Experience Digital Underwater Cameras
Good photography basics are different for underwater pictures than they are for typical land-based photography. Lighting, color contrast, and closeness to subject are all affected by underwater conditions. Using digital underwater cameras effectively requires some basic strategies and forethought, as, well as, different equipment.
Underwater cameras are all designated as water-proof and are necessary for snorkeling or deep-water diving. They are also useful in kayaking, rafting, and rainy conditions, when components could be exposed to more than a little water. Expected conditions will determine whether the need is for a rugged waterproof housing to protect the camera or a specially designed underwater camera is necessary.
Pressure-resistance ratings in digital underwater cameras are vitally important. Many underwater cameras are waterproof and useful for pictures in snorkeling conditions, up to about 20 feet in depth. Some cameras are designed with silicone housings for use at these depths, with an outer shell that can extend pressure-resistance to 130-180 feet or more. It is important not to exceed depth ratings so that your pictures and your hardware remain safe.
Lighting for the perfect shot when filming underwater requires an understanding of ambient or natural light, flash or strobe effects underwater, distance from subject, and shutter speed. When filming in clear water at less than 20 feet, it is often best to use natural sunlight with the sun behind the photographer, and the subject 6 inches to 3 feet away. In less clear water conditions, use flash within 3 feet, and an off camera strobe can be most useful underwater, reducing glare and bluing of image.
Color contrast determines how true to life your photo comes to the underwater world. Too often, the amateur photographer attempts a stunning shot only to find a muted blue scene before them, or misuses white balance causing a red-orange tinted disaster. Some useful tips for offsetting this problem include close pictures, using off-camera strobe instead of flash, and color filters on lenses. Every foot of distance underwater equates to 2 feet of bluing effect, the distance from the camera to subject back to the camera.
Underwater camera effectiveness can also be improved by using manual focus and aperture settings rather than auto. It also helps to understand the white balance, which programs the camera on settings for cloudy, sunny, or hazy days. Auto-white balance is possible, but manual can be best when the internal flash is not used.
Digital underwater cameras take the best photographs when the subject is within 3 feet, fairly stationary, and the photography is as still as possible. When closeness isn’t possible, off-camera lighting and color filters are useful. It is also important to note that wide-angle lenses are best for underwater filming. This is because water magnifies images. Zooming in to an image lowers photo resolution. Remaining close with a wide-angle lens reduces that blue effect and gets the highest quality and resolution available.
The experience of using digital underwater cameras can make the memories of a lifetime. The vibrancy and variety of life under the sea awe and inspire. Combine the possibility of great photos with the inherent risks of scuba diving can make for a thrilling adventure, one that hopefully will be captured and shared for years to come through the moments caught on that little underwater wonder.
At AquaticCam, you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality digital underwater cameras.
