Selecting an underwater camera

Modern photographic equipment allows you to shoot moments associated with any hobbies of a person. An exception was not the diving: diving and snorkeling. Cameras for underwater photography is a specialized class of moisture-proof devices that take into account the characteristics of light absorption, pressure and refraction in the aquatic environment.

Nuances of underwater shooting

Features of lighting in water other than on land. The aquatic environment absorbs warm light spectra. At a depth of over a meter, red is almost invisible, and yellow is barely noticeable. Depth over 6 meters leaves only green and blue. Even deeper, the pictures are monochrome. A low level of illumination in the aquatic environment implies a frontal lighting system in the equipment of underwater photo equipment.

Since water refracts light, the images are distorted, and the shooting conditions in the aquatic environment are also more complicated than on land: it is difficult for the photographer to take a stable position. Therefore, any underwater camera is equipped with photo stabilization system.

Due to the high density of the aquatic environment acts as a magnifying lens, and this fact should be taken into account when choosing a distance for shooting a particular object.

Image quality when shooting under water exerts pressure, which increases with depth. Also, various light reflecting particles present in the water column may spoil the image. Therefore, underwater photography is recommended from bottom to top.

Taking into account the nuances and depending on the field of application, waterproof cameras are usually divided into groups:

• amateur cameras for underwater photography;
• disposable cameras;
• ice fishing chambers;
• action camera;
• photographic equipment for industrial and reconnaissance shooting under water.

For amateur shooting through the soap dish manufacturers produce special waterproof boxes with a peephole and a porthole, as well as with the control mechanism.

Technical differences waterproof photography

Not only reliable protection of the case from moisture distinguishes the best underwater camera. Usually protected cameras are equipped wide angle lens, so that not only seascapes, but also underwater inhabitants got in the field of view of the apparatus.

In order to get color images under water, some advanced models designed for shooting at a depth of over 3 meters are equipped with a flash. Professional divers photographers use an optional accessory - remote flash. This device allows you to save the frame from hitting small reflective light particles. Get high-quality panoramic images of the underwater world.

There are devices designed in such a way that they allow the use interchangeable lenses depending on shooting conditions. Also, manufacturers can complete the device with additional screw-on lenses or attachments to the lens. This approach allows to obtain under-scale images of different sizes.

As a power source in different models used batteries or rechargeable batteries.

To choose a device for amateur underwater photography, you should proceed from the needs and budget possibilities.Which camera to buy for use in extreme conditions is up to the buyer. Some reference for choosing the best model can be a rating of popular models in an affordable price range.

Browse popular models

The last two years for conducting surveys in the conditions of the water element among users, models of the following brands are in the greatest demand:

• Nikon;
• Olympus;
• FUJIFILM;
• Panasonic;
• Pentax.

Consider the most popular underwater models of these manufacturers.

Pentax WG-3

The secure device of the Japanese brand has a clear friendly interface, the ability to carry out underwater shooting at a depth of 14 meters. This device belongs to the affordable price class: you can buy it at a price of 19,500 rubles. The camera is 16 MP. The case is shockproof and waterproof, the device can withstand falls from a height of up to 2 meters. Charging the device from a USB port, with which the gadget can be connected to a PC and view the captured footage on the big screen. For extreme tourism model is very convenient.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5

The model of a well-known Japanese brand can also be attributed to protected cameras of an affordable price category: the cost of the model is from 19900 rubles.The device is equipped with a fully waterproof case capable of withstanding water pressure to a depth of 12 meters. Frost resistance of the apparatus to -10 ° C. Also, the device is able to withstand a fall from a height of 2 meters, reliably dustproof. The format for recording images is FullHD.

The camera is suitable for use in extreme conditions of active mountain and water tourism, because in its equipment there is a Wi-Fi module, an electronic compass, a GPS navigator.

Fujifilm FinePix XP200

Another solution for lovers of extreme recreation, including water tourism. The model has a high-quality matrix of 16.4 megapixel with 5-fold zoom, there is an image stabilizer. The case is equipped with a powerful protection against dust, moisture, shock. Thus, the use of the camera is ensured in all weather conditions and in underwater photography at a depth of 15 meters. The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, there is action camera function, allowing to increase the viewing angle during underwater shooting. The cost of the model is from 19,900 rubles.

Nikon Coolpix AW120

This is a more advanced secure camera. It surpasses all the above models by shooting speed - up to 60 frames per second. The device allows you to shoot at a depth of 18 meters.The model is equipped with a powerful frame stabilizer, a 16.79 megapixel matrix, 5x optical zoom, GPS and Wi-Fi modules, a resource-intensive battery for 350 shots, macro mode. The cost of the model is about 21,000 rubles.

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4

The device is made in a secure case, equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi modules, electronic compass, depth gauge. The recording rate is 30 frames / second in Full HD. Image quality is provided by a 16 megapixel matrix and a 25-100 mm lens. High-quality waterproofing allows you to shoot at a depth of 15 meters, and if you put this unit in the aquabox, you can shoot at a depth of 45 meters. The average cost of the model is about 28,000 rubles.

Taking pictures under water is not so easy. To master this art, you can first practice in the pool and even complete special courses. It is not enough to have a good camera, it is important to know how to use it properly. Therefore, it is better for beginners to purchase a budget camera in order to “fill their hands”, and only then move on to more professional devices.