Tis the season to ditch Old Man Winter for sunny skies, soft sand, and warm water. If you are fortunate enough to jet-off to a tropical locale you’ll likely do so to the chorus of “take lots of pictures.”
Whether you are documenting your vacation under the sea for posterity or you just want to make your Facebook friends jealous, you need the right equipment. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank purchasing a waterproof camera for your upcoming trip to paradise. These days you can buy disposable point-and-shoot underwater cameras, though if you are a serious shooter, a waterproof digital camera may be more appropriate.
If you are planning to explore above and below the sea, then you’ll want to snag a camera that is both waterproof and shockproof. In addition, size matters. Look for a camera that features a decent size LCD screen, but is compact enough to tote underwater. Another feature to consider is construction. A high-quality waterproof camera will be rubber armored and depth rated to at least three meters. Having an instant focus feature and the ability to shoot still images and video is a plus too.
Another option is to purchase an underwater housing unit for your existing digital camera. Most of the plastic cases come equipped with built-in diffusers, single O-rings for waterproof seals, easy access to the camera’s functions through well-placed push-button controls and an anti-glare hood which sits over the LCD screen.
Regardless of the type of camera or waterproof casing you select it’s important to angle your body just right when snapping shots underwater. Controlling your breathing and buoyancy before pressing down on the shutter button is critical if you want to avoid taking blurry images. If you are contorted in an unusual way your breathing with be compromised and the chances of taking a stellar underwater photo is slim. Also, don’t forget to practice patience when documenting life under the sea. Sudden movements will scare away fish. By employing patience you will be able to capture awe-inspiring shots of stunning sea life.
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