Saturday, November 26, 2011

A Brief Entry-Level Guide for Underwater Digital Cameras


!±8± A Brief Entry-Level Guide for Underwater Digital Cameras

Point and Shoot Underwater Digital Cameras

Using underwater digital cameras while snorkeling or diving can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Even total novices can take some great underwater shots. However, to obtain perfect pictures underwater, it is essential that you have the right equipment and the proper knowledge.

There are some very expensive, complex high-end underwater digital cameras and equipment available on the market. However, as a beginner, you would be better off dealing with a more affordable and easier to use underwater camera.

The two basic types of underwater digital cameras are the SLR (single lens reflex) camera and the point and shoot digital cameras also known as "digi-cams".

All of the well-known manufacturers offer some very good point and shoot waterproof cameras. A couple of especially good cameras of this type are the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 and the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010.

What to Expect from Point and Shoot Underwater Digital Cameras

Point and shoot digital cameras will function to a depth of around ten to thirty feet, depending upon the model. These are quite adequate for the depths that most beginner underwater photographers will be dealing with.

Designed to be used while swimming or snorkeling, these particular underwater digital cameras are capable of delivering some very stunning and beautiful photos of colorful fish and marine life.

Light Conditions and Underwater Digital Cameras

As mentioned earlier, there are differences between photography underwater and on land. One of these is the amount of light available.

Basically when taking photographs underwater, the deeper the water - the darker it gets. So, as you go deeper, you need to compensate more for the lack of light and change the settings on your camera accordingly.

The ideal conditions would be in shallow, calm and clear water with direct sunlight above you. This is fine in the beginning, but you will ultimately find yourself delving deeper.

Many underwater cameras come with automatic settings to compensate for low light conditions. If your camera does not have those options, there a couple of ways to adjust the camera as the available light lessens. One way is to increase the ISO setting, another is to adjust the shutter speed.

Increasing the ISO will result in a brighter image, but also adds the risk of a more grainy texture in the photo. Long shutter speeds can also cause blurry effects, especially with moving objects.

You can also use your flash if you are close enough.

Underwater Digital Cameras - When to Use the Flash

Light absorption in water is much different from light absorption as it passes through the air. As light passes through water and is absorbed, the colors that are reflected are seen differently than on land. The result underwater is much more blue in your images. Sometimes the blue effect is acceptable, sometimes not.

To avoid this over-bluing effect, it is important to get close to the subject and use the flash.

Basic Underwater Camera Tips

As with anything, it is the little things that count, and underwater cameras are no different.

When experimenting and getting the feel of taking photos underwater, you will get some great shots. You will also getter better shots if you follow the simplest advice.

· Get as close as possible to the object or subject.

· Things look bigger in the water, about 25% bigger. So, frame your shots wisely.

· Things float around in the water causing "backscatter" when using the flash. Get closer and use your flash only when necessary.

These are just a few things to keep in mind, and I hope you find them helpful. The rest is up to you.


A Brief Entry-Level Guide for Underwater Digital Cameras

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