Beginner’s Guide to the Best Entry-Level Underwater Camera

Beginner’s Guide to the Best Entry-Level Underwater Camera: Action Cam vs OM System TG-7

If you’ve ever considered diving into underwater photographer, I have done the heavy lifting for you and am going to share the tea!

Whether you're snorkelling with turtles, freediving with friends, or simply splashing around with your kids; the right underwater camera can turn magic moments into lasting memories. But what’s the best entry-level option to get started? Today, I’m comparing two of the most popular contenders: the humble action cam (like the GoPro) and the rugged Olympus/OM System Tough TG-7.

Let’s dive in (pun 100% intended)!

🌊 What Makes a Good Entry-Level Underwater Camera?

When you're just starting out with underwater photography, you need gear that’s:

• Affordable

• Durable and waterproof

• User-friendly

• Capable of producing decent images in RAW that can produce results that will motivate you to keep on shooting.

Option 1: Action Cams (like GoPro Hero 12, Insta360, DJI Osmo Action)

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact – Fits in the palm of your hand and mounts easily to masks, surfboards, or even your wrist.

• Video is where it shines – Most action cams can shoot beautiful 4K (or even 5K) video. You can screen; grab moments and still get decent quality for social media.

• Waterproof out of the box – Up to certain depths (usually around 10m); deeper dives may require a housing.

• Versatile mounts and accessories – Endless creative options for shooting angles.

Cons:

• Stills photography is not their strength – Limited control over settings, small sensors and sometimes compressed image quality.

• Lag time in RAW image processing- makes it tricky to get clear still images of moving subjects in water.

• No Burst mode in RAW- makes it very challenging to ‘get the shot’ of moving subjects.

• Low light = meh – Murky or shaded water can cause major grain.

• No optical zoom or macro – Tiny sea creatures and textures often end up blurry or missed.

• Limited control over camera settings- to adjust for different conditions and subject matter.

Best For:
People who love shooting underwater video, travel vloggers, surfers, content creators, or anyone who just wants to capture the vibe without worrying about too many settings.

Option 2: OM System Tough TG-7

Pros:

• RAW image capture – Allows better editing and quality for stills.

• True macro mode – Yes, it can actually focus up close underwater. Nudibranch fans, rejoice.

• Built tough (hence the name) – Waterproof to 15m without a housing, freezeproof, shockproof and crushproof.

• Manual settings – Let you play with ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc., for more creative control.

• Underwater white balance modes – Colour correction done in-camera = less editing time.

• Can shoot RAW in burst mode- this is SO important for capturing sharp stills of moving subjects.

Cons:

• Not ideal for cinematic video – You can shoot 4K, but it doesn’t compare to action cams in terms of smoothness and stabilization.

• A bit bulkier – Won’t fit in your bikini top or on your wrist. You’ll need to carry it (or float it on a lanyard).

• Limited depth without housing – For freedivers and scuba divers heading below 15m, you’ll need to invest in an underwater housing (which can get $$$).

Best For:
Ocean lovers who want to photograph marine life or underwater portraits and value stills as much (or more) than video.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

👉 Choose an action cam if:

• You’re all about movement, lifestyle content, or social videos

• You want something lightweight, quick and easy for travel

• You’re okay with stills being more vibe than high-res print quality

👉 Choose the OM System TG-7 if:

• You’re more photo-focused

• You want to grow your skills and eventually shoot in RAW

• You want to have control over your camera settings

• You’re drawn to capturing the details — like reef textures, jellyfish tentacles or freckles in a water portrait

• You’re not planning to shoot much deeper than 15m (or you’re happy to upgrade later)

Final Thoughts from a Surfing, Freediving Mum with a Camera in Hand

As someone who lives in the water—often with three kids in tow and a camera slung around my neck—I believe the best underwater camera is the one that fits your needs, your budget and your lifestyle.

With that said- the right gear does matter. If you are just starting your underwater photography journey, I would opt for the OM TG7 over an action cam every day. If you understand your way around camera settings for optimal exposure and want to shoot in RAW for maximum editing power- this is the camera for you. For me, shooting moving subjects in moving water; I love the control the OM TG7 gives me. I can select the aperture mode, restrict the shutter speed and ISO and shoot RAW in burst mode- you can’t do any of this on an action cam!

I love action cams for behind the scenes or add on videos of clients underwater. But my client work is based on stills and I couldn’t recommend the OM TG7 more highly as an entry level camera.

Also; I don’t shoot much macro given my subjects are usually human! But the macro function on this camera is incredible! I captured a sting ray close up last weekend and the detail blew me away; I never would have guessed it was taken with a compact camera!

If you're just dipping your toes in, don’t stress about having the fanciest setup. Start small. Get to know your camera, the light, the tides and the ocean. Learn how to control your buoyancy and read the ocean forecast.  Explore safe locations for shooting in your locale.  Join a local ocean swim or dive club.  The more time you spend in the water, the more your storytelling will shine—regardless of your gear.

If you want more tips, I’ve also got underwater presets, shoot guides, and beginner photographer resources in the works. Let me know what you’re shooting and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Happy splashing,
Katie x
@onebreathcreative