Choosing an Underwater Cameraby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 18 Apr 2008 08:59 PM In my last blog I revealed that my new goal for 2008 is to experiment with underwater photography. Currently, I do not own an underwater camera so I have been doing research on what type of equipment I will need and how much it will cost me. It didn't take me long to realize that underwater photography is far from a cheap hobby, though the results seem to make the time, effort and money worth it. If you too are interested in taking beautiful pictures under the sea (or in the deep end of the pool) you are going to need a camera that can handle the pressure of deep water. Some traditional cameras (ones that are not rated as "underwater" gear) allow users to shoot to depths of ten feet without compromising the product. For example, the Olympus Stylus, which retails for $350 claims it is waterproof to ten feet, and is ideal for snorkeling adventures. (Unlike SCUBA diving, snorkeling means you will be staying near the water's surface so it makes sense that the manufacturer is making the claim.) Still, one of the downsides associated with taking pictures while snorkeling is that nearly all of your photos will end up having a "looking down" perspective. Canon offers waterproof cameras as well, but they too come with restrictions. Canon's "waterproof" line is better suited for photographers looking to snap shots while rafting, kayaking, or water-skiing. These cameras also perform well in heavy rain, or any other time when you need a high quality waterproof camera but don't need high-pressure resistance. Canon produces a line of underwater camera accessories like the rigid plastic case the man I met in Hawaii was using to shoot his kids as they tried their hands at boogie boarding. The durable cases cost around $160 and are designed for use at recreational SCUBA depths, which is typically 130-feet underwater. You simply place your digital point and shoot camera in the waterproof housing unit and hit the water. Though, keep in mind, taking pictures with a housed camera comes with its own set of challenges. According to camera experts, the oldest and most popular brand of underwater housing unit is Ikelite. Related Articles: Protecting Your Camera While on Vacation What to do if Your Camera Gets Wet Why Camera Buffs Should Invest in Silica Gel Protecting Your Camera From Mother Nature Tips to Consider Before Taking Your Camera to the Beach More Tips to Keep Your Camera Safe at the Beach More Tips for Winter Photo Shoots Ready, Set, Shoot--in the Cold Preparing for a Winter Photo Shoot
Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantphotography tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags photo tips, pictures, underwater photography, underwater shooting, underwater camera Discuss this article
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