Are you looking for a good quality waterproof camera? Moreover, are you looking for a specific small underwater camera?
If so, keep on reading this article.
This post is dedicated to the best small underwater camera models you can currently find on the market. All of the models mentioned below are high-quality cameras and you can read about each of their technical specifications, design, dimensions, features and much more. Keep reading until the end of the article where I will link other similar articles with different camera models.
Things To Know When Purchasing A Small Waterproof Camera
Compact Underwater Camera Dimensions
When looking for a waterproof camera in general, it is best to look for models with dimensions smaller than with usual digital camera models. You want to be able to hold it with a tight grip so you can continue enjoying your diving or swimming sessions without a bulky camera weighing you down.
Weather Resistant Compact Camera
Since already you are spending money on a compact underwater camera, you might as well look for a model that is also weather resistant. Some of the models reviewed below are also freezeproof, dustproof and even shockproof.
Full HD Camera Models
Nowadays brands are constantly upgrading camera image and video quality. Waterproof cameras should be able to record at least full HD videos to capture as much underwater detail as possible. However, if you are looking for even better, go for ultra HD video quality.
Variable Price Points
There are a lot of small waterproof cameras on the market so the price points vary from brand to brand and camera model to another. You can check online for camera models under 100 dollars or camera models like GoPro that runs for over 100 dollars but are notorious for great quality.
Online Small Waterproof Camera Offer
As I stated previously, a small underwater camera offer and market is large. The easiest way to go through most of these models is through online retailers. Websites like Amazon will make it simpler for you to compare different models to each other plus you might catch a great online discount.
Best 5 Small Waterproof Camera Models
Best Rugged Waterproof Compact Camera
Fujifilm Xp130 Tough Compact Camera
Compact Camera Dimensions
Fujifilm XP130 tough compact camera has average camera dimensions. This means it’s slightly larger than some action camera models but smaller than an average digital camera. It measures 5.7 x 5.5 x 2.1 inches so it is most definitely pocket-friendly and compact.
Rugged Compact Camera
This model is a great example of a tough and rugged compact camera. It is water-resistant up to 20 meters or 65 feet. It is also weather-resistant since it can work even in freezing temperatures down to 10 degrees Celsius which is 14 degrees Fahrenheit. To round it up it is even shockproof for heights up to 1.75 meters or 5.8 feet.
Compact Waterproof Full HD Camera
Fujifilm XP130 tough compact camera is backed also with good camera quality. It can record full HD 1080 pixel videos at 60 frames per second. The quality will stay the same even underwater thanks to a well developed CMOS sensor.
Low Energy Bluetooth Connectivity
Fujifilm XP130 tough compact camera will easily connect to any Smart device. You can download the Fujifilm Camera app to be able to use your Smartphone as a remote control, adjust the settings, transfer files instantly and more.
Wide-Angle Camera Lens
This small underwater camera model has a fairly wide camera lens of 28 mm that can zoom in to be a narrow 140mm lens. Fujifilm XP130 tough compact camera offers a 5x optical zoom with an additional option of a 10x intelligent digital zoom.
- Tough compact camera
- Shockproof up to almost 6 feet
- Bluetooth low energy connection
- Uses a Smartphone as a remote control
Best Tough Waterproof Compact Camera
Nikon Coolpix W100 Tough Compact Camera
Lightweight And Compact Underwater Camera
Nikon Coolpix W100 tough compact camera is another model with fairly small dimensions and a compact design. This underwater camera measures 6.38 x 2.60 x 5.98 inches but what is even more important is that is lightweight with only 0.82 pounds.
For Any Age Group
Nikon as a brand is suggesting that this is a great camera to be used within any age group, even the youngest. Nikon Coolpix W100 tough compact camera is a user-friendly and easily manageable model and also has some fun features like cartoon effects perfect for kids.
Large Screen
For the easiest usage and previews, this specific Nikon compact waterproof camera has a 2.7 inch TFT LCD screen on its backside. Along with some control buttons, there is also an automatic face-framing feature that will show up on the screen for easier detection.
Wifi And Bluetooth Compatible
Nikon Coolpix W100 tough compact camera is filled with cool features one of the main ones being called Snap Bridge. It is an app filled with camera functions, geolocalisation tagging, fast image transfer and more. The camera has built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connection as well as NFC.
Works Well In Low Light Conditions
This model of Nikon compact waterproof camera snaps photographs at 13.2 megapixels. It is equipped with a 1/3.1″ CMOS sensor and provides good results even in low light conditions. This is also enhanced thanks to the 2-stop ND filter and optionally the built-in flash.
- Easy to operate
- 2MP 1/3.1″ CMOS sensor
- Features special editing and camera effects
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
Best Compact Waterproof Full Hd Camera
Canon Powershot D30 Waterproof Digital Camera
Classic And Small Underwater Camera
Canon Powershot D30 small waterproof camera has a standard digital camera design. What makes it bolder than some models is its blue exterior. When it comes to dimensions, with 4.3 x 1.1 x 2.7 inches Powershot D30 can easily fit any pocket.
Best Underwater Compact Camera
Up until 2014, Canon Powershot 30 rugged compact camera was the small digital camera with the deepest water performance ability. Today there are new waterproof cameras that go even deeper, but Canon Powershot 30 still can reach the sea bottom down to 82 feet.
Automatic Recognition
Canon Powershot 30 has some of the automatic features that help when you try to instantly catch some spontaneous shots. One example is the smart shutter that is in charge of taking pictures automatically when it recognizes a smile, a wink or a person entering the camera frame.
Compact Waterproof Full Hd Camera
Canon Powershot 30 small underwater camera delivers great picture and video quality, underwater or not. You can choose to choose between full HD 1080 pixel videos at 24 frames per second or, to save some space, 720 pixel HD videos at 30 frames per second.
No Blurry Pictures
Because of Canon’s developed features like the Optical Image Stabilization, you won’t have to worry about having blurry pictures. This feature will automatically analyze the camera condition and movements and apply the best method to produce the smoothest shots.
- Built-in GPS technology
- 32 SmartAuto shooting modes
- Down to 82 feet underwater
Best Small Waterproof Spy Camera
Swiusd Mini Wifi Wireless Hidden Spy Camera
The Smallest Waterproof Camera
This small waterproof spy camera is one of the tiniest models in this category you can currently find on the market. Swiusd Mini camera measures only 38 x 38 x 17mm / 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 0.7’’ and weighs only 25g.
For Any Use
Swiusd small waterproof spy camera is a model that can be used on many different occasions and situations. Some will use it as a spy camera to check up on their kid’s nanny, some for home or office security or even in a car. The fact that the camera is so small makes it so versatile.
Good Image And Video Resolution
Despite its size and a low price point, Swiusd small waterproof spy camera didn’t disappoint with the camera quality. The image resolution is 12 megapixels with 4032 x 3024. It takes HD 1280 x 720-pixel video format and an optional 1080p.
Package Comes With
If you decide to purchase this small waterproof camera, you will get more than just the camera itself. The package also comes with clip back, lanyard, rotary base, data line, double-sided tape for an easy adjustment, instruction manual and a one year warranty.
More Features
Swiusd small waterproof spy camera is also Wi-Fi equipped. It also has a TV output so you can watch your footage that way. It has night vision infrared light which is especially beneficial if you decide to use it for security purposes.
- Mini camera design
- 4-hour battery life
- Night vision
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Best Bluetooth Small Underwater Camera
GoPro Hero7 White — Waterproof Action Camera
Action Camera Dimensions
Besides the small waterproof spy camera, GoPro is the smallest underwater camera in this review. Generally, action cameras have smaller dimensions than digital camera models which is the case here. GoPro Hero 7 measures only 1.8 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches and weighs 4.2 ounces.
Sleek Camera Design
Unlike some digital small waterproof camera models, GoPro Hero 7 has a simpler and less crowded design. The backside of the camera doesn’t have multiple control buttons since it has an intuitive touch screen. The same goes for the front side where you can find only the camera lens and the camera logo.
Waterproof Compact Camera
GoPro Hero camera models are known to be one of the most famous cameras people take on summer vacations. Mostly it is because of the compact camera design but also the fact that GoPro Hero 7 is waterproof up to 33 feet without the need for an underwater housing.
Full HD Videos And Time Lapse
GoPro Hero 7 white waterproof camera can take full HD 1440P video footage and thanks to the FOV – wide field of view, it can capture wider angles than most other similar models on the market. It can also take time-lapse videos that can be a great feature for underwater footage.
GoPro App
There is an easy way to experience the GoPro Hero 7 potential fully. You can simply download the app on your phone to be able to share videos and photos instantly as well as to edit them by adding music and diverse effects. You can even turn on the auto-uploading option so no photos can get deleted by accident.
- Voice commands
- Easy-to-use touch screen
- Shoot horizontally or vertically
- Time-lapse videos
Conclusion: What Is The Best Underwater Compact Camera?
In my review, I suggested waterproof cameras that vary in dimensions, price, features and more. However, one of the most versatile ones is GoPro Hero 7 that is a perfect camera to take with you on multiple water adventures. If you are looking for a model that is very easy to use and that has good camera quality, Nikon Coolpix W100 tough compact camera may also be a good choice.
If you want to know more about underwater cameras, read my other article called the best waterproof video camera. For those that are on a strict budget, try to find a model for you in my post about the best waterproof camera under 100$ models. Or you can even try with the best disposable underwater camera since these models are generally cheaper.