Best underwater camera for snorkeling

Compact Digital Camera Characteristics

Mega Pixels – A megapixel is equal to one million pixels. Digital pictures are made from millions of these tiny, picture elements, the more pixels, the higher the image resolution.

Lens Quality – Using a better quality GLASS lens with better grinding techniques plus optical coatings is what makes a better lens. The lens is probably the most important factor in a good picture.

Optical Zoom – Not to be confused with “digital zoom”, optical zoom is the lens acting like a telescope. It is able to magnify the image with the lens. Digital zoom, just zooms in a part of a picture, the result is a picture of diminished quality.

Macro Lens – This where you are able to take a close up, usually within a foot or so. Most camera will not have the ability focus to an object so close.

Wireless Transfer – This is the ability to transfer pictures using wifi instead of using a USB cable.

Video – The ability to shoot video in at least 720p is certainly a nice feature to have with at least a refresh rate of 30fps. Better cameras allow 1020p or HD at 30fps. Normally this is only found on more expensive cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Underwater Cameras for Snorkeling

Q: How do I choose an underwater camera?

A: We definitely don’t want to scare you, but choosing the perfect underwater camera is hard. The” perfect” camera doesn’t exist, but you can surely find some great alternatives according to your budget and use. Firstly, you require a waterproof case (pretty obvious). Most renowned cameras come with a case inside the packaging, but you may need to invest in one with some other manufacturers. Some cameras may not even require a case. However, they have limited underwater depth.

As a beginner, we suggest you opt for a compact camera because it’s inexpensive, easy to use, and versatile. SLRs produce much better image results but need superior quality interchangeable lenses without any shutter lag while the better-looking sensors raise the price up by more than a notch. Moreover, the complex functions and handling make SLRs unsuitable for amateurs. Professionals aim for minimum shutter delay, extensive manual control, and white balance to give the images their own touch, whereas beginners demand automatic features.

Q: How do you carry a camera while snorkeling?

A: Customers are often confused about handling the camera while snorkeling. It’s fun having to take underwater pictures, but what about the time when you’d rather just observe the scenery without having to latch on to your camera. Let’s clear this: mounting the camera to your mask or head are quite possibly the worst ways of carrying the camera underwater. On the other hand, we recommend you to invest in a wrist strap or a pole to mount your camera onto for effective, hassle-free handling. Some people attach the camera to a catch bag as it doesn’t cause visible damage to the footage compared to extremely unstable footage when attached to your head strap or scuba tank.

Q: How can I learn about underwater photography?

A: It’s impossible to become a pro at underwater photography by just reading a guide on the internet. However, there are some valuable tips that make your experience comparatively easier. Water absorbs some vibrant colors from the light spectrum, therefore, you need to invest in a flash or strobe to make them visible. It’s vital to get extremely close- at least one meter near the subject since water is prone to reducing contrast, sharpness, and color. The image results would be much better is shot at eye level or a low position compared to shots from above. Moreover, learn when to use auto white balance (with flash) and custom white balance as well as the operating the manual mode and aperture priority mode.

Lastly, you need to apply all these tips on every underwater trip since” practice makes perfect.”

We hope you enjoyed our review, lets us know some of your underwater photography experiences.