In this guide, we’ll look at the best RC submarines with cameras.
We’ve compared power, depth, camera quality, and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best RC Submarine?
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More Detailed RC Submarine Reviews
FIFISH V-EVO Underwater Drone
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FIFISH V-EVO Underwater Drone Review
The FIFISH V-EVO Underwater Drone with AI Vision Lock , 360 degree movement and 60 frame per second 4K camera is an amazing piece of machinery. It excels in many areas.
The camera shoots in 4k video and takes 12 megapixel photos. It is assisted by an LED light that puts out 5000 lumens. The AI Vision Lock gives it the ability to focus and stabilize around the object that you are filming.
It can swim in any direction with 6 degrees of freedom down to 330 feet (100m) and can also maintain its depth level (depth hold) and posture (the angle of the camera in the water).
What is really cool is the VR Immersive experience. Hook up the included VR headset and you can control the movement of the drone with the movement of your head! Aside from that the drone can be controlled with the included controller or by smartphone.
There is a bit of a learning curve to use all the features, however QYSEA customer support is responsive and helpful.
Note that there are several variations of the drone that include additional features such as thruster protection, robotic arms, etc.). There are also additional attachments that can be purchased, such as a robotic arm, caged arm claw, and parallel gripper.
Gladius Mini S Underwater Drone
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Gladius Mini S Underwater Drone Review
Similarly priced to the FIFISH V-EVO, the Gladius MiniS is worthy of consideration. It too can dive to the depth of 330 feet, films in 4k video and takes 12MP photos. The underwater lights are not as bright as the FIFISH (2400 vs 5000 lumens).
It has a max speed of 4 knots and you have 660 horizontal feet of range. It has anti-stuck motor technology which prevents you from getting stuck in the sand. It also sports a direct connection from your tablet or phone to the remote controller, making communication faster and more reliable.
Lastly, there is live-streaming capability via an app, and the drone lets you mount mechanical arms or additional motion cameras to it.
If you’re not looking to spend four figures on an underwater drone, consider it’s predecessor, the Chasing Mini which records at 1080p video. It’s similar in size and has a built in memory card vs. an external one. It its a little less powerful, lacks the ability to attach a robotic arm, and only provides 2 hours of battery life. However, for about half the price, the value is there.
CHASING Dory Underwater Drone
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CHASING Dory Underwater Drone Review
Speaking of value, this palm-sized underwater submarine is ultra-premium and made for people who are serious about capturing images of underwater life. DORY can dive up to 49ft underwater, gives its user real-time footage, and can take photos.
With two bright 250-lumen headlights and true-color restoration, the images captured with this submarine are of professional quality. DORY weighs just over two pounds and comes with a carry case making the submarine very easy to travel with.
Use the Chasing DORY app that allows you to remotely control your drone. The device can move up, down, forward, backward, and stay level at one depth. This is a great feature and one that helps you capture precise images. Just remember, that DORY only has about one hour of battery life!
PowerVision PowerRay Explorer Underwater Camera Submarine
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PowerVision PowerRay Explorer Underwater Camera Submarine Review
The PowerVision PowerRay Explorer Underwater Camera Drone is packed with tech. It weighs just over 12 pounds, so it isn’t ideal for backpacking travelers but it’s perfect for boating and professional use.
If you are looking for a submarine capable of diving down to very deep depths, this is the one for you. With a maximum depth of 98 feet, you can explore the ocean like never before. The base station connects via 165 foot long waterproof tether.
The PowerVision PowerRay submarine has a 4K ultra high definition camera (12 megapixels) that is capable of taking professional photos. It comes with a 32 gig SD card. If you need this device for work purposes, you can certainly count on it to deliver!
Youcan Robot BW Space Pro Professional Underwater Drone
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Youcan Robot BW Space Pro Professional Underwater Drone Review
Let’s step it up a notch and have a look at the Youcan robot. This is very different from the other submarines in this review, and it certainly isn’t appropriate for small children.
If you are an adult looking for a brilliant way to capture images of underwater wildlife, then this is the most high-tech way of doing it. The camera is fitted with two LED lights that can adapt themselves accordingly to the natural light underwater.
The best feature of them all is Youcan’s five-hour battery life. You can expect the battery to last three hours shooting videos, five hours shooting still images, and expect an average of four hours of battery life. Control it using your phone, tablet, or the Youcan controllers, and enjoy!
Sub-Mariner Camera by Sea Peep
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Sub-Mariner Camera by Sea Peep Review
First up for best RC submarine, we’ve got the Sub-Mariner camera by Sea Peep. This mini RC submarine with camera is easy to maneuver underwater – it can seamlessly dive, advance, emerge, levitate, rotate, and trim.
This camera is movie and photo shooting supported. The footage is bright and sharp, and the feeder attachment will help you attract the fishes for even better footage. This remote control submarine is perfect for fish tanks, with a controlling range of 2m.
The RC submarine with camera is perfect for getting a fish’s perspective, and the micro size means it’s easy to take with you when you go away.
eMart Kids Mini RC Submarine
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eMart Kids Mini RC Submarine Review
If you’re after something to entertain the kids during bathtime, this eMart Mini RC submarine is a perfect choice and the best RC submarine for children. It’s a great stocking filler or birthday present, complete with a built-in battery and USB charger.
This little RC submarine goes forward, backward, left, and right. It can also dive and float upwards with ease. It runs for 15-20 minutes and takes just 30 minutes to charge.
The bright yellow design is perfect for kids, and the controls are simple so even very young children can have a go. This RC submarine can be controlled to a depth of 1.5 feet, although if your kids are playing with it in the bath I’d recommend putting the remote in a plastic bag!
RC Submarine Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re after high-quality footage of brightly colored coral and fish, or a fun bathtime toy for the kids, RC submarines are readily available and seriously popular!
We know there’s lots of options out there – but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best RC submarine for you!
While old-school remote control submarines are very basic, newer models are far better made and more technical. What this does mean, however, is that some models aren’t so suitable for beginners.
RC submarines for kids or beginners should be simple and user-friendly. If it has a camera, it should be of good quality and easy to operate. If you are looking for a toy for a child, then cheaper, plastic subs are fine. If you’re after something to take away with you on vacation, ensure it’s suitable for saltwater.
Before you spend your money on an RC submarine, be sure to prioritize what’s important to you. Buying a remote control submarine you can’t control and subsequently losing it is frustrating and expensive! It’s best to start small and master the basics before you move onto something more complicated. Follow the guidelines on depth and you’ll be rewarded with an RC submarine that lasts.
What To Expect At Different Price Points
Different RC submarines have different prices depending on the features and quality. Those with good cameras that can withstand greater depths can be very expensive, while toys suitable for baths and pools will, of course, be a lot cheaper.
More expensive remote control submarines will also have LED lights so you can spot them underwater, and an attractive design. The motor will be more powerful and they’ll be able to be used in saltwater – not just swimming pools or bathtubs.
What Features Do You Want?
Power
RC submarines with more power can dive further and are generally more fun. If you’re using your RC submarine for photography, you won’t need much power – just a camera, but if you’re after more of a thrill, a high-power RC is the best option.
Depth
Where you are planning on using your RC submarine will determine the depth you need. If you’re after a child’s bath toy, a depth of just a few feet will suffice. If however, you want to get high-quality footage of the fish or coral on your holiday, a depth of a few meters is necessary.
The depth could mean that the submarine will lose control if you exceed it, or if you go too deep, the submarine could break completely. RCs are only equipped to handle a certain amount of pressure, so ensure you don’t go deeper than it’s designed for.
Camera
An RC submarine with a camera is one of the best ways to get quality underwater footage. They are unlikely to disturb the fish like swimming would, and a good quality camera will capture high-quality and bright footage.
The better the camera the more expensive the RC, but if your primary reason for buying one is to get great pictures and videos, it’s worth the investment.
FAQ:
Q: How much do underwater submarine cameras cost?
A: Prices vary from $20 to $2000 depending on the quality of the submarine and its uses. Professional underwater camera submarines are referred to as drones, and these devices are rather costly.
Q: What are underwater camera submarines used for?
A: They are used to take pictures of underwater wildlife or take artistic pictures of friends and family in the pool.
Q: What is the smallest underwater drone/submarine on the market?
A: The MULTIPLUTO is the smallest underwater drone to date.
Q: Is it legal to play with an underwater submarine in the sea?
A: Using cameras in the water is legal in most places.