Top-rated submersible cameras for underwater exploration

Photography and videography are essential in any kind of exploration. Underwater environments present unique challenges, though, as most electronics will not work under the surface. While there are many sub-surface drones and cameras available today, choosing the best submersible camera is not always easy.

The top choice depends largely on your needs. Still, some solutions have more to offer than others in all scenarios, so here are 10 top-rated submersible cameras to consider for your next underwater exploration.

1. Deep Trekker Revolution ROV

Remote-operated vehicle (ROV) manufacturer Deep Trekker is the leading source of underwater drones, and its Revolution ROV is the best of its lineup. The Revolution can dive below 300 meters, record in 4K and support multiple attachments, allowing you to customize it to your needs.

The Revolution comes in three packages — Base, Recon and Nav. All three have a 260-degree rotating camera, laser scalers, grabbers, autonomous control functions and the same camera setup. The Recon and Nav configurations come with additional navigation features and accessories for more in-depth exploration.

All the available options for the Revolution mean it can serve virtually any purpose, from aquatic research to search and rescue. Its versatility and impressive underwater performance make it a sound choice for anyone needing to explore where humans cannot reach. 

2. Chasing X

Another ROV company to consider is Chasing. Its flagship drone — the Chasing X — can move forward at 4.5 knots, making it one of the fastest ROVs on this list. It also comes with a built-in 360-degree panoramic camera.

The camera on the Chasing X includes artificial intelligence (AI) features that automatically adjust to keep the view level. It can also record in slow motion up to 180 frames per second (FPS) at 720p or 120 FPS at 1080p. Its focusing distance is on the shorter side at just 0.5 meters, but that is more than enough for much underwater photography.

It is also worth noting that the Chasing X is fully modular. Being able to swap components and their locations is useful when navigating tight underwater environments or performing search and rescue operations.

3. PowerVision PowerRay

Drone manufacturer PowerVision also makes some of the best submersible cameras. Its PowerRay ROV is the leading choice from its lineup, thanks to its compact form, easy operation and helpful features.

Like the Chasing X and Revolution ROV, the PowerRay supports 4K videos, but its still images use a 12-megapixel (MP) camera, giving it additional clarity. It also comes with virtual reality (VR) goggles for an immersive control experience. You could use that to either get a closer look during sensitive missions or simply enjoy underwater environments as an enthusiast.

Onboard data storage, a sonar-based fish locator and a user-friendly control interface make the PowerRay even more convenient. It is also relatively small for an underwater drone, making it more portable, although its depth rating is less than that of some competitors.

4. QYSEA FIFISH V-EVO

With over 150 patents, QYSEA is also worth considering. Its FIFISH V-EVO stands out as one of the best underwater camera drones available.

The FIFISH V-EVO features a 12MP camera and can record 4K footage at up to 60 FPS. Turning the resolution to 720p lets that frame rate go up to 120 FPS. It also has a suite of AI features to improve your videography and photography, including automatic subject locks and intelligent filtering to remove plankton and bacteria-related clarity issues.

Similar to the PowerRay, the FIFISH V-EVO has VR support, but it does not come with its own headset. It supports multiple attachments, too — though not quite as many as the Deep Trekker Revolution ROV — and its robotic arm is optional.

5. Geneinno Titan

Many professionals and enthusiasts alike cite Geneinno as their top choice for underwater camera drones. Its flagship Titan ROV is worth particular attention.

The Titan is small enough to fit into a backpack but still provides hours of runtime and records 4K video at 30 FPS. It also supports VR and even mobile controls, making it easily accessible for even the least experienced users. At the same time, depth, temperature and gyroscopic sensors give it enough technological depth to be useful for more advanced operations. 

Built-in image processing reduces visual noise, which is especially helpful when navigating through areas with high plankton or black sand. It also comes with both a Wi-Fi emitter and a tether reel, so you can choose between wired and wireless operations.

6. Deep Trekker DTG3

Deep Trekker’s DTG3 is another one of the best submersible cameras to consider. The DTG3 is smaller and less feature-rich than the Revolution, but what it loses in functionality, it makes up for in accessibility and flexibility.

The DTG3 weighs just 18.7 pounds and takes up less than a square foot of space. This compact size makes it great for exploring tight underwater spaces, and you still get Deep Trekker’s 8MP, 4K camera for clear footage. A 270-degree viewing angle also provides a wider field of view than many alternatives.

Like the Revolution, the DTG3 supports various attachments and camera add-ons. It also features the same AI-driven control system, including auto-balancing colors, autonomous navigation, position tracking and high-resolution 3D modeling.

7. Chasing GLADIUS MINI S

Another option from Chasing worth considering is the GLADIUS MINI S. Whereas the Chasing X is meant for industrial-grade applications, the GLADIUS MINI S is meant for consumer markets, but it can still be useful in a business context.

The GLADIUS MINI S cannot dive as deep as the X, but it still records in 4K and boasts a 12MP still camera. Its undercarriage attachments can support a robotic arm, or they can carry a third-party camera like a GoPro for additional footage. You can control it through both a cable and a Wi-Fi connection to give you more flexibility.

Chasing provides a companion app that offers editing and sharing features. These may be most enticing for a consumer audience, but you could use them in professional settings, too, when sharing live data with remote stakeholders. 

8. Aquarobotman Nemo

Founded in 2015, Aquarobotman is one of the newer players in this industry but has quickly become a leading option. It mainly serves consumer markets, but its Nemo underwater ROV is still a reliable choice for commercial applications.

At just seven pounds, the Nemo is one of the most compact ROVs on this list, making it easy to tow around and deploy. It also has one of the highest camera resolutions at 16MP. Like many of its competitors, it can record in 4K, too, with two bright LED lights for additional clarity in murky water.

The Nemo’s battery does not last as long as some alternatives, and its line is shorter than more professional-grade options. Still, its ease of use, impressive camera specs and portability may make up for those shortcomings.

9. Insta360 X5

ROVs may be the go-to choice for professional underwater exploration, but sometimes, you’ll need a hand-held alternative. In those cases, Insta360 is one of the best suppliers to turn to, and its X5 cam is among the best submersible cameras in this category.

The Insta360 X5 is only waterproof down to 15 meters, but it boasts the highest resolutions of any camera on this list. It can take 360-degree photos with a staggering 72MP or record in 8K at 30 FPS. Its single-lens videos do not reach quite the same level of detail but are still impressive at 4K and 60 FPS.

While the X5 does not have built-in lights like many ROVs, it does feature AI functionality to account for low-light conditions. You can also extend its submersible depth to 60 meters with an additional case, although this will mean increased costs.

10. DJI Osmo Action 5

Another hand-held camera brand to consider is DJI. While the brand is most well-known for its aerial drones, the Osmo Action 5 is an affordable choice for underwater manual recording.

The Osmo Action 5 can submerge down to 20 meters without a case and 60 meters with an optional waterproof casing. It also records in 4K at up to 60 FPS and can take still images with a 40MP resolution. Up to 47GB of built-in storage may remove the need for an SD card, too, outside of lengthy explorations.

DJI’s action cam does not have all of the AI features of some others, but it can account for low light and has HDR support for all video files. It also has a color temperature sensor for more accurate hues in its recordings, although you will not find as many sensors as you would with an ROV.

Do You Need an ROV or a Hand-Held Submersible Camera?

The best submersible cameras fall into two main categories — ROVs and hand-held devices. Generally speaking, hand-helds are better for casual use or shallower depths, while ROVs are ideal for deeper exploration and in-depth research. However, you should also consider some other factors.

ROVs are far more expensive than conventional cameras. That is the primary reason why hand-helds are often better for consumers, but it can also be an issue for some businesses. Financial barriers are still a primary obstacle to technology adoption among companies today, so if a system is too costly, it may put unnecessary strain on the organization.

At the same time, ROVs offer significantly higher functionality. The ability to use robotic arms, go to far lower depths and record multiple data points in one system may compensate for the increased costs if such factors are relevant to your exploration. ROVs also have a safety edge, as they keep human divers away from potential hazards.

Things to Look for in Submersible Cameras

Whether you need an ROV or a conventional camera, you should consider a few key differentiators when finding the ideal submersible camera. High-end photo and video specs are among the most important.

Any HD footage is good, but if you are investing enough, you should look for options offering at least 8MP for still images and 4K at 30 FPS for videos. Consider lighting, too. A 4K video with brighter lighting will likely be more useful than a dimly lit 8K video, as it will increase the relative clarity and color saturation, especially at lower depths.

Dive depth is another important factor. Recreational divers can only safely dive to 40 meters, and technical experts can go to 90 meters. Given those limits, an ROV is more worth the investment when it can go far beyond these depths. Hand-held cameras can be worth the money with shallower depths, but deeper is still better when available.

Ease of use, automated features, footage adjustments and flexibility are also worth considering. Which feature to prioritize depends on who will be using the equipment, but everyone involved should impact the decision.

Comparing Top-Rated Submersible Cameras

In light of these considerations, here is another look at how the 10 top-rated submersible cameras compare to each other. Use this side-by-side guide to determine which models may be the best fit for your needs.

Get the Best Submersible Camera for Your Needs

Whatever your budget, use case and technical needs, there is a submersible camera for you. Outline your specific demands, then return to this guide to begin your search. When you know what is available and what you require, you can find an ROV or hand-held to drive your underwater exploration.

Rajani Baburajan