Buy underwater camera: These models are guaranteed to keep tight

Waterproof cameras for every case

Any camera can take pictures (and film) on land. For use in adverse weather conditions or in water, however, the selection shrinks considerably. After all, very few models have a sealed housing, which is sensitive technology external influences protects. That doesn't just count water or liquids, but also dirt, dust and even Bumps. Even current top smartphones that have the highest protection class IP68 are generally only water-resistant to a certain depth or a few meters deep.

Of course there is the possibility to put the classic camera in a waterproof bag or in a special housing. However, the former severely restrict operation, while the latter are only designed for individual models and are quite expensive. In addition, there is the danger that if the seal is dirty, improper use or the smallest cracks, water can already penetrate inside and cause serious damage there. With the following Underwater cameras at prices from 50 to 430 euros you don't have to worry about that.

If you search for an underwater camera on Amazon, you will only find on the first page Action cams unknown manufacturers, none of which cost more than 100 euros. The bestseller in the category is the Crosstour CT9000 for just 49.99 euros. Despite the incredible price, the 20 megapixel camera has one 4K video function (up to 30 frames per second), various modes such as time lapse, slow motion and loop recording as well as an integrated WLAN module, which in combination with the "DV King 4K" app enables control via smartphone. However, according to the reviews, this often has to struggle with connection problems.

The Crosstour CT9000 also has a display on board, via which all settings can be made using the physical buttons – a touch function is missing. A touchscreen would be in the enclosed waterproof case (supposedly up to 40 meters depth) anyway not operable or not very helpful, especially since the camera is completely unprotected without it. The scope of delivery also includes a remote control, two exchangeable batteries and various clips for attaching the camera, for example to a helmet or a handlebar.

Operation in the app is unfortunately not always flawless. According to the reviews, this often struggles with connection problems. The reviews of the Crosstour CT9000 itself, however, are very positive with 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most buyers praise the outstanding price-performance ratio and the wide range of possible uses. In terms of image quality, you shouldn't expect too much. It knows how to convince in principle, but decreases rapidly under poor lighting conditions – on the one hand because of the image noise, on the other hand because of the lack of a stabilizer. The processing also moves according to the price only at a mediocre level.

GoPro Hero 8 Black: The flagship among action cams

Strictly speaking, the Hero 8 Black is more of a submarine than a ship. Because while the first models were also dependent on a separate housing, the GoPro action cams from the fifth generation are also in the naked state after all, water-resistant to ten meters – that should be enough in most cases. who in greater water depths Dive from up to 60 meters or want to use the cam for other extreme activities requires the optional protective housing. With a price of around 50 euros, however, this is not a bargain. The GoPro Hero 8 Black itself costs almost 370 euros.

For the money, you can also get what is currently probably the best action cam on the market, which tops the already very good predecessor Hero 7 in almost every area. Our CHIP colleagues found the Hero 8 Black recordings in the test to be somewhat sharper and more dynamic. In addition, functions such as the image stabilizer called "Hypersmooth 2.0" and live streaming have been significantly improved. A practical innovation is the integrated finger holder in the bottom of the case, to which all GoPro adapters or clips can still be attached and which can be folded in when not in use.

GoPro also sets standards in terms of operation. All settings can be controlled via the two-inch touchscreen, with a display on the front informing about the specified camera mode, the number of pictures taken and the duration of the video recording. If you don't have a hand free, the Hero 8 Black can also be checked by voice command. It records 4K videos at up to 60 frames per second, in Full HD mode even up to 240 frames per second are possible. Unfortunately, the battery runs out after 40 minutes at the latest, which is why a replacement battery including a (dual) charger should be purchased.

Olympus Tough TG-6: A real camera for every situation

As strong as the GoPros have developed in recent years, in the end they remain "only" action cams. For many, the extremely wide-angle optics should be a thorn in the side, which is not the right choice for every situation and sometimes even makes people look a little disadvantageous. For this reason, the compact cameras from Olympus' Tough series are very popular with demanding photographers: Despite the handy and extremely robust housing that can withstand water, dust, frost and shocks, they have an integrated zoom lens. This covers one Focal length from 25 to 100 millimeters Correspondingly small picture from (four times optical zoom) with a rather large starting aperture of f / 2.0.

The current top model Olympus Tough TG-6 has been given a digital tele-converter compared to its predecessor, with which the zoom performance can be doubled if necessary. Also on board is a variable macro system that focuses from a centimeter (from the end of the lens) and enables up to seven times magnification in microscope mode. Focus stacking is said to even prevent blurring. Last but not least, the resolution of the three-inch live view display has been increased to 1.04 million pixels compared to the predecessor Tough TG-5.

Behind the lenses is a CMOS image sensor with a resolution of twelve megapixels, which shows very good image quality for compact cameras: the photos are pleasantly sharp, brilliant colors and high contrast right up to the corners. Thanks to the RAW format, you can still get a lot out of the light and dark areas using Photoshop or another image editing program. The Olympus Tough TG-6 takes a maximum of videos 4K quality at up to 30 frames per second.

Practical accessories for the Olympus Tough TG-6

The camera is available in black and red – at a price of around 415 euros. A special feature of the Tough series is the range of accessories. Optionally there is, for example, an underwater housing with which you can dive up to 45 meters deep instead of 15, a floating hand strap and an LED light guide attachment for even illumination of macro motifs.

Nikon Coolpix W300: More depth, more colors, more pixels

Another popular representative of the "Tough" class for outdoor use (although not from Olympus) is the Coolpix W300 from Nikon. Although she has been around for almost three years, she still meets her younger colleagues in terms of equipment at eye level. First, on the outside: the camera measures 11.2 x 6.6 x 2.9 cm, which is suitable for trousers pockets and, according to the manufacturer, survives without a separate housing Dives to a depth of 30 meters such as Falls from a height of 2.4 meters. The colors available are black, orange, yellow and a camouflage pattern. Nikon also offers silicone cases in olive green, black and orange, which protect the housing from scratches.

We are a little surprised by the lens: Although it looks rather inconspicuous in the corner and is more reminiscent of an eyepiece, the Nikon Coolpix W300 with 24 to 120 millimeters (corresponding to the small picture) covers a larger focal length range than most other outdoor models. This results in a five times optical zoom. Compared to the Olympus, however, the initial aperture of f / 2.8 instead of f / 2.0 is a whole step smaller, which means that only half as much light hits the sensor. As a result, the 16-megapixel chip of the Coolpix W300 tends to noise much faster or earlier. In addition, there is no possibility of RAW recording. During the day, the digicam still delivers decent photos and videos. The latter records them with a maximum of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels at 30 frames per second.

With the help of SnapBridge function can take the pictures wireless can be transferred from the Coolpix W300 to a smartphone or tablet via WiFi or Bluetooth without having to remove the memory card. Basically, the operation leaves nothing to be desired if you have got used to the side buttons and the somewhat small zoom switch next to the 3-inch display. But be careful: it is better to keep your fingers off the knurled wheel on the right under water. At first glance, this looks like a control element, but in reality it is the lock for the card and battery compartment.

Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7: Underwater camera with a view

Digicams have them Photography revolutionized: You no longer need a film, you can see the finished picture directly on the display and you can simply delete the missed pictures from the memory card. Unfortunately, most fell digital compact cameras also the tried and tested seeker falls victim to the red pencil. In the outdoor segment, Panasonic is the only manufacturer to remember old virtues. Seen in this way, the Lumix DC-FT7 is a real exotic, as it also includes an electronic viewfinder in addition to the three-inch screen. This allows reliable motif control even in blazing sunshine and in snowy landscapes, but unfortunately not under water. Thanks to the higher resolution of 1.17 instead of 1.04 million pixels, the Live View Finder appears crisp.

However, the viewfinder is also noticeable in terms of dimensions and weight. At 11.7 x 7.6 x 3.7 centimeters and 319 grams, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 is noticeably larger or heavier than the competition. The design seems a bit out of date to us, which of course does not detract from the robustness: According to the manufacturer, the camera is waterproof up to 31 meters (goes one meter lower than the Nikon), shockproof when falling from a height of up to two meters, cold-resistant to -10 ° C and pressure-resistant up to 100 kg. Black, blue and orange are available as color variants. It is operated entirely via the buttons on the back with a full pressure point and the menu navigation does not raise any questions.

The technical data also sound very promising. On closer inspection, however, the Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 shows a few shortcomings. In our opinion, it wasn't a very good idea to combine the 20 megapixel sensor with such a faint lens. The maximum aperture is between f / 3.3 and f / 5.9 over the 4.6x zoom range from 28 to 128 millimeters (35 mm image equivalent). As a result, the camera exhibits a relatively high level of noise behavior. Nevertheless, the camera takes quite detailed and high-contrast pictures in bright surroundings, although the hoped-for resolution boost falls by the wayside. The 4K videos with up to 30 frames per second subjectively look sharper.

Ricoh WG-6: brings light into the dark

On the camera market, Ricoh has a niche existence, although the in-house brand "Pentax" is known for its particularly robust SLR cameras. However, the Japanese company also has the right underwater or all-weather digicams in its range: The Ricoh WG-6 is the top model in the series and survives according to the manufacturer Dives up to 20 meters Low, frosty temperatures of up to -10 ° C, Falls from a height of two meters as well Pressure loads of up to 100 kilograms. This means that it has the most stable housing in the WG series to date, which is evident in terms of appearance and feel. Orange and black are available as color variants.

The real (literal) highlight of the Ricoh WG-6 compared to the competition is hers built-in LED ring light. This consists of six diodes distributed around the lens, which reliably illuminate nearby motifs and digitally Microscope mode provide impressive shots. If required, the LEDs can be switched on selectively (horizontally or vertically) in order to achieve a three-dimensional effect. Unfortunately, the images fall short of the expectations of ambitious photographers, especially since there are no manual modes and the camera has the potential of the 20 megapixel sensor not fully exhausted with regard to the detailed presentation. There are also color fringes that are due to the periscope optics – a concession to the optical five-fold zoom.

A cheaper alternative: the new Ricoh WG-70

A few weeks ago, Ricoh launched another with the WG-70 waterproof outdoor camera announced that it will appear at the end of March. It succeeds the Ricoh WG-60 published in 2018, although at first glance there are hardly any differences. These are limited to the software. So the new model – just like the flagship presented above – now has one Microscope mode, which in combination with the integrated LEDs enables impressive close-ups. The camera zooms digitally into the image, which reduces the resolution (depending on the setting) from 16 megapixels to twelve, five, four or two megapixels.

In addition, the Ricoh WG-70 offers a special underwater mode compared to its predecessor, which is intended to eliminate the typical bluish-greenish tint by automatically adjusting the colors, contrasts and white balance. Last but not least, there is now also the "Handheld Night Snap" mode, which, according to the manufacturer, "generates a blur-free picture from several individual pictures". It is up to you whether these innovations are worth a surcharge of almost 90 euros compared to the Ricoh WG-60.

On the other hand, the savings to the top model are at least 18 to 36 euros. But in addition to the lower-resolution sensor with a full HD instead of 4K video function, a somewhat smaller display (2.7 instead of three inches), a maximum diving depth of 14 instead of 20 meters and a lower impact resistance (1.6 instead of two meters drop height). The sleek, almost martial-looking housing design of the Ricoh WG-60 or WG-70 remains a matter of taste.