There are not a ton of very good choices when it comes to rugged, waterproof cameras, so here are my current favorites and where to find them.
It’s important to recognize that newish smartphones are reasonably weather resistant and have good image quality, but they aren’t meant to survive bouncing off rocks and swimming in the ocean – so these cameras are a compromise – decent images in a very tough shell. The best camera is the one that isn’t in pieces halfway through your trek:)
OM Systems TG-7
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1784758-REG/om_system_v110030ru000_tough_tg_7_digital_camera.html
It’s a tough brick of a camera, pricey at $499, and the best rugged compact critter out there. Has a great close up microscope mode and built in settings for underwater, does decent video too.
You can also find the older TG-6, which I have and love, used at MPB.com: https://www.mpb.com/en-us/product/om-system-tough-tg-6
The Ricoh WG-90
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1806100-REG/ricoh_2145_wg_90_digital_camera.html
It’s weird looking, but tough and decent at being a camera. Includes a clever ring light and will stay out of your way. $299ish
DJI Osmo Action 4
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1776322-REG/dji_cp_os_00000269_01_osmo_action_4_camera.html
If video is your main goal,, this critter or the GoPro Hero 13 Black are your huckleberries. Waterproof, tough, and tiny, they have tons of accessories but really you need the camera and a float.