Waterproof Cameras: How To Select Your Underwater Photography
If you are often near or in a large body of water, a waterproof camera is a great choice, especially now that these once costly devices are becoming more affordable by the day. Familiarize yourself with the points below to make sure that you will make the best out of it.
1) First and foremost, the sealing. This is what differentiates your waterproof camera from normal ones, and if any sealing breaks you are just left with an expensive piece of junk. Check all sealing while buying or evaluating, and recheck it regularly, especially in places where it comes under stress, such as on the lens or on the battery opening.
2) Resolution: While this is less important than for normal cameras as underwater pictures will tend to be more blurry anyway, but there’s no reason not to get a decent resolution, especially for zooming into pictures once you took them. With a modern camera, aim at 5 megapixels or more.
3) Construction and burden: Check that the waterproof camera is sturdy and well-build, with dependable materials. Make sure that you also get the supplementary equipment that you need. For most people a compact camera will do, don’t get an SLR just because it looks cooler, unless you really need to exchange lenses it will just load you up with extra bulk.
4) Enquire about the industry standard: This ensures that the waterproof camera has been professionally built and checked. For instance, JIS (Japan Industry Standard) 8 is good enough for a camera that you will only use in surface waters (3-4 meters maximum), while for a dive camera you will need it to conform to more exacting standards.
5) Characteristics: make sure that you have all the extra capabilities that you will need. Whether it’s a lens mount for filters, extra flash sockets, or simply different burst modes and automatic settings, check for them and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance at the shop.
6) Once you have that waterproof camera, spend a thought on cleaning the device regularly. This is very important as it will make or break the waterproofness of the device, and make all the difference between a long-term companion and a gadget that breaks down after the second or third dive. Sand and dust will be your greatest enemy.
7) Another big enemy of waterproof cameras are aggressive chemicals, and this does not just include acids or petrol. That camera is for use in lakes, rivers and the sea, not in pools which are sanitized with chlorine and other substance. Keep your new waterproof camera out of hot tubs and aquariums too.
Waterproof does not mean submersible in all conditions. Know your maximum depth rating and adhere to it strictly. And of course, to not submerse a camera if it’s just splash-proof. Also, avoid exposing your waterproof camera to direct sunlight and extremes of temperature.
9) Make sure that you take adequate time to read your manual and read all there is to know about your waterproof camera’s features, program modes, and uses. Don’t rush into using it and you will be better in using it after a while.
WaterproofCameraWorld.com is the premier resource for waterproof cameras on the Net, with guides on matters such as on waterproof camera festures, as well as on taking the best pictures underwater, and cleaning the camera – click the links above to find out more!
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