There are
two types of underwater camera systems: an ""amphibious""
camera, which is a self-contained waterproof system, and an SLR land
camera with waterproof housing. Amphibious systems are small, compact,
and easy to travel with, while SLRs offer more advanced features, such
as auto-focus, advanced exposure control, and through-the-lens viewing.
The ""amphibious"" cameras are
probably best for those of you who want a simple, easy-to-use point-and-shoot
camera. Amphibious systems usually have a built-in lens and they
will take pictures on land as well as underwater. They also have
an automatic film load and advance and are generally compact, lightweight,
and rugged.
If you are a more serious photographer and want
the advantages of a single-lens reflex camera you will probably be
happier with a land camera in waterproof underwater housing.
As a new underwater photographer you need to know
the difference between taking pictures on land and underwater. The
difference is what you are shooting through to take the picture.
Air is transparent, whereas water is not. Light does not travel in
a straight path underwater like it does in air. Water is denser and
it includes particles of sand, plankton, and other debris which scatter,
reflect, and absorb light.
You should know that all your underwater equipment
needs and requires special care. Salt, sun, dirt and improper storage
can damage a camera. Even though all your new stuff is made from
rugged materials built for underwater use, it still needs to be rinsed
in fresh water after every use. Saltwater should never be allowed
to dry on the joints of the controls and metal fittings. Salt is
your system's number one enemy. Do not rinse with a hose. The high
pressure may actually force salt crystals and sand into crevices.
Use only soft lens tissues or photographic lens cloths on the lenses.
The most important thing you need to know about
your underwater camera care is how to clean and lubricate the O-ring
after every use. The O-Ring creates a watertight seal to protect
your equipment from water, and so it is very important. The seal
must be flawless— with no scratches, cuts, sand, hair – nothing
on its surface. If it is not, the underwater photo equipment will
be ruined. Water must be kept out! When in doubt about the sealing
capability of an O-ring, always throw it out and replace with a new
one.
Both your camera and your flash will need a watertight
housing. You can use a flash fill-in to brighten underwater subjects
at close range. Even with large flash units, though, light does not
extend beyond 12 feet. The maximum effective distance of most flashes
is four to five feet. Subjects farther away will not appear very
colorful. Don't forget you need to wait for your flash to recycle.
Assess conditions underwater before you dive and
set aperture and shutter speed before entering the water.
The best time to take pictures without using a flashgun
is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is overhead. To capture
sunrays with the subject in silhouette, face the sun. Close-up shots
of fish are best taken at night--the fish are sleepy and not as active
Shallow water near steep rocky shorelines, coral
reefs and atolls, and areas near tidal streams are great places to
photograph sea-life.
Disposable
Cameras Info provides detailed information about digital, wedding,
and underwater disposable cameras, as well as cheap and wholesale
disposable cameras. Disposable Cameras Info is the sister site
of Underwater
Cameras Web.
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