What Makes a Great Underwater Camera?
- Live view – instant streaming so you can see what’s happening in real time.
- High-quality video – sharp, stabilised footage that works in bright shallows or low light.
- Durability – housings and connectors that stand up to saltwater, silt, and heavy use.
- Flexible mounting – usable on poles, boats, rigs, or with divers.
- Future-proof design – able to evolve with new camera models and apps.
Popular Underwater Camera Options
SeaLife Micro 3.0
The Micro 3.0 is fully sealed, waterproof down to 60m, and simple to use. It shoots 4K video and 16MP stills, making it popular with divers. However, it has a fixed focus lens, limited flexibility, and no live streaming. Read review.
Olympus Tough TG-6 / TG-7
Waterproof to 15m without housing and rugged for travel, these cameras are great for snorkellers. The TG-6 shoots 4K, offers macro modes, and includes GPS and depth sensors. But for deeper dives, it requires housing — and live view isn’t supported. See review.
GoPro HERO13 Black
The GoPro HERO13 Black is the current flagship in GoPro’s lineup. With 5.3K video, advanced stabilisation, and improved low-light performance, it’s a top choice for underwater creators. When paired with a waterproof housing, it becomes an excellent underwater camera for divers and snorkellers. On the other hand, it doesn’t natively support live streaming underwater — that’s where Seavu adds critical functionality. Explore GoPro HERO Cameras.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is DJI’s most advanced action camera. With a larger sensor for clarity, dual touchscreens, excellent stabilisation, and extended battery life, it’s ideal for underwater filming. Furthermore, it’s praised for its colour accuracy and durability, making it a strong rival to GoPro. Yet, like the HERO13, it lacks live streaming underwater, which is why Seavu kits are the smarter choice for professionals. See DJI Action Cameras.
AquaVu & GoFish Cam
AquaVu is popular for ice fishing with built-in monitors, while GoFish Cam attaches to a line to record strikes. Both are clever but limited in depth, flexibility, and live view. AquaVu | GoFish Cam.
Comparing Popular Underwater Cameras
Feature | SeaLife Micro 3.0 | Olympus TG Series | GoPro HERO13 | DJI Action 5 Pro | AquaVu / GoFish |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Live view streaming | No | No | Yes | Yes | Screen only |
Recording while viewing | Recording only | Recording only | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Mounting flexibility | Handheld | Handheld | Mounts available | Mounts available | Fixed/line |
Depth capability | 60m sealed | 15m (housing extends) | 10m (housing extends) | 18m (housing extends) | Shallow-mid |
How Seavu Complements Action Cameras
The comparison above shows the strengths and limitations of today’s leading underwater cameras. While models like the GoPro HERO13 and DJI Action 5 Pro are capable of both livestreaming and recording, they face one major challenge when used underwater: connectivity. Wireless signals quickly weaken below the surface, which means their livestream features only work reliably in air — not underwater.
This is where Seavu steps in. Instead of being a camera itself, Seavu is a system that works with your existing GoPro or DJI. By using a marine-proof Action Cable and surface receiver, Seavu transmits the camera’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to your phone or tablet without the need for plugs or ports that corrode in saltwater. The result is stable, real-time viewing and recording up to 50m, whether you’re coaching, fishing, researching, or inspecting.
In other words, Seavu doesn’t replace the best underwater cameras — it unlocks their full potential, giving you the ability to see and record underwater in real time without getting in the water yourself. Learn more about Seavu Underwater Camera Kits.
Why Live View Matters Underwater
Recording is useful. However, without live view you’re essentially filming blind, and by the time you watch the footage the moment has already passed. Underwater, this can mean missing schools of fish, overlooking a hull issue, or losing the chance to correct a swimmer’s stroke in real time.
With live view, you can see and react instantly. For example, fishermen can spot bait schools before casting. Coaches gain the ability to give athletes immediate feedback on their technique. Meanwhile, researchers are able to observe marine life as it happens without disturbing the environment. In addition, inspectors and rescue teams know exactly what’s below the surface before taking action.
This is why reliable live view isn’t just another feature — it’s a game-changer.
How Seavu Complements Action Cameras
The cameras in the comparison table are powerful, yet they all face one limitation underwater: connectivity. Wireless signals quickly weaken below the surface, which means livestreaming and app control features only work reliably in air — not underwater.
This is where Seavu makes the difference. Instead of being another camera, Seavu is a system that works with your GoPro or DJI. By using a marine-proof Action Cable and surface receiver, Seavu transmits the camera’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to your phone or tablet without fragile plugs or ports that corrode in saltwater. As a result, you get stable, real-time viewing and recording up to 50m.
In short, Seavu doesn’t replace the best underwater cameras — it unlocks their full potential. Learn more about Seavu Underwater Camera Kits.
How Seavu Works
Here’s how Seavu turns your action camera into a complete underwater system:
- Camera inside housing – Place your GoPro or DJI into a rugged Seavu housing built for underwater use.
- Marine-proof Action Cable – This custom cable carries Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to the surface without fragile connectors that corrode in saltwater.
- Receiver + phone connection – On the surface, Seavu’s receiver transmits the signal to your phone or tablet. Simply open GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo to see a live feed.
- Control & record – From your phone, you can start/stop recording, switch modes, adjust settings, or even livestream.
- Flexible mounting – With GoPro-style mounts, Seavu kits attach easily to poles, boats, rigs, or burley pots.
Consequently, you get stable live vision and recording up to 50m below the surface, without needing to dive yourself.
How People Use Seavu
Because Seavu works with the cameras people already own and trust, it fits a wide range of scenarios:
- Recreational exploration – View reefs and wrecks in real time.
- Fishing – Identify bait schools, structure, or activity before casting.
- Marine research – Monitor ecosystems live without disturbance.
- Swimming & coaching – Analyse strokes and technique with instant feedback.
- Tourism & education – Share live underwater experiences with groups.
- Inspection & maintenance – Check hulls, piers, and infrastructure quickly.
- Search & rescue – Stream diver footage directly to the surface team.
In particular, live view means teams can make better decisions in the moment instead of relying on recorded footage later.
FAQs About Underwater Cameras
Can I use a GoPro as an underwater camera?
Yes. However, for live view and extended recording, Seavu unlocks greater potential.
What’s the difference between a waterproof and an underwater camera?
Waterproof cameras handle splashes. In contrast, underwater cameras are designed for sustained depth use.
How deep can underwater cameras go?
Most compacts handle 10–15m. By comparison, Seavu scales from 3m to 50m depending on cable length.
Do underwater cameras livestream?
Most do not. Instead, Seavu uniquely provides a continuous live feed while recording.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, underwater cameras are sharper, tougher, and more versatile than ever. From compacts like the Olympus TG-7 to diving favourites like SeaLife, or flagships like the GoPro HERO13 Black and DJI Action 5 Pro, there’s an option for every use case.
Ultimately, the real innovation is being able to see underwater in real time without diving. That’s where Seavu changes the game — turning leading action cameras into complete underwater systems.
Explore Seavu Underwater Camera Kits and unlock live underwater vision today.