Selecting your first underwater camera can be fun, but when you see all the options that are available, you’ll soon realize that making a choice is no easy task. Once the realm of professional divers and photographers only, underwater photography is quickly growing to become more popular than ever, and manufacturers are beginning to step up to the challenge of providing a wide range of cameras and underwater photography accessories to suit varying budgets, as well as varying levels of photographers. Here are some quick tips and hints for navigating that first camera buying expedition.
The Best Underwater Camera
Simply put, there is no such thing as “The Best” underwater camera. The camera that is right for you will suit both your photography and diving skill levels, and it will be a comfortable fit for your budget, too. If you are an excellent photographer above water, then it stands to reason that you’ll find that a camera with lots of options works well for you. If you’ve never done much more than point and shoot, it is possible to do the same underwater; this being said, taking a PADI Underwater Photography course or the equivalent is a good idea for everyone. It will help you get the most out of whichever camera you decide to use.
Underwater Camera Types
Back in the days of Jacques Cousteau, there were specialized underwater film cameras and movie cameras, most of which were prohibitively expensive. It is still possible to buy one of these models used, but they are no longer manufactured.
Every manufacturer offers something different, and while some cameras and waterproof housings are sold together and made by the same company, others are sold separately.
Waterproof Cameras – First off, there are disposable underwater cameras, which are nice for taking a few photos to commemorate a trip. They are designed to go no further than a few feet underwater, and they generally offer no more than about 27 exposures. Photo quality is not that great, but with prices from about $10-$15, you basically get what you pay for.
At the next level are waterproof digital cameras designed to go no deeper than about 30 feet. These range from about $100 - $1,000, depending on the manufacturer and options. If you dive a lot of shallow reefs and are mainly interested in capturing photos to share, this type of camera might be exactly what you’re looking for. This being said, it is important never to exceed the depth rating of one of these cameras, or you will end up with a broken and waterlogged piece of equipment that needs to be replaced. It is probable that camera manufacturers will soon come out with digital waterproof cameras designed to handle recreational diving depths; keep this in mind as you make your selection.
Point & Shoot or DSLR – At the next level are digital point and shoot or DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras with special underwater housings that allow you to use all camera features while diving. If you dive beyond 30 feet, as most of us do, then this type of combination is probably going to be the best choice for all around underwater use. In fact, if you already have a camera that you’re happy with, then you may be able to simply purchase an underwater housing and some accessories for it, so long as it is a relatively new model.
Selecting Point and Shoot Cameras and DSLR Cameras
If you are a beginning photographer, then you will probably be most satisfied with a simple compact digital camera, or “point and shoot” camera. These come with a range of options, from bare bones basics to deluxe models with the capacity for shooting long segments of video. The image quality will be quite good, so long as you learn the basics of underwater photography! One of the most important factors to remember is that photo quality relies just as much on the photographer as it does on the equipment. If you don’t want to carry a lot of stuff with you while you’re diving, then a compact camera is a good choice, as it is much less bulky than a DSLR.
DSLR’s offer interchangeable lenses, rarely have shutter lag, and come with a variety of different features. They also cost a lot more than compact cameras, and they are much more complex to operate. This being said, if you use a DSLR camera topside, you’ll probably prefer one underwater, as well.
Features and Accessories
The first thing you want to look for is compatibility with your computer and software. If you plan to use photo editing software, then pick a camera that will allow you to work with files with ease. RAW files are easiest to edit, while JPEGs are easy to upload to online photo hosting sites and social media sites.
Next, check to make sure an appropriate underwater housing is available and be sure to think ahead. Whether you plan to use strobes, external add on lenses, and other accessories now, or later, or if you think you’ll never use them, select an underwater housing unit based on those needs. Underwater housing units are not cheap – expect to pay around $100 or more for a housing that is capable of protecting your camera at recreational diving depths. Price varies by model, and each model is designed for use with a specific camera.
Finally, take a look at manual controls, particularly if you are considering a compact camera. These are important since automatic mode doesn’t work as well underwater as it does on land; mostly because water acts as a lens filter, and the quality of light beneath the surface is a lot different than light quality onshore is.
Manual White Balance – If you plan to shoot without strobes, using only ambient light, then all of your photos will come out blue, unless you use manual white balance to remove the blue color cast. If you plan to use strobes, then you don’t need to worry about manual white balance.
Shutter Lag – When photographing moving objects, shutter lag can be a problem. Basically, what happens is that your subject has moved between the time you pressed the shutter to the time the image is captured. Even if it’s just a tiny amount of time, shutter lag can cause photos to look blurry. It varies by model, with higher end cameras having the least amount.
Megapixels – For a first camera, 8-10 megapixels is a good place to start, and 8-10 megapixel cameras are much less expensive than higher end models.
Video – If you plan to shoot video, make sure that the camera has the capacity to take good videos. In very busy environments, video is often a better way to capture images than still photos are, since there is so much movement going on that focusing on a single subject can be difficult. Pick a DSLR with HD if videos are a priority for you.
Ability to Accept Wet Lenses – If you are planning to use a compact camera, then look for a housing that can accept external wet lenses. These lenses are placed over or in front of the camera’s port to enable macro shots or wide angle shots. There are many different types of wet lenses available, and these can greatly enhance the quality of your underwater photos. In addition, be sure to get a port cover. The port is the most fragile part of your camera, and you don’t want to crack it while getting in the water or while it’s being jostled around in a rinse tank.
Strobes, Strobe Arms, Focus Lights, and other Accessories – adding even a single strobe or external flash unit will enhance the quality of your photographs, so consider getting at least one mid-range strobe that will last for a few years. Focus lights are great to have, too.
Try to shop for everything together, including the camera, housing, and accessories. If at all possible, get an underwater camera that you can grow into, instead of one you’ll grow out of a year from now. Don’t forget to get an extra memory card or two, and remember to carry spare batteries in a waterproof case inside your dive bag. Soon enough, you’ll be capturing incredible photos to share.