10 Best Camera For Kayaking In 2021 [Buying Guide]

Kayaking is fun and there is no reason you should not capture the memories from your attempts at this amazing sport. Having the best kayaking and capturing equipment at your assistance can feel like a blessing at times.

If you are also looking to make your kayaking blessed enough for you to enjoy, then this is the perfect place for you. Discussed below are some of the most proficient cameras for kayaking. Read the article, till the end, to find the perfect kayaking camera for your kayaking adventures.

Comparing Best Camera For Kayaking

1. Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Aviation

The first camera to be featured on our list is an excellent product featuring a 1.75-inch touchscreen for easy visibility and interactive working.

The Garmin camera includes a built-in 3 axis stabilization and comes with a waterproof case for added protection and ensuring long-lastingness.

With the help of this camera, it is super easy to capture the best moments while kayaking.

The touchscreen of the camera makes it easy to capture pictures and to turn the camera on and off. The touchscreen also makes this camera user-friendly.

The 4K video resolution quality of the camera is one of the features that make this camera the best camera for kayaking.

Thanks to its voice control feature, capturing your moments in rough waters is not even something you should be afraid of anymore.

The 3 axis stabilization helps to capture images smoothly and to add stability to the videos.

2. GoPro HERO9 Black

Almost all the cameras by GoPro for kayaking purposes have had their fair share of fame in the markets. Thankfully, this one is not an exception too and is also easily affordable.

One of those very few cameras in this price range that enables you to shot videos with 5K resolution, this camera also lets you capture images with 20 MP of clarity.

The best part about this camera is its social media support that is endowed to it by the option of live streaming that it comes with.

Not just this but this camera by GoPro for kayaking even features the popular 8 X Slow-Mo option as well as the best touch screen. The large touchscreen helps to capture and to zoom in and out images easily.

Being waterproof the camera is ideal for kayaking. You can take the camera in water without having to worry about the malfunctioning of the camera.

For people, who love to record videos while kayaking, this camera is the best. You can record 5K ultra HD videos with this GoPro.

You can even record in time-lapse mode. You can capture images with 20 MP clarity, and the super photo mode help to pick the best image processing option.

3. DJI Osmo Action

Talking about this Osmo Action camera, we can say that this camera is designed keeping in mind the requirements of kayak photographers. Every feature needed to capture high-quality images while kayaking is present in this camera.

On its face, the camera includes dual screens both of which are quite strong and clear. Moreover, being waterproof up to 11m of depth, this is one of the best underwater camera.

The lens of this camera features three a-spherical layers and comes with an amazing voice control feature too.

The camera is very user-friendly. The Quick Switch button of the camera helps to easily set modes and other settings of the camera. You can record steady videos with the help of the rock steady technology of the camera.

This technology enables the camera to record shake-free and consistent videos. This camera also includes a voice control feature. You can give commands like capture pictures, stop recording, etc. to the camera.

4. Olympus Tough TG-6

A camera that has the ability to deliver you various shooting modes, this Olympus masterpiece lets you record videos with 4K resolution while its anti-shake feature makes it perfect for those rough water kayaks.

Coming to its body, the camera is so sturdy and long-lasting that you can take it along for all adventures without any fear.

Thanks to its special macro lens that lets you shoot anything closely without losing the perfection of vision, this waterproof camera is great for kayak fishing.

Other features that make this camera the best for any adventure include dustproof, crash-proof, and shockproof features.

Featuring 12 Megapixel sensors, 4X optical zoom lens, and numerous sensors, this camera is the best for capturing images while kayaking. The images captured by this camera have the best colors and details.

The built-in GPS, altimeter, compass, thermometer, and accelerometer further add efficiency to this camera.

5. Nikon COOLPIX W300

A camera that has WIFI, Bluetooth, and GPS enabled, this Nikon capturing machine is both versatile and easy to use. Allowing you to capture your kayaking experience with 16MP clarity, this camera is waterproof up to 100 feet.

These and other such uncountable features of this camera make it the finest camera for kayaking.

Being waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof, this camera is excellent for all outdoor adventures.

In case you are looking for a tough camera, then this camera is definitely for you. This camera can handle rough conditions including a drop from the height of 7.9 meters.

6. Sony HDRAS300/W HD Recording

Sony is one of the most famous electronic brands and this camera, just like the other electronics made by Sony, is amazing.

Featuring a remote camera control and monitoring option, this camera enables you to zoom in the view up to three times. It has a motion shot feature to let your record vibrantly while on the kayak.

Other than this, the overall video quality of the camera is quite good and it ensured to records the best quality audio as well.

Being waterproof, this camera is the best to take with you for the kayaking adventure. Based on all the features of this camera we can regard it as the best waterproof camera for kayaking.

Coming towards the main features of the camera, we can say that this camera offers the perfect photography and videography experience.

The ability to zoom in to the scene three times helps one to capture pictures with details. Other than that, the 12 MP lenses of the camera with 10 fps result in the highest quality pictures.

One can set the camera to capture 8.3 MP stills, over a regular period of time. Beautiful 4K time-lapse videos can also be captured with the help of this Sony camera. You can record high-quality audio with this camera. The wind noise reduction helps you to record distortion-free audio.

Features like Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, HDMI, USB, and mic jack make this camera reputable among other cameras for Kayaking.

7. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Here comes another Olympus camera that features a 20 MP live MOS sensor as well as the weather-sealed design that ensures long life and efficient performance altogether.

Coming with a 121 point phase-detection feature, this camera enables you to capture every moment as you rove on your fast-moving kayak.

With the help of this camera, you cannot miss out on any moment. Just press the shutter button and capture the present moment with 14 previous images too.

Being light weighted and handy, the camera is the best for adventures. The advanced image sensors help to capture HD quality pictures.

You can capture the precise moment with the help of 121 point phase detection. This advanced autofocus feature helps you to capture awesome quality pictures.

The next feature that makes this camera the best for buying includes the 30 FPS sequential shooting that helps you to capture fast-moving actions easily.

The external flash helps one to capture amazing quality images even in dim lights. The well-established lens system makes this camera the finest among other cameras.

8. RICOH WG-70

Kayakers who love to capture regardless of the roughness or weather and water around them are always looking for a waterproof camera. This camera is the best to suit all their needs.

This camera is designed for all outdoor adventures and enables you with a 5-time optical zoom feature to better captures wider waters.

For the sake of protection, this camera comes with an all-weather camera build quality that allows you to take it anywhere you want.

This camera can be used to record videos underwater for 2 hours. This camera is waterproof to 14 meters of depth. Also, it is shockproof up to a height of 1.6 meters. The camera is dustproof and freeze proof is remarkable. It also features a digital microscopic mode

The quality of the picture captured by this camera is greatest and the back-illuminated CMOS image makes this camera efficient.

9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30EB-A FT30/TS30

People love to record amazing quality videos while kayaking. This camera is the great for this purpose.

With its ability to record Dynamic HD videos in 1280 x 720p in MP4 format, this camera is loved by everyone who has had the chance of using it.

Offering extra durability this camera offers includes a variety of shooting modes alongside a perfect 8 X zoom mode.

It also enables you to record videos in MP4 format, something that everyone capturing their kayaking moments would love.

The other features of this camera include its waterproof mode and a variety of other shooting modes. You can easily choose between Sports, Snow and Beach or Surf Mode.

10. Fujifilm FinePix XP140

Last but not least on the list of the best camera for kayaking is the FinePix. This camera comes with a lot of accessories including Transcend 64GB SDXC SD Memory Card, Soft Case for XP Cameras.

Furthermore, Deluxe Camera Lens Cleaning Kit, Compatible Battery Charger, Compatible Spare Battery, Memory Card Wallet, USB SD Card Reader, floating Strap, and much more.

Coming to its optical zoom feature, the camera offers around 5X of zooming. Moreover, it is extremely durable and features wireless connectivity.

Thanks to its 16.4 MP BSI CMOS sensor, this camera is nothing but the best capturing equipment you will ever get your hands on.

The 4K full HD video recording ability of this camera makes it worth buying. The camera can capture a 360-degree panoramic view. Even the underwater mode is available that helps one to capture clear and detailed images underwater.

Best Camera For Kayaking Buyer’s Guide:

Heading out to buy a good kayaking camera is quite scary, to tell the truth. You have rather a little idea about what specifications such a camera should have. Even when you know a lot about cameras otherwise, you would hardly know more than 3-4 features of a camera that can do its job the best as you rove on the kayaks.

Another factor that further complicates the purchase of the best cameras to be used on kayaks is that these are now found in abundance in the markets. When you head out to ask the experts about which camera is going to suit the kayakers best, you are likely to be presented with an extensive range of options.

This makes it very complicated to find that ONE perfect camera for kayaking that is going to last you long and can also do its job very effectively. Let us just clarify here that we don’t want to inspire fear by telling you all of these complications.

Rather, our purpose behind stating all this is to simply prepare you for the confusion that could overwhelm you as you head out to get your hands on a camera for kayaking. Don’t worry, we are here to save your day.

What if we tell you that you can ACTUALLY get your hands on the most suitable camera for kayaking only if you are a bit careful when investing in one? Given below is a simple list of features that you must look for in a camera when buying it especially to use it for kayaking.

Treat the given features as your ultimate buyers’ guide when going out shopping for the next camera for kayaking so you never come back with a substandard item ever:

Waterproofing Rating

This one is no surprise. Obviously, you would look for a camera that is fully waterproof so that it lasts you longer even when you are taking it with you on rough waters and intense kayaking days. However, many buyers don’t know how to look for the waterproof rating of a device and this usually leads them to buy any device that is labeled water-resistant.

While most brands are telling the truth when they promise you a waterproof camera, not every waterproof device has the same level of resistance against the water. As for kayaking, you need a camera that is very much resistant to water.

This means you need to assure yourself of the camera being highly waterproof and even when the brand promises it, you need to check for the waterproofing yourself. No, you don’t need to dip the thing in water to know of its water resistance.

Rather, you can check the camera’s IP rating that needs to be anywhere between 65 and 67. Devices between these IPs are highly waterproof and a camera with such an IP rating would surely last you well in the water.

Resolution

Imagine going through the troubles of shooting in water and whatnot. Once you come back home and open your camera to see all the recordings, you are provided with the blurriest of sights in the name of a video. Isn’t that annoying?

It surely is and that is why we suggest you go for the highest resolution camera for kayaking. It’s better to invest in a full HD or 1080p so that you can easily enjoy HD videos and the highest quality images on your kayaking trip.

In case you want to take things up a notch, going for an ultra HD camera is a great idea too.

Mounting Types

This is probably the most important feature to look for in a kayaking camera. Since you cannot be holding the camera in your hands, you need to mount it somewhere as your rove on the kayak. Typically, people mount their cameras either on their helmet, chest, or on the kayak itself.

Most of the cameras, however, come with just one type of mounting feature. However, we suggest you go for a camera that offers multiple mounting types so that you can fix it where it would suit your purpose the best.

Mostly, people enthusiastically buy a camera that offers limited mounting options. Doing so is quite a mistake since you would end up regretting your decision anytime soon.

Brand

We often suggest our readers buy anything that suits them the most without caring much about the brand name. However, the case here is pretty different.

Kayaking photography is rather a new thing with only limited manufacturers actually investing in efforts to produce equipment for this kind of hobby. While many might claim their cameras to be the best for Kayaking, not every brand knows the basics of a kayaking camera.

This is why we would suggest you go for a brand that is actually known for kayaking cameras. While all the above-discussed products come from brands we trust, GoPro is quite a boss in the world of kayaking cameras.

Ease of Use

While roving on the kayak, especially in rough waters, you are going to have no time on your hands to be working with the camera settings and understanding its focus-related setup.

This is why we suggest you go for a camera that comes with an interactive user interface that is very easy to understand and is automated for most of its functions. Such a camera would help you go easy with your captures when kayaking and would even ensure perfect clicks even without having you do too much.

GPS Tracking

This is the most important feature for your camera to have if you are careless with your things or love kayaking in the roughest of waters. If you can afford it, going for a camera with a GPS tracker is a great luxury to have that would surely make your kayaking trips way easier and mess-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Kayaking photography and videography is fun if you have the right equipment. We tried our best to suggest to you the most useful items for your kayaking experience. Do share your views with us and what you think could be added to this list. We’ll be waiting.