purchase COOLPIX W300 without keeping any doubts in mind. It’s a dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof and waterproof adventure camera with extra capabilities. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the durability of this camera throughout your adventures. This camera can capture 4K videos and stunning photos. In addition, it has been provided with a standard lens, not the fisheye lens, which provides 5x optical zooming capabilities.
This camera has an LED light which you don’t see in most of the cameras. You can turn the light on and use it for yourself just like you would with your phone. If you’re in a dark area and you’re recording a video it doesn’t come out good. You can turn the light on and record with the light. A lot of cameras don’t do that for some reason.
So if you’re looking for a 4K camera that takes videos without the fisheye or wide angle lens, COOLPIX W300 would be the top choice for adventure purposes.
Key Features
- Pixels: 16 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 4X digital
- ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 6400
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL
- Screen: 3.0″ LCD
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B, USB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Yes built-in
- GPS: Yes
- Battery: 1050 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 4 x 2.6 x 1.1″
- Weight: 8.15 oz with battery and memory card
Pros: An intriguing variety of video modes, clearly marked and responsive controls
Cons: Lacks full-manual mode, wireless connectivity isn’t intuitive
3. Canon PowerShot D30
Canon PowerShot D30 is a waterproof camera that is ideal for people who often find themselves outdoors, underwater or in extreme situations. The company claims that it is the deepest waterproof performance camera in the world. The camera can go down to 25 meters which is deeper than most of the other cameras. The camera is also shockproof and temperature resistant. It also has a built-in GPS tracker that records the location and time of all the images and videos you capture. Whether you’re backpacking or underwater, the camera takes beautiful, clear, and steady photos loaded with detail and natural color thanks to the Canon HS system and Intelligent IS.
The overall build quality is very good and feels solid in hands. It is made of nice composite material. The rubber grips seem tacky enough to hold on to in cold/wet conditions. The menu is intuitive and the buttons are well-positioned. The battery life is very good but if you keep the GPS on the battery drains quickly.
If you’re looking for a good point-and-shoot camera for backpacking purposes, the PowerShot D30 is an ideal option.
Key Features
- Pixels: 12.1 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 4X digital, Intelligent Zoom 20X
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 3200
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL
- Screen: 3.0″ LCD
- Connectivity: AV Output, HDMI C (Mini)
- Wi-Fi: N/A
- GPS: Yes
- Battery: 1060 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.7 x 1.1″
- Weight: 7.7 oz
Pros: The battery lasts very long, the quality of photos and videos come out great, excellent color correction
Cons: Does not support the RAW format.
4. Olympus TG-870 Tough
Olympus TG-870 Tough is a point-and-shoot camera with a supposed 16 MP lens, tons of underwater features, and Wi-Fi. The interface is extremely intuitive and you probably won’t need an instruction manual. Most of the camera settings can be adjusted while shooting from an on-screen menu that you can control with the up and down arrows.
This camera’s specs are not really impressive. The lens is not that great, it doesn’t do decently wide-angle and it is equivalent about 21 mm which is wider than most of the point-and-shoot cameras. The lens itself doesn’t have a terribly fast aperture it is 3.5 at the widest. But what really impressive about this camera, that it is “tough” as it says on the front. You can take it underwater up to 50 feet or 15 meters, you can drop it from 7 feet high or 2.1 meters, you can take it into 14°F or -10°C and it is not going to die.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced waterproof and rugged camera for hiking, backpacking, snorkeling, and other outdoor adventures, Olympus TG-870 Tough is a good option.
Key Features
- Pixels: 16 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 4X digital
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 125 to 6400
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: 37 MB built-in + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC
- Screen: 3.0″ LCD
- Connectivity: AV / USB Multi, HDMI D (Micro)
- Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) built-in
- GPS: Yes
- Battery: 925 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.1″
- Weight: 7.80 oz
Pros: The widescreen shooting option is great. The panoramic mode offers great shots and underwater shots are really clear.
Cons: ON/OFF button is small. Buttons for taking shots is also tiny.
5. Nikon COOLPIX W100
Nikon COOLPIX W100 is a point-and-shoot camera that makes photography simple for everyone. You can take it hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, and even snorkeling. It is waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof to 5.9 feet, freezeproof to 14°F and dustproof, so it’s built to take all of life’s knocks. Its SnapBridge feature automatically transfers images to your compatible smart device for easy sharing and storage. The buttons and controls are simplified and easy to use. The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless image transfer to your smartphone.
There is a 3X modest zoom lens which is roughly the same sensor size you get in an iPhone, but it is 13.2 MP.
The rear LCD isn’t very impressive; it is 2.7 inches, and not that sharp at 230k dots. The viewing angles are fine from the left or right, but if you hold the camera above your head or at your waist, you’ll have a hard time viewing the screen.
If you’re using the camera for occasional snapshot or event, you can transfer your photos automatically to your smartphone in the background without doing anything. This makes it easy to share photos on Facebook or Instagram.
Overall, the W100 is a tough, affordable and waterproof camera that’s great for outdoor adventures. If you’re in the market for an inexpensive waterproof camera, the W100 is worth a look.
Key Features
- Pixels: 13.2 MP
- Zoom: 3X optical, 4X digital
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 125 to 1600
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: 22 MB built-in + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC
- Screen: 2.7″ LCD
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B
- Wi-Fi: Yes, 802.11b/g built-in
- GPS: N/A
- Battery: 700 mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.5″
- Weight: 6.24 oz
Pros: Easy to use, affordable, scene modes and filters, SnapBridge Wi-Fi
Cons: LCD is a little bit small and low resolution.
6. Fujifilm FinePix XP80
XP80 is the Fujifilm’s latest waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof camera for this year. It’s a direct replacement to the XP70. It does carry some of the similar styling and features of the Fujifilm XP70 including like colors choices.
Aside from that, the XP80 carry a lot of features like the 5X optical zoom, the lens which is optically image stabilized. It offers a very bright LCD screen on the rear and has a special anti-reflective coating to make it very easy to see. The front lens also has a special coating on it to prevent water droplets from sticking on. If you’re taking it underwater, you know the water droplets will slide right off. This is nice because when you take photos underwater, you don’t want to see that big blob in the lens. XP80 offers full HD video, gives you 60 fps recording which is nice and faster frame rate.
The durability of the camera has been improved from last year. The waterproof capabilities of this camera are actually much better. It goes down to almost fifty feet and that’s pretty much for scuba diving.
XP80 uses the NP-45S rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is highly recommended and it is always good to have an extra spare. The charging is via USB connection and it does come with an AC adapter.
Key Features
- Pixels: 16.4 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 2X Intelligent Zoom
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 6400
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: 96 MB built-in + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes
- Screen: 2.7″ LCD
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- GPS: N/A
- Battery: NP-45S Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 6.31 x 2.6 x 1.0″
- Weight: 6.31 oz with battery and memory card
Pros: Intuitive interface, well-designed, easy to use underwater
Cons: Picture quality is not that great for a dedicated point-and-shoot at this price range.
7. Ricoh WG-30W
Ricoh is not a well-known brand when it comes to the manufacturing of cameras. However, the Ricoh WG-30W is outfitted with a new state-of-the-art, back-illuminated CMOS sensor and 16 effective megapixels. This rugged camera assures brilliant images with low noise, even in dimly lit situations. The solid, airtight body is not only waterproof to an impressive depth of approximately 40 feet. It is Shockproof from a height of 5 feet, crushproof against weights up to 220 pounds and freezeproof to temperatures as frigid as -10°C. The WG-30W features full HD movie recording, the user is able to capture high-quality, extended movie clips at a frame rate of 30 fps.
The Ricoh WG-30W provides a host of Wi-Fi functions, including remote shutter release, confirmation of recorded images, and setting of various shooting functions. The Ricoh WG-30W’s 5x optical zoom lens looks to have been lifted straight from the WG-10 / WG-20 design and still has a 28-140mm equivalent focal length range.
Since holding the camera so close will likely shade your subject, an array of LEDs around the lens will provide even illumination.
Key Features
- Pixels: 16 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 7.5X digital, 36X Intelligent Zoom
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 125 to 6400
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: 68 MB built-in + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL
- Screen: 2.7″ LCD
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- GPS: N/A
- Battery: D-LI92 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2″
- Weight: 6.8 oz with battery and memory card
Pros: Takes great photos underwater with no problem.
Cons: The automatic file transfer via Wi-Fi is not supported. You can transfer files via wire or directly from the SD card.
8. Nikon COOLPIX AW130
The Nikon COOLPIX AW130 offers a 16 MP CMOS sensor which is ideal for capturing stunning images and full HD 1080p video of life’s extreme adventures.
Whether rock climbing, snorkeling or skiing, the waterproof (100ft / 30 m), shockproof (7ft / 2.1 m) and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C) camera is ready to handle all that Mother Nature throws at it.
The COOLPIX AW130 design is somewhat similar to the past three iterations of this camera. There’s still a camouflage model for those armchair warriors out there who covet such things.
COOLPIX AW130 isn’t just durable, it’s well connected too. It has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC; you can experience quick and easy sharing of photos and videos by connecting your camera to a smartphone or tablet, even in remote locations.
One of the upgrades is water protection to a new depth: the Nikon COOLPIX AW130 can be used down to 30 meters, compared to the 18 meters of the Nikon COOLPIX AW120.
In the hand, the camera feels very sturdy. The 3” OLED rear display is nice and bright and the top shutter button is well-designed. The grip and decent sized shutter button make it easier to use with gloves, with big toggle buttons on the side for GPS, Wi-Fi and motion controls.
Key Features
- Pixels: 16 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 4X digital
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 125 to 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode: Auto, 3200 to 6400)
- Built-In Flash: Yes
- Memory: 473 MB built-in + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC/PAL
- Screen: 3.0″ OLED
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B, USB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Battery: EN-EL12 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 3.7 VDC, 1050 mAh
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.1″
- Weight: 7.80 oz with battery and memory card
Pros: Good photo quality, easy to use
Cons: While taking pictures outside, the screen is dark and it is very difficult to see in the sunlight.
9. Fujifilm FinePix XP130
The XP130 is a shockproof, waterproof, dustproof and freezeproof camera. It is perfect for the beach, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It comes in various colors. Depending on your market you’ll have different selections and not all colors will available on all the markets.
This camera has a 16.4 MP camera with BSI CMOS sensor that’s image stabilized. It also has a 5X optical zoom with a nice wide 28 mm equivalent lens. Whether you’re on sidelines, or in the action you’ll always get the shot.
The XP130 is equipped Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which allows you to quickly transfer your photos to your smartphone. This feature can also be used to control the camera remotely. The Bluetooth allows you to easy pairing and it will also allow you to geotag your images.
Key Features
- Pixels: 16.4 MP
- Zoom: 5X optical, 2X Intelligent Zoom
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 3200 (Extended Mode: 100 to 6400)
- Built-In Flash: N/A
- Memory: 96 MB + SD card
- Video Recording: Yes, NTSC
- Screen: 3.0″ LCD
- Connectivity: HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B, USB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- GPS: N/A
- Battery: NP-45S Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.7 VDC, 740 mAh
- Dimensions: 4.11 x 2.6 x 1.0″
- Weight: 5.8 oz
Pros: The camera does a great job at a very affordable price.
Cons: The zoom is sometimes blurry when extended and needs good lighting for sharp images.
See the Fujifilm FinePix XP130
10. GoPro HERO7
GoPro action cameras became extremely popular among adventure lovers in the recent past. If you’re an adventure lover, you should get your hands on GoPro HERO7 as well.
The Hero7 is very easy and continent to use. With this action camera, you will be able to capture 12-megapixel photos and record videos at impressive 4K video resolution. The burst, single and time-lapse modes offered by this action camera are fascinating as well.
The QuikStories feature allows you to automatically send your photos and videos to your phone here it transforms into an awesome edited video. The camera is also rugged and waterproof. It is waterproof to 33 feet (10m) without housing. The camera is equipped with a 2-inch nice touch display which previews and plays back your shots, changes settings and trims your footage, all on your GoPro.
One of the great features of HERO7 is HyperSmooth Video Stabilization; which offers gimbal like stabilization—without the gimbal. The camera predicts your movements and corrects for camera shake to deliver insanely smooth footage.
There is an optional GoPro Plus subscription which allows you to auto-upload your photos and videos directly to the cloud for easy access on the go.
Key Features
- Pixels: 12 MP
- Zoom: N/A
- ISO Sensitivity: 100 – 3200 (Auto)
- Built-In Flash: N/A
- Memory: SD card
- Video Recording: Yes
- Screen: 2.0″ touch LCD
- Connectivity: Micro-HDMI (Type D)
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Battery: Rechargeable Battery Pack, 3.85 VDC
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.3 x 1.8″
- Weight: 4.13 oz
Pros: The camera takes 4K videos at 60 fps which is an amazing feature.
Cons: If you record 4K videos, the battery does not last very long.
Best Waterproof Point-and-Shoot Cameras: Comparison Table
| Camera | Pixels | Screen | Battery | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus TG-5 | 12 MP | 3.0″ LCD | 1350 mAh | 4 x 2.6 x 1.3″ | 8.82 oz |
| Nikon COOLPIX W300 | 16 MP | 3.0″ LCD | 1050 mAh | 4 x 2.6 x 1.1″ | 8.15 oz |
| Canon PowerShot D30 | 12.1 MP | 3.0″ LCD | 1060 mAh | 4.3 x 2.7 x 1.1″ | 7.7 oz |
| Olympus TG-870 Tough | 16 MP | 3.0″ LCD | 925 mAh | 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.1″ | 7.80 oz |
| Nikon COOLPIX W100 | 13.2 MP | 2.7″ LCD | 700 mAh | 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.5″ | 6.24 oz |
| Fujifilm FinePix XP80 | 16.4 MP | 2.7″ LCD | NP-45S | 6.31 x 2.6 x 1.0″ | 6.31 oz |
| Ricoh WG-30W | 16 MP | 2.7″ LCD | D-LI92 | 4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2″ | 6.8 oz |
| Nikon COOLPIX AW130 | 16 MP | 3.0″ OLED | 1050 mAh | 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.1″ | 7.80 oz |
| Fujifilm FinePix XP130 | 16.4 MP | 3.0″ LCD | 740 mAh | 4.11 x 2.6 x 1.0″ | 5.8 oz |
| GoPro HERO7 | 12 MP | 2.0″ touch LCD | 3.85 VDC | 2.4 x 1.3 x 1.8″ | 4.13 oz |
How to purchase the Best Waterproof Point-and-Shoot Camera?
There are a few important tips that you need to keep in mind when purchasing the point-and-shoot camera for your outdoor adventures. Below mentioned are some of the most prominent considerations out of them. These tips will make sure that you get your hands on the best camera that is available in the market.
Weight
When you are traveling, you are not in a position to carry a massive weight along with you. Therefore, you need to get your hands on a lightweight camera as much as possible. You need to make sure that the features or quality offered to you by the camera is not compromised by the weight of the product. If you are extremely concerned about weight, you are encouraged to go ahead with point-and-shoot cameras. Then you will be able to stay away from the hassle associated with carrying massive camera bodies and big lenses. The point-and-shoot cameras are the lightest ones available in the market and you will be able to purchase perfect products that can help you with your outdoor adventures.
Durability
This feature may or may not be necessary for you depending on what crazy things you’re planning to photograph! Some cameras are more durable than others featuring sturdy magnesium alloy internal frames and weather sealing.
Weather Sealing
You also need to take a look at weather sealing offered to you by the camera. When you are outside, you never know when rain will fall over you. In such instances, you are not in a position to go ahead and provide an enhanced level of protection to your camera. That’s why it is important to get your hands on a weather sealed cameras or in other words waterproof camera. There is no universal standard for weather sealing. However, you need to receive a guarantee from the manufacturer that your camera will not be impacted when you expose it to rainy weather conditions while raining. You can also go through the customer reviews and verify the claims of the manufacturer before you buy.
Focal Length
When purchasing a camera, you need to pay your attention towards the focal length as well. That’s because you will need to find a specific focal length to capture images. If you are a professional photographer, you know that you will not be able to use the traditional 18-55 mm lens for capturing landscape photos. Likewise, you will need to go for the camera that delivers the perfect focal length for all the photography needs that you will come across. In fact, it is better if you can go ahead and purchase a camera that comes along with a wide angle lens. In addition, the zooming capabilities offered by the camera should be impressive as well.
Menu System
Make sure the camera has an intuitive menu system. Every camera has a different menu system, but you should be able to figure out how to navigate the menu system without consulting the manual. Make sure the camera menu is not very complicated that it prevents you from using the camera.
Selection of Lenses
Some people prefer to take cameras that offer lens changing capabilities when they go on adventure trips. If you select such a camera, you will need to pay your attention to the selection of lenses as well. The lens you purchase along with the camera should be in a position to provide assistance to you with capturing wide angle images. In addition, you need to have the ability to zoom in and capture photos in a convenient manner. Then you will be able to keep a peace of mind while on the adventure. That’s because you make sure that you are not missing out anything while you are engaged with capturing photos throughout the trip.
Compact Design
The camera you purchase should be equipped with a compact design as well. You don’t want to go through the hassle associated with handling bulky cameras when you are on your outdoor trip. In addition, you need to take a look at the additional accessories that come along with the camera, such as the hip belt. Then you will be able to get an enhanced experience while you are capturing photos throughout the trip.
While keeping these tips in mind, go through the list of 10 best waterproof point-and-shoot cameras that you will be able to purchase from the market. These cameras will help you to stay away from a great deal of frustration in the long run.
