Point and Shoot Underwater Cameras

Using underwater digital cameras while snorkeling or diving is an incredibly rewarding experience. Even total novices may take some great underwater shots. However, to have perfect pictures underwater, it is crucial that you have the right equipment as well as the proper knowledge.

There are some very expensive, complex high-end underwater digital cameras and equipment available. However, as a beginner, you’d 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 as well as the point and shoot digital cameras also known as “digi-cams”.

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

What you should expect from Point and Shoot Underwater Cameras

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

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

Light Conditions and Underwater Cameras

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

Basically when taking photographs underwater, the deeper water – the darker it gets. So, along the way deeper, you need to compensate more for that lack of light and change the settings on your own camera accordingly.

The perfect conditions would be in shallow, calm and clear water with sunshine above you. This really is fine in the beginning, however, you will ultimately find yourself delving deeper.

Many underwater cameras have automatic settings to pay for low light conditions. If your camera does not have those options, there a couple of ways to adjust your 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 far more grainy texture in the photo. Long shutter speeds can also cause blurry effects, particularly with moving objects.

You can even use your flash if you’re close enough.

Underwater Cameras – When to Make use of the Flash

Light absorption in water is a lot different from light absorption as it passes through the air. As light passes through water and is also absorbed, the colors that are reflected are seen differently than you are on land. The result underwater is more blue in your images. Sometimes nowhere 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 achieving the feel of taking photos underwater, you’ll get some great shots. You will also getter better shots if you follow the simplest advice.

· Get as near 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 some things to keep in mind, and I we do hope you find them helpful. The remainder is up to you.

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