What To Look For
Purchasing an underwater camera is not exactly a common item on a shopping list unless you are an avid diver, marine biologist or underwater photographer. However, outdoor enthusiasts who wish to reap the benefit of photographing images topside, and under water as well while on a coastal excursion, can greatly benefit from the use of an underwater camera. While you search for an underwater camera to suit your needs, keep in mind some of key features for choosing the best underwater camera.
Numerous digital cameras are on the market. Underwater photography takes a blurring effect much more than topside cameras, so that having at least an eight megapixel capacity or more is what you need for quality underwater photos.
The most important feature is housing depth, depending on how deep you wish to dive. Look for a housing depth of at least 60 to 200 feet for the best housing options.
The lens is critical. A good wide angle lens with 4X optical zoom is a standard to look for to give you the best detail on your subject
Common Pitfalls
One thing that many beginning photographers fail to consider is the subjects or objects that they wish to photograph. Many would-be photographers easily get sucked into buying either the most expensive camera or the cheapest just to hurry off and start snapping photos. Consider your subject before you attempt to purchase an underwater camera. If you are going to be photographing small tropical fish, you need a high pixel content and a wide angle optical zoom to give you the most vibrant colors on your photograph. Also consider the depth at which you can dive safely. If you're not S.C.U.B.A. certified, you will be free-diving or snorkeling, and your depth will most likely not exceed 50 feet. For this, choose a camera with a moderate depth range. Don't spend extra money on a housing depth of more than 200 feet when you'll only be diving at less than 60 feet.
Where To Buy
Buying an underwater camera is the same as buying most other equipment and supplies. Go to a respected and legitimate photography retailer to look for options of the product that you can pick up and examine. Some sporting goods stores may have a few models to look at, but they will be pricey and arbitrary in their choice of stock. If you like a specific brand such as Cannon or SeaLife, contact an official representative and ask about options of retailers in your area that you can contact to examine the camera and then make your decision.
Cost
Underwater cameras can range in price from around $100 for a cheap camera of low quality, upward to around $10,000 for cameras with functions for shooting photo and video at extreme depths. Fortunately, a good quality underwater camera--for all-purpose use--can be found in the price range of about $350 to $900, depending on the accessories, bells and whistles you wish to have. With any purchase, ensure that you choose a camera with a good standing quality warranty, as an underwater camera is always exposed to harsh elements and corrosion.
Insider Tips
Ask your local camera or photography equipment dealer to ensure that the camera you would like to buy is specific to underwater use. You can also check on underwater photography websites to confirm that a specific brand or model of camera is geared for use underwater, or check the website of the manufacturer of that particular camera to make certain. Most underwater cameras will say specifically on the packaging that they are to be used for underwater photography.
