| There are two types of underwater camera | | | | water is not. Light does not travel in a straight |
| systems: an ""amphibious"" camera, which is a | | | | path underwater like it does in air. Water is denser |
| self-contained waterproof system, and an SLR | | | | and it includes particles of sand, plankton, and |
| land camera with waterproof housing. Amphibious | | | | other debris which scatter, reflect, and absorb |
| systems are small, compact, and easy to travel | | | | light.You should know that all your underwater |
| with, while SLRs offer more advanced features, | | | | equipment needs and requires special care. Salt, |
| such as auto-focus, advanced exposure control, | | | | sun, dirt and improper storage can damage a |
| and through-the-lens viewing.The ""amphibious"" | | | | camera. Even though all your new stuff is made |
| cameras are probably best for those of you who | | | | from rugged materials built for underwater use, it |
| want a simple, easy-to-use point-and-shoot | | | | still needs to be rinsed in fresh water after every |
| camera. Amphibious systems usually have a | | | | use. Saltwater should never be allowed to dry on |
| built-in lens and they will take pictures on land as | | | | the joints of the controls and metal fittings. Salt is |
| well as underwater. They also have an automatic | | | | your system's number one enemy. Do not rinse |
| film load and advance and are generally compact, | | | | with a hose. The high pressure may actually force |
| lightweight, and rugged.If you are a more serious | | | | salt crystals and sand into crevices. Use only soft |
| photographer and want the advantages of a | | | | lens tissues or photographic lens cloths on the |
| single-lens reflex camera you will probably be | | | | lenses.The most important thing you need to |
| happier with a land camera in waterproof | | | | know about your underwater camera care is how |
| underwater housing.As a new underwater | | | | to clean and lubricate the O-ring after every use. |
| photographer you need to know the difference | | | | The O-Ring creates a watertight seal to protect |
| between taking pictures on land and underwater. | | | | your equipment from water, and so it is very |
| The difference is what you are shooting through | | | | important. |
| to take the picture. Air is transparent, whereas | | | | |