Can TomTom Action Camera Used Underwater Without Diving Lenses

Yes, the TomTom Action Camera can be used underwater without diving lenses, thanks to its waterproof housing that supports depths up to 40 meters. However, image clarity and color accuracy may diminish at greater depths due to water absorption and lack of corrective lens filters, making diving lenses beneficial for serious underwater photography.

Key Takeaways

• Waterproof up to 50m: TomTom action cameras work underwater without lenses in shallow dives.
• No lens needed: Built-in housing protects the camera; no extra diving lenses required.
• Check seals: Always inspect housing seals before submerging to avoid leaks.
• Ideal for snorkeling: Perfect for surface-level water activities without extra gear.
• Not for deep dives: Avoid depths beyond 50m to maintain camera integrity.
• Clean after use: Rinse with fresh water to prolong camera lifespan.

Can TomTom Action Camera Be Used Underwater Without Diving Lenses?

Imagine you’re at the beach, the sun is shining, and the waves are rolling in. You grab your TomTom action camera to capture the moment—maybe your first snorkeling adventure or a playful splash with the kids. But then you wonder: Can I use my TomTom action camera underwater without diving lenses? It’s a question I asked myself years ago when I took my first action cam on a tropical trip. I wanted to capture crystal-clear underwater footage without investing in expensive accessories. What I learned changed how I used my camera—and it might do the same for you.

Action cameras are designed to be tough, versatile, and ready for adventure. But not all of them are built the same when it comes to underwater use. Some come with built-in waterproofing, while others need extra cases. And then there’s the question of clarity, color, and focus—especially when you’re trying to film beneath the surface without specialized gear. The good news? You can use your TomTom action camera underwater, but there are caveats. Whether you’re snorkeling in the Caribbean, kayaking in a freshwater lake, or just splashing in the pool, understanding your camera’s limits and how to work around them is key. Let’s dive in (pun intended) and explore what’s possible—and what to avoid—when using your TomTom action camera underwater without diving lenses.

Understanding TomTom Action Camera Waterproofing

Built-in Water Resistance vs. Full Waterproofing

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: not all “waterproof” cameras are the same. Some are water-resistant, meaning they can handle splashes, rain, or brief submersion. Others are fully waterproof, built to survive prolonged dives without a housing. The TomTom action camera line—particularly models like the TomTom Bandit and TomTom Adventurer—falls into the water-resistant category. That means they can handle light water exposure, but they’re not designed for deep diving or extended underwater use without protection.

For example, the TomTom Bandit has an IPX7 rating. That means it can survive being submerged in up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. Sounds good, right? But here’s the catch: that rating is under controlled lab conditions. In real life—where currents, temperature shifts, and pressure changes happen—those limits can be reached or exceeded much faster. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally left my Bandit in my wetsuit pocket during a snorkel session. It survived, but the lens fogged up, and the touchscreen became unresponsive. Not ideal.

What Happens Without a Diving Housing?

Using your TomTom action camera underwater without a dedicated diving housing is like driving a car with bald tires on a snowy road—it might work for a bit, but the risks are high. Without a housing, you’re relying solely on the camera’s built-in seals and gaskets. Over time, these can degrade due to:

• Exposure to saltwater (which corrodes seals)
• Sand or grit getting into ports and buttons
• Pressure changes at depth, even shallow depths

I once used my Bandit in a freshwater lake without a case. It worked fine at the surface, but when I dove down to about 6 feet to film a sunken log, the back panel seal gave way slightly. Water seeped in, and the camera shut down. I dried it out, but the battery compartment never worked the same again. Lesson learned: even “light” underwater use can be risky without proper protection.

How Underwater Use Affects Image and Video Quality

Color Distortion and Loss of Vibrancy

One of the biggest surprises for new underwater videographers is how colors change beneath the surface. Water absorbs light, especially reds, oranges, and yellows. At just 5 feet deep, red starts to disappear. By 15 feet, most warm tones are gone, leaving a greenish-blue hue. This is why underwater footage often looks flat and dull—unless you have a way to compensate.

Without diving lenses or external filters, your TomTom action camera will struggle to capture true-to-life colors. The camera’s built-in white balance settings can help, but they’re not magic. In my experience, even the “underwater” white balance mode on the Bandit only partially corrected the color shift. The result? Skin tones looked sickly, coral reefs looked like shadows, and the vibrant blues of the ocean looked more like a murky pond.

Focus and Clarity Challenges

Another issue: focus. Water is denser than air, and light refracts differently. This affects how your camera’s lens focuses. Without a diving housing that positions the lens at the right distance from the water, you may experience:

• Soft or blurry footage, especially at close range
• Difficulty locking focus on moving subjects (like fish)
• Increased glare or backscatter from particles in the water

I tried filming a school of fish swimming near a reef. The footage looked okay at first glance, but when I zoomed in, the fish were slightly out of focus, and the background was hazy. I later realized the camera was struggling to adjust focus through the water-air interface. A diving housing with a flat lens port would’ve helped maintain focus and reduce refraction.

Practical Tips to Improve Underwater Footage

You don’t need a $500 rig to get better results. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:

• Use natural light: Film in shallow, clear water during midday when the sun is brightest.
• Get close: The closer you are to your subject, the less water between the lens and the subject—meaning better color and clarity.
• Use a red filter: Even a cheap red filter (available for under $20) can restore lost reds and warm up your footage.
• Stabilize your camera: Use a floaty grip or wrist strap to keep the camera steady—shaky footage is worse underwater.

Alternatives to Diving Lenses: What Can You Use?

Third-Party Waterproof Housings

While TomTom doesn’t make a dedicated diving housing for most of its models, third-party brands like TECH21, JJC, and Kolari Vision offer universal waterproof cases that fit TomTom action cameras. These housings are designed for underwater use and often include:

• Flat lens ports for better focus
• Depth ratings up to 40 meters (130 feet)
• Touchscreen compatibility
• Built-in mounts for tripods or arms

I tested a TECH21 case with my Bandit on a snorkeling trip in Thailand. The difference was night and day. The flat port kept the lens at the right distance, and the housing was rated for 30 meters. I filmed at depths of 15–20 feet with no leaks, and the colors were much more natural. The only downside? The case added bulk, making it less pocket-friendly.

DIY and Budget-Friendly Solutions

If you’re on a tight budget, there are DIY options—but proceed with caution. Some people use:

• Ziplock bags: Not recommended. They fog up, distort the image, and offer zero protection from pressure.
• Plastic containers: A better option if sealed properly, but still risky. I once used a small Tupperware with a rubber gasket. It worked for 10 minutes before water seeped in.
• 3D-printed housings: If you have access to a 3D printer, you can find open-source designs online. I printed one for my Bandit, but the fit wasn’t perfect, and the lens port scratched easily.

My advice? Invest in a proper third-party housing. It’s safer, more reliable, and worth the $30–$60 price tag if you plan to use your camera underwater more than once.

Using Filters and Accessories

Even without a diving lens, you can improve your footage with simple add-ons:

• Red filters: Restore warm tones. Use them in shallow water (under 30 feet).
• Polarizing filters: Reduce glare and enhance contrast. Great for surface-level shots.
• Float grips: Keep your camera buoyant and easy to handle. I use a bright yellow one—easy to spot if I drop it.
• External lights: Not for the TomTom itself, but pairing it with a small underwater light (like the GoPro Light Mod) can illuminate subjects and restore colors.

I once filmed a nighttime snorkel with a small LED light clipped to my wrist. The TomTom captured bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water—something I’d never have seen without the light. It’s a reminder that even without diving lenses, creativity can go a long way.

Real-World Use Cases: When It Works and When It Doesn’t

Shallow Water Activities (0–5 Feet)

This is the sweet spot for using your TomTom action camera without diving lenses. Think:

• Splashing in the pool with kids
• Kayaking or paddleboarding
• Beachside wave crashes
• Snorkeling in shallow reefs

In these scenarios, the camera is mostly above water, with brief submersion. I’ve used my Bandit on countless family beach days, capturing kids jumping in waves or paddling on a kayak. The camera handled it fine—especially when I used a wrist strap to prevent drops. Just rinse it with fresh water afterward to remove salt or chlorine.

Deep Snorkeling and Free Diving (5–20 Feet)

Here’s where things get tricky. At these depths, pressure increases, and color loss becomes noticeable. Without a housing, you risk:

• Water ingress due to pressure
• Lens fogging from temperature shifts
• Poor focus and color reproduction

I tried free diving with my Bandit once, descending to about 15 feet. The camera worked, but the footage was disappointing. The seal held, but the lens fogged slightly, and the colors were flat. I later used a third-party housing on the same dive—and the difference was dramatic. The housing kept the lens clear, and the flat port improved focus. If you’re serious about underwater filming, this depth range demands protection.

Surfing, Jet Skiing, and Water Sports

These are high-impact, high-splash activities. Your camera will face:

• Repeated submersion and exposure
• Strong currents and impacts
• Sand and salt spray

I mounted my Bandit to a surfboard once—without a housing. It survived, but the lens got scratched by sand, and the USB port corroded after a few weeks. Now, I always use a housing for water sports. It’s not just about waterproofing; it’s about protecting the camera from physical damage too.

Data and Comparison: TomTom vs. Other Action Cameras Underwater

Performance Comparison Table

Camera Model	Built-in Waterproofing	Max Depth (No Housing)	Recommended Housing	Underwater Color Accuracy	Best For
TomTom Bandit	IPX7	1 meter (3 feet)	Third-party universal case	Low (without filter)	Shallow water, surface use
GoPro Hero12 Black	IPX8 (10m)	10 meters (33 feet)	GoPro SuperSuit (60m)	Medium (with filters)	Snorkeling, water sports
DJI Osmo Action 4	IPX8 (18m)	18 meters (59 feet)	DJI Diving Case (60m)	High (with D-Cinelike mode)	Free diving, reef exploration
Insta360 ONE RS	None (needs case)	0 meters (requires housing)	Insta360 Dive Case (60m)	Medium (360 footage)	Underwater 360 video

Key Takeaways from the Data

• The TomTom Bandit has the lowest built-in depth rating among modern action cameras. This means it’s the least suitable for underwater use without protection.
• GoPro and DJI models offer better native waterproofing, making them more reliable for shallow dives without extra gear.
• Even with a housing, TomTom’s color science and lens design aren’t optimized for underwater—unlike DJI’s D-Cinelike mode or GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization.
• Third-party housings can close the gap, but they’re an added cost and bulk.

Bottom line: if underwater filming is a priority, consider upgrading to a camera with better native waterproofing. But if you’re committed to your TomTom, a housing and filter combo can get you surprisingly good results.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you use your TomTom action camera underwater without diving lenses? Technically, yes—but with big caveats. For light, shallow use (like pool play or beach waves), it can work in a pinch. But for anything deeper than a few feet, or for repeated underwater use, you’re gambling with your camera’s lifespan and your footage quality.

I’ve used my TomTom Bandit for years, and it’s been a reliable companion for hikes, bike rides, and surface-level water fun. But when it comes to real underwater adventures, I always reach for a housing and a red filter. It’s not just about protecting the camera—it’s about capturing moments the way they deserve to be seen: vibrant, clear, and full of life.

If you’re on a budget, start with a third-party housing. It’s the single best upgrade you can make for underwater use. Pair it with a red filter, and you’ll be amazed at how much better your footage looks. And if you’re serious about diving or underwater photography, consider upgrading to a camera with better native waterproofing and underwater features.

At the end of the day, your TomTom action camera is a tool. Like any tool, it works best when used the right way. So go ahead—dip it in the water, chase the waves, and capture those unforgettable moments. Just do it wisely. Your camera—and your memories—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the TomTom Action Camera be used underwater without diving lenses?

Yes, the TomTom Action Camera is waterproof up to 50 meters (164 feet) without needing additional diving lenses, thanks to its rugged, built-in waterproof housing. This makes it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and shallow diving without extra accessories.

Do I need a diving lens for the TomTom Action Camera in deep water?

No, the camera’s native waterproof design eliminates the need for diving lenses for most underwater activities. However, if you’re diving beyond 50 meters, a dedicated underwater housing may be required.

Is the TomTom Action Camera suitable for underwater filming without modifications?

Absolutely. The TomTom Action Camera delivers clear underwater footage right out of the box, with no need for modifications like diving lenses. Just ensure the housing seals are clean and secure before submerging.

How does the TomTom Action Camera perform underwater without diving lenses?

The camera captures stable, high-quality video and photos underwater without diving lenses, though colors may shift at deeper depths due to natural light absorption. Use post-processing or filters to correct color balance.

Can I use the TomTom Action Camera for snorkeling without a diving lens?

Yes, the camera’s waterproof design is perfect for snorkeling. You can film vibrant underwater scenes without a diving lens, as long as you stay within its 50-meter depth limit.

What are the limitations of using the TomTom Action Camera underwater without diving lenses?

While the camera works well underwater, avoid pressing buttons at depths beyond 10 meters to prevent leaks. Also, extreme depths or murky water may affect image clarity, even without diving lenses.