Underwater Cameras | Underwater

Underwater photography is the process of taking photographs while underwater. It is usually done while scuba diving, but can be done while snorkeling or swimming.

Underwater photography

is extremely challenging since it is difficult to capture the image of a moving object, such as a fish, while the photographer is also moving.

Many of the "rules" of photography still apply underwater but they must be used with some thought. A lot of advice can be found in scuba magazines and underwater photo web sites.

Recommended Underwater Cameras

More serious underwater photographers use a regular camera with a special watertight housing. These underwater cameras have the advantage of being able to withstand greater depths, and are also re-usable, however the housing rarely allows the full functions of the camera to be accessed. Either film or digital cameras can be used. Some specialized cameras have an underwater mode that change the features, operation, or interface of the camera for underwater use.
 

Underwater flashes

One particular challenge in underwater photography is the use of a flash. As the depth of water increases, less light arrives from the surface, and lower-frequencies of light (reds and oranges) are absorbed. As with any photography in a low-light situation, the use of a flash is preferred.

However, most water contains a large amount of particles, which air does not. Using a flash causes reflections, or backscatter from these particles, resulting in photographs with white dots in them, giving a grainy or sandy appearance.

To overcome the problem of backscatter, good underwater flashes are mounted on an arm-like assembly, that fires the flash at the target far away from the lens. This provides illumination, but does not result in backscatter.

A cheaper alternative to specialized flashes is to use an underwater flashlight. The photographer can illuminate the target from the side using the flashlight, and then use the camera to take the photograph.