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 of all, the fastenings: Your camera is only just as waterproof as its gaskets, so check these regularly, especially the ones places that are opened more frequently, such as memory card slots and buttons.
2) Next, the picture quality: Nowadays most cameras come with at least 5 megapixels of resolution and you may want to stick to that. Less resolution only represents a small saving, and much higher ones won’t make much of a difference for underwater cameras, except if you are a pro with special needs.
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) Characteristics: make sure that you have all the extra capabilities that you will need. Whether it’s a lens mount for filters, extra flash sockets, or simply different burst modes and automatic settings, check for them and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance at the shop.
6) Once you have your waterproof camera, you should learn about how to clean it correctly. Dust and sand will end your camera’s life quickly, and wrong cleaning and maintenance are just as bad. Refer to your user manual to learn about how to extend the life of the device.
7) Avoid exposing your waterproof camera to harmful chemicals, This includes Chlorine, so avoid using it in artificial pools. The sea, rivers and lakes are much safer environments for underwater photography equipment.
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) Acquaint yourself with your new waterproof camera gradually, trying out the various features and taking and pictures in a controlled environment before leaving on a big trip. This way you will avoid disappointment and also make more out of your camera in the end.