Action Waterproof and Underwater Recording Devices (like GoPro, Insta, DJI) and Where to Get Them

 

If you are going camping, hiking, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, or other water sports etc., you may be thinking how can I get some really cool video and photos like I see on Youtube and Facebook. Well, for that you can get something like a Gopro which is designed for this or their competitors which are now as good or better. Or you can go to the lower end and get a waterproof camera (which actually aren't that much less expensive). So here are the options and what you need to know and where to get them .

GoPro-Type Waterproof and underwater action recording devices

• GoPro (or similar) - GoPro WAS the big hands-free brand that started it all, but there are BETTER, reliable and less expensive options. They do have a new model coming on the market in May 2026. The company recently announced its MISSION 1 series of professional compact cinema/action cameras (powered by the new GP3 processor with larger 1-inch 50MP sensors, 8K video support, and more advanced features). Pre-orders for the main models open globally on May 21, 2026, with shipping and on-shelf availability starting May 28, 2026.
  Higher-end variants (MISSION 1 Pro ILS, Creator Edition, Ultimate Creator Edition) are scheduled for Q3 2026 (July–September). Accessories will roll out on a staggered basis starting in May 2026 through Q3
  add-ons-
  
  • Polarization filter
  • 'Head strap (good quality Magnetic Head Strap Mount ) WalMart about $25-$30
  • Underwater Red Color Correction Filter (DJI Action 4) for ocean water, about $16.29
  • Dive housing (only if going below ~20–30 ft, so obviously not for ordinary snorkeling)
  • Lens clearers
  • charging cords
  • micro SD cards
  • camera clamp rigs, not tripods
  • Power-pack
  • camera bag
  • And a selfie-stick ($20-$30).
• Highly rated alternatives to the GoPro brand:
  These are actually no preferred to GoPro by the enthusiast. Here they are, in order of top quality to least, but all are good:
  1. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Dual Battery Bundle - This is an 8K Waterproof Camera Co-Engineered with Leica, 1/1.3" Sensor, Dual AI Chip, so the AI is a big selling point, along with Leica lens. Great in Low Light, great Audio. Often sells around $325 - $350
  2. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo, Waterproof Camera with 1/1.3" Sensor, 4K/120fps Video, with subject tracking, Stabilization, Dual OLED Touchscreens, Often sells around $325 - $350. The DJI Osmo Action 5 action pack has 3 batteries The DJI Osmo Action 4 is almost as good and about $200,
  3. AKASO Brave 7 LE 4K - A 30FPS 20MP WiFi Camera with Touch Screen EIS 2.0 Zoom Remote Control, 131 Feet Underwater Camera with two 1350mAh Batteries. It does support external Mic. Often as low as $115.

Traditional Cameras - but waterproof, underwater action cameras

• Waterproof camera - For less expensive (usually) Fuji's and knockoffs work great and do ok video.
  I have a 2013 Fuji XP50 which STILL works great!
  The cheapest one-time use cameras are around $40-$55 for one or 2 of them, and the regular waterproof digital cameras can be had for as little as $60. Fuji's tend to be triple that!
  • Fujifilm XP-80 - pricy for a camera, but reliable - Fujifilm FinePix XP80 Waterproof Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue)
  • Generic 4K Underwater Camera, 64MP 16FT Waterproof Digital Camera with 32GB Card, Autofocus Floatable Waterproof Camera with IPS HD Screen, 16X Digital Zoom, Fill Light, for Snorkeling, Surfing, Swimming
  • Cheap option: Fujifilm One-Time-Use Underwater 35mm digital Camera

Other accessories

Packing gear

1. Waterproof bags for phone, keys, wallet, etc. and this one is a floating IP68 rated for up to 8.3" iPhone's like 17 16 15 14 13 (and smaller sizes) and for Pro Max Samsung S25 Ultra S24 S23,
2. Dry bags: Floating Waterproof Dry Bag Backpacks; sizes  5L/10L/20L/30L/40L, with Roll Top Sack, Keeps Gear Dry

Electronics

1. Headlamp - waterproof, rechargeable, very bright, multiple settings include red (for nighttime, not to wake others)
2. Battery backups to recharge devices:
   BEST: This Portable Power Bank 50,000 mAh, Ultra-High Capacity Battery Pack, 2 USB ports, and 4 different cords - lightning, USC, USA and micro, all built-in, Charging Power bank  would work great.
   This power bank with a built-in solar-panel for recharging Power Bank 10,000mAh, Battery Pack with USB C for Cell Phones even has a flashlight. But reviews say the solar charging would take a super bright day for a half-charge.

 

• Small inexpensive binocular - Only need one per boat
• Green glow sticks - to hang over the side to attract and see fish and marine life at night.
• Waterproof Lightweight Solar Charger -  perhaps one per boat, there are charging ports built in to the boat. 40W Foldable Solar Panel Charger,25% High Efficiency Portable N Type Cell,USB-C/USB-A/DC12V MPPT Fast Charging, IP67