Underwater Photography Is A Lot Of Fun

Underwater photography is an exciting and interesting hobby. It allows you to capture breathtaking and life-like images of underwater environments. But it’s not easy without the right equipment. That’s why many avid underwater photographers invest in high-quality underwater cameras and other diving related equipment. One essential piece of diving related equipment is an underwater camera. There are several types of underwater cameras, with varying specifications and features. Once you decide on the type of camera you want to use, you can take steps to make sure your camera is waterproofed for use underwater.

Underwater cameras are usually referred to as scuba cameras since they use compressed air / air tight enclosure to operate safely. The main types of underwater cameras include housing-only models and housing / lens combinations. Scuba housings are compact, waterproof cases that allow you to place your camera inside and dive away without having to worry about it being damaged or malfunctioning.

Some scuba housings have built-in lenses while others come with extra lenses / covers that you can mount onto the case later. If you choose a scuba housing with a lens cover, I suppose this could also called a monocular since there’s only one lens for viewing purposes. Housing / lens combinations usually work together as a system for optimal image quality and clarity.

A yellow Moray Eel. Credit: Casegrfx [Pixabay]

If using a DSLR for underwater photography, do be aware that they are not waterproof. Even weatherproofed models are not truly waterproof and are not meant to be fully submerged in water for any amount of time really. There are some non-DSLR cameras that are waterproof, such as the Olympus Tough range. But, like all cameras, even ones in housings, these models have limits on how much water pressure they can take. As an example, the Olympus TG-5 has a depth limit of 15 meters.

Devilfish. By Misterflo [Sulawesi, Indonesia]

When weatherproofing a camera, manufacturers usually coat components on the inside of the device with either silicone or rubberized material to seal off internal parts from moisture thus creating a waterproof  / protective barrier between your device and the elements. When waterproofing an underwater camera, some divers choose to black out certain areas on their devices so they can more easily find their subject when capturing photos under water. 

Nembrotha Red Dotted Sea Slug [Misterflo - Pixabay]

Other divers prefer completely transparent models so they can see what they’re photographing without any obstructions in the way— although this can make capturing photos at night difficult depending on the transparency level of the model they use.

Video: Amazing Underwater photography with the Canon EOS C70 by Naucrates in Indonesia

[Locations: Komodo, Triton Bay, Forgotten Islands and Banda Sea]

Although using an underwater camera requires a lot of time and patience, taking good photographs under water is immensely fun once you know what tools work best for the task at hand. To ensure your new hobby goes smoothly, be sure to buy a good quality camera housing to ensure that your camera is still in good working order after being submerged, as there are many housings out there for sale that are not up to the job. Some brands that are definitely up to the job and worth considering are - Sea & Sea, Aquatica, Nauticam, Ikelite, Marelux and Isotta.