Waterproof Cameras: 9 Tips On How To Choose

Thursday, February 5, 2009 ·

By Randy Rushmore

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) Weight and Design: Make sure that you get the right balance package between size and bulkiness, specific to your photography needs. Consider how important extra equipment, such as external flashlights and other camera accessories, will be for you. Don't forget a strap to tie the waterproof camera to your hand.

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) Features and extras: Check that the waterproof camera has all the things you need. Important ones for underwater use are shutter speed and burst picture mode, good lens aperture, autofocus, and a powerful flash.

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.

8) make sure that you do not end up with a splash-proof camera, instead of a waterproof one. These are not intended to be submersed, and will assuredly leak and then break if you do put them under water.

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.

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