Best GoPro For Snorkeling | a Comprehensive Buying Guide 2024
Choosing the best GoPro For Snorkeling is essential because every GoPro camera has different specifications. Some are meant for snorkeling under shallow water, while others are made for deep diving. The reason is they have varying picture quality and depth limits.
I have used many GoPro cameras in the past few years and know their highs and lows in detail. Using this snorkeling knowledge, I have prepared a list of the best GoPro cameras to help you get the suitable one for your upcoming snorkeling adventures.
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of the box.
- Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p.
- More Power. More Clarity. More Stability. New GP2 Chip for Increased Performance.
- Night-Lapse Video; In-Camera Horizon Leveling; Live View Front Display & Intuitive Rear Touchscreen; Webcam Mode & 1080p HD Live Streaming.
- Optimizes charging so you’ll get a fully charged battery as quickly as possible
- 5K Video – Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when zooming in
Top 5 Best GoPro For Snorkeling
GoPro Hero11
Specifications:
- Brand: GoPro
- Display Size: 1.9″
- Color: Black
The Hero11 Black is a powerful device that can capture fantastic scenes in difficult underwater situations. With its new image sensor, you can now shoot 5.3K60 video with incredibly fluid motion and 24.7 MP stills. It is waterproof without any additional housing (which means it can go deeper than other models)
The Hero11 is compatible with all GoPro accessories, making it a versatile option no matter what type of camera accessories you want to use it with. It has a touchscreen, so you can easily adjust settings or change modes.
The GoPro Hero11 Black is a high-performance action camera that captures stunning 4K60 video and photos in stunning detail. It features six-axis stabilization, providing super smooth footage, even while moving. And with the new HyperSmooth 5.0, it has never been better.
HyperSmooth 5.0 delivers super smooth footage, even when you are on the move, especially deep inside water during the snorkeling adventure. It also includes Horizon Lock, which gives you control over how fast or slow your horizon moves according to the rest of your scene for achieving more cinematic shots with ease.
This best GoPro for snorkeling has auto low light performance up to 33ft (10m). So, you can capture great photos in low light without needing a flash or other accessories. Apart from that, it features 5GHz WiFi, so you can stream live in HD without interruptions or lag time. It also provides 360° streaming for Facebook and YouTube Live.
- Large sensor
- Long-lasting battery
- Simpler UI for newbies
- Backward models’ accessories compatible
- Indicator Noise can be distracting
- Expensive
GoPro Hero10
Specifications:
- Brand: GoPro
- Display Size: 2.3″
- Color: Black
Hero10 Black captures crisp, pro 23MP photos with a 3-axis image stabilization system. With this camera, you can take up to 8x Slo-Mo video at 1080p resolution for slow-motion playback at 240 frames per second. It lets you capture every moment in stunning detail or shoot time-lapse photos of the core of oceans while snorkeling.
Faster Capture
GoPro Hero10 Black lets you slow down those moments that normally pass by too fast, so you can savor them repeatedly. The new GP2 chip delivers up to 8x faster image processing than Hero6 Black, giving you more power to process photos and videos faster, so your shots are ready when you need them most.
Low Light Performance
Its front display gives you an on-the-spot preview of what the camera detects. The sizable rear touchscreen makes it easier to change settings on the fly. Hero10 Black also features ProTune controls for advanced color and ISO adjustments, plus a 3D noise reduction feature for enhanced low-light performance.
Touch Display
Hero10 is the best GoPro for snorkeling as it has a touch screen, voice control, and many other features which make it easy to use. It has a 2″ touchscreen display that enables you to see what you are recording in real-time. This is a huge advantage over other action cameras because it eliminates the need for an external monitor or smartphone app.
Live Preview
Its intuitive interface with large buttons is easy to use with cold hands or gloves under the water. There is also a live preview mode to see your video’s appearance before you start recording. Aside from this, its super-wide 170° field of view makes it one of the best snorkeling cameras on the market.
- Incredible image stabilization
- WiFi and USB connectivity options
- Backward compatible
- Robust GP2 processor
- Heavy
- Mediocre battery timing
GoPro Hero9
Specifications:
- Brand: GoPro
- Display Size: 2.27″
- Color: Black
The GoPro Hero9 is a fantastic camera because of its five different modes: Video, Photo, Time Lapse Video, Slow-Mo & HyperSmooth. It shoots 4K video at 60 fps (frames per second) or 1080p at 240 fps with electronic image stabilization for smooth, shake-free footage.
Extra Smoother
Hero9 also has a new sensor that allows you to shoot 5K video at 30 fps with stabilization. It comes with an advanced feature called HyperSmooth, which makes the video look even smoother than previous models. Video or photo stabilization is handy when you are moving around in the water while shooting a scene because it will improve the overall image quality.
Brightness
Another feature I like about this camera is its ability to take 20MP photos in low-light situations without a flash. With Hero9 Black’s new TimeWarp video mode, you can create cinema graphs from existing footage using SuperPhoto.
2x Performance
Hero9 Black can capture stunning 4K60 video at an ultra-smooth cinematic frame rate of 60 FPS. And it has 2x the performance of Hero7 Black, enabling you to capture all you need to tell your story. Add a soundtrack, edit it into a video, and share your creation with the world.
Display
GoPro Hero9 has a large 2-inch touchscreen that lets you see what you are recording without hassle. Therefore, it is easier to swipe through menus and change settings while you are out exploring. It is built underwater and is waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet) water depth without any additional housing.
- Durable built
- Touchscreen display
- Large rear screen
- Improved battery life compared to its predecessors
- Voice controls are a little crappy
- Mediocre HDR processing
GoPro Hero8
Specifications:
- Brand: GoPro
- Display Size: 2″
- Color: Black
I have been using a GoPro Hero7 Black for the past year as my go-to action camera. The new GoPro Hero8 Black is an excellent upgrade from the Hero7 Black and has many new features to enhance your videos and photos if you are looking for a new action camera.
Deep down Waterproof
The GoPro Hero8 Black Digital Action Camera has been designed to be durable and waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters). You can take it snorkeling or diving with you, whether swimming or diving in saltwater or freshwater. It is also great for skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, kayaking, and outdoor adventures.
Resolution
It offers TimeWarp Video (stabilized time lapse) in 4K resolution at hyper lapse speeds of 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or 3x. Moreover, the SuperPhoto mode intelligently combines multiple frames when shooting photos to produce better-looking results than normal single-shot photos.
Voice Control
The GoPro Hero8 is a top-of-the-line snorkeling camera that can shoot 4K videos, 12MP photos, and time-lapse videos. Face, smile, and scene detection are features of this touchscreen camera. It can also record 15 commands with its multi-language voice control.
Slomo
With the best GoPro for snorkeling, you do not need to take your hands off the camera underwater because you can control it with your voice. You can capture every moment in 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K at 60 fps, or 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion footage.
- Auto horizon leveling
- Vivid touchscreen
- With enhanced image stabilization
- Latest design
- It gets hotter while recording
- Small screen
GoPro Max 360
Specifications:
- Brand: GoPro
- Display Size: 2″
- Color: Black
The GoPro Max 360 is the first GoPro camera that can capture 360-degree footage. It has three cameras in one: 180-degree and 360-degree cameras, plus a traditional Hero-style camera. A 180-degree capture function gives you unbreakable stabilization thanks to the camera’s HyperSmooth gimbal.
Live Streaming
The GoPro App lets you live stream to Facebook or YouTube so friends and family can watch your exploits. It lets you share your captured moments and images directly to your smartphone or tablet using its wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. You can also edit and share your videos right from the app, whether you are at home or in the field.
Voice Control
Now is your chance if you have thought about what it is like to be a fish. GoPro Max 360 has a voice command feature. Therefore, you do not need to take off your gloves or goggles to change settings or start/stop filming. Just say, “GoPro, take a photo” or “GoPro, record the video” (or whatever it is you want).
Panoramas
GoPro Max 360 Black action camera has a 360-degree field of view and built-in software that lets you stitch together photos and videos into seamless panoramas. It is also waterproof up to 33 feet without needing a case, perfect for snorkeling or other underwater adventures.
I can confidently say it is a top-rated action camera with excellent image quality and impressive video performance. This best GoPro for snorkeling features six mics for 3D audio recording and a 2″ touchscreen as a control panel. The camera can also shoot 120 frames per second at 1080p resolution, so you can slow down anytime.
- Excellent video stabilization
- Robust controls
- Six mics for crisp, clear sound capturing
- Excellent battery timing
- Few low-light video twitches
- Expensive option
Buying Guide
GoPro cameras are the best snorkeling camera on the market today. Its wide-angle lens gives you a crystal clear view of your underwater activities. But if you are looking for the best GoPro for snorkeling, then there are some points that you must look for when buying a GoPro for snorkeling. These are as follows:
- Camera Quality
When buying a GoPro camera for snorkeling, you need to consider what type of photos or videos you want to make. Do you want to shoot pictures or videos? If so, what kind of camera settings should you use? How vast is the field of view? What kind of lenses does it come with?
- Waterproofing
The camera needs to be waterproof for underwater filming. It ensures that your photos and videos stay secure even in murky waters. A waterproof camera will also allow you to take shots from above water without worrying about ruining your memory card by getting wet after shooting.
- Battery Life
You need to ensure that the battery has enough power to last through an entire dive and still be able to capture some quality footage. These best GoPro for snorkeling have batteries that can last up to 90 minutes in length. As a result, you can capture all of your underwater moments without worrying about charging your device.
- Connectivity Options
If your GoPro has WiFi connectivity, you can connect it directly to your phone or tablet using Bluetooth or WiFi. You will need an external device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to connect with the camera if it does not have WiFi. Viewing and photographing your videos on-screen is possible with apps like Instagram and Facebook.
- Weight
Another important factor when looking for a good GoPros For Snorkeling is its weight. If it is too heavy, you might struggle to carry it around while swimming or diving underwater. Additionally, it should be durable enough not to break down easily over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How To Use Your GoPro As A Snorkeling Camera?
You can use your GoPro as a snorkeling camera by following the steps mentioned below:
- Start the GoPro to record visuals inside the deep water by pressing the button for 2 seconds.
- To confirm that the video camera is turned on, you need to look into the display to verify that the video cam icon is there.
- You must push the top button to start capturing the thrilling moments underwater.
- Similarly, push the top button again when you have to stop recording.
Are GoPro Cameras Good For Snorkeling?
Yes, GoPro Cameras reviewed in this article are good enough for snorkeling inside the water. They can do well unless and until you decide to go too deep underwater. But no worries, $50 housing can make your GoPro camera waterproof down to diving depth levels.
Can GoPro Survive Underwater?
Yes, all the models of GoPro cameras are waterproof to a few extent. For example, the GoPro 5 is waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet) deep inside the water. However, the advanced models discussed in this post are more robust inside the deep waters.
What If Water Goes Inside GoPro?
If by any means water goes into your GoPro camera, you need to take the following measures:
- Remove the camera and dry it out.
- Similarly, remove the mic ports and dry them by shaking water out.
Does GoPro Need A Waterproof Case?
Without a housing, your best GoPro for snorkeling can withstand water up to 10 meters (33 feet). From this, it is clear that you will need separate housing if you want to go deeper underwater. This housing or case will protect your GoPro camera from the high water pressure in its depth.
How Long Can GoPro Be Submerged Into The Water?
You can submerge the GoPro camera under a certain depth for 1 hour and 15 minutes. But it is advised to take your GoPro camera underwater for around 50 minutes on average.
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Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing the best GoPro for snorkeling was difficult since each has a different use and characteristics. You should decide how deep you want to go and what features are most important to you (image stabilization, fast-changing modes, etc.). Moreover, this guide will also help you choose an extra battery and a floaty back so you do not lose your camera.
