A waterproof camera? Are you an interested photography hobbyist or a seasoned pro? In both cases, your photography will benefit a lot from underwater picture-taking, but you need to be aware of the differences in needs and available equipment.

There are two main kinds of waterproof camera equipment. Most users will tend to get a compact underwater camera with a waterproof casing, for all uses and possibly also to take brief videos. More advanced users will prefer an SLR, or single lens reflex camera. These are not waterproof, but you can get a special waterproof housing.

A compact waterproof camera will be more than enough for most users, Very similar to normal digital cameras, all the gaskets of these gadgets are specially built, so you can use the same camera every day and also when you go swimming, diving or boating.

SLRs have many more advanced features, such as interchangeable lenses, through-the-lens viewing, sophisticated auto-focus, and better exposure control. There are no waterproof SLR cameras, so you will have to get a special underwater housing. If you are a professional or an advanced hobbyist, or if you already have SLR equipment and accessories, you will want to go for this solution for waterproof camera use.

You need to be aware of the important differences between taking pictures on land and in or under water with a waterproof camera. The differences are mainly due to the different medium water or air. Water is far denser than air and light travels differently through it. It is also full of small particles such as plankton or sand, which reflect light. When underwater, it is better tot take pictures using the digital LCD and not the viewfinder. This will allow you more control of the results.

You will also use flashlights quite often, whether the inbuilt one on your waterproof camera or an external one. Without a flashlight, underwater pictures will tend to have little color or contrast. If you opt for a more powerful external flashlight, it will need to be built for underwater use or you will need an appropriate underwater housing for it as well.

If you don’t plan on taking an extra flashlight, try to use your waterproof camera in shallow waters when the sun is high, between eleven and two in the afternoon. This will allow you to make best use of natural light.

If you have powerful lighting equipment, you can also use your waterproof camera at night. You will be able to obtain some eerie shots and take pictures of fish not usually seen during the day.

As for the most favorable locations to use your waterproof camera, we recommend shallow shores and the deltas and estuaries of clean rivers for best shots of water-dwelling animals. And of course, a beach or the pool are perfect if your family is going to be the subject of your photography!

You should also acquaint yourself with the basic rules of maintenance for underwater photography equipment, to make sure that you will enjoy your waterproof camera for a long time. Always wash saltwater off with freshwater, for instance as salt reissue can damage waterproof gaskets and o-rings.

Don’t use any chemicals to clean a waterproof camera or underwater camera housing, freshwater applied with a damp cloth is best and will ensure the long life of your equipment.

WaterproofCameraWorld.com has the answers to all the questions that you were afraid to ask about waterproof cameras! Check out the site to make sure that you are in the know about underwater photography .

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