5 Best GoPro for Scuba Diving in 2023

The best GoPro for scuba diving is constructed to meet the requirements of capturing pictures and videos with great quality. Accordingly, you can shoot beautiful scenes during your dives to share with friends and relatives.

In addition, the GoPro cameras often come in a compact size, which prevents you from encountering weight restriction issues. Hence, they are ideal cameras to bring if you usually have to travel by plane.

According to your personal needs and aims, there are several GoPro cameras on the market for you to choose from. If you have no idea of what to look for, you might become confused.

The good news is that I have covered a detailed analysis of the best GoPro for scuba diving accompanied by fantastic features differentiating them from the rest. Also, I attached a simple buying guide and other useful tips for further guidance.

My Top Picks

A GoPro camera is not exactly an essential support item for divers. However, you can use it to enhance your diving experience in the long run. The following list includes some of the best GoPro for scuba diving to buy that I would like to present.

• Best Overall: GoPro HERO7 Black
  “8x Slo-Mo Video, built-in GPS, touch screen, voice control, optimize the quality of your pictures by using HDR, suitable for group selfie.”
• Best Budget: GoPro HERO5 Black
  “Preview and playback mode, one-button design, curved adhesive mounting, flat adhesive mounting, advanced wind noise reduction function.”
• Best Image Stabilization: GoPro HERO6 Black
  “An all-new GP1 chip, 2-inch display, integrated with 5 GHz Wi-Fi, delivers double performance, and transfers your videos and photos three times faster.”
• Best Value for the Money: GoPro HERO9 Black
  “Up to 5K resolution, remote control, comes with compact design, a great option for cold water divers.”

Comparison Chart

The GoPro market is full of various brands with different features, designs, and appearances. You definitely should obtain an overall look at these diving gadgets before making any purchase.

Looking to save time, here is a quick comparison table of the top 5 best GoPro for scuba diving based on some important attributes for your reference.

The 5 Best Gopro for Scuba Diving Reviews

Getting to know the brief introduction of effective GoPro cameras is only the tip of the iceberg. Without enough knowledge about tech equipment, your decision-making is more likely to be flawed.

Therefore, a comprehensive review of the top 5 best GoPro for scuba diving selected above is everything you need. Let dive into the complete description below as well as see each of their strengths and weaknesses to find the most suitable model for you.

1. GoPro HERO7 Black

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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If you have been finding a perfect GoPro for scuba diving, this HERO7 Black will be your safe choice. With a long-lasting construction that allows it to be waterproof up to 33 feet, this camera will be an ideal companion during your expedition underwater.

The GoPro HERO7 Black includes an intuitive touch screen, making you get amazing diving shots with just swiping and tapping. Additionally, you can keep your hands free by controlling the camera with voice commands.

There are numerous shooting modes on this item, including Super Photo, Burst, and Photo Timer. Furthermore, you can take pictures vertically to create charming selfies of yourself and even share them with your friends through social platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram.

Key Features:

• 8x Slo-Mo Video
• Hyper smooth and Timewarp function
• Built-in GPS
• Touch screen
• Voice control

Product Specifications:

For novice divers, it can be hard to understand some technical terms of the GoPro HERO7 Black. But do not worry since I have attached the following video for explaining to you.

2. GoPro HERO5 Black

(Best Budget)

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The GoPro HERO5 Black is my top pick for budget scuba divers while considering its performance and price tag. Firstly, the camera lets you capture videos and photos in various modes like Single, Burst, and Time-lapse.

You can record at 4K/30fps, 80fps in resolutions up to 1440p, and 120fps in up to 1080p for creating smooth and stabilized videos. Additionally, the wind noise reduction function helps your video have crystal-clear audio, producing vibrant scenes to make you feel like you’re there.

Another huge advantage of the GoPro HERO5 Black is its one-button interface, making it easy to use, even for entry-level divers. Besides, the camera offers you mounting points and a USB-C cable for attaching accessories.

However, the HERO5 Black is water-resistant only to 33 feet without housing, and thereby, you will need to buy a protective case for deep diving.

See Also: The 9 Best Budget Dive Computers Picks in 2023

Key Features:

• Preview and playback mode
• One-button design
• Touch display
• Voice control
• GPS included
• Curved Adhesive Mounting
• Flat Adhesive Mount Mounting
• USB-C cable included
• Advanced Wind Noise Reduction function

Product Specifications:

Check the video below of the GoPro HERO5 Black and learn how to establish the camera’s basic settings.

3. GoPro HERO6 Black

(Best Image Stabilization)

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You can certainly have appealing photos with the GoPro HERO6 Black, thanks to its all-new GP1 chip. This tiny electronic component helps to maximize picture quality regardless of being shot in any environment and light conditions.

One bonus point is that the GoPro HERO6 Black is upgraded from its predecessor – the HERO5 Black. This means that it offers scuba divers double performance as well as next-level video stabilization.

Therefore, the HERO6 Black can record video with crisp, clear, and awesome quality whether you are holding it by hand or attaching it to your scuba BCD.

See my reviews on the 10 Best Travel BCDs here.

In addition, this camera’s connectivity technology uses 5 GHz Wi-Fi, making it transfer your videos and photos three times faster compared to the HERO5.

Key Features:

• Voice control
• An all-new GP1 chip
• The advanced video stabilization feature
• 2-inch display
• Touch zoom
• Integrated with 5 GHz Wi-Fi

Product Specifications:

Watch this video of the GoPro HERO6 Black for more information on beneficial tips and tricks to shoot stunning and top-quality pictures.

4. GoPro HERO9 Black

(Best Value for the Money)

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My recommendation would definitely go for the GoPro HERO9 Black, which is the newest model sold on the market now. Its stylish design and high-level functions will make you feel that your investment is worthwhile.

At first, it allows divers to shoot videos and photos with the largest resolution on this list, which is 5K for the footage and 20MP for the image. That’s the reason why your selfies underwater can get crisp, fresh, top-quality, and even maintain tiny details when you zoom in.

Moreover, the GoPro HERO9 Black brings you premium smoothness in each diving picture thanks to its HyperSmooth 3.0 and TimeWarp 3.0 function. Besides, a rear touch screen and front display contribute to getting excellent angles for your footage.

More impressive, the HERO9 Black provides you with remote control ability, using Bluetooth Low Energy for maximum battery life.

The remote includes a tremendous display for checking information at a glance, giving you additional safety. Additionally, it is great for icy diving since its button is huge and easy to press with thick gloves.

Key Features:

• Up to 5K resolution
• Touch screen at the back
• A new front display
• HyperSmooth 3.0 and TimeWarp 3.0 features
• Webcam and Live Streaming functions
• Remote control

Product Specifications:

Here is a video of the GoPro HERO9 Black with detailed information on its benefits and functionality.

5. GoPro HERO8 Black

See the Price on Amazon

The GoPro HERO8 Black provides divers with exceptional video stabilization with three levels: On, High, and Boost. Along with this, the camera is integrated with the HyperSmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0 functions as well.

Thanks to that, you can record video with premium smoothness as well as superb quality even when your scuba fins make you move underwater too quickly. One of the tremendous upsides of the HERO8 Black is its pocketable design.

The camera contains foldable fingers at the base, enabling you to fold it up into a compact size for storing in a suitcase. For that reason, the GoPro HERO8 Black is a wonderful choice for travelers as well.

Key Features:

• Three levels of stabilization
• Streamlined design
• Live Streaming in 1080p
• TimeWarp 2.0 feature
• Foldable fingers at the base
• Pocketable shape
• Expandable mods

Product Specifications:

Check out this video review of the GoPro HERO8 Black and decide how it deserves your investment or not.

How to choose the Right GoPro for Scuba Diving?

A GoPro camera with poor quality and may stop working a few days after purchase will probably bring you lots of disappointment. That’s the reason why you should set out a list of basic criteria to compare among thousands of models on the market now.

Below are a few critical factors to consider in case you want to have the best GoPro for scuba diving.

1. Image Quality

Although GoPro cameras enable you to take photos underwater, not all of them can deliver you pictures with excellent quality. If you want to get a model that offers you diving shots as clear as possible, it’s essential to consider two decisive elements: sensors and lenses.

The sensor size plays a huge role in underwater photography. The larger the camera sensor is, the better it works in low light conditions. Meanwhile, GoPro’s lenses directly affect the sharpness, contrast, and distortion of your pictures.

2. Versatility

The flexibility of a GoPro camera shows you what accessories can be used with it. These devices are attached to GoPro’s mounting points to bring incredible experiences for your adventures into the deep blue ocean.

What’s more, these handy items will give you additional support in underwater videography and photography. For example, a dive light can offer you extra lighting in dim situations, which helps to create photos and videos with first-rate quality.

3. Functionality

There are hundreds of high-end models with complicated functions sold on the market now. However, I assume that not everyone is able to operate it, especially beginners.

Therefore, you should equip yourself with tech knowledge about using a GoPro before purchasing to get the most suitable one.

4. Ease of Use

I can imagine how angry you will be when you spend lots of money on a GoPro camera and do not know how to operate it. That’s why usability is one of the most vital factors deserving of much attention.

The best GoPro for scuba diving often comes with an intuitive interface that enables you to get effortless controls. The menus are understandable and accessible, whereas the buttons are easy to press with water-resistant housings outside.

Thanks to that, you no longer struggle with switching among shooting modes when you are below the surface.

5. Underwater Housing

A GoPro camera with waterproof housing gives you the ability to dive deeper than a model without. Moreover, the housing helps protect your GoPro from the destructive effects of water pressure and external impacts leading to breakage.

When you choose protective housing, there are two important factors to keep in mind. They are building materials and accessory ports. The high-grade housing is usually made from polycarbonate and aluminum, which allows it to be durable for long use.

Besides, the housing should support attaching additional accessories such as scuba lights, floats, and lens ports. These convenient items are useful to improve your diving experiences as well as help you avoid losing the GoPro accidentally.

Why Use GoPro Instead of a Waterproof Phone Case?

A water-resistant phone case serves as a protection measure for your phone when you plan to submerge yourself in shallow areas. It is also helpful in case you drop this electronic device unintentionally and do not use it underwater for a long time.

However, even the finest quality phone cases cannot withstand the massive water pressure when you go deeper. And for these reasons above, you should truly buy a GoPro camera to meet the needs of using it for scuba diving.

First of all, the GoPro camera has a rugged and robust construction, which means that it is the best selection to use for deep diving. Additionally, it can accommodate a dive light to give additional lighting, and thereby, it can deliver high-quality pictures and videos.

Last but not least, the GoPro camera can be attached to mounting points on your full face mask as well as a scuba BCD, and then, your hands are free to keep other gear.

See the 12 Best Scuba Masks in 2023 here.

For example, you can hold a console dive computer in your hand to check important information such as current depth and dive time. Meanwhile, the gorgeous scenery during your dive is still recorded through the GoPro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following section includes some frequently asked questions about GoPro cameras for scuba diving. In case you came here for further clarifications or missed any important information, check this part.

Can Gopro Be Used for Scuba Diving?

Of course, it’s yes! Whether your GoPro camera is HERO 5 or HERO 9, you can scuba dive up to a depth of 33 feet. Moreover, most GoPro models can now be used with waterproof housing, which means your dive depth will be expanded to 196 feet.

Is GoPro Good for Underwater Photography When You Scuba Dive?

The GoPro cameras are designed to capture top-quality pictures in each shot. Thus, they are perfect for photographers to take photos when below the surface.

Where Do You Mount Your GoPro When Scuba Diving?

It would be best to hold your GoPro using the hand since it’s easier for you to adjust the frame for every shot. Furthermore, this gives you higher stability before capturing.

Attaching the GoPro camera to your head straps can lead to random vibrations, making the photos broken and low-quality.

How Long Can You Keep a GoPro Underwater When Scuba Diving?

The average waterproof depth for a GoPro camera is 131 feet. However, thanks to state-of-the-art technology, many GoPros trending in the market today can withstand depths of up to 196 feet with a housing accompanied.

Final Thoughts

The GoPro camera is one of the excellent tech accessories that provide scuba divers with impressive features and capabilities. It helps to make their underwater exploration more funny and fascinating.

However, due to its popularity on the market, the decision-making process becomes more difficult.

From my review, the GoPro HERO7 Black is the best overall option. The robust construction, an intuitive touch screen, and the ability to control by voice commands are three notable benefits of this model.

A low-cost but appealing selection has to be the GoPro HERO5 Black. It is a competitive camera with great value for money. This model will provide you with various resolutions, a simple interface, and lots of attachment points for handy accessories.

Do you have a valuable comment or experience that you would like to speak out about? Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comment section.

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