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.
There are two main waterproof camera alternatives. For the vast majority of people, a compact camera that is inherently waterproof will do. For advanced hobbyists and professionals, a digital SLR camera with underwater housing will be necessary.
A compact waterproof camera is great if you value portability and convenience over flexibility and advanced features. Nine out of ten non-professional users will find that a compact waterproof camera will cover their needs, and will benefit from added features such as video recording.
But maybe you want more features, or you already have an SLR camera. In this case, it is better to waterproof your camera with an underwater housing, being able to take advantage of all the benefits of an SLR camera, such as interchangeable lenses, filters and extra capabilities.
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.
If you are not using a n external flash and are reliant on a small inbuilt flash, or on no flash at all, it is best to take underwater pictures when the sun it right over you, around midday. This way more light will get to your waterproof camera.
If you have powerful lighting equipment, you can also use your waterproof camera at night. You will be able to obtain some eerie shots and take pictures of fish not usually seen during the day.
As for the most favorable locations to use your waterproof camera, we recommend shallow shores and the deltas and estuaries of clean rivers for best shots of water-dwelling animals. And of course, a beach or the pool are perfect if your family is going to be the subject of your photography!
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. - 17943
There are two main waterproof camera alternatives. For the vast majority of people, a compact camera that is inherently waterproof will do. For advanced hobbyists and professionals, a digital SLR camera with underwater housing will be necessary.
A compact waterproof camera is great if you value portability and convenience over flexibility and advanced features. Nine out of ten non-professional users will find that a compact waterproof camera will cover their needs, and will benefit from added features such as video recording.
But maybe you want more features, or you already have an SLR camera. In this case, it is better to waterproof your camera with an underwater housing, being able to take advantage of all the benefits of an SLR camera, such as interchangeable lenses, filters and extra capabilities.
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.
If you are not using a n external flash and are reliant on a small inbuilt flash, or on no flash at all, it is best to take underwater pictures when the sun it right over you, around midday. This way more light will get to your waterproof camera.
If you have powerful lighting equipment, you can also use your waterproof camera at night. You will be able to obtain some eerie shots and take pictures of fish not usually seen during the day.
As for the most favorable locations to use your waterproof camera, we recommend shallow shores and the deltas and estuaries of clean rivers for best shots of water-dwelling animals. And of course, a beach or the pool are perfect if your family is going to be the subject of your photography!
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. - 17943
About the Author:
WaterproofCameraWorld.com is the premier resource for waterproof cameras on the Net, with information on subjects such as how to choose underwater cameras, as well as on where to buy them, and how to take great pictures with them - click the links above to find out more!
