A Guide to Underwater Cameras

There are two types of underwater camerawater is not. Light does not travel in a straight
systems: an ""amphibious"" camera, which is apath underwater like it does in air. Water is denser
self-contained waterproof system, and an SLRand it includes particles of sand, plankton, and
land camera with waterproof housing. Amphibiousother debris which scatter, reflect, and absorb
systems are small, compact, and easy to travellight.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 whofrom rugged materials built for underwater use, it
want a simple, easy-to-use point-and-shootstill needs to be rinsed in fresh water after every
camera. Amphibious systems usually have ause. Saltwater should never be allowed to dry on
built-in lens and they will take pictures on land asthe joints of the controls and metal fittings. Salt is
well as underwater. They also have an automaticyour 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 serioussalt crystals and sand into crevices. Use only soft
photographer and want the advantages of alens tissues or photographic lens cloths on the
single-lens reflex camera you will probably belenses.The most important thing you need to
happier with a land camera in waterproofknow about your underwater camera care is how
underwater housing.As a new underwaterto clean and lubricate the O-ring after every use.
photographer you need to know the differenceThe 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 throughimportant.
to take the picture. Air is transparent, whereas