Waterproof Digital Cameras and Cases – Underwater Digital Photography

In the past decade , underwater photography has become very popular. As new and innovative technology allows for the development and manufacturing of more affordable underwater cameras and equipment, novice and seasoned photographers alike are diving in and exploring a whole new world with underwater photography.

Not too long ago, It was very heavy and expensive to take pictures underwater because required photographers to use large and bulky waterproof cases Technology in plastics has made it possible to manufacture products for the general public that were once considered specialty products. This is also the case with photography equipment, specifically with digital cameras for underwater use , that are now available in many sizes and price ranges. There is a waterproof digital camera available to meet any budget. Already have a great camera you would like to use underwater, but it isn’t waterproof? More than likely, there is a waterproof case available for your digital camera. In either case, don’t delay! Underwater photography is very exciting and offers you the opportunity to get to know more about the world around you, and also take some fantastic pictures.

When starting out, keep these tips in mind:
1. Before venturing out you have to get familiar with your camera and equipment. Read the manual and understand the settings and features it has. Also, take note of the depth and pressure your camera and equipment was designed to handle .
2. Make sure to fully charge your camera’s battery the night before. Download any pictures that are on your camera and memory stick to your computer so you have the maximum amount of memory to take lots of pictures. 
3. Before going into the water, inspect your camera and make sure there isn’t any grime or dust on or around the seals and lids for the battery chamber and memory stick slots . This breach could allow for water to seep in. If you are using an underwater case, check all the seals of the case, latches, buttons, etc. Then, make sure everything is closed and sealed properly on your equipment.
4. Make sure to secure your camera and equipment to your body before jumping in, like with a wrist strap. It is very easy to drop your camera when going into the water and depending on where you are, it may be quite difficult to find your camera at the bottom.
5. Make sure to clean your camera equipment thoroughly when you return home.. Set your camera or camera case in clean water and rub off any sediment that has accumulated. Let your equipment sit and dry completely.

Waterproof Cameras: 9 Tips On How To Choose

If you are often near or in a large body of water, a waterproof camera is a great choice, especially now that these once costly devices are becoming more affordable by the day. Familiarize yourself with the points below to make sure that you will make the best out of it.

 

1) First and foremost, the sealing. This is what differentiates your waterproof camera from normal ones, and if any sealing breaks you are just left with an expensive piece of junk. Check all sealing while buying or evaluating, and recheck it regularly, especially in places where it comes under stress, such as on the camera lens or on the battery opening.

 

2) Quality of the pictures: a decent resolution is a must for underwater photography, especially if you may want to zoom up details of shots once the shot has been taken. Five megapixel is good for compact waterproof cameras, and eight is adequate for SLR’s.

 

3) Construction and burden: Check that the waterproof camera is sturdy and well-build, with dependable materials. Make sure that you also get the supplementary equipment that you need. For most people a compact camera will do, don’t get an SLR just because it looks cooler, unless you really need to exchange lenses it will just load you up with extra bulk.

 

4) Enquire about the industry standard: This ensures that the waterproof camera has been professionally built and checked. For instance, JIS (Japan Industry Standard) 8 is good enough for a camera that you will only use in surface waters (3-4 meters maximum), while for a dive camera you will need it to conform to more exacting standards.

 

5) Features and extras: Check that the waterproof camera has all the things you need. Important ones for underwater use are shutter speed and burst picture mode, good lens aperture, autofocus, and a powerful flash.

 

6) You bought a waterproof camera? Great! Now clean it. Regularly. Be especially vigilant around dust, tar and sand, these will destroy your gaskets and water WILL leak into your device, rending it useless. Or your lens will jam. A well maintained camera is a long-lived camera.

 

7) Another big enemy of waterproof cameras are aggressive chemicals, and this does not just include acids or petrol. That camera is for use in lakes, rivers and the sea, not in pools which are sanitized with chlorine and other substance. Keep your new waterproof camera out of hot tubs and aquariums too.

 

Waterproof does not mean submersible in all conditions. Know your maximum depth rating and adhere to it strictly. And of course, to not submerse a camera if it’s just splash-proof. Also, avoid exposing your waterproof camera to direct sunlight and extremes of temperature.

 

9) Make sure that you take adequate time to read your camera manual and read all there is to know about your waterproof camera’s features, program modes, and uses. Don’t rush into using it and you will be better in using it after a while.

Underwater Photography Is Simple With Modern Digital Cameras

Digital cameras are risky to use in water, as they will malfunction. This deprives those who love diving and spending time in water, the pleasure of taking photographs underwater as well as around water (in the fear that the camera might fall into water and malfunction). Therefore, waterproof digital cameras also called underwater cameras; provide a chance to photograph the underwater world which would have been otherwise inaccessible with normal digital cameras.

Some waterproof digital cameras that are used for underwater photography are as follows :

The first one of waterproof digital cameras reviewed is Sea and Sea DX-1 G Compact Digital 10.0 MP camera with underwater housing set.

This waterproof digital camera has ten megapixels (which is pretty good photo quality), a polycarbonate underwater housing (which makes it waterproof) and a ‘sea and sea’ mode which optimizes digital photography under water. It also has some other features that are advanced, such as manual control over exposure and focus, and the camera also has the ability to shoot videos.

Intova IC700 7.0 MP Digital Camera with Underwater housing falls under waterproof digital cameras, which provides a pretty good image quality (with seven megapixels) and is affordable as it is under the $300 price range. It is considered a good waterproof camera and is rated for underwater photography to a depth of 180 feet. It has other features such as macro mode and has a built in flash which can reach up to about five feet when underwater.

Sealife SL3230 Reef Master Mini underwater digital camera is another type of waterproof digital cameras. This camera is compact, and weighs eight ounces and is a very good camera for those who want a light weight, easy to use waterproof digital camera. The camera has underwater exposure and sea modes and has six megapixels. The shutter speed of this camera is within a range of 1/60th to 1/1000th of a second. This camera is rated for underwater photography to a depth of 130 feet.

VuPoint DC-WPC-ST531TBLK-VP Underwater Digital Camera is another one of waterproof digital cameras that has underwater photography rated to a depth of 50 feet. It has five megapixels and also has video capturing ability. The camera also features a digital zoom and you can shoot in macro settings and control aperture settings. Also, it is less expensive compared to other waterproof digital cameras.

With so many good waterproof digital cameras available in today’s market, by ensuring to choose wisely, one can buy an affordable, good quality waterproof camera- to make the next underwater experience, one to remember.