Action cameras and 360 cameras for divers: what to look for (and a Christmas gift idea)
A small camera on a pole or a mount is the easiest way to bring the dive home. Action cameras and 360 cameras both suit divers, but they are different tools, and a few facts matter more than the spec sheet.
Action cameras
Compact, tough and simple. Current models from the main brands record high-resolution video with good stabilisation, and the better ones cope well in the dim, green light of Irish water. You point where you want to look, so the shot is the one you framed.
360 cameras
A 360 camera records in every direction at once, so you choose the framing afterwards. It's forgiving for a new videographer and handy for catching the seal that swims in behind you. The trade-offs are more editing and the way the lens is exposed to scratches.
What matters for scuba
Depth rating. Many cameras are only waterproof bare to roughly 10–20 m. Scuba depths need a dive housing rated well beyond where you'll go. Check the manufacturer's own spec page, because third-party reviews often disagree.
Colour. Red light fades quickly with depth, so look for a red filter or good colour correction, or add a light.
Battery and cold. Cold water drains batteries, so carry spares.
Mounts. A pole, tray or wrist mount keeps both hands free for your dive.
Buying second-hand: check the seals
Previous-generation models are often a bargain on Vinted and eBay, but a camera that has flooded once is expensive scrap. Before you buy, ask about the camera's history and whether it has ever been used underwater, and check the seller's photos for salt crust, corrosion or cracks around the door, hinges and lens.
Seals and O-rings wear out. Replace them on any second-hand camera or housing before it goes underwater.
Check the housing is the right one for that exact model, and look for scratches on the glass and cracks in the case.
Do a first test dunk in a bucket of fresh water with an empty housing and a tissue inside before trusting it with the camera.
If it can't be returned and the seller won't answer questions, walk away.
As a Christmas present, a camera plus a gift card for a day on the water is hard to beat. Our East Pier shop has diving accessories, and you can reach us on 085 255 2064 or hello@oceanlife.ie.
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