Choosing a camera for underwater photography

The underwater depths fascinate and attract people, but for many centuries people had no opportunity to take pictures in the water column, since any video camera in such conditions would quickly fail. The situation changed drastically as soon as waterproof cameras were developed, they are now available in a wide range of stores in stores. However, it is possible to take really high-quality pictures only if you have good technology, choosing which you should take into account many different factors. They will be discussed in our review.

Devices designed for video and photography in the water column are gaining more and more popularity every year. They were first introduced to the market in 2012, they were invented by the engineers of the American company GoPro.

Among the characteristic features of such a technique are:

• compactness and light weight;
• housings are resistant to external influences;
• high parameters of protection against dirt, dust, shock, as well as moisture;
• good viewing angle;
• availability of additional options.

Such video cameras are bought not only by professionals, but also by amateurs engaged in diving or fishing. Using this device, you can fully convey all the beauty of the underwater world without distorting the video sequence.

There are several varieties of deep diving action cameras. The most popular on the market are aqua boxes, which are waterproof covers for a wide variety of equipment.

However, this solution has several disadvantages:

• aquabox significantly increases the total weight of the structure;
• the original mounts are far from always suitable for masks;
• the shape of the aqua box does not provide for streamlining, and this leads to increased energy consumption for the diver.

Also in stores you can find stand-alone models that allow you to dive into water to a depth of 20 m without any special devices. - such means are usually made miniature, fasteners for a helmet are not provided in them.

Diving enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the mask-mounted version of the camera, although this design creates certain restrictions on the use of the device.

There is a wide variety of underwater cameras on the market these days for a wide variety of wallets. We offer you to get acquainted with the rating of the most popular models in the budget segment and in the premium category.

Price: 7500 rub. With the help of such a camera, you can easily track everything that happens in the water column. The camera allows you to record video and audio, all clips are saved to Micro SD. The length of the cord is 20 m, so you can use such a camera even in fairly deep bodies of water. The design is based on the use of infrared LEDs - they do not scare away fish, since these creatures are simply not able to see infrared light.The display with a diagonal of 4, 3 inches makes it possible to trace everything that happens in the water column with maximum detail.

There are also a number of significant disadvantages. So, the display case does not provide for water resistance, so the user must be extremely careful when using the design - otherwise it will simply fail.

Price: 7000 rubles. This option is recognized by consumers as the best of all cameras in the budget segment. It provides protection against temperature effects, so that the models can be used in a wide temperature range. The display has flexible settings, so that the operator gets the most accurate picture of everything that happens in the water column. It is noteworthy that a typical problem for budget underwater cameras is the inability to turn the lens in different directions. However, due to the wide viewing angle of this model, this drawback is practically not felt.

A spare battery is included, allowing you to use your device twice as long without the need to recharge on long journeys. In general, this is a very solid option, which is optimal for those who want to try underwater photography, but are not ready to pay a lot of money for it right away.

Price: 4000 rub. One of the cheapest 4K cameras. Of course, the disadvantages of such a device are great. but if we take into account its cost, it becomes obvious that this camera fully justifies its price. The advantages of the model include a large number of mounts and all kinds of accessories, a box for underwater photography is provided - for such a cheap gadget, the equipment is quite rich. A 2-inch display is provided, thanks to which the user can align the frame and adjust the basic shooting parameters, and even in the bright sun it remains well readable. The camera can be powered by a power bank. The image quality is not bad for its value. Of course, there are some serious drawbacks - the sound quality is very low.

Besides, the user is not able to start real-time shooting, since to activate the recording, the start button must be held down for at least 3 seconds, followed by a rather slow loading. The kit does not include a lens cap, so this device can only be transported in a special pouch or aqua box. There is no stabilization, so all the videos look jerky.

Price: 32,000 rubles. One of the top models, a recognized leader in video and audio quality. The undoubted superiority in sound recording is provided by a pair of stereo microphones located in the front of the case, while when the camera is held in your hand, they do not overlap.

By the way, there is a lot of controversy around the ergonomics of this type of camera... Many extreme lovers are unhappy with the design features of this device, since the elongated case is not very convenient for attaching it to helmets or the user's protective equipment. However, they all agree that no better device has yet been invented for handheld underwater photography.

Price: 27,500 rubles. In recent years, the GoPro has been far from the best - in the premium segment they are "beaten" by Sony cameras, and in the economy category, numerous Chinese products are in the lead.From year to year, the brand's cameras have remained almost unchanged, but at the same time, they have not become worse, therefore, over the years, the HERO 7 Black cameras have been the leader in sales. The main advantage of this camera is its stabilizer performance.

The case is waterproof, withstands immersion to a depth of 10 m without the use of additional accessories. The design has an intuitive menu and convenient voice control. Among the shortcomings, one can note the incoming complaints from users about the periodic freezing of the camera; such shortcomings have to be corrected by removing the battery.

Price: 98,000 rubles. It is the most expensive but also the best waterproof underwater camera available for remote shooting while traveling. It has not only standard functionality, but also has a full-fledged echo sounder that helps fishermen to track fish schools. If you come to an unfamiliar body of water, then it will not take you too long to determine where the most fishy places are - the technology will do it for you. The 8-inch display transmits images in the highest quality.

Objectively, this device has no shortcomings - it is good in almost every aspect. However, you will have to pay a lot for such a miracle of engineering. If the issue of cost is secondary for you, then you can be absolutely sure - this camera is able to bring your hobby to the highest level.

Shooting underwater is very different from what is done on land. First of all, this is due to the fact that in the water column a number of external factors come into play, and also refraction of light occurs when the sun's rays pass the air-water border. There is little light under water - this is due to the fact that the density of the water is quite high, moreover, it is often quite cloudy.

That is why when choosing a camera for performing underwater filming, you should definitely take into account a number of nuances.

• Aqubox. A practical and reliable underwater case is the most important thing for filming when submerged in water. Now almost all action cameras provide for the obligatory aqua box, but not all of them are included in the kit, although ordering it is not a problem.
• Heat dissipation. During underwater shooting, the camera should not get too hot, otherwise the aqua box will start to fog up, and the frames will be spoiled. This disadvantage is typical for the vast majority of budget models, especially from little-known Asian manufacturers. Please note that the higher the resolution for the camcorder, the more heat will be generated by its body - for example, when shooting in 4K format, the load will be maximum.
• Picture and stabilization. Quality camera manufacturers have taken into account the fact that shooting underwater is difficult. Due to the high density and features of the environment, constant shaking occurs, so it is advisable to purchase a camera that is equipped with an image stabilization function. For filming in the water column, it is better to use devices with narrower lenses, which do not have the "fish eye" effect, and under water all video filming is done at close range, so the "fisheye" does not make any sense there. It is best to choose a camera that has a 90-degree field of view. Alternatively, you can purchase a device with a video distortion correction function.
• Light sensitivity. Everyone knows that light has the most significant effect on image quality. There is little light under water, so it is advisable to choose a camera that will shoot well even in dark places.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to such case parameters as:

• high level of moisture resistance;
• insulation of electrical elements;
• increased strength to allow the casing to withstand high water pressure.

In conclusion, I would like to outline the basic rules for using video cameras under water.

1. After any session of use, the device needs drying to remove all excess moisture.
2. It is very important to keep the lens clean and clean it as it gets dirty.
3. Store the camera in places with an average humidity level: too high a parameter can impair the quality of the optics, and excessive dryness adversely affect the tightness of the device.
4. During operation, it is important to monitor the battery charge level.