A Guide to Underwater Cameras

For those who love diving and swimming in the sea, what they experience can also be treasured with the advent of technological advancement. Engineers have made it possible to take special water proof cameras in the midst of a coral reef.

There are basically 2 types of cameras that can be used for the purpose. An "amphibious" camera is a self-contained waterproof system, and an SLR land camera is one that has a waterproof housing. Amphibious cameras have an advantage over its counterpart as they are more compact and can easily be taken along for traveling. But SLRs offer more advanced features, including auto-focus, advanced exposure control, and lenses that offer viewing through them.

Amphibious cameras would be preferred by those who just want a good scene captured instantaneously by pressing a button. The built-in lens enables them to work both on land and underwater. Automatic film loading adds to the beauty of the lightweight, compact and style they have. But if you are more of a serious photographer, you would opt for an ordinary land camera with an underwater housing to make use of the single-lens reflex.

Before you get started, you should know the difference of taking pictures on land and underwater. This is because, on land air is the only medium through which light travels, and air itself is transparent. But under water, light tends to be refracted instead of traveling in a straight path, additionally, water contains, particles of sand, debris, and other organic plantings growing under water. These particles tend to absorb light from the cameras.

Underwater equipment requires some special treatment as salt, sun or improper storage might damage the camera. No matter how good the quality of your camera is, it still requires to be rinsed with fresh water in spite of its rigidity. Salt is one thing you should seriously consider for deposits on metal parts especially as they might cause corrosion. Therefore wash it thoroughly with your hand and not a hose pipe as, the pressure might just cause the particles to stick deeper in their place. Soft cloth is to be used for cleaning lenses.

The most important issue in cleaning up your underwater camera is how to clean up your O-ring after each time you use it. The seal is the most essential part of the camera as it keeps the camera watertight and therefore it is your duty to make sure no sand particle or salt deposit should be left on the O-ring. Therefore check it for its compatibility and replace it when necessary.

Same care should be taken for the flash part of the camera. It has ranges extending up to about 12 feet, but is most effective within a distance of five feet.

The most effective pictures would be taken at around mid day as the sun rays act as special lighting effects to the scene. Additionally, night time would be better for taking close shots of fishes as they too tend to be less active and sleepier then.