Whether you are a professional or an amateur diver, documenting your experiences underwater can be challenging. Therefore, it is imperative that you have the right type of equipment to photograph your diving endeavors. Some of these pieces of equipment might include a camera, camera housing and an underwater strobe.
Camera
Many different types of cameras can be used for underwater photography, depending on your needs. For most amateur divers and photographers, a simple waterproof camera will often do the trick. These small cameras are ideal for endeavors such as snorkeling to capture all of your memorable moments. Most of these cameras work up to a depth of 33 feet, which makes them ideal for the vacationer but not for the more professional diver and photographer. For the more professional diver and or photographer of underwater scenery, a point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR, or digital single-lens reflex camera, is more ideal. These cameras come in all different shapes and sizes, with different costs. A simple point-and-shoot camera is preferred by some, but DSLR cameras are frequently used by those who do not like the shutter lag on regular point-and-shoot cameras. The drawback here is that while most point-and-shoot model cameras are in a housing that will protect it, DSLR cameras often require their users to spend additional money on a housing unit for the camera in order to protect it in underwater conditions. A video camera is another underwater camera option. As with DSLR cameras, all video cameras will need a housing unit in order to be used in an underwater environment. Most video cameras today film excellent footage for professional and amateurs alike in high definition.
Housings
Housings are needed for certain types of equipment such as cameras and video camera units. Many cameras are not contained in a waterproof housing so you will need to purchase a housing unit to use it underwater. Housing units are made to fit over the camera to protect it from water damage. To locate the correct housing unit for your particular camera, identify the make and model number of your camera and visit a camera accessory store or contact your manufacturer.
Strobes
Strobes must be used in some types of underwater photography, especially when taking pictures far beneath the surface. Strobes provide additional light in a photograph to help bring out the colors around you and illuminate what you are taking a picture of. Strobes come in many sizes and degrees of output. Generally, you should get the largest underwater strobe light that you can afford. The more you pay for the lighting, the better your pictures will turn out in the end.
Tags: housing unit, DSLR cameras, cameras video, diver photographer, more professional