12 Best Cameras To Catch Your Favorite Fishing Moments


When it comes to finding the perfect camera for use during a fishing expedition, there are many options available on the market today.

Some of the most affordable units are considered to be action cameras, which are extremely lightweight and versatile. And while action cameras are great for capturing amazing photos and videos, midsized and compact digital SLR cameras provide nothing less than the most amazing photos and videos possible.

Best Action Digital Cameras for Amazing Fishing Deals and Photos

Action cameras are the perfect option for capturing amazing fishing photos and videos. These lightweight units can be easily mounted to a boat, and thanks to their waterproof design, they are perfect for capturing life on the go.

GoPro Hero7 Black Camera

GoPro Hero7 Black — Waterproof Action Camera with Touch Screen 4K Ultra HD Video 12MP Photos 720p Live Streaming Stabilization

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The GoPro Hero7 is one of the most popular action cameras for fishing videos and photos.

It is a tough and lightweight unit that is completely waterproof, making it perfect for capturing all your favorite moments on the water.

Not only is it capable of capturing 4K video, but it can do it at a rate of 60 frames per second. Best of all, the unit is capable of recognizing 12 different voice commands that allows you to operate it hands-free from a distance.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Amazing Photo Quality
  • Smooth 4K Video
  • Voice Command Capabilities
  • Anticipates Movements
  • Time Lapse Video

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Unresponsive Screen

AKASO EK7000 Pro Action Camera

AKASO V50 Pro Native 4K30fps 20MP WiFi Action Camera with EIS Touch Screen 100 feet Waterproof Camera Web Camera Support External Mic Remote Control Sports Camera with Helmet Accessories Kit

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The AKASO is a popular action camera that is used by both professionals and amateurs alike.

It is more affordable than the GoPro, yet it can still record video and 4K and take photos of up to 16 megapixels. It weighs in at a mere 59g and is waterproof up to 40 m.

The camera features a battery capacity of up to three hours.

When it comes to video, this unit will capture 1080P video at up to 60 FPS, but is capable of 4K at 25 FPS.

The IPS touchscreen makes accessing the menu a lot easier, and thanks to its built-in image stabilization, it provides smooth and steady videos every single time.

Reasons to Buy:

  • 4K Video Capabilities
  • Wi-Fi Controller
  • Inexpensive
  • Perfect for Fast-Moving Objects

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No Voice Control
  • No Social Features

Best Compact Digital SLR Cameras for Fishing

Although compact digital SLR cameras are much heavier than action cams, they have a lot of features that cannot be found in lighter-weight units.

While most of the cameras within this class are not completely waterproof, they are nevertheless an excellent choice when it comes to capturing some of the best photos possible.

Canon EOS M10

Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Image Stabilization STM Lens Kit

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The Canon EOS is a mirrorless 18-megapixel digital camera that weighs in at only 301 g.

It features a tilting LCD touchscreen with a fully functional menu. It has several ISO settings ranging from 100 to 12800 but can boost up to 25600.

This particular unit is now sealed, so caution must be taken when using it for taking fishing photos and videos.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Compact Size
  • Can Fit in a Pocket
  • Hi Image Quality
  • Wi-Fi Capabilities
  • NFC Capability

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Lacks Viewfinder
  • Low Battery Life
  • Cannot Be Charged with USB

Sony a6500

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm Lens - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400M/B

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The Sony is a mirrorless 24-megapixel digital camera that weighs in at 453 g.

It comes complete with a tilting LCD touchscreen, making it perfect for navigating the many menu options. It has an amazing selection of ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 25600 and can even burst as high as 51200.

This particular unit is sealed, which makes it a better option for getting amazing fishing photos and videos.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Durable Body
  • Amazing Image Quality
  • UHD Video Shooting
  • Excellent Viewfinder
  • Flip up Display
  • Autofocus System
  • Low Digital Noise

Reasons to Avoid:

  • SD Card Fills up Fast
  • No Headphone Jack
  • Short Battery Life

Panasonic Lumix G7

Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Digital Camera, with LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm Mega O.I.S. Lens, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 3-Inch LCD, DMC-G7KK (Black)

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The Panasonic is a mirrorless 16-megapixel SLR digital camera that weighs a mere 410 g. It features a fully articulating LCD touchscreen, making it easier to use the advanced menu features.

It is capable of ISO speeds ranging from 160 to 25600 and even better burst speed capabilities.

This model is not weather resistant, so special care must be taken when using it to get amazing fishing videos and photos.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Easy to Hold
  • Great Image Buffer
  • High Burst Rate
  • Amazing Video Capabilities
  • Fully Articulated Screen

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No Headphone Jack
  • Plastic Housing
  • No Image Stabilization

Nikon D5300

Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) - (Renewed)

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The Nikon is a compact 24-megapixel digital SLR that is also quite heavy, weighing in at more than 480g.

Although the screen is fully articulating, it is not a touchscreen, making navigating the menu more difficult. Nevertheless, it has ISO speed capabilities ranging from 100 to 12800 and can boost speeds of up to 25600.

Despite the fact that the Nikon does not have a weather-sealed case, it is still an amazing option for capturing some of the best fishing photos imaginable.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Lowest-Priced Tag in Its Class
  • Fully Articulating LCD Screen
  • Amazing Image Quality
  • Functioning Auto Mode
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Built-In GPS
  • No Digital Noise
  • Postprocessing Functions Built-In

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Does Not Feature a Touchscreen
  • Small Image Buffer
  • Not Great for Video

Canon Rebel T6i

Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens - Wi-Fi Enabled

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The Canon Rebel is a compact 24-megapixel digital SLR camera that weighs in at an astounding 555 g.

It comes complete with a fully articulated LCD touchscreen, which is perfect for accessing the many great features within the menu.

This unit also features a wide range of ISO capabilities that start at 100 and go all the way up to 12800. It is also capable of bursting up to 25600.

The unit, however, is not whether sealed, so care must be taken when using it to capture all of your favorite fishing moments.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Extremely Accurate Autofocus
  • Amazing Auto Mode
  • Fully Articulated Touchscreen
  • Large Buffer for JPEG Photos
  • Great Image Quality
  • Remote Control Functionality

Reasons to Avoid:

  • No Built-In HDR
  • No Interval Time Shooting
  • Built-In Wi-Fi Consumes Excessive Power
  • Not The Best for Videos

Nikon D3400

Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) - (Renewed)

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The Nikon is a compact 24-megapixel digital SLR camera that weighs a mere 445 g. It features a fixed LCD screen that is not touch-sensitive, which makes it more difficult to navigate the menu features.

Nevertheless, it is capable of ISO speeds ranging from 100 all the way up to 25600.

As with most digital cameras, this unit is not weather resistant; therefore, special caution must be taken when using it to film and record your best hero shots.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Compact Size
  • Lighter Weight
  • Amazing Image Quality
  • Built in Guide Mode
  • Accurate Autofocus
  • Full HD Video
  • Capable of 60 FPS
  • Best Bang for Your Buck

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Fixed LCD Screen
  • Non-Touchscreen
  • No Ultrasonic Sensor Cleaner
  • Raw Images Harder to Process

Best Midsize Digital SLR Cameras for Amazing Fishing Photos

Midsize digital SLR cameras are amazing for taking fishing photos, they are however quite heavy. While most units in this class are water resistant, they are generally not waterproof and require the use of a special case if you plan on using them underwater.

Special care must be taken with most compact and midsize SLR cameras, in order to protect them from excessive exposure to water.

Nevertheless, the image quality produced by midsize digital SLR cameras cannot be beaten by any other units available on the market today.

Nikon D750

Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body

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The Nikon D750 is a midsized 24-megapixel digital SLR camera that weighs in at a whopping 750 g. It comes complete with a tilting screen but is not touch-sensitive, making it more difficult to navigate through the many advanced menu features.

It is capable of ISO speeds between 100 and 12800 but can also be expanded to operate at ISO speeds between 50 and 51200.

This unit is whether sealed, which makes it an excellent choice for taking on your fishing expeditions.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Excellent Image Quality
  • Friendly User Interface
  • Amazing Performance In Low Light
  • Dynamic Ranges
  • Interval Modes
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Tilting LCD Screen
  • Full HD at 60 FPS
  • A Lot of Value for Your Money

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Not 4K Capable
  • No Touchscreen
  • Lacks 1/8000 Shutter Speed
  • Loud Shutter

Canon 80D

Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilization USM Lens with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF (Black)

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The Canon 80D is an amazing midsize 24-megapixel digital SLR camera weighing under 730 g.

It features a fully articulated LCD touchscreen, making it a lot easier to access the many amazing advanced menu features. It comes standard with an ISO capability between 100 and 16000 but can be expanded to go as high as 25600.

The case is also weather sealed, which makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to get the best fishing photos and videos imaginable.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Fully Articulated LCD Touchscreen
  • High Burst Rate
  • Large Image Buffer
  • Highly Detailed Image Quality
  • Fast Autofocus
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Built-In NFC

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Not 4K Capable
  • Buffer Size Is Limited to 25 Frames
  • No GPS Capabilities
  • Doesn’t Support UHS-II Memory Cards

Pentax K-1

Pentax K-1 Mark II Full Frame 36MP Weather Resistant DSLR with 3.2" TFT LCD, Black

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The Pentax K-1 is a full-featured 36-megapixel midsized digital SLR camera that weighs in at over 1 kg.

It comes complete with a tilting LCD screen, however, it is not a touchscreen which makes it more difficult to navigate through the many advanced features. Nevertheless, it is capable of ISO speeds from a mere 100 all the way up to 819200, making it one of the best options available on the market today.

Best of all, the case is weather resistant, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to get the perfect trout fishing videos and photos.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Accurate Autofocus
  • Tilting LCD Screen
  • Amazing Image Quality
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Built-In GPS
  • Five Axis Stabilization
  • Quality Shooting Capabilities
  • HDR Capable
  • A Lot of Value for the Price

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Slower Autofocus
  • Low-Speed Continuous Shooting
  • Small Image Buffer
  • Difficult to Master

Canon 5D III

Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame CMOS with 1080p Full-HD Video Mode Digital SLR Camera (Body)

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The Canon 5D is perhaps one of the most popular 22-megapixel midsize digital SLR cameras available on the market today.

This unit weighs in at only 950g and includes a fixed LCD screen. While the screen is not a touchscreen, the menu navigation on the Canon is not very difficult.

It is capable of ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 25600, and is available in 1/3 stops. It is also capable of being expanded to ISO speeds ranging from 50 all the way up to 102400.

The weather sealed casein also makes it an excellent choice when it comes to Strain the most unforgettable fishing moments possible.

Reasons to Buy:

  • Crisp Photos
  • Magnesium Body
  • Excellent Viewfinder
  • Fast Autofocus
  • HDR Mode
  • Perfect for Videographers
  • Large Selection of AF Settings

Reasons to Avoid:

  • Large, Heavy Body
  • No Peeking Focus
  • Expensive to Repair

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