The Best Waterproof Cameras for Whitewater Rafting

We love taking action shots on the river whether it’s with a digital camera or the CableCam and guests often wonder, what’s the best waterproof camera to take along for rafting trips? Deciding on the best
all-around waterproof cameras requires considering the integrity, construction, durability, and actual waterproof ability of the camera. We also focus on those can also take fantastic movement shots as rafting is a sport continually in motion.

Other activities in motion that you are likely to take your waterproof camera on are trips like hiking, kayaking, off-roading, to the beach, and more. Having a camera that you can rely on through each adventure is all that we ask for. Optical zoom, pixels, design, shock absorbance, size, anti-motion blur, and price are important to consider when choosing the right camera.

Here is our list of the best waterproof cameras for whitewater rafting.

Panasonic Lumix TS5

Why It’s Awesome:
Built with WiFi technology, there are many features on this camera that allows you to utilize your smartphone or tablet to make things easier. For example, once you snap an image, you can quickly view and share it on your smartphone or tablet using Near Field Communication or edit with effects on the camera. Record videos using the camera or control it from a distance too. Take pictures in and out of water or under water. Another bonus is a built-in GPS allowing you to identify your location.

Average Price: $279.99
Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.65 x 1.14 inches
Weight: 214 grams
Megapixels: 16.1 megapixels
Optical Zoom: 4.6x
LCD Size: 3 inches
Waterproof: 13 m/43 ft
Shockproof: 2 m/6.6 ft
Dustproof: Keeps out sand or dust particles
Freezeproof: -10°C/14°F
Pressure Resistance: 100 kgf
Anti-Motion Blur: Available

Nikon COOLPIX AW110

Why It’s Awesome:
A camera meant for exploring, the COOLPIX has a built-in GPS and Electronic compass, which also shows nearby Points of Interest. Using the Nikon View NX2 software, you can share your adventures online. Sensitive images CMOS sensors allow you to take low-light photos without a flash but not necessarily the best at this trick.

Average Price: $249.95
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 6.9 oz/193 g
Megapixels: 16.1 megapixels
Optical Zoom: 5x
LCD Size: 3 inches
Waterproof: 18 m/59 ft for 60 minutes
Shockproof: 2 m/6.6 ft
Humidity Resistance: Less than 85%
Freezeproof: -10°C/14°F on land & 0°C/32°F underwater
Crushproof: 100 kgf/220 lbf
Anti-Motion Blur: Available with Lens-shift Vibration Reduction & Automatic Motion Detection

Olympus TG-2 iHS

Why It’s Awesome:
This camera is built around underwater shooting, including an ultra-bright, high-speed f2.0 lens for low light action. The water-repellent lens coating lets you focus on shooting rather than wiping off droplets. Also and adventuring camera, it includes a GPS and e.Compass with the ability to mark your location on a map using a manometer that detects and records elevation, water depth, and warns you when you get too deep. Give your images a quick edit using 11 filters and beauty makeup mode.

Average Price: $379.99
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 6.9 oz/193 g
Megapixels: 12 megapixels
Optical Zoom: 4x
LCD Size: 3 inches
Waterproof: 15 m/50 ft
Shockproof: 2.1 m/7ft
Dustproof: Yes
Freezeproof: -10°C/14°F
Crushproof: 100 kgf/220 lbf
Anti-Motion Blur: Available with Lens-shift Vibration Reduction & automatic Motion Detection

Pentax WG-3 GPS

Why It’s Awesome:
This rugged-looking design appeals to adventurers with a fast lens. It includes 6 LEDs for macro mode shooting that can get as close as 1 centimeter from the lens. The close zoom is effective with underwater shooting as targets need to be as close as possible for clarity. However, it does struggle with low-light shots. A plus for charging is its ability to utilize inductive charging (aka “wireless charging”). Like the other cameras, it has a built-in GPS for geotagging and a digital compass with pressure sensor, altitude, and direction sensors.

Average Price: $299.95
Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.9 x 1.3 inches
Weight: 8.4 oz/239 g
Megapixels: 16.0 megapixels
Optical Zoom: 4x
LCD Size: 3 inches
Waterproof: 13.7 m/45 ft
Shockproof: 2 m/6.6 ft
Freezeproof: -10°C/14°F
Crushproof: 100 kgf/220 lbf
Anti-Motion Blur: Available with Lens-shift Vibration Reduction & automatic Motion Detection

Nikon 1 AW1

Why It’s Awesome:
The most expensive of these cameras, it comes with a 11-27mm kit lens, the world’s first interchangeable underwater lens. All Nikon lenses are also compatible with this sleek camera. It’s WiFi compatible with a built-in GPS and lets you share images on your smartphone.

Average Price: $749.95
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.9 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 11.1 oz/313 g
Megapixels: 14.2 megapixels
Optical Zoom: 5x
LCD Size: 3 inches
Waterproof: 14.9 m/49 ft
Shockproof: 2 m/6.6 ft
Dustproof: Yes
Freezeproof: -10°C/14°F
Crushproof: No
Anti-Motion Blur: Available

Once you’re ready to take your future new waterproof digital camera on its first adventure, be sure to check out our whitewater rafting trips for your camera’s first rafting trip.