GoPro posse, educate me.

It seems like quality modestly priced, point and shoot cameras are going the way of the rhino. Not really extinct but you’re not going to see one in the wild. Phones will probably completely take over everything but professional cameras in the next decade. Maybe I’m old but I can think of a few uses anyway. I think the “action camera” segment might make the most sense.

My main use would be underwater shots and videos of my kids swimming. Both at a pool and the beach. Would also prefer not to drag my phone to the beach just for a couple sandcastle shots.

I’d also like to use it to capture some of the chaos of them learning to ski.

Other than that, I might try to rig it up to my dog and play frisbee, but that’s not a dealbreaker,

So I definitely want waterproof; a hard case that’s useable underwater is totally fine if that’s a compatible accessory.

I also want to use it to take photos, nothing fancy but I wouldn’t want something that only does grainy fisheye stuff.

I’ll have it on vacation, so something that’s compatible with a big enough memory card that I can wait until I get home to upload everything.

Maybe $150? 

I’ve had good luck with the gopros. I mostly have filmed fishing, skateboarding, skiing, and climbing/general outdoor. My current “primary” is a 7 white model. Pretty straightforward with few options available in terms of frame rate and resolution. I used the first hero for almost 5 years before upgrading and had good luck. That camera actually had more settings that were adjustable than the 7 white. I think my next one will be an 8 black due to affordability and more options to change settings. I found it pretty helpful to watch a few YouTube videos on how to get the most out of your camera. They have the potential to take great photos, but can be finicky and difficult in low light. Overall I would recommend maybe trying to pick up a used “Black” model. I’m sure you could stay within your budget and get some cool shots. Hope this helps. 

I'd say anything GoPro9 or newer would be good for your needs. Get a big memory card and a couple extra batteries. It will last you all day. 

Yeah the option for extra batteries would be nice if you like to let the camera roll. I don’t have that option so I either have to be somewhat selective in what I film, bring 2 GPs, or bring a portable charger. I’ve basically just gotten more selective. 

From my limited research, get anything but the GoPro 9, the 8 black is still popular today and anything 10 + will be great

GoPros are too expensive.  I’ve got an Akaso  brave 7 basically half the price of GoPro for the same thing.

Adam W wrote:

GoPros are too expensive.  I’ve got an Akaso  brave 7 basically half the price of GoPro for the same thing.

I ended up with the Akaso V50x, it does all the basic GoPro things and came with an pretty stout waterproof case. All for $80.

I’ve got to get one of the dog harness’s to mount it on and chuck some frisbee.

I can’t speak to more recent models, mine is GoPro 5 (so maybe take this with a grain of salt) but I found the photo performance to be lackluster. Anything non fisheye is just software corrected (obviously since it only has one lens) and the quality and interface for taking photos are worse than my smartphone. The GoPro got relegated to action video duty only, which is where it excels

Adam W wrote:

GoPros are too expensive.  I’ve got an Akaso  brave 7 basically half the price of GoPro for the same thing.

How is the stabilization compared to the go pro models for climbing purposes?

insta 360

Check out the waterproof Fujifilm adventure cameras. 

A little beyond your price point, but I have nice things to say about the OLYMPUS TG-6 predecessor. Rugged. Nice high-speed video options. Put it underwater if you like. Can add a polarizing filter. It's a camera. Not a go-pro. Not convenient to clip to your forehead or dog. Not a phone.