Eight of the Best Outdoor and Waterproof Cameras

Whether you’re trying to film your next big catch or you just want to be able to safely record your family adventures, a designated outdoor camera allows you to capture amazing photos and videos no matter what the weather is like. Imagine being able to catch your fishing memories on camera without worrying about any damage that may occur!

With outdoor, waterproof cameras, you can catch exceptional footage – be that still photo or video – without the worry of water damage. Let’s take a look at 8 fantastic waterproof camera options for your next trip to Lawrence Bay Lodge.

Olympus Tough TG-4

Olympus has long been one of the most well-loved brands in the rugged camera market, and their Tough TG-4 goes above and beyond what you might expect. It is waterproof all the way up to 50 feet, fall proof up to seven feet and freeze proof all the way down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The TG-4 also shoots raw photos, which is ideal for anyone who enjoys photo editing. Its 2.0 lens is excellent even in low light and the auto-focus is considerably faster than that on other rugged cameras.

The only thing you need to be aware of is that the Olympus Tough TG-4 isn’t a great camera for taking videos. Still, at $380, it is an incredible deal.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6

If you’re more into adventure videography than photography the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6 is the camera for you. The auto focus isn’t as fast as on the TG-4 and its Macro isn’t as nice, but the photos are still bright and beautiful – and the video is much smoother. Video taken with the Lumix DMC-TS6 is also more detailed than those taken by the TG-4.

The Lumix DMC-TS6 is also somewhat better at dealing with backlit or poorly lit areas, making it preferable for night time adventures. And at only $210—more than $100 less than the TG-4—it is extremely worthwhile.

Nikon 1 AW1

The Nikon 1 AW1 is the first underwater camera with an interchangeable lens. It can go all the way down to 49 feet safely and produces high quality video, although underwater shooters may feel limited by the actual shooting range.

Unfortunately, the controls on the AW1 are not particularly great and it is much easier to leave on auto. If you’re the type of photographer who loves having manual control you probably won’t like this camera much, although it does provide more control than many other outdoor cameras.

At $680, the Nikon 1 AW1 isn’t necessarily the best value camera, but it does hold a certain appeal for serious photographers. We certainly are excited to see what the next camera in this line will look like!

Canon Powershot D30

Serious photographers will likely be put off by the 12 megapixel images and slightly outdated technology, but divers will absolutely love its ability to go all the way down to 82 feet. The lens provides a 5x zoom and an f3.9/4.8 aperture which allows for quality shooting underwater. All controls are large and easy to understand even for newbie photographers.

The coolest extra feature of the D30 is the GPS, which connects to satellites and then allows you to view your photographs on a world map.

You can buy the Canon Powershot D30 for $299.

Olympus TG-3

This camera is a lot noisier than the TG-4 and its slightly lower price tag ($330) isn’t a whole lot of savings, but you should definitely consider the TG-3. Its wide aperture f2.0 lens allows it to capture a lot of light, making it excellent for low light photos, and it’s designed to work with a variety of accessories. You will absolutely love the Macro on this camera as well.

Nikon Coolpix AW120

This 16-megapixel camera is waterproof all the way down to 59 feet, making it ideal for most water sports. And it’s even a little lighter than the Olympus TG-4! A ring of small LED lights surround the centered lens, allowing you to take great macro photography. The f/2.8 lens is great in a lot of settings but it only takes in about half the light that the Olympus TG-4 does.

This camera was designed for one handed use, so almost all of the buttons are on the back panel and you can scroll through options by shaking the camera and using the action button (on the side) to choose an option. It comes highly recommended – even for indoors use – according to VloggingCameras.net, so it’s a nice and versatile camera that will meet all your photo and video needs.

You can purchase the Nikon Coolpix AW120 for $349, a little more than half of what the Nikon 1 AW1 costs.

Ricoh RG-4

The Ricoh RG-4 is a 16-megapixel camera with a 4x optical zoom; more than enough for most outdoor adventures. Its aperture widens out to f2.0 and narrows all the way down to f4.9 when you zoom in. It’s waterproof all the way down to 45 feet and features an LED ring around the lens to provide excellent macro shots. There is also a shutter priority shooting mode.

Unfortunately, the Ricoh RG-4 is quite slow when compared to other rugged cameras. It’s also quite noisy, which is particularly noticeable when you’re out in the wilderness. And you’ll save less than $100 by choosing this camera over the TG-4 (the Ricoh RG-4 is $329).

Leica X-U

If you’re prepared to spend a fortune to be absolutely sure you have the highest quality rugged camera, the Leica X-U is for you. This beast of a camera is waterproof up to 49 feet and features a rubbery, easy-to-grip frame that makes it a great companion on all kinds of adventures. It also has an SLR sized sensor and 1080P HD video. You can even control your aperture setting and your shutter speed; the list of features could go on for days.

To get all of these amazing features you’ll have to spend $2,950, which is far beyond the reach of the average person—and the only reason why this fantastic camera is at the very bottom of the list.

Once you’ve chosen the right camera for your lifestyle and budget, it’s time to book your trip to Reindeer Lake to see how your outdoor camera shoots! Learn more about the Lawrence Bay Lodge experience online or contact us by phone at 701-262-4560 to plan your Saskatchewan fishing vacation.