Want to record your diving moments? A quality, waterproof sports camera makes it easy to capture the underwater world - whether it's colorful coral reefs, schools of fish, or just the act of diving - into a video that's worth looking back on again and again.
This review will analyze the key points of choosing an underwater sports camera for you, and recommend 5 of the most worthwhile diving cameras, which are all on the market in 2024~2025, and are the latest models on the market, in addition to a detailed specification comparison will be attached, to help you find the most suitable underwater sports camera, so that you can quickly find the most suitable for the dive, so that you can dive without You will be able to dive without worrying about your photos.
Why do I need a specialized diving sports camera?
There is a fundamental difference between "underwater recording" and "shooting on land". The combination of a cell phone + a waterproof case, although less budgetary, is often not enough for deep dives. Here are the three main challenges of underwater recording:
- Light Decay: After the water depth exceeds 5-10 meters, the natural light decreases rapidly, and the image becomes dark and blurred.
- color distortionRed and orange light are absorbed by the water, resulting in blue-green tones that are too heavy and cold.
- Waterproof Depth: The phone is waterproof only for shallow water splashing, and can't withstand the pressure of deep diving above 10 meters, so you need to consider getting a special camera for diving.
It's important to get a sports camera with the right waterproofing specifications and excellent underwater image quality. Whether you're snorkeling, free-diving, or scuba diving, a professional underwater camera will ensure that you get great footage with clarity and color reproduction.
Diving Sports Camera Buying Highlights
There are 6 key points you should know before you consider getting a diving camera: "Waterproof Depth", "Picture Quality and Color Restoration", "Low Light Night Shot Performance", "Ease of Handling in the Water", "Battery Life", and "After-Sales Warranty".
- Waterproof depth
- Picture Quality Color Restoration
- Low Light Night Shot Performance
- Ease of operation under water
- Battery Life
- Warranty
Waterproof depth
Snorkeling / Free Diving → Bare waterproofing of 10-20 meters is sufficient.
Scuba Diving / Deep Diving → Recommended to buy a diving suit, including a diving shell, waterproof to more than 50-60 meters.
Image and Color Representation
Choose the blues that accurately restore the water,Supports HDR or AI color-corrected cameras for higher definition and natural looking images.
Low Light Night Shot Performance
Deep-sea recordings are often poorly lit.Requires a camera with a large sensor or low-light optimization mode.
Operational Convenience
Support Quick Release BracketClear screen, large buttons → safer underwater use
Battery Life
Diving activities usually last 1-2 hours, battery life should be at least 100 minutes (150 minutes or more recommended), and battery capacity is recommended to be 1800mAh or more.
Warranty
Professional brands (e.g. the three major sports camera manufacturers DJI, Insta360, GoPro) usually provide good after-sales service, which is more reliable than cheap brands.
2025 Recommended Diving Cameras TOP 5
Specification Comparison
| branding | model | Bare metal waterproof depth | Diving Shell | Maximum resolution | BatterySize | Battery Life | Color Adjustment in Water | Features | |
| Insta360 | Ace Pro 2 |  | 12m | 60m | 8K30fps 4K120fps | 1800mAh | 112 minutes (4K@30fps) 4K@30fps | Aqua Vision 2.0 | Dual AI chips with flip display |
| DJI | Action 5 Pro |  | 20m | 60m | 4K120fps | 1950mAh | 240 minutes.(1080p@24fps) | / | 10-bit color, superb battery life |
| Insta360 | X5 |  | 15m | 60m | 8K30fps 4K60fps | 2400mAh | 185 minutes (8K30fps) | Aqua Vision 2.0 | King of 360-degree panoramic recording |
| Insta360 | X4 |  | 10m | 50m | 8K30fps 4K60fps | 2290mAh | 135 minutes. | Aqua Vision 2.0 | Price-performance ratio |
| GoPro (mobile phone company) | HERO 13 |  | 10m | 60m | 5.7K60fps 4K120fps | 1900mAh | 90 minutes (5.3K@30fps) | / | Supports 177 degree super wide angle |
Besides the basic parameters, "price" is also an important point when buying a dive camera. Currently, the prices of the diving kits for various models range from NTD$16,060 to $21,718 (HKD $3,300 to $4,600), and the price difference between manufacturers is not significant, more importantly, you should pay attention to the accessories that are included in the kits.
The Insta360 X5 is the most expensive of all the models, but it's also the only company to offer two dedicated dive kits (Advanced Dive Kit, Fully Stealth Dive Kit) to differentiate between [snorkeling] and [deep diving]. The Insta360 X5 has the highest price point of all the models, but it is also the only manufacturer to offer two exclusive dive kits (Advanced Dive Kit and Full Stealth Dive Kit) that differentiate between [Snorkeling] and [Deep Diving], and is ahead of DJI and GoPro in terms of the range of accessories available.
Diving Suit Comparison
| model | Diving Kit Price - NTD | Diving Kit Price - HKD | Included Accessories |
| Ace Pro 2 | $19,220 | $4,036 | Windshield (default pre-installed) 2x Battery Standard Bracket Mike's Hood USB-C Data Cable 128GB Memory Card Diving Shell Floating Hand Grip |
| Action 5 Pro | $15,140 | $3,378 | Waterproof Shell Floating Hand Grip Anti-Fog Foam |
| X5 Dive Bundle | $21,718 Limited Time Offer | $4,899 Limited Time Offer | X5 Lens Cap 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick Invisible Diving Case buoyancy bar Selfie Stick Wristband |
| X5 Advanced Dive Kit | NT$22,218 Limited Time Offer | $5,069 Limited Time Offer | X5 Lens Cap 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick Advanced Invisible Shell buoyancy bar Selfie Stick Wristband |
| X4 | $16,060 Limited Time Offer | $4,614 Limited Time Offer | Standard lens protector 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick Invisible Diving Case handheld buoyancy bar Selfie Stick Wristband X5 Lens Cap |
| HERO 13 | $18,416 | $4,470 | Diving Shell Extension Rods Anti-fog inserts Camera bag |
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Pros and Cons
- Specialized "Dive Mode
- AI color correction for automatic screen optimization
- Low light quality
- Support Quick Release Bracket
- Supports FlowState stabilization
- Flip Screen Design
- Higher price
- Continued flight is not as good as DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Applicable to Diving 🤿
When it comes to sports cameras for diving, I recommend the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. The highlight of this camera is its excellent low-light performance, with powerful AI intelligent color correction, which allows it to capture sharp, clear, and saturated images even in low-light, deep-water environments. Underwater light is often several times dimmer than on land, so if you're looking for the ultimate in picture quality and true-to-life color reproduction, the Ace Pro 2 is definitely the right tool for the job.
In terms of operation experience, the mounting system of Ace Pro 2 is also very convenient. It supports quick release bracket, so you don't need to turn the screws tediously. This design gives you more peace of mind when replacing accessories underwater without worrying about parts coming loose or falling off, which is even more practical than DJI and GoPro.
It's worth noting that the Ace Pro 2 even supports a dedicated "Diving Mode", where the camera automatically optimizes color temperature and tone levels. With the AI assistant on the Insta360 camera, colors remain natural and contrast is balanced even underwater.
Video fromDIVEIN
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Pros and Cons
- 20 meters bare metal water resistant
- Long range
- 10-bit color with Log recording support
- Support Quick Release Bracket
- The buttons are difficult to press and the operation is not very flexible.
- Image quality in low-light environments is more limited
Applicable to Diving 🤿
Besides the Ace Pro 2, my second recommended dive sports camera is the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
The Ace Pro 2 uses an 8-bit color display, whereas the DJI uses a 10-bit color display, allowing for up to 1 billion colors and more detailed images. Especially when shooting in D-Log mode, DJI's colors are more rich and more flexible for post-production fine-tuning or cinematic toning. However, I personally prefer the natural blues of the Ace Pro 2 from the video.
Video from @solidostudio
To be honest, most people don't really do much post-production. A sports camera like the Ace Pro 2, which automatically uses AI to help you create beautiful colors, is much more useful - you can use it right after you take the picture, without having to spend time adjusting the colors. In contrast, DJI's strength is that it gives more freedom to creators who know how to mix colors and want to play with their own style. In terms of structural design, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also supports a quick release mount, similar to the Ace Pro 2.
Insta360 X5
Pros and Cons
- 8K 360° panoramic video recording
- PureVideo AI noise reduction for excellent low-light performance
- 185-minute battery life
- Water resistant to 60 meters with diving case
- Specialized Diving Mode
- Supports FlowState stabilization
- Auto Framing and AI Reconstruction: Automatically selects the best image to save post-production time.
- Higher price
- Low-light quality not as good as Ace Pro 2
Applicable to Diving 🤿
If you're looking to record 360-degree panoramic videos underwater, the Insta360 X5 is for you.
Even in harsh underwater environments, it captures stunning clarity, stability, and detail in 8K 360° video. For those who want to shoot panoramic videos and ultra-wide angle recordings, there's hardly a more powerful sports camera for diving than the X5. Whether you're diving at night or navigating complex coral reefs, X5 excels in low-light conditions that other manufacturers struggle with.
The X5's PureVideo mode automatically enhances dark details for cleaner, more detailed images, even in dimly lit waters. And with a long 185-minute battery life (in Endurance mode), you can shoot your entire dive with confidence.
X5 Advanced Dive Kit vs Full Invisible Dive Kit which one to choose?
First of all, the contents of the set are all the same except for the diving case
- Shallow → Advanced diving suit, waterproof to 50m (164ft).
- deep dive → Fully invisible diving suit, waterproof to 60m (197ft)
X5 Advanced Dive Kit
- Glass housing
- Dome design that resembles a sphere.
- Maintains true-to-life image color under water clouding conditions.
- Effectively reduces image distortion caused by light refraction, which is common in underwater photography.
- When used in sunny, shallow water, it captures sharp, clear images with vivid colors.
- Pressure resistance is limited.Suitable for water depths up to 50 meters
Video fromJORDAN HETRICK
X5 Dive Bundle
- The semi-circular dome design made of plastic material is especially suitable for deep-sea diving where external light is difficult to reach.
- Image refraction and distortion may occur when taking pictures in shallow water where light is available.
- Rugged construction allows it to withstandUp to 60 meters of water depthEnsuring the safety of deep sea diving
Insta360 X4
Pros and Cons
- price/performance ratio
- Recording 8K 360° panoramic movies
- Supports FlowState stabilization
- 135-minute battery life
- Auto Framing and AI Reconstruction: Automatically selects the best image to save post-production time.
- Low-light quality not as good as Ace Pro 2, X5
- Duration
Applicable to Diving 🤿
The X4 supports 8K 360° panoramic video recording with clear and sharp images. It is waterproof and anti-shaking, and remains stable and reliable even in currents and waves. For budget conscious divers who want to upgrade their equipment, the X4 is the ideal choice.
Although the X4 is the predecessor of the X5, there is not much difference between the X5 and the X4 in terms of underwater recording performance. The main advantage of the X5 is its improved low-light capability, but for those with a limited budget and fewer deep dives, the X4 is still a cost-effective choice.
GoPro HERO 13
Pros and Cons
- Supports 10-bit Color + Log Recording
- Diving mode to avoid blueness
- MAX lens module with 177-degree wide viewing angle
- Maximum resolution stays at 5.3K, low-light quality not as good as DJI, Insta360 models
- Duration
- Frequently out of stock
- The rear 2.3" touchscreen can only be viewed in low light.
- MAX Lens Module, additional purchase required.
Applicable to Diving 🤿
Like DJI, GoPro HERO 13 also adopts 10-bit color depth, which retains a richer color gradation in Log mode, providing a great deal of room for creativity in post-coloring. The latest generation of HERO 13 also features a new Diving Mode that supports underwater color correction, helping to solve the common problem of bluish and dull tones in underwater videos.
In the past, I've often worried about GoPro cameras getting condensation due to the heat generated by prolonged recording. But the HERO 13 has made significant improvements in this area: color reproduction is more natural and realistic, and the waterproofing has been greatly improved, so there's basically no need to worry about condensation anymore (although the camera still heats up a bit under high loads).
In terms of accessory design, GoPro uses a screw-on mount system, which doesn't allow for quick accessory swapping during filming, but doesn't pose much of a problem in practice as long as it's pre-installed properly, and an exclusive advantage - the MAX lens module. The GoPro also has an exclusive advantage - the MAX Lens Module. With the addition of this ultra-wide-angle lens, the field of view can be as wide as 177 degrees, which is hard to compete with other brands of wide-angle sports cameras. If you compare it to the X5, which is a 360-degree panoramic camera, the angle of view is a bit limited.
In comparison to the Ace Pro 2, the GoPro HERO 13's image quality is less impressive, especially in deep dive scenes. With a maximum recording capacity of 5.7K, the video footage of a deep dive with the GoPro HERO 13 may even become blurry. If you're mainly using it for deep diving, it's more advisable to choose between the Insta360 or DJI.
Data Ready.
Video from Scott Bauer Below
Beginner's Tips for Underwater Sports Camera Photography
Besides choosing the right underwater sports camera, don't overlook the following five tips to ensure that your camera stays in the best condition when you are diving. Reminder: If you have a camera that supports dive mode, please turn it on before you go into the water.
1. Familiarize yourself with the operation before entering the water
Practice the basic operation on the shore repeatedly before entering the water to make sure you can use it intuitively, and avoid missing out on the recording of the water's exciting scenes.
2. Maintaining stability
Slow down and stabilize the lens when moving underwater to reduce blurring.
3. keep the light behind you
Allow the light to shine on the subject from behind for brighter and more saturated colors.
4. Using Auto Mode
For beginners, Auto Mode helps to quickly obtain accurate exposure and natural color images.
5. Open Dive Mode
Enable Diving Mode to automatically correct the white balance to avoid color casts and restore true colors.
Summary｜2025 Best Diving Cameras to Buy
Choose according to actual needs
The key to choosing the best dive camera is to determine what you value most - whether it's resolution, body size, budgetary considerations, or the depth of waterproofing you need. Depending on your needs, here are my recommendations:
The quest for a top-notch panoramic experience:Insta360 X5
We are looking for panoramic recording and price/performance ratio:Insta360 X4
The most important thing is the picture quality and preference for traditional wide-angle recording:Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Emphasize battery life:DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
If your needs are not limited to underwater photography, but you are also looking for ease of use and excellent specifications, Insta360's products are definitely worth considering. We recommend checking out the dedicated diving page on Insta360's website, which features a complete list of accessories and real-world results for the X4, X5, and Ace Pro 2 dive kits.
How do I choose between X-Series and Ace Pro 2?
The decision is simple: Do you want panoramic movie capability. The two series are comparable underwater, but the Ace Pro 2, a wide-angle camera with dual-chip AI support and a larger sensor, is even better in deep-diving, low-light scenarios.
Ultimately, it is recommended to go back to your actual needs and choose a diving sports camera that really suits your needs.