Informative Tips on How to Use an Underwater Digital Camera - By: Jimmy Miller

Underwater photography is a fascinating and often tricky hobby. We have all noticed the beautiful pictures of tropical reefs and the burst of color that comes with those environs. For a scuba or snorkel diver it's natural and expected that one day you may want to record your trips beneath the waves by taking pictures so that all of your friends and family can also experience the deep. But before you dive headlong into the deep to get started taking pictures (no pun intended) there are a several things that you should have an understanding of.
First, you are obviously going to need a camera, an underwater digital camera. Digital cameras are the choice these days and have become the common choice for photographers. The underwater camera variety will certainly have attributes that protect against deterioration to the camera while in use at various depths. The best underwater digital cameras will have dependable functioning under the most severe conditions.
There are basic elements of using a camera underwater that each and every photographer should know:
1. The camera user should get close to subject, about 12 inches is best. The further you are away from the subject the more distortion because water reduces contrast, color and sharpness.
2. Make sure that you use the flash, preferably in “forced flash” mode.
3. When composing the shot try to aim “up” at the subject matter, filling the frame of the shot (don’t center). Avoid shooting the shot downward.
4. If you can see the subject’s eyes try to get them in focus.
5.Practice taking photos with your camera before diving, if you understand the operation of the camera you can avoid mistakes when underwater.
6. Use the minimum ISO and the highest resolution.
7.Select a shutter speed suitable for the subject; if the subject is still use 1/30th, if slow moving use 1/60th, if it is a fast moving subject use 1/125th.
8. Use the camera’s “raw” setting if possible. It will result in bigger files but better pictures.
9. When making use of a flash ensure that to use the automatic white balance mode.
10. If you are not using a flash then use manual white balance.
11.Make an effort to learn to use the manual function for your camera instead of automatic. Manual usually indicates using the aperture priority feature of the camera.
These guidelines should help those brand new to using a camera under the surface of the water. The modern day underwater digital cameras possess lots of features to help to make that job much easier than a few years ago when film was the order of the day.
The bottom line is that having this capability as a passion is very doable with the right camera and preparation. So go get yourself one of these serious gadgets and begin clicking away to record your underwater pursuits.

About the Author

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