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Take gorgeous photos under the sea with these waterproof cameras.

Person snorkeling underwater in the ocean

Credit: Travel + Leisure/Lauren Breedlove

Having a camera equipped to handle submersion is paramount.

I also spoke with professional photographer Melissa Findley to gain further insights on underwater photography.

Read on to see my favorite underwater cameras to travel with and how they performed.

Amazon GoPro HERO12 Black

Credit: Amazon

Its waterproof up to 33 feet, making it better for snorkeling as opposed to diving.

While this model didnt upgrade the sensor size, the 27MP resolution does a solid job.

You have to download the app for activate and use it.

Underwater photo of sea life taken with GoPro Hero 12

Travel + Leisure

So, this magnetic aspect is very convenient.

I also love the touchscreens as they allow me to access and change menu items quickly.

The camera is waterproof up to 59 feet, which is helpfulfor divers who really go deep.

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Video tops out at 4K, but I typically dont need anything better than that, personally.

With 12 megapixels, the images wont be as high-quality as other models.

The OM System Tough TG-7 Digital Camera was indeed tough, which is ideal for travel.

GoPro Hero 12 Black in water

This camera was easy to set up, especially if youve ever used a point-and-shoot camera.

She moves fast, so a lot of the photos came out blurry from the lag in the shutter.

It does not have a touchscreen.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

The wrist strap is appreciated, and I like how lightweight, slim, and portable this camera is.

Sony Cybershot DSCW80:For me, this is an oldie but goodie.

It offered great value for its versatility.

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

I took it on many vacations and pool days but also used it on land all the time.

I also put each camera through a drop test to confirm they were durable.

Afterward, I noted the process of uploading the images and videos or transferring them to my phone.

GoPro Hero 12 Black in the water

This allowed me to relax and focus on the experience of being underwater.

see to it to do your research before purchasing the correct set up for you and your adventures.

Are you interested in surf photography or snorkeling?

Underwater photo of sea life taken with GoPro Hero 12

Choosing a housing like AquaTech or Ikelite may be for you, or a GoPro.

You should always keep a safe distance from aquatic life.

For those who experience the ethereal beauty of the underwater world, we must protect it, Findley says.

GoPro Hero12

We want to leave nature exactly as we observe it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shoot in manual and always in a RAW format, Findley says.

Capturing the magic of the world beneath is undoubtedly one of my favorite types of photography, Findley says.

GoPro Hero12

She personally tested each of the recommended cameras on the list in a variety of conditions and locations.

She also spoke with professional photographerMelissa Findley.

person holding GoPro Hero12

underwater photo taken with the GoPro Hero 12 Black

underwater photo taken with the GoPro Hero 12 Black

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro Hero 12 Black in water

GoPro Hero 12 Black

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro Hero 12 Black in the water

Underwater photo of sea life taken with GoPro Hero 12

GoPro Hero12

GoPro Hero12

person holding GoPro Hero12

underwater photo taken with the GoPro Hero 12 Black

underwater photo taken with the GoPro Hero 12 Black

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

photo taken with GoPro Hero 12 Black

DJI Osmo Action 4

Credit: DJI

Underwater photo of snorkeler swimming taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Underwater photo of feet with flippers on them taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4 in water

DJI Osmo Action 4 in water

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

Underwater photo of snorkeler swimming taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

Underwater photo of feet with flippers on them taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4 in water

DJI Osmo Action 4 in water

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

photo taken with DJI Osmo Action 4

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Black Underwater Camera

Credit: Amazon

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera in the water

Credit: Travel + Leisure

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera with water

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

Underwater photo of feet on rocks taken with the OM System Tough TG7

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera in the water

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera with water

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

photo taken with OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

Underwater photo of feet on rocks taken with the OM System Tough TG7