The Daily Telegraph - Action Packed: The best waterproof cameras
August 22, 2015

Our gear expert, Michelle Jana Chan, puts four of the best underwater cameras to the test.

Today’s waterproof cameras offer much more than an underwater function. Many can tolerate cold environments, high humidity and the rough-and-tumble of extreme sports. These tougher, more durable devices are an ideal secondary camera to a smartphone camera. They provide similar features and image quality to good point-and-shoot cameras but with the bonus of shockproof sealed casings that protect them from water, snow, sand and dirt. Image quality (still and video), battery life and the depth at which the camera can operate are the key aspects to consider. Larger and heavier models may generate a sharper image and clearer video footage when underwater.

GoPro HERO4 Silver
Price: £289.99
oceanleisurecameras.com

An easy-to-use camera featuring GoPro’s first integration of a tap-and-swipe touchscreen. The video quality is excellent, with a Full HD 1080p resolution offering up to 60 frames per second (fps), as is the photography, offering 12-megapixel (MP) stills at up to 30fps. Its built-in Wi-Fi with remote capability can connect to the GoPro app to enable live streaming (but there is no GPS). A free, user-friendly GoPro editing system is available for download.
The camera is waterproof for up to 130ft and comes with a housing case, mounts and accessories. All you need to do is buy is a microSD card.

Verdict (out of five stars)
Functionality 4
Depth/durability 5
Value for money 5
Overall 5
A good-value mid-range option among the array of top-notch GoPro devices.

SeaLife Micro HD 16 GB
Price: £336
simplyscuba.com

Completely sealed, this camera can withstand depths of up to 197ft. The lithium-ion battery lasts three hours with one charge but cannot be removed and the memory isn’t expandable (however, a waterproof port lets you recharge and download). It has a Full HD 1080p resolution, capturing up to 30fps videos and 13MP still images. Land, sea and dive modes automatically adjust colour and exposure settings. Its buttons are easy to operate with gloves and the camera can take stills while filming video. A 140-degree wide-angle lens allows for close shooting.

Verdict (out of five stars)
Functionality 4
Depth/durability 5
Value for money 3
Overall 4
Going deeper than the other cameras listed here, this is refreshingly straightforward to use and easy to handle.

Canon PowerShot G7 X
Price: £620
oceanleisurecameras.com

A high-performance camera offering full manual control and RAW-format shooting capability. Its 20MP high-sensitivity sensor and image processor generate excellent imagery, including Full HD 1080p/60fps video. A one-touch custom white balance function sets it apart. It has built-in Wi-Fi capability, an extensive zoom range and good image stabilisation. The WP-DC54 waterproof case offers protection to a depth of 130ft. The price includes a dive case worth £200.

Verdict (out of five stars)
Functionality 5
Depth/durability 3
Value for money 3
Overall 4
Some may prefer sealed cameras, but this powerful compact camera has superb manual handling.

Garmin VIRB Elite
Price: £254.98
garmin.com

The VIRB Elite has an advanced GPS function and Wi-Fi capability enabled via several free apps. It offers a Full HD 1080p resolution/30fps video and a 16MP image processor generating high-quality imagery (you can also snap stills while filming video). Without a housing case, the camera is water-resistant up to 3ft in water; with the case it is waterproof up to 164ft.
A flat front lens allows for clear underwater imaging, and mounts can be securely locked into the camera. What sets the VIRB Elite apart is its ability to connect with other Garmin devices, which can function as remote controls. Its GPS chip allows video footage to be overlaid with a vast amount of data. The price includes a dive case worth £34.99.

Verdict (out of five stars)
Functionality 5
Depth/durability 4
Value for money 5
Overall 5
This offers a winning combination of features including GPS tagging and “smart” recording capability, which is useful if you own several Garmin devices.

About Michelle Jana Chan
As the lucky child of an airline pilot, Michelle embarked on overseas adventures from a young age, including camping in the Australian outback, volcano‑trekking in Hawaii and driving across Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Her wanderlust and spirit of adventure has never waned. She loves nothing more than feeling the grit and fear when pushing herself to the limit, whether that’s in climbing Mont Blanc, swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, flying, diving, sailing or rally driving.
Michelle is motivated by sport and extreme adventure to keep fit and feed her competitive spirit, not least because she believes there are too few women in the public eye who are willing to show themselves at rock bottom. “I’ve always preferred mud and sweat to make-up,” she says. She swears by reliable equipment, which has made her toughest challenges more comfortable at the very least and at other times has saved her life. She is a self-confessed gear addict and would love to hear from readers about any equipment that they love or loathe. Follow her on Twitter: @michellejchan.