Underwater Cameras

Underwater Cameras

Taking photographs underwater is much different than taking photos above it. The water has the effect of absorbing ambient light as the photographer travels deeper underwater. It absorbs the longer red and orange light waves, making everything appear to be washed out and colored in shades of blue and green. In addition, this effect is compounded by the distance between the photographer and the subject. The farther away they are, the more pronounced the water’s effect is, making things appear even more washed out and harder to distinguish from the surrounding environment. Underwater photographers have methods to deal with each of these difficulties. The first is to maintain a very close distance to the subject. Most photographers consider that taking pictures from more than three feet away from their subject is simply unacceptable. The problems with light can be solved with a simple flash, providing full spectrum lighting, negating the absorption of red and orange. Just as above water, the flash is only meant to be used as a supplement for the existing light. Cameras, although light-proof, are not necessarily waterproof. The Nikon Nikonos, the first specialized waterproof cameras, were invented in 1963, based on a design by Jacques Cousteau. In addition, waterproof camera cases are available in sizes that fit most film and digital cameras, allowing anyone to take underwater pictures.

Underwater Camera Cases

Waterproof cases are the easiest way to take photos underwater. There are cases available to fit any size of digital or film camera, making them save to use under water without damaging the equipment. They sometimes have attachments designed especially for underwater photography, such as external flash units and wide-angle lenses allowing for closer focus lengths. Those without wide-angle lenses tend to produce distorted images. The camera will not be able to focus properly on the images, and the glass of the lens cover will further distort the picture by improperly refracting the light.

Underwater Video Cameras

The principle behind filming underwater video is exactly the same as taking underwater still pictures. The camera needs to be contained in a watertight case, the camera must be kept within three feet of the subject and, there has to be sufficient lighting, otherwise the image will have little color and contrast. Although waterproof housings are available for camcorders and other video cameras, professional underwater film and video cameras tend to be far more expensive and specialized, and are all made specially and designed only for use underwater.