Nikon was founded in the early 1900s, and they've been putting out some of the best waterproof cameras ever since. Their top-shelf model is the Nikon W300. If you're a scuba diver or you like to swim far beneath the surface, this is the camera for you. Nikon goes deeper than any other model on our list, remaining waterproof down to an impressive 100 feet. The camera is well suited for snorkelling or diving as it has a depth range of 100 Ft (30m) and is able to withstand temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). If you are hiking along a frosty ridge or diving deep into the gloom, it will endure. It will also survive a drop of 8Ft (2.4m) and has dustproof sealing. The Vaquita is waterproof to 1,150 feet (350 meters), the best dive performance of any camera on our list. It also includes a clever Depth-Controlled Color Correction (DCC) feature to automatically adjust the white balance of photos and videos based on your depth. Olympus and OM-SYSTEM cameras are almost all Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras (there’s one exception – thee waterproof Tough TG-6 uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a fixed zoom lens). Micro Four Thirds is a sensor standard and lens mount; the sensor itself measures 17.3mm x 13mm and produces images with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is a smaller sensor size than full-frame (36mm x 24mm) or APS-C (23.6mm x 15.7mm). This means a compromise in terms of raw image quality and dynamic range, however it offers up a number of advantages in other areas. If the snow and cold are your destinations, then the XP140 will endure temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).

The OM System OM-10 is the next camera expected to be announced. Following the transmogrification of the Olympus OM-D EM-1 and E-M5 to the OM System OM-1 and OM-5, now it's the turn of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV to be reborn. While the TG-6's rugged specs are very impressive, when it comes to going underwater, several of its peers can go quite a bit deeper, with the Nikon Coolpix W300 (arguably the TG-6's closest competitor) able to function down to 30 meters (100 feet). If you're a snorkeler, that's no big deal, but for scuba it's a very desirable trait.If you’re going to plunge your very expensive camera into water you need to be sure that the case you are putting it into is waterproof! Nauticam camera cases are the best around and although they don’t come cheap you can be assured your equipment will stay safe up to 100m in depth. Overall the Olympus Tough TG-6 is an incredible waterproof digital camera that is built tough to survive so much more than a dip in the pool. It is one of the best options on the market and will provide you with lasting memories of some of your most unforgettable activities. Since 2021, Olympus cameras have been sold under the OM System name. The Olympus TG-6 was our favorite waterproof compact camera - and this has now been reborn as the OM System TG-7. It is pretty much identical - but that is a good thing in our book, and ensures this newer version remains at the top of our recommendations for a rugged camera. Features we love include the built-in microscope setting that allows you to take amazing close-ups - and a Field Sensor System that records GPS coordinates and ambient temperature with your shots. From a technology standpoint, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 has a great range of features including connectivity to smartphones for geo-tagging and image transferring. It features eye-detection autofocus and also a smile recognition shutter release – great features for photographing the kids.

All of the expected wireless connectivity features are here, including Bluetooth 4.2+LE and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so you can connect the camera to your smartphone using the O.I. Share app (available for Android and iOS) as a bridge. I paired the TG-7 with my iPhone in a snap via a QR code and had no problems using the app as a remote control and for file transfers.

The ultimate everything-proof outdoor and family camera gets a light but welcome update

The menu system is a little slow and cumbersome making for some frustration when initially setting it up. However, after time and patience, this becomes less of an issue. From reinforced compact models to all-out action cameras, we’ve tested the best waterproof cameras to help you find your ideal camera to make a splash with. The buying guide below features a range of recommendations to suit every skill level and budget, so whatever you’re shooting, you’re sure to take great images underwater or poolside.