Waterproof surf cameras: shoot your own surf sessions and capture your best waves in high definition video and photo

Waterproof surf cameras are an essential tool in any modern surfer's life.

A surf camera is a type of camera that is specifically designed for capturing images and videos of surfers and surf conditions.

It can be used to photograph or film surfers as they ride waves, as well as to capture the beauty and power of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Most surf cameras are waterproof and are able to withstand the challenging conditions of being used near the ocean.

Some also have specialized features such as slow-motion recording and high-speed frames per second to capture the waves and surfers' movements.

In the 21st century, the quality of digital photo and video cameras improved dramatically and were upgraded to fit the ultimate wave-riding needs.

Today, it's easy to capture the essence of surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding - the maneuvers and the wipeouts can be recorded in magnificent 5K.

They also allow riders to review their position on the surfboard, fine-tune their tricks, correct future positioning in the line-up, and make better decisions in the waves.

How to Choose the Right Waterproof Surf Camera

Digital cameras for water sports have special features and must meet a handful of requirements.

After all, each wave is absolutely unique, and they must be ready to face the harshest ocean and weather conditions.

Portability, wearability, the quality of the pictures and videos, weight, and digital compatibility are some of the most important characteristics you must consider before buying a digital surf camera.

There are more options than you might imagine, so before buying a waterproof action camera, there are several things to consider, including:

  • Image and video resolution;
  • Size and shape of the device;
  • Maximum waterproof depth and rating;
  • Mounting options;
  • Lens compatibility;
  • Wireless capability for transferring photos;
  • Type of battery included in the camera;
  • Shockproof characteristics and resistance to impacts;
  • Storage space options;
  • Extra accessories included;
  • Additional accessories available;

Filming and photographing waves and surfing is more than just mounting a small camera on a surfboard and clicking the record button.

You've got to trust your equipment and make sure it is easy to use.

And as your enthusiasm for the water grows, you may need to upgrade your equipment and, who knows, step into the world of professional immersive water cameras.

Are you still new to filming? No worries. Learn how to shoot a professional surfing video.

Take a look at the best waterproof surf cameras for 2024:

 

GoPro HD Hero11 Black

GoPro HD Hero11 Black

The GoPro Hero11 Black is probably the best waterproof digital camera for capturing surf action.

You can mount the camera on your surfboard or carry it on your chest and helmet. Its high-resolution 5K video at 60 frames per second, 24.7MP photos, WiFi, and GPS will do the rest.

For the first time, it features a front display and live stream options. Great to impress the boys and girls and surf rivals.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Insta360 X3

Insta360 X3

The Insta360 X3 is an action sports camera that is capable of capturing 360-degree images and videos.

The list of features includes:

  • Dual-Lens Capture: The X3 has two fish-eye lenses that are able to capture everything around you, giving you a full 360-degree view of the scene;
  • 5.7K resolution: It can capture 5.7K video and 72MP photos;
  • FlowState Stabilization: it has advanced image stabilization that helps to keep your footage smooth, even when you're moving;
  • TimeShift: Allows you to easily create hyper-lapse videos with a unique time-shifting effect;
  • IPX8 Waterproof: it's waterproof up to 33 ft (10m) and can be used in the rain or underwater;
  • Wireless connectivity: The camera is able to connect to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly, allowing for easy transfer of images and videos, live streaming, and remote control;
  • Voice control: it has a voice control feature that allows you to control the camera with simple voice commands;

The Insta360 X3 is a good option for people looking to capture 360-degree videos and photos. It's particularly suited for creative video making, live streaming, travel vlogging, and more.

With its advanced features and easy-to-use interface, it's suitable for both professional and amateur photographers, videographers, and content creators.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Akaso V50 Elite

Akaso V50 Elite

The Akaso V50 Elite is a good option for people who are looking for an action camera that can capture high-quality video and photos at a more affordable price point.

It is suitable for outdoor and action activities. Dive up to 30 meters and shoot 4K movies at 60fps and 8x slow motion, and instantly share your creations using the built-in WiFi.

Some of the main features of the Akaso V50 Elite include:

  • 4K/30fps video resolution: the camera can capture 4K (3840x2160) video at 30 frames per second;
  • 20MP photo resolution: the camera has a 20-megapixel sensor, which means it can take photos at a resolution of 20 megapixels;
  • Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): it helps to reduce the shakiness in the footage while recording;
  • Adjustable angle lens: This camera has a wide-angle lens that can be adjusted between 70°, 110°, and 140°, allowing the user to record from different angles;
  • Remote Control: It comes with a remote control that allows you to control the camera from a distance, making it easy to take photos or videos without having to touch the camera itself;
  • Waterproof: It has a waterproof case that allows you to take the camera underwater up to 131 feet (40 meters);
  • Voice control: Allows you to control the camera with simple voice commands;

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Cooau 4K 60fps

Cooau 4K 60fps

The Cooau 4K 60fps is another low to mid-range action camera that aims to provide similar features to more expensive models but at a lower cost.

It's a great value-for-money action sports camera that shoots at 4K/60fps and features a 170° super wide-angle fish-eye lens.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Sony RX0 II

Sony RX0 II

The Sony RX0 II is a high-end compact camera with a 1.0-type sensor and a wide-angle lens that can shoot 4K video and capture high-resolution images.

Some of its main features include:

  • 4K video and high-resolution images: It can record 4K (3840x2160) video at 30 frames per second and take photos at a resolution of 15.3 megapixels;
  • 1.0-type sensor: It has a 1.0-type sensor which allows for improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions;
  • Zeiss Tessar T* 24mm F4 wide-angle lens: It provides a wide field of view and can be used for both still and video recording;
  • High frame rate recording: It can record at high frame rates, such as 960fps super slow-motion, to capture fast-moving action with great detail;
  • Waterproof and dust-tight: it has a waterproof and dust-tight body, allowing for use in challenging conditions and underwater up to 33 ft (10m);
  • Interval shooting: It has an interval shooting mode that allows for time-lapse photos to be captured;
  • Picture Profile: It has a Picture Profile feature that allows you to fine-tune image quality settings such as color, sharpness, and more;

The Sony RX0 II is a versatile camera that's designed for a variety of applications, including action sports, film production, and underwater photography, and it's often used as a B-camera to supplement larger cameras on professional shoots.

It will let you shoot 60fps in 1920x1080.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Ricoh WG-70

Ricoh WG-70

The Ricoh WG-70 is more than just a 14-meter waterproof camera.

It's designed to be durable and resilient in harsh environments, making it suitable for outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, camping, and snorkeling.

Some of the main features of the Ricoh WG-70 include:

  • 16-megapixel sensor: It has a 16-megapixel sensor that allows for high-resolution images and video recording;
  • Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof: It has a durable design that is waterproof down to depths of up to 14m (46 ft), dustproof, and shockproof up to a height of 1.6m (5.2 ft);
  • Wide-angle lens: It has a wide-angle lens that allows for a field of view of 28mm (35mm film equivalent), which is great for capturing wide landscapes and group shots;
  • 5x optical zoom: It has 5x optical zoom that allows you to get closer to your subject while still maintaining image quality;
  • Full HD 1080p video recording: It can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second;
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: It has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet and share your photos and videos online;
  • The Ricoh WG-70 is a good option for people who are looking for a durable, waterproof digital camera that can be used in outdoor activities and harsh environments, as well as for those who like to take photos and videos of themselves during their adventures;

It's a good combination of ruggedness, portability, and versatility for your outdoor photography needs.

Its underwater mode results in more natural coloring.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000

The SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 is a great waterproof camera for those who would love to kick off a surfing career as a surf photographer.

This underwater digital camera offers 20-megapixel results and vibrant colors to make photos you will never forget.

It is a high-end camera that is designed for professional underwater photography and videography.

The main features of the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 include:

  • 4K video and high-resolution images: It can record 4K (3840x2160) video at 30 frames per second and take photos at a resolution of 20 megapixels;
  • Wide-angle lens: It has a wide-angle lens that allows for a field of view of 170 degrees, which is great for capturing wide landscapes and large subjects;
  • Waterproof to 200ft: The camera is built to withstand depths of up to 200ft (60m), making it suitable for diving and other deep-water activities;
  • Raw image capture: It can capture images in RAW format, which gives more flexibility in post-processing and allows to achieve more professional results;
  • Dual color balance modes: It has built-in dual color balance modes, one for shallow water and one for deep water. This allows the photographer to easily achieve accurate and natural color reproduction;
  • Bright, high-resolution 3" LCD: The camera has a large, bright 3-inch LCD screen which makes it easy to see your shots, even in bright sunlight;
  • Compact and lightweight: Despite its advanced features, the camera is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle underwater;

The SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K Pro 2000 is a professional-grade camera that's designed for serious underwater photographers and videographers who demand high-quality imaging, ruggedness, and durability.

It's a good choice for someone who wants to shoot professional-quality videos and photos, whether diving or in other underwater environments.

It was depth tested to 200 feet and has a great flash option.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Nikon CoolPix W300

Nikon CoolPix W300

The Nikon CoolPix is a waterproof and shockproof camera prepared for all water battles.

The quality of the glass lens allows 16MP photos and 4K UHD 30p movies. As an extra, enjoy the built-in GPS.

The Nikon CoolPix W300 features:

  • 16-megapixel sensor: It has a 16-megapixel sensor that allows for high-resolution images and video recording;
  • Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof: It has a durable design that is waterproof down to depths of up to 30m (100 ft), dustproof, and shockproof up to a height of 2.4m (8 ft);
  • 5x optical zoom: It has 5x optical zoom that allows you to get closer to your subject while still maintaining image quality;
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet and share your photos and videos online and use it as a remote control;
  • Full HD 1080p video recording: It can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second;
  • GPS and eCompass: It has a built-in GPS and eCompass, which allows you to geotag your photos and videos and track your location and movements while you're out exploring;
  • SnapBridge: Nikon's proprietary feature that uses low-power Bluetooth to keep your device connected with the camera and synchronize data, including your photos and videos, automatically;

It is a good combination of ruggedness, portability, and versatility for your outdoor photography needs.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Drift Ghost XL Pro

Drift Ghost XL Pro

The Drift Ghost Xl Pro is designed for professional videographers and photographers who need a versatile, durable camera that can capture high-quality video and photos in a wide range of conditions.

Some of its main features include:

  • 4K/30fps Video Resolution: It can record 4K (3840x2160) video at 30 frames per second;
  • 20-megapixel sensor: It has a 20-megapixel sensor that allows for high-resolution images and video recording;
  • Dual-lens System: it has a dual-lens system that allows for front and rear recording simultaneously and ensures you never miss a moment;
  • 3" Display: it has a large 3-inch display that makes it easy to view your shots and operate the camera;
  • Remote Control: It comes with a remote control that allows you to control the camera from a distance, making it easy to take photos or videos without having to touch the camera itself;
  • Waterproof: It has a waterproof case that allows you to take the camera underwater up to 30m (100ft);
  • GPS: It has built-in GPS that allows you to geotag your photos and videos and track your location and movements while you're out exploring;
  • WiFi and Bluetooth: it has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth that allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet, allowing for easy sharing of photos and videos and for using your device as a remote control for the camera;

It's packed with features that make it perfect for capturing content in the field and for easy editing and sharing afterward.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

SJCAM SJ8Pro

SJCAM SJ8Pro

The SJCAM SJ8Pro is a mid-range action camera that aims to provide high-quality video and photos at a more affordable price point.

It features:

  • 4K/60fps video resolution: the camera can capture 4K (3840x2160) video at 60 frames per second;
  • 12MP photo resolution: The camera has a 12-megapixel sensor, which means it can take photos at a resolution of 12 megapixels;
  • Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): It helps to reduce the shakiness in the footage while recording;
  • Waterproof: it has a waterproof case that allows you to take the camera underwater up to 30m (98ft);
  • WiFi: it has built-in WiFi that allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet, allowing for easy sharing of photos and videos and for using your device as a remote control for the camera;
  • Gyroscopic stabilization: The camera uses a built-in gyroscopic sensor to provide extra stabilization to footage captured while in motion or under unstable conditions;

It's a good option for people looking for an action camera that can capture high-quality video and photos at a more affordable price point.

Buy: Amazon.com


The waterproof surf camera review has been updated on January 4, 2024.

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