Say Splash: Affordable Underwater Cameras & Waterproof Gear

Sometimes it is all about switching up your perspective & trying something new. When the weather is warmer & trips are calling we all find ourselves near a body of water. Whether the water is the ocean, a lake, or a pool, water offers so many creative opportunities for a new perspective.

Taking cool water pictures doesn't have to be impossible nor expensive. If you're looking to just switch up the way you shoot & or want to take some epic water images without buying an expensive Waterhouse for your everyday camera or risk the life of your existing camera {trying to get the shot} there are affordable cameras to tote back & forth--pool, beach, stream, you name!

Underwater Photography

Affordable Waterproof Cameras Under $400:

Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera: I have had this little camera for years & while it is a basic no lens add-on camera, it does a great job shooting content in & under the water. For this camera {I have the yellow} I keep it on the 'underwater mode' & use the self-timer to get shots inside the pool. The bottom of the pool can be dark at times, this Fujifilm for the price point of $130.00 does the job & any image tweaks can be made in lightroom. Maximum depth of water resistance: 82 feet.

GoPro Hero5 Black: I know there are newer GoPros on the market, but I have the Hero5. Did you know that the Hero5 can shoot videos in 4k as well as shoot images in RAW? With the right accessories & the price point of $169.00, you can create some epic content with this little guy. Maximum depth of water resistance: 33 feet.

Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera: I absolutely adore this camera & it is the camera that I take on all of my trips. You can shoot in RAW mode as well as five underwater shooting modes. This camera fits inside your pocket & is pretty tough {hence the name}. However, on all of my cameras even lesser priced ones, I do invest in a glass screen shield & some type of case! For $350.00, this the Olympus Tough TG-6 shoots in 4k {as do all the others on this list} & can capture some beautiful images both underwater & on land. If you're looking for a good camera to take to the beach & not worry about sand being the death of it, I have to recommend this one. Maximum depth of water resistance: 45 feet.

Of course, cameras aside, you have to have some accessories to assist with getting the underwater shot.

Affordable Waterproof Cameras

Underwater Camera Accessories:

GoPro Bite Mount with Floatie: This is great for swimming & recording as well as doing fun timelapse footage.

GoPro Floating Water Handle: This is just handy for capturing underwater selfies or recording your surrounding during a dive.

Joby GorillaPod Tripod: I use this little Jobby {bendy tripod} for taking images on a self-timer underwater all the time. Not only does it hold the FujiFilm Fine Pix, but I can also twist this tripod's legs around the pool ladder for additional shots.

Olympus Foam Float Wrist Strap: For under $15.00, having a floating wrist strap is an extra lifeline for water photography.

Speedo Adult Dive Mask: If you're going to be shooting underwater photos, you better look the part. Personally, I like to wear a dive mask that keeps water out of my nose as well as allows for a clear view of what I am photographing in the water. I also love Speedo's snorkel set.