Who wouldn’t want an affordable action camera with complete waterproof capabilities? Whether you’re going on vacation, live near the ocean, or just want to take videos or pictures in the water; we narrowed it down to the 5 very best waterproof cameras under $150!
In Short, Here Are The 5 Best Waterproof Cameras Under $150 (Videos & Pictures)
- Surfola
- Campark X30
- PANASONIC LUMIX
- AKASO V50 Pro
- AKASO V50 Elite
1. Surfola
First up, the Surfola is a very highly rated and customer-reviewed waterproof camera. Running well below $150, it’s an excellent value. This action camera can shoot up to 4K/30fps resolution. Another thing we like is its adjustable 6 layered optical glass lens. The widest angle it’s able to shoot is 170-degree.
Keep in mind, it’s not the camera itself that is waterproof, but it’s the sealed case. With the sturdy case, you’re able to go 130 feet underwater. Both 1350mAh batteries give it roughly 90 minutes of playtime each. Unfortunately, an SD card doesn’t come with the purchase.
Overall, it’s one of the cheapest water cameras on this list. However, it does a fantastic job, and we recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “To capture my exciting moment I bought this camera. There’s been a lot of accessories that are included for mounting bicycle, wrist, camera stand, selfie sticks, etc. Effective for an underwater picture where both the picture quality and waterproof box works fabulously. A small compact size, with two batteries with WiFi capability makes this 4k camera valuable.”
2. Campark X30
Next up, the Campark X30 waterproof action camera is an excellent choice. It shoots a staggering 4K/60fps, which is about the best it gets for any camera below $150. With the built-in anti-shake function, it electronically stabilizes the image by detecting motion changes with a 6-axis gyroscope. That feature is incredibly helpful for capturing action shots. The LCD touch screen display is 2 inches and comes in handy. It takes about 2-4 hours to charge.
With its robust waterproof case, you’re able to go 131 feet underwater without issues. Especially for the affordable price, this camera captures very good picture quality for both photos and video. Overall, the Campark X30 is an outstanding value. You’ll be very satisfied with its high 4K/60fps resolution, time-lapse feature, adjustable field of view, and image stabilization. We highly recommend it!
Users Say: “My daughter purchased this camera to use for swim team pictures, as well as for our trip to Jamaica. She wanted to use it for snorkeling and underwater pictures with her friends. The pictures are clear and high quality. The camera holds up well in the water, even in the hands of a ten-year-old. Her friends have had a lot of fun with this camera and we would highly recommend it to others.”
Details & Tech Specs
- Comes with two 1350mAh batteries, charger, and mounting accessories
- Built-in WiFi
- 2-Inch LCD touchscreen
- Anti-shake function
- Adjustable field of view from 170° (Wide, Middle, Narrow)
- Video format: MOV
- Photo format: JPG
- Video Resolution: 4K(3200×1800)/60fps, 4K(3840×2160)/30fps, 2.7K/30fps,1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps
3. PANASONIC LUMIX
Here is yet another waterproof camera under $150. The inexpensive PANASONIC LUMIX recently has its price drop by $50. However, we are unsure if the discount is permanent or temporary. You can get this digital camera in either black, blue, or red. It has a built-in optical image stabilizer for taking action photos.
One of its best attributes is its overall build quality. Designed to withstand rigorous conditions, it’s waterproof 26 feet underwater, freezeproof, dustproof, and shockproof. It can withstand temperatures down to -10C.
A handy feature is its built-in memory card of 220MB. It takes an SD card, as well. The main downside with this camera is its overall poor picture and video quality in comparison to its price range. It’s especially poor quality in lower light situations. I was expecting much more. Aside from that, it’s a decent waterproof camera with excellent build quality.
Users Say: “I first purchased the TS-25 model in 2014. Takes great pictures especially underwater. It got banged up a bit and still kept working great. Finally, my 4yo dropped it in the shallow end of the pool and it stopped working. Knowing my son’s pool party was coming up I panicked and ordered the newer TS-30 model. I tried to resurrect the TS-25 by removing the battery and drying it and left the camera open overnight to let the inside dry. Two days later, it worked and kept working for another 4 years. Yesterday my 7 yo dropped it again in the shallow end of the pool. I did the same, removed battery, and let it dry. Now it doesn’t stay on for more than 2 pictures but I can’t complain because it lasted 4 years incident-free through pool, beach, being banged, and dropped numerous times. I’m not giving up on it just yet but I am ordering the newer model to have it for the summer along with a camera floating wrist band to prevent it from being dropped in the pool again. I strongly recommend purchasing this waterproof camera.”
Details & Tech Specs
- 220MB Built-In Memory
- MP$ HD 720p video
- Comes in 3 colors: Black, Blue, or Red
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Time Lapse
- Torch Light
- Mega O. I. S. Camera lens
4. AKASO V50 Pro
Running below $150, the AKASO V50 Pro affordable waterproof camera is a reliable choice. There are a plethora of reasons why we love this famous camera. For one, the overall video and picture quality is outstanding. The clear and crisp 4K/30fps resolution dramatically outperforms its price range.
Not only does it produce fantastic video quality, but the photos are terrific, as well. It takes high-quality 20MP images.
You can get this action camera in one of two colors; Gray or black. However, the gray version is the only one running under $150. You’re able to download the iSmart Pro + on your phone for camera integration. This camera has reliable built-in WiFi and an HDMI port. It too, can capture quick-moving action shots with its electronic image stabilization.
The AKASO V50 Pro is waterproof up to 100 feet underwater. A unique feature is its ability to support an external microphone. Coming with the purchase is a handy helmet accessory kit. You’ll also appreciate its adjustable lens between super wide, wide, medium, and narrow. Overall, the AKASO V50 Pro is a spectacular choice. We highly recommend this affordable waterproof action camera for many reasons. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “After doing a lot of research and comparisons between different cameras I ordered the Akaso V50 Pro Native waterproof camera, which is about 1/4th of the price of a GoPro, and after trying it out on several snorkeling trips, I couldn’t be happier. I mainly filmed in semi-clear water in Southern California and wasn’t expecting stellar results, but what I filmed looked pretty much exactly how it looked in person so I’m pleased as punch. I love this little camera!”
Details & Tech Specs
- Helmet accessories included
- Supports external mic
- Image stabilizer built-in
- Adjustable field of view
- Wireless app control
- 4K30fps
- 20MP picture quality
- Comes with 2 rechargeable 1100mAh batteries
- 2-Inch Touch screen
- Waterproof: 100 feet below water
- Built-in WiFi
- Time-lapse
5. AKASO V50 Elite
Last but not least, the AKASO V50 Elite is the upgraded and more superior version of the previous cameras. However, theirs even better news. Akaso recently cut the price of this camera, bringing it down to the same price as the AKASO pro. In other words, for the same price, you can get this upgraded version.
We believe the AKASO V50 Elite is the very best waterproof camera for under $150. It’s trendy and highly rated amongst customers. It can shoot up to an incredible and rare 4K/60fps video quality. The overall picture quality outperforms its price range more so than every camera on this list.
One of its most impressive features is its phenomenal image stabilization. This camera uses a more advanced EIS version than the others. With its robust waterproof case, you’re able to submerge the camera 131 feet below water. A very unique feature Akaso added to this camera is Voice control. By saying “action start video,” it will start recording. The same goes for saying “action photo” for taking a picture.
The AKASO V50 Elite provides an adjustable field of view angle anywhere between wide, medium, and narrow. Another massive upgrade is its enormous 8X zoom amount. You’ll also enjoy the intuitive touchscreen for added convenience. Overall, we believe the AKASO V50 Elite is the absolute best waterproof action camera for under $150. It’s a flawless bang for the buck, and we highly recommend it. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “This camera is great for filming on the go. I use it in my underwater diving at the beautiful Ginnie Springs to catch all the wildlife under the water. It is a very clear picture. It works better in daylight than in the dark but still a great picture. it’s very easy to use, I let my 4-year-old use it sometimes and he can take clear pictures with it. The voice control is a great feature also. I would buy this product again and I have recommended this to all my friends.”
Details & Tech Specs
- Video quality: 4K/60fps, 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1080P/120fps, 720P/240fps video and 20MP image, you can capture high-quality full HD footages.
- Video Format: MOV
- Incredible image stabilization
- Able to zoom 8X
- Touch screen: 2-inch
- Waterproof 131 feet underwater
- Wireless remote
- Voice control
- Adjustable view angle: Wide, Medium, or Narrow
- Built-in WiFi
- Ultra slow motion with 1080P/120fps or 720P/240fps
Our Winner
Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their waterproof camera. However, our winner is the AKASO V50 Elite for many reasons. We believe it shoots the highest quality image quality, video quality, has the best build quality, most reliable for trips, and best bang for the buck. We highly recommend it!
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best Waterproof Cameras Under $150 (Videos & Pictures)
- Crosstour CT9500
- Campark X30
- PANASONIC LUMIX
- AKASO V50 Pro
- AKASO V50 Elite