Choosing between GoPro, Insta360, and Sony A7SIII depends on your skill level, budget, and what you're trying to create underwater.

GoPro Hero 13 Black

Best for simple operation, durability, and action footage. Price: $400.

GoPro is waterproof to 10m out of the box (60m with dive housing). HyperSmooth stabilization works exceptionally well underwater. The camera is compact and nearly indestructible with great battery life. Simple interface means minimal learning curve.

Downsides: Fixed ultra-wide lens limits composition control. Low-light performance is mediocre. Small sensor means limited dynamic range.

If you want to document dives without thinking too much about settings, GoPro delivers. It's reliable, easy to use, and handles rough conditions. Not for serious filmmakers, but perfect for most ocean travelers.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Best for creative POV shots, easy editing, and compact travel. Price: $450.

Flip screen makes framing easier underwater. AI-powered editing in the app saves time. Better low-light performance than GoPro. Waterproof to 12m (60m with housing). Active HDR improves dynamic range in mixed lighting.

Downsides: Battery drains faster than GoPro. Editing requires the Insta360 app (no direct file export for pro workflows). Slightly bulkier than GoPro. Touchscreen can be finicky with wet fingers.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a step up from GoPro if you care about editing convenience and better image quality. Still an action camera at heart, but with more creative control.

Insta360 X5

Best for 360° content, unique perspectives, and reframing in post. Price: $700 plus $300 dive case.

360° capture means you never miss the shot. Reframe in post—choose your composition after the dive. Invisible selfie stick effect creates cinematic third-person shots. Great for VR content or immersive storytelling.

Downsides: Requires dive case for underwater use ($300 extra). File sizes are massive—expect 5-10GB per 5-minute clip. Editing workflow is time-intensive. Image quality per lens is lower than traditional cameras.

If you're creating immersive content or experimenting with new formats, X5 opens creative possibilities. For standard underwater footage, it's overkill and expensive.

Sony A7S III with Nauticam Housing

Best for professional video, low-light performance, and full creative control. Price: $3,500 (body) plus $2,500 (housing) plus ports and accessories equals $7,000+ total.

Full-frame sensor delivers stunning image quality. Exceptional low-light performance—usable ISO up to 12,800. 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording for serious color grading. Dual card slots for redundancy. Autofocus works reliably underwater with native Sony lenses. Full manual control over exposure, focus, and frame rate.

Downsides: Expensive—both the camera and housing are major investments. Heavy and bulky underwater—requires strength and stamina. Complex to operate—not beginner-friendly. Requires external strobes or lights for best results. Maintenance is critical—one flooded housing equals $2,500+ loss.

Sony A7S III is the best tool for professional underwater videography. If you're shooting for clients, building a portfolio, or creating high-end content, it's worth the investment. For hobbyists, it's too much camera.

Which Camera Should You Choose

Casual snorkelers and divers: GoPro Hero 13. Simple, durable, good enough for memories and social media.

Serious hobbyists: Insta360 Ace Pro 2. Better image quality and editing tools without the complexity of a mirrorless system.

Creative experimenters: Insta360 X5. If you want 360° content and unique perspectives, this is your tool.

Professional filmmakers: Sony A7S III with Nauticam. No compromises on image quality, but requires skill, budget, and commitment.

Start with what matches your skill level and budget. A GoPro in the hands of someone who knows composition beats a Sony A7S III used poorly. Invest in skills before gear.