Making sure that you have a waterproof camera is a great idea both to make your photography capabilities more varied and flexible, especially when travelling, and also for specialist use, such as underwater or fishing photography.
When selecting a waterproof camera, you need to be aware that there are two options: self-contained compact devices, sometimes also with basic video capabilities, and single-lens reflex cameras, which are the professional option but are not waterproof per se but need a special housing.
A compact waterproof camera will be more than enough for most users, Very similar to normal digital cameras, all the gaskets of these gadgets are specially built, so you can use the same camera every day and also when you go swimming, diving or boating.
SLRs have many more advanced features, such as interchangeable lenses, through-the-lens viewing, sophisticated auto-focus, and better exposure control. There are no waterproof SLR cameras, so you will have to get a special underwater housing. If you are a professional or an advanced hobbyist, or if you already have SLR equipment and accessories, you will want to go for this solution for waterproof camera use.
There are huge differences in normal photography technique and underwater photography, mostly due to the qualities of light in water. Diffraction, for one, means that you should get an underwater camera with a wide lens to compensate this phenomenon. Also, most of the pictures that you will take will be close-ups so a good macro function is a great thing to have.
If you intent to use a flash with your waterproof camera, you should be aware that underwater photography with a flash is very different than normal flash photography. Flashlight will not travel more than two or three meters in water, and colors will fade very quickly. Also, remember that an external flash will need an extra underwater housing to protect it.
To take underwater shots with a waterproof camera but without using a flashlight a lot, you will need to shoot when the sun is at its most luminous, around midday, and put the sunlight between you and your target.
On the other hand, the best shots of marine wildlife are often taken at night, when most fish are more active. But for that, you will need to bring powerful lighting equipment with your waterproof camera, such as an underwater speedlight.
Whatever the hour of your picture-taking, it is best to use your waterproof camera in shallow and rocky shores, or near coral reefs. These give best results and will provide you with lots of interesting subjects. Of course, you could also take pictures of your kids near the beach.
You should also acquaint yourself with the basic rules of maintenance for underwater photography equipment, to make sure that you will enjoy your waterproof camera for a long time. Always wash saltwater off with freshwater, for instance as salt reissue can damage waterproof gaskets and o-rings.
Avoid cleaning the waterproof camera or housing with a pressure hose, as this may also damage the fittings. Use a soft cloth and fresh water only, also avoiding chemicals and petrol to clean your underwater casing or waterproof camera.
When selecting a waterproof camera, you need to be aware that there are two options: self-contained compact devices, sometimes also with basic video capabilities, and single-lens reflex cameras, which are the professional option but are not waterproof per se but need a special housing.
A compact waterproof camera will be more than enough for most users, Very similar to normal digital cameras, all the gaskets of these gadgets are specially built, so you can use the same camera every day and also when you go swimming, diving or boating.
SLRs have many more advanced features, such as interchangeable lenses, through-the-lens viewing, sophisticated auto-focus, and better exposure control. There are no waterproof SLR cameras, so you will have to get a special underwater housing. If you are a professional or an advanced hobbyist, or if you already have SLR equipment and accessories, you will want to go for this solution for waterproof camera use.
There are huge differences in normal photography technique and underwater photography, mostly due to the qualities of light in water. Diffraction, for one, means that you should get an underwater camera with a wide lens to compensate this phenomenon. Also, most of the pictures that you will take will be close-ups so a good macro function is a great thing to have.
If you intent to use a flash with your waterproof camera, you should be aware that underwater photography with a flash is very different than normal flash photography. Flashlight will not travel more than two or three meters in water, and colors will fade very quickly. Also, remember that an external flash will need an extra underwater housing to protect it.
To take underwater shots with a waterproof camera but without using a flashlight a lot, you will need to shoot when the sun is at its most luminous, around midday, and put the sunlight between you and your target.
On the other hand, the best shots of marine wildlife are often taken at night, when most fish are more active. But for that, you will need to bring powerful lighting equipment with your waterproof camera, such as an underwater speedlight.
Whatever the hour of your picture-taking, it is best to use your waterproof camera in shallow and rocky shores, or near coral reefs. These give best results and will provide you with lots of interesting subjects. Of course, you could also take pictures of your kids near the beach.
You should also acquaint yourself with the basic rules of maintenance for underwater photography equipment, to make sure that you will enjoy your waterproof camera for a long time. Always wash saltwater off with freshwater, for instance as salt reissue can damage waterproof gaskets and o-rings.
Avoid cleaning the waterproof camera or housing with a pressure hose, as this may also damage the fittings. Use a soft cloth and fresh water only, also avoiding chemicals and petrol to clean your underwater casing or waterproof camera.
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