OK, I’m not a techie and I’m not a professional photographer. Sometimes I like taking a few pictures on my dives but I don’t want to carry a bulky camera with underwater housing with me all the time.
I see more and more divers using these compact cameras without housing and I have been thinking about buying one myself. I could put it in my BCD pocket and carry it on all my dives.
Whenever I feel like it I can flip it out and take some pictures. So which waterproof camera is the best to buy? I compared 3 of the most popular waterproof compacts and I also had a look at how they compare to a GoPro.
Comparison Table
| Camera | Waterproof Depth | Video Specs | Photo Res | Zoom | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OM System TG‑7 | 15 m sealed | 4K @ 30 fps | 12 MP | 4× optical | Macro fans & rugged-use scenarios |
| Nikon Coolpix W300 | 30 m sealed | 4K @ 30 fps | 16 MP | 5× optical | Simple underwater point-and-shoots |
| Canon PowerShot D30 | 25 m sealed | Full HD @ 30 fps | 12.1 MP | 5× optical | Entry-level divers & budget-friendly |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | 10 m (60 m with case) | 5.3K @ 60 fps | 27 MP | Digital only | Action vloggers & dive videographers |
OM System Tough TG-7 (Olympus)
The TG series is a classic, and the OM System Tough TG-7 (formerly Olympus) keeps that legacy going. If you’re looking for a compact camera that’s waterproof without needing a separate housing, and that handles macro shots beautifully, this is it.
Highlights:
Waterproof to 15 meters without housing
Amazing macro/microscope mode
4K video and RAW photo capture
Shockproof, freeze-proof, and crushproof
Built-in GPS, compass, and depth gauge
In terms of specifications, the TG-7 has a 12-megapixel 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor and a 25–100 mm equivalent lens with an f/2.0–4.9 aperture. It shoots 4K video at 30 fps and Full HD at up to 120 fps. The camera includes built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and sensors for altitude and underwater depth. While it’s not the highest-resolution option out there, it’s the most rugged, making it perfect for dive instructors and adventurers alike.
If you like macro the Tough TG-5 is your top choice. It’s impressive microscope mode make it ‘the king of the macro compacts’ for sure. Another key selling point is that it can shoot in RAW format. Shooting in RAW increases your options for photo editing
The camera features 4 different underwater modes; Underwater Wide Angle, Underwater Macro, Underwater HDR and Underwater Snapshot. For all the macro lovers it even has 4 different macro modes; Microscope, Microscope Control, Focus Bracketing and Focus Stacking. If you like to know more about these tech features check out the Official OM System TG‑7 page.
Nikon Coolpix W300
While Nikon has shifted focus away from its compact line, the Coolpix W300 is still widely available in 2025 and remains one of the best waterproof cameras without needing a separate housing.
Highlights:
Waterproof to 30 meters
5× optical zoom (24–120 mm)
Shoots 4K video
GPS and depth gauge included
Great all-around travel and dive camera
The Coolpix W300 has a 16-megapixel 1/2.3” CMOS sensor and a bright f/2.8–4.9 lens with 5× optical zoom. It shoots 4K UHD video at 30 fps and Full HD up to 60 fps. It includes built-in GPS, altimeter, depth gauge, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Its rugged construction makes it ideal for underwater use right out of the box, and it’s a solid pick if you prefer a simple point-and-shoot style with a bit more zoom than the TG-7.
Canon PowerShot D30
Although Canon hasn’t released a direct successor to the D30, this model is still a reliable and budget-friendly option in 2025 for divers who want a waterproof camera without extra housings.
Highlights:
Waterproof to 25 meters without housing
Built-in GPS for dive logging
5× optical zoom (28–140 mm)
Simple interface and durable build
Affordable and easy to use
The D30 features a 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3” CMOS sensor and a 28–140 mm equivalent lens with an f/3.9–4.8 aperture. It records Full HD video at 1080p and includes GPS functionality. The lack of RAW support and 4K video makes it feel a bit dated compared to others on this list, but it’s still one of the few compact cameras that are waterproof to 25 meters without a housing. It’s a no-fuss option for casual divers who want something dependable.
GoPro HERO13 Black
Action camera lovers will already know the GoPro HERO13 Black, and this newest model continues to impress in 2025. While it’s technically not a compact “camera” in the traditional sense, it’s a favorite for dive instructors and videographers alike.
Highlights:
Waterproof to 10 meters (housing available for 60 m)
Shoots 5.3K video at 60 fps
27 MP still photos
HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization
Huge range of accessories and filters
The GoPro HERO13 Black has a 1/1.9” sensor capable of shooting stunning 5.3K video at 60 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps, and 1080p at 240 fps for ultra-slow motion. It takes 27-megapixel stills and supports RAW photo capture. The HERO13 Black can capture incredibly sharp footage, even in fast-moving or low-light conditions underwater. This is ideal for dynamic underwater footage.
You can expand the HERO13 with lens filters, lights, or domes, making it versatile for shooting in different water conditions or lighting environments. Add the GoPro dive housing, and you’re good down to 60 meters.
Final Thoughts
All four models deliver dependable underwater performance in 2025. The TG‑7 remains unbeaten for macro and rugged still shooting, Nikon’s W300 is a solid zoom-capable diver’s cam, Canon’s D30 is reliable for beginners, and GoPro’s HERO13 Black continues to dominate in action videography.
It’s worth noting that only the OM System TG‑7 and the GoPro HERO13 Black are current models with recent updates. The Nikon W300 and Canon PowerShot D30 are still great performers, but they haven’t seen new releases in several years and may eventually be phased out.
The OM System TG‑7 is ideal for divers who want to focus on still photography, especially macro and close-up shots of small marine life. The GoPro HERO13 Black is better for divers who want to shoot video and dynamic wide-angle footage. Both are excellent tools—Choose based on your shooting needs—macro, zoom, ease-of-use, or cinematic video—and dive with confidence!
