Using a Compact Digital Camera Underwater

Our planet earth's 70% is water, mostly ocean water so there is no doubt that there are a lot of wonderful things to see and experience under water. If you like scuba diving and fishing more than just a recreational activity and explore new places, you will always think about a good camera that you can use under water. Immediately, you will think about using a compact digital camera underwater because compact cameras are the most common photography tools that we all carry with us during our leisure activities.

There are mainly two options open for you when you consider using a compact digital camera underwater. The first option is compact cameras that have a built-in waterproof body while the second option is purchasing an underwater housing for your compact camera. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. When we consider compact cameras that have waterproof body, there are some points you should pay attention to.

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• Image Quality - Waterproof compact cameras from major manufacturers do not have top end specifications compared to their normal range of compact cameras. While there are manufacturers like SeaLife who exclusively focus on underwater photography equipment that offer amazing underwater compact cameras, those cameras are not very ideal for normal usage.

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• Water Resistance Ð When you consider using a compact digital camera underwater, you will be probably expecting at least a 100 feet range. However, only few mainstream camera manufacturers offer cameras with that much capability.

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• Price Ð Based on the functions and other specifications, most of the waterproof compact cameras can be pricier than the normal counterparts.

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• Limited Choice Ð Even if you sacrifice on everything else, you are still left with very less number of choices. If you canÕt find a good one under the options that youÕve got, you have to wait for a new release.

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This doesnÕt mean that using a compact digital camera underwater is a bad idea. You still have plenty of options that start right from 20 dollars to make your compact camera a great underwater photography tool. You can purchase underwater camera bags, covers and housings from a wide range of sources. The quality and prices of these products vary largely along with its functions. If you need a simple and cost effective option that will help you with jumps lower than 30 feet, you can find good polythene and plastic waterproof cases at very low rates. However, these products have very weak body so they are prone to damages easily.

If you are planning for a serious underwater photography with your compact camera, then there are a couple of brands like Ewa-Mairne, SeaLife and Sea and Sea that makes underwater camera housings with a lot of functions. Most of these housings are available for a large number of models from all manufactures so that you can access almost every button through them. These cases offer water resistance from 130 feet to 200+ feet so using your compact digital camera underwater can be a memorable experience.