0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Discover it® Cash Back Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Buy a Waterproof Action Camera

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Waterproof Action Camera

Stop buying cheap knockoffs that leak and start a plan to own a camera that actually survives your next trip.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $450 before anything else
Across the 0% window $25.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $450 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You want a camera that survives a drop and a dive. A high-capacity waterproof model is meant to last years, not one season. We buy the good stuff once so we don't have to buy the cheap stuff twice. This usually means spending around $450 for something reliable.

Early spring is the time to look. New models usually drop in the fall, so by March or April, last year's flagship is often discounted. That older model is usually 95% as good for a lot less cash. It's the sweet spot for getting pro-level stabilization without the launch-day price tag.

This 0% interest offer is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance on the card after the 18 months are up, the standard variable APR will kick in on whatever is left, making your camera much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check for spring updates

    Retailers clear out the previous year's stock in early spring to make room for summer inventory. You can usually find a solid deal on a high-end kit if you don't need the absolute newest sensor. Keep an eye on bundle deals that include extra mounts.

  2. 02

    Budget for the extras

    A $450 camera needs a fast memory card and a spare battery. Look for bundles that include a floating handle or a hard case. This prevents you from spending an extra $100 on accessories a week before your trip.

  3. 03

    Use a long intro window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you buy the gear now and pay it off slowly while you use it. It is one of the longer windows available for avoiding interest.

  4. 04

    Stick to the math

    Pay exactly $25.00 every month. If you stay consistent, you'll have the $450 balance cleared exactly when the 18-month window ends. Set up an automatic payment so you don't have to track the calendar.

  5. 05

    Test the seals early

    Dunk the camera in a sink or pool before you take it to the ocean. It's better to find a factory defect while you're still in the store's return window. Saltwater is much less forgiving than tap water if a seal is loose.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is the newest model worth the extra money?

Usually, no. Most yearly updates are minor software tweaks. Last year's top-tier camera will still shoot 4K video that looks great on any screen.

Do I need a separate waterproof housing?

Most modern action cameras are waterproof on their own down to about 33 feet. If you are scuba diving deeper than that, you'll need to buy a dedicated dive case.

What happens if I miss a payment?

This card doesn't charge late fees, but missing payments can still hurt your credit score. It can also put your 0% intro rate at risk if you aren't careful.

Can I use this for other travel gear?

Yes, any purchase made in the intro window qualifies for the 0% rate. Just make sure to adjust your monthly payment so you still hit a zero balance before the 18 months end.