Using underwater cameras on your scuba vacation

Benefits of taking an underwater camera on your scuba vacation. Okay, even though the benefits of taking a camera that is capable of photographing underwater seem obvious, let’s take a look at them:

1. You get interesting photos: The life and other things you see when scuba diving is completely different from anything you see above water. We do not see striped, colorful, people walking around. So, one huge benefit of taking your underwater camera on your scuba vacation is you get photos you will never get anywhere else. Beautiful rock formations, tropical fish, plant life that only exists in that sphere, you name it.
2. Once in a lifetime experiences: while there are thousands of people who scuba dive, there are also thousands of people who don’t. The sites you see, and the experiences you have when scuba diving are once in a lifetime. You may see activities of fish that no one else will see. You can’t exactly duplicate your experience, but with an underwater camera you can document it.
3. Immortalize memories: The best way to remember the colorful fish and beautiful corals, seaweeds, etc. that you saw on your scuba vacation is to take photos. Without an underwater camera, this is not possible.

As you can see, taking an underwater camera on your scuba vacation is a good idea. So, what are you options for getting an underwater camera?

Options:

• Disposable: Underwater cameras do not have to be terribly expensive for you. Yes, it is more expensive than a typical disposable camera, but much less than purchasing a non-disposable camera. Most disposable underwater cameras cost about $20.
• Non-disposable: There are cameras that have been designed specifically for use underwater. These cameras have special technology to waterproof them, and to get good underwater photos. So, if you scuba dive often, and want to document what you see on your dives, investing some money in a good non-disposable underwater camera is a good idea.

What to look for:

• Depth: underwater cameras can only take the pressure of the water up to a particular depth. So, when choosing an underwater camera to take on your scuba vacation, consider how deep you dive, and choose an appropriate camera.
• Warranty: if you are going to purchase a non-disposable underwater camera for your scuba vacation, choose one with a great warranty. Also, be sure you understand what invalidates the warranty. (For example, if you take the camera deeper than 200 ft, your warranty may become invalid)
• Affordability: when you choose an underwater camera do not just look at the initial cost. Look at other features. Does this camera require special batteries? Does this camera require special film? Etc. Knowing the long term costs is important. Weigh such costs against amount of use. If you do not dive often, consider purchasing a disposable camera for each dive. Even in the long run this may be a cheaper option for you.
• Use limitations: can you use in not underwater? Many underwater cameras have great ability above water as well, indoor or outdoor. If you want just one camera, find an underwater camera that takes great above water photos as well.
• Size: if your underwater camera is too large, you won’t take it with you on your dive, so be smart, choose one that has the feature you want, but that has a convenient size.
• Flash: it gets dark under the ocean, so be sure that whether you choose a disposable or non-disposable camera, choose one with an adequate flash for the dives you will do.