Archive for February, 2008

An underwater digital camera is not just used to capture underwater memories; some professional marine photographers also use underwater digital cameras in their business. Studying the life below the surface, underwater digital cameras are only normally within the realm of marine biologists and other nautical scientists Waterproofing a camera is not an easy thing to do so many, so called, underwater cameras aren’t really designed for that type of work

The only way you are going to come close to taking proper underwater shots is by purchasing one of those little disposable units that can be used safely for about 50cm to 1 meter underwater.

There aren’t that many manufacturers of these specialist cameras owing to the problem of water ingress into the cameras case and the pressure they have to work under. Some of you may have seen or tried the cheap solution to this problem that comes in the form of a plastic casing. Cases like this, inexpensive in comparison to a real underwater digital camera, can for a while make you believe that you too are some kind of underwater photographer.

If it is your aim to take some underwater images then there is some advice I can give you to improve the quality of the images.

The water has a strange effect on light as I am sure you have experienced from time to time; it is called diffusion and the deeper you dive the more this distortion takes place. To over come the darkening of images that will happen because of the diffusion, certain white balance settings can be altered which will cure the problem. You will also notice when you see the pictures taken underwater that they appear larger than they should; this is part of the magnifying effect water has. Many novices make the mistake of not checking the viewfinder carefully to make sure they are going to take a picture containing exactly what they want in the final shot.

On the subject of checks prior to going underwater, it is a good idea to make sure the digital camera case doesn’t leak so submerge it underwater for a short while just to confirm it will be ok when you dive. 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. Small silica gel packs can be useful if they can fit in the case without causing an obstruction.

Most underwater digital cameras come with optional lenses so 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.

One problem with using an underwater digital camera is that if it is not rinsed off thoroughly, the salt can crystallize and cause leaks later on. The best way to rinse of an underwater digital camera where grains of sand are present in particular is with a flow of clean water.

It is usually the better digital camera manufacturers that will manufacture the more specialized products like Nikon, Canon and Sony

Underwater digital cameras; the sort professionals use are very expensive and not normally used by casual photographers Studying the life below the surface, underwater digital cameras are only normally within the realm of marine biologists and other nautical scientists In fact this is such a sophisticated area that most people will have no interest in underwater digital cameras except to see the animals that live below the surface.

Buying one of those underwater digital cameras isn’t really likely but you could buy one of the cheaper options if you are only going below the surface for a short while and not to deep.

There are very few true underwater digital cameras, as cameras are electronic and cannot withstand water and water pressure. Of course quality camera manufacturers have overcome this problem by creating watertight plastic cases that encompass the digital camera. These cases have been very popular, especially with people on holiday that want to take a few underwater snaps with their favorite digital camera.

There are a few things you need to be aware of if you are taking photos underwater.

The water has a strange effect on light as I am sure you have experienced from time to time; it is called diffusion and the deeper you dive the more this distortion takes place. To over come the darkening of images that will happen because of the diffusion, certain white balance settings can be altered which will cure the problem. Another thing you will notice is that underwater images always look as though the zoom has been used. To ensure the correct image will be taken you will have to pay a little more attention to the shot you are taking.

It is not uncommon for waterproof case to spring a leak so before you go on your dive, check that the camera I still watertight by submerging it for a couple of seconds. 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. If you a couple of silica gel packs then these can be placed in the case but make sure they do not obstruct the lens or camera controls.

If you have a chance you should try and fit additional lenses if at all possible to your underwater digital camera to increase the type of images you can take. It is possible to get really close to some subject for great close-up shots using a macro lens.

The seals on the underwater digital camera need to be kept clean and free fro contaminants so ensure the camera is thoroughly rinsed of when you return to the surface. In cases when sand seems to get into the case, it is best washed off with streams of water.

Manufacturers who can supply this type of equipment are Sony, canon and Nikon, so to find out more log onto their web sites.

The art of underwater photography is only carried out using special underwater digital cameras operated by professionals from many scientific disciplines. The cost of underwater digital cameras is usually to prohibitive for just keen amateurs to afford so it is left for serious scientists to use this piece of modern day technology You see there are very few genuine underwater digital cameras as it is such a specialized area

I for one would love to have a proper underwater digital camera but this is not likely to happen and I really don’t go into the sea often enough to make it worthwhile.

Owing to the constant problems faced by underwater cameras, there aren’t enough manufacturers who are willing to spend time developing something that has to overcome the problem of water and electronics combined with pressure. Of course quality camera manufacturers have overcome this problem by creating watertight plastic cases that encompass the digital camera. Of course this kind of compromise is enough for some people who are still able to take pictures underwater with their digital camera.

If it is your aim to take some underwater images then there is some advice I can give you to improve the quality of the images.

Light distorts or diffuses underwater an effect that is made worse at greater depth. To over come the darkening of images that will happen because of the diffusion, certain white balance settings can be altered which will cure the problem. This diffusion effect also magnifies the image to give the impression the zoom function was used. Use the cameras viewfinder to check that what you want in the image is actually in the viewfinder or the shot will be wasted.

You don’t want to have a camera that leaks when you go underwater so before you dive, check that the case is waterproof by holding it below the surface for a few seconds. which will allow water to access the case so look for this as well. Small silica gel packs can be useful if they can fit in the case without causing an obstruction.

Most underwater digital cameras come with optional lenses so don’t be afraid to add these lenses to your underwater digital camera kit. The likes of macro lenses will allow to take close up pictures for example.

Make sure when you re-surface that you rinse off the camera full to make sure all the salt water is washed off the camera as crystals of salt can break the camera seals. Sometimes, small grains of sand gain access to the case and in this instance rinsing with water is the most preferable solution.

Manufacturers who can supply this type of equipment are Sony, canon and Nikon, so to find out more log onto their web sites.