Memories are created just about anywhere. And when I say anywhere, I mean that memories are even created underwater – so the creation of underwater digital camera.
An underwater digital camera is not just used to capture underwater memories; some professional marine photographers also use underwater digital cameras in their business. Even marine biologists and scientists use underwater digital cameras to capture marine life and thus be able to study the life and properties of the marine life. But I think it is safe to assume that you, my reader, are neither a marine scientist nor a professional photographer. Like me, you are just some photo junkie who wants to capture underwater moments and just cant figure out how without ruining your cameras.
Please listen to me when I say that even waterproof cameras cannot withstand underwater photography. To be waterproof is to resist the water in certain levels, submerging in under the water to get the perfect shot is like throwing it out of the window expecting a pick-up truck to pass by and run over it.
Now if you’re really serious about using an underwater digital camera to capture those wacky and funny moments underwater, I suggest that you buy specialty cameras.
There are rarely underwater digital cameras, as cameras are electronic and cannot withstand water and water pressure. The closest electronics has ever got to producing underwater digital cameras are producing underwater casings for digital cameras. These casing will turn your conventional digital camera into an underwater digital camera.
If you are shooting with your underwater digital camera, you need to take note of a few things to help you come up with the best images underwater.
Remember that as you farther under water, light diffuses. This means that your underwater digital camera will produce images darker than those images you took while on land – this is because of the light diffusion the red spectrum seems darker. To avoid this, use white balance come up with natural colors. Also, pictures taken underwater will come up larger than pictures taken on land with the same zoom effect. Be sure to check your underwater digital camera’s viewfinder to check the right picture angle and size that you want.
An underwater digital camera with its built-in flash will produce marine show phenomenon. It is a phenomenon wherein your pictures come out as blurry and with white particles floating above it, to avoid this phenomenon it is advisable to use external flash for your underwater digital camera.
Before using your underwater digital camera, submerge the camera in the water first for several seconds then check if there are leaks through the case. Make sure that no grain of sand or piece of hair is stuck in between the seal to make sure that water will not permeate the case and thus wet your camera in the process. It is also advisable to put silica gel or two inside the case of your underwater digital camera as long as they don’t disturb the camera’s operation. (Silica gel will keep the moisture from forming inside your camera case.)
Most underwater digital cameras come with optional lenses. Don’t be afraid to add these lenses to your underwater digital camera kit. Macro lenses will help you capture small things without getting too close and startling your subject.
Also, remember to always wash of salt when you’ve used it under salt water. If the salts are not washed off, in time they will crystallize; act as sands and cause leaks for your camera case. In cases when sands seem to get into the case, they are better washed off with streams of water.
Check out Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Canon’s website for available underwater cases for your digital cameras.
(Citation from Daniel Grotta & Sally Wiener Grotta)
If your next vacation will be near the water, you might want to consider buying an underwater digital camera. Whether you're snapping photos on the beach or taking pictures of a sunken shipwreck, there's an underwater camera designed for your needs. Here's a rundown of things to consider in choosing the right underwater camera.
Wade, Swim or Dive with Underwater Digital Camera?
The first thing you must decide is what you want out of an underwater camera. Do you enjoy the beach and simply want a camera that won't wilt if you splash a little sand and water on it? Are you a snorkeler who loves floating above a shallow reef and watching the fish play? Or are you a serious scuba diver who digs National Geographic-style underwater photography? Your answer will determine which of the two main types of underwater cameras you will want to use: weatherproof or water-resistant.
Weatherproof Digital Cameras
With rubber-reinforced seams and seals around the lens and all openings, weatherproof cameras are impervious to splashing, soaking or being briefly immersed. There's a limit to how deep you can take them, however. Depending upon the model, the maximum depth can range from as little as 12 inches to no more than 10 feet. Weatherproof cameras sell from under $50 to about $350, with most offering features and functions found on regular digital cameras.
Tip: Many weatherproof digital cameras are also reinforced so that they can be handled roughly, even dropped in dirt or sand, without doing any damage. To clean the camera, dunk it in a bucket of clear, non-salty water.
Water-Resistant Digital Cameras
True water-resistant cameras come equipped with heavy-duty seals, called O rings, that keep water out indefinitely. Depending upon the specific camera, you can shoot at depths of up to 200 feet. These underwater cameras are usually bulky and require some regular maintenance, such as greasing and cleaning the O rings. Water-resistant cameras cost between $80 and $500, although adding accessories can bump the price tag up considerably.
Really Serious Underwater Photography
For maximum versatility and highest image quality, consider buying underwater housing for your digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. An underwater housing completely surrounds the camera body and lens, while giving full access to its viewfinder and all controls. Ranging from $200 to $1,200 (not including the camera!), they're generally high-maintenance (lots of O rings), but you can add accessories, like external strobe lights, and take advantage of your DSLR camera's interchangeable lens capability and other features.
Try an Underwater Camera Before You Buy
More than any other type of digital camera, you should try out any underwater camera that you're interested in buying. You'll want to know how it feels in your hands, if the controls make sense, if you can frame your pictures in the viewfinder, and if it can capture the kind of pictures you're expecting to get. If you're into scuba, a good place to start is your local dive shop. But if you're a casual swimmer or snorkeler, check out one of the larger sporting goods stores. Avoid buying online until you've had some hands-on experience with the camera you like.
Tip: Rent, rather than buy. Many resorts offer daily or weekly underwater digital camera rentals. You may even be able to try out several cameras during your vacation. Then, when you're back home, you can, if you wish, buy the one that you liked best.
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