subject: Using a digital camera underwater [print this page] Using a digital camera underwater Using a digital camera underwater
Underwater photography is like taking picture in a different world. With waterproof boxes now available for most popular digital cameras, underwater photography is a hobby available to many and a hooby on the rise. But what do you need to know about using a digital camera underwater ?
Before taking pictures underwater, there are two main considerations. The first is the safety and integrity of the device and the other is the difference in light, contrast and color that you find in the sea.
Underwater Equipment Digital Camera
No need to invest in an expensive underwater cameras to take pictures underwater. Many point and shoot digital cameras and DSLR models can be protected with watertight casings which mean they can be used safely under water.
Always use a wrist strap when using your digital camera underwater. It is very easy to drop an underwater camera and very difficult to recover.
You may want to invest in a high-capacity SD card or memory card for your digital camera for use underwater. You can not change the card once the camera is encased in waterproof housing and you do not want to ruin your diving experience by having the surface regularly just to recharge the camera. Sure, you can instantly see the pictures you take with the LCD display screen and delete those that are not of an acceptable standard - meaning that your storage media is full of only the finest images. But the more time you spend doing that, the less time you spend taking pictures
In shallow waters of your digital camera underwater should be able to take acceptable images, but if you dive to any depth you know how water absorbs the color makes all take a different hue. It is possible to compensate for the camera settings to help, depending on the model of digital camera you have. Some form of lighting will almost certainly have to be flash or strobe.
Underwater Photography
Because the elements in red and orange in the sunlight are absorbed by water, it can be very difficult to capture true color images when taking pictures underwater. This problem can be overcome by getting as close as possible about the photograph - without endangering yourself or the subject.
The use of flash can provide the missing elements of light and improve the final color images even though it may surprise the subjects of photographs.
One of the great advantages of digital photography has over film photography is the photographer's ability to edit images digitally, using computer programs such as Photoshop. The color balance can be restored and enhanced contrast to compensate for the harsh underwater photograph shows.
Using a digital camera underwater is fun and rewarding, but never mind personal safety. Stay aware of your situation and surroundings and do not let the distraction of the camera allow you to drift into dangerous areas. Do not waste time - your air supply is also important that your camera. If you dive into unknown waters or deep make sure your buddy is the attention paid and free camera considerations for diving photographer may have overlooked.
