Underwater Cameras

A word of the wise: plastic camera bags do not waterproof your day-to-day camera.  Before bringing along your Nikon on your next snorkel trip in a ziploc baggie  consider investing in some real waterproof equipment. That means either a disposable waterproof camera,  a prepackaged 35mm  with its own housing, or a high-tech housing setup for a digital camera or your choosing. Below you will learn about some safe options for shooting underwater based on how often you snorkel or dive and your budget. Remember however, that under the ocean, there are many factors that can affect your ability to photograph. If you're diving deep, you need a camera that can withstand the pressure. Make sure to get a camera that has the capabilities you need.

Would you like to be inspired? Check out the Photo Contest winners at ScubaDiving.com

What's your dive profile?

Basic Snorkellers: You like staying close to the surface and you also like photography, or maybe you just want to document your experience to share with friends and family. One Dive and One Dive Only: You want to take pictures just this once. You want a simple, lightweight, easy to carry, user-friendly model that is either a waterproof disposable or maybe even a self-housed unit. Here are some recommendations: Suprema Point & Shoot 35 mm  for up to 45ft. Fujifilm Quicksnap  with 27 exposure 800 ASA film and a flash for $24. Snap Sights underwater camera  goes down to 95ft. and only costs $18.	Hobbyist Snorkellers: If you want quality photos to document your experience opt for something that has higher quality photo-taking and that is less focused on depth to save money. Occasional Divers: You want something for your upcoming dive trip. You may already own a camera, but you don't want to invest in a housing case or you are too afraid for the safety of your $900 Nikon. Even diving once a year warrants something of decent quality since you never know when you will be doing a 100 ft dive. A unique, fun camera even for the kids is the Frog Eye Waterproof Camera  that goes for $60 and can go up to 12ft underwater. The Sealife Reefmaster SL301 Shark Diver  goes up to 75ft. for around $20. Suprema Super Sport 35mm flash camera can go down to 125ft. for $60. See it at Leisurepro.	Seasoned Diver You go diving often and want a self-housed unit with proven deep-depth ability plus something that produces good quality photographs. The Sea & Sea Motor Marine II-EX  is one of the best selling of its kind, featuring a 35mm amphibious lens with manual zoom and focus, plus the ability to swap auxiliary lenses while underwater. Automatic speed adjustment for ISO 50, 100, and 400 ASA film, and it goes up to 150ft. deep for around $400. For digital pics, try this SeaLife DC 300 3.3MP Underwater Camera  that goes for $250. It's pre-programmed for adjustment to underwater lighting with improved shutter speeds and aperture settings. Plus it features a 2X digital zoom and a 1.6" LCD color screen.	Underwater Photographer' Finding proper housing depends on your camera type, making this a more expensive option. For $300 the Ewa-Marine underwater AF SLR/Digital Camera Housing  claims to fit most major models on the market today and because of the air inside the bag it can go down to a supposed 150ft. Housing Package Deals  Best bet for those interested in professional grade photos through the use of advanced features such as lenses, flashes, filters, and viewfinders. Try this all in one set by Bonica Sea King II.  For $275 you get a 35mm camera, a neon strobe, close-up, macro, and ultra-macro lenses, framer assembly, and a soft case to carry it all in. It also features the new GOALI system that keeps the camera completely sealed. It also saves battery life with an automatic shut-off switch, a built-in flash with red-eye reduction, automatic film speed sensor, rewind, advance, and adjustable shutter speed.

Related Products

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• Filters
• Memory Cards