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

🌊 A Moment Captured: Finalist in Capture Magazine’s “Top Emerging Australian Photographer Awards”

I’m beyond honoured to share that one of my underwater images “Surrender”, has been selected as a finalist in the Single Shot category of Capture magazine’s Australia's Top Emerging Photographers 2025.

This recognition means so much; not just for me, but for everything that goes into the kind of photography I create. The salt-stained skin, early mornings, the calm chaos of working with breath-holding bodies and wild water, the emotional and creative labour of weaving story through sea. Every frame begins with the planning, long before the shutter clicks under the surface.

To have one of those moments acknowledged by a panel of industry leaders is incredibly humbling.

Why this image matters

The “single shot” category is all about impact. One frame. One chance to tell a full story.

My finalist image “Surrender” was created during one of my immersive underwater sessions with Argentinian National Freediving Champion- Luciana Blanco Villegas.   I work with clients who crave something deeper, brands who want assets that create more connection and publications who want to move their readers. And this frame felt like all of that in one heartbeat: presence, power and connection beneath the surface.

What it means to me

This recognition isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s fuel. It's validation that there’s a place for storytelling that’s slow, soulful and submerged. That underwater portraiture, when done with intention, can move people.

As a self-taught photographer, freediver, mother and someone who swapped a law career for saltwater and storytelling; this moment reminds me that you can reinvent yourself. You can chase dreams at any age.

What’s next?

This finalist recognition has fired me up for what’s ahead. I’m continuing to create meaningful ocean-centred art for brands, families and individuals seeking authenticity, transformation and reconnection—with nature, and themselves.

If you're looking for a photography experience that’s as empowering as it is beautiful, I’d love to hear from you.

📸 Huge thank you to Capture Magazine and the judging panel. You can view all the finalists here and read more about the competition in their latest issue.

🧠 How Water Heals: The Science Behind Blue Mind and the Mammalian Dive Reflex

🌊 Introduction: The Healing Power of Water

As an underwater photographer, surfer, and trained freediver, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound shift that happens when people immerse themselves in the ocean. But it’s more than just a feeling—science backs it up. From stress relief to emotional regulation; water has the power to heal, reset and reconnect us.

In this post, I’ll walk you through two powerful pieces of ocean science that influence every photoshoot I do: Blue Mind theory and the Mammalian Dive Reflex.

💙 What Is Blue Mind?

Blue Mind is a term coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. It describes the meditative, peaceful state we experience when we're near, in, on or under water.

When you step into the sea, something changes. The noise of daily life fades. Your nervous system slows down. You breathe deeper. The waves, the light, the rhythm—all of it helps bring your body and mind into balance.

✅ The science says:

• Cortisol (stress hormone) levels drop

• Heart rate and breathing slow

• Mental clarity and creativity increase

• It improves sleep and emotional wellbeing

If you’ve ever come home from a swim feeling like a new person—now you know why.

🐬 What Is the Mammalian Dive Reflex?

Here’s where it gets even more fascinating.

The Mammalian Dive Reflex is a built-in survival response shared by humans, dolphins and other marine mammals. When your face is submerged in cool water, three amazing things happen:

1. Your heart rate slows (bradycardia)

2. Blood flow is redirected to vital organs

3. Your body conserves oxygen and energy

This creates a deep physiological calm. It’s the reason a gentle float underwater can bring immediate relief from anxiety or sensory overload. It's also why my shoots include breathwork and moments of stillness; they activate this reflex in a gentle, intentional way.

I’ve seen this reset my neurodiverse children’s nervous systems, I’ve experienced he peace and regulation myself and I’ve witnessed clients relax into immersive sessions and exited the water revitalised and transformed.

📸 Why This Matters in My Photography

When you book a shoot with me, you’re not just getting beautiful underwater images. You’re being invited into a moment of reconnection; with your mind, body, and nature.

I work with people who are often busy, burnt out or feeling disconnected. And when we dive in together, the water does something incredible. It holds space. It heals. It restores.

Whether you're a freediver, a mother or a brand founder—this isn’t just a photoshoot. It's an experience designed to nourish your nervous system while creating art that tells your story.

🐚 Want to Feel It for Yourself?

If you're craving stillness, reconnection, or just something real—the ocean is waiting.

🌊 Book your own underwater photography session
📩 Contact me here or browse available shoot packages

Let’s create something powerful—one breath at a time.