Underwater cameras for the Great Barrier Reef

Capturing the Great Barrier Reefs beauty can be difficult. Even the most experienced photographer struggles to portray its colours and grandeur. That said, we’re certainly in support of your budding photography career, so keep reading for our tips and tricks.

Firstly, we need to address the obvious. The Great Barrier Reef is underwater, so your favourite DSLR is going to of no use here! Fret not though, for there is an array of underwater cameras available today to suit your budget and experience!

• GoPro

  Since it was first launched in 2009, the GoPro has been a market favourite for adventurers and adrenaline junkies.

  These small, wearable cameras are famous for their underwater capabilities. They’re small and easy to carry and almost indestructible! GoPro’s are particularly hardy and cope well with long term saltwater use.

  There is a slight learning curve when using a GoPro, so if you can, test it out a few times before you reach Cairns. It’s also helpful to have some kind of mount to make it easier to hold onto while underwater. The GoPro’s signature fish-eye lens makes it easy to capture wide-view shots while underwater.

  GoPros are also super useful for capturing content in rainforest environments as they are immune to water damage from humidity, rain and fog. Perfect for those Daintree and Atherton Tablelands trips!

• Disposable Waterproof Camera

  Gone are the days of baskets full of disposable cameras lining wedding tables, but the disposable camera industry has broken into a new market, waterproof cameras.

  Forget the high price tags of digital inventions, kick it old school with a disposable. For a relatively low price, there are now hundreds of waterproof disposable cameras on offer. There are a few drawbacks, in terms of the limited number of shots and low performance on darker days. However, if you’re wanting to save money and are apprehensive about taking your thousand-dollar phone into the ocean, they are a great alternative!

• Waterproof phone pouch

  It’s 2020 just about everyone owns a smartphone. They’re part of our everyday life now, and their cameras are getting better and better each year. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you go swimming with your brand-new iPhone. Well, we’re not telling you not to either…

  With such a great camera already in your pocket, why let this device go to waste? Waterproof phone pouches are readily available for a low cost and are the perfect addition to your packing list. These pouches protect your phone from water and condensation without limiting the phone’s usability.

  Phone pouches are clear, meaning your camera can see through them to take photo and video. Additionally, you can still operate the phones touchscreen to adjust camera settings to your needs.

Picking the right camera for you

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to picking an underwater camera. Be sure to consider your budget as well as if you will have use for it again after the tour.

Whichever camera you choose, we’re sure you’ll adore the memories of the Great Barrier Reef you capture.

Related article: What to wear swimming on the Great Barrier Reef?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.