A Shopper"s Guide to Underwater Digital Cameras
In the world of photography, digital cameras have revolutionized the way we take pictures. They have overtaken film cameras in both production and performance. This poses an interesting situation for scuba divers, snorkelers or anyone that does a lot of activity in the water. The underwater world is a wonder to behold and underwater photography is on the rise.
The first choice to make is whether to buy one of the waterproof cameras that are available or a casing for a normal digital camera. Both will work just as well. It is a matter of economics and nothing more. If you happen to own a digital camera already, a waterproof casing may be the answer for you. If not, then underwater digital cameras are the ticket.
Housings
Since water proof cameras and underwater digital photography have become so popular, manufacturers of point & shoot cameras have started making waterproof casings specifically for their camera models. Usually these housings are made of a hard plastic that is sealed but there are some that resemble a plastic bag with a clear cover where the lens will go.
When looking for housings, be sure to pay attention to the pressure rating. The bag type casings are usually effective at low depths up to about 20 feet. Hard plastic housings are rated for deeper waters and are more suitable for scuba diving and deep water activities. If you go deeper than the rated water depth, the casing could leak and damage the camera as it is not an underwater camera.
Underwater digital cameras
First, be aware that underwater digital cameras have a fairly wide price range. The lower end units can run as little as $10 or $15. Of course, the quality of the camera will be low end as well and the megapixels may be quite low affecting the photo quality. Features are as widely varied as the camera itself and the price can go into the hundreds of dollars.
When you get into the higher end underwater digital cameras, the features start getting better. Shutter speed increases and the photo quality is better as a result. Megapixels are another aspect to watch for, even in the more expensive waterproof cameras. You should look for an underwater digital camera with at least 10 or 12 megapixels for optimum picture quality.
Another feature that comes into play is flash. Underwater digital cameras [http://www.aquaticcam.com] may have a separate flash unit or a built in flash. Separate flash units are available that are made for underwater use. Usually, your best bet is to have a built in flash on the waterproof camera. This ensures a waterproof seal that works for your use of the camera.
Other features that may be included are things like motorization, f-stop features and other high end features normally found on land cameras. These are not normally part of an underwater digital camera but can be added. The down side is that these will drastically increase the cost of the waterproof camera.
Whatever underwater digital camera you decide on, be sure to watch the depth rating so you can use that camera at the proper water depth. If you go over the rated depth, the camera could spring a leak and become damaged.
The right underwater digital camera is out there if you know what to look for and what your needs are.
The first choice to make is whether to buy one of the waterproof cameras that are available or a casing for a normal digital camera. Both will work just as well. It is a matter of economics and nothing more. If you happen to own a digital camera already, a waterproof casing may be the answer for you. If not, then underwater digital cameras are the ticket.
Housings
Since water proof cameras and underwater digital photography have become so popular, manufacturers of point & shoot cameras have started making waterproof casings specifically for their camera models. Usually these housings are made of a hard plastic that is sealed but there are some that resemble a plastic bag with a clear cover where the lens will go.
When looking for housings, be sure to pay attention to the pressure rating. The bag type casings are usually effective at low depths up to about 20 feet. Hard plastic housings are rated for deeper waters and are more suitable for scuba diving and deep water activities. If you go deeper than the rated water depth, the casing could leak and damage the camera as it is not an underwater camera.
Underwater digital cameras
First, be aware that underwater digital cameras have a fairly wide price range. The lower end units can run as little as $10 or $15. Of course, the quality of the camera will be low end as well and the megapixels may be quite low affecting the photo quality. Features are as widely varied as the camera itself and the price can go into the hundreds of dollars.
When you get into the higher end underwater digital cameras, the features start getting better. Shutter speed increases and the photo quality is better as a result. Megapixels are another aspect to watch for, even in the more expensive waterproof cameras. You should look for an underwater digital camera with at least 10 or 12 megapixels for optimum picture quality.
Another feature that comes into play is flash. Underwater digital cameras [http://www.aquaticcam.com] may have a separate flash unit or a built in flash. Separate flash units are available that are made for underwater use. Usually, your best bet is to have a built in flash on the waterproof camera. This ensures a waterproof seal that works for your use of the camera.
Other features that may be included are things like motorization, f-stop features and other high end features normally found on land cameras. These are not normally part of an underwater digital camera but can be added. The down side is that these will drastically increase the cost of the waterproof camera.
Whatever underwater digital camera you decide on, be sure to watch the depth rating so you can use that camera at the proper water depth. If you go over the rated depth, the camera could spring a leak and become damaged.
The right underwater digital camera is out there if you know what to look for and what your needs are.
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