There are a variety of different cameras that have been specifically designed for use underwater, or in environments where they are likely to get wet. Choosing which one to buy is a matter of considering your requirements, as well as the cost of the different types.

Some disposable cameras can be used in the water. These are very cheap and usually take twenty to thirty photos. Once full, the camera is handed over to be developed and cannot be used again. These camera are usually suitable for use in wet conditions, such as rain, snow or when splashing around at the beach. They can generally cope with being taken underwater to a depth of 20-30 feet, which makes them ideal for a snorkeling or diving trip.

Reusable cameras are also available for underwater use, and they will be a more sensible option for those who often require a waterproof camera. They can usually be taken into more deeper water than their disposable counterparts. Film cameras that are designed for underwater use can be found at quite low prices.

A range of underwater digital camera is also available, with many different models offering various levels of quality and cost. Many have excellent resolutions that will ensure a detailed, high quality photo. They are designed to be simple to use when underwater, and can usually be switched between land and sea modes with a one-button click.

Many cameras offer additional options, such as a range of flash modes specifically tailored for different undersea conditions; each intended for use with different types of subjects at different distances from the photographer. The more advanced users will be able to find cameras that offer a selection of manual controls for resolution, exposure and other settings.

In order to get a true picture of the bright underwater colors found in many dive sites, it is possible to add an external flash to the camera, which will provide much more light than the camera’s inbuilt flash, and can allow the subject to be lit from different angles. Digital cameras have a specific mode for use with a different flash.

When taking photographs underwater it is important to be aware of the differences in the light, as opposed to above water photography. The light grows dimmer with increasing depth, but many cameras will be able to compensate for this automatically by changing the aperture and shutter speed.

Choosing a model with a large, clear picture-viewing screen will make it easier to set up your underwater pictures; although some photographers prefer to use a Sports Finder mounted on top of the camera. If you will be underwater for quite a long time, and need to conserve power, then shutting the screen off may be necessary. Having a large one mounted on top of the camera can make this easier.

For more tips and advice on choosing the best digital camera for you underwater use, visit us at GuidesToCameras.com. Be sure to check out our holiday photograph tips!

Underwater Camera FAQ:

Question: Ice fishing underwater camera vs portable sonar?
What is better an underwater camera or a portable sonar?

Answer: Both would be ideal, use the sonar to locate depth, structure and fish. Once you find the fish use your camera to see what the fish are and to select fish by pulling your bait away from smaller fish and jigging it right in front of the bigger ones.
If you can only have one then get the sonar if you can afford it get both you will get a lot of use out of your sonar and it will increase your success but you will enjoy the camera a lot more once the sonar puts you on the fish.

Question: What good quality underwater video camera should I get?
In need of a good quality, not badly priced water proof video camera that I can use underwater and as a regular video camera. Suggestions would be great.

Answer: Depends on depth. The Olympus Stylus 8000 “Rugged” is a good all-around camera with movie mode. For depths to 10 feet, the Stylus 550 is an economical choice. Since you plan to use this in the water, I suggest you get the optional bouyant strap because otherwise the camera will sink.

Question: What is the BEST underwater camera for Real scuba diving for a pretty cheap price?
I’m going to Hawaii next year and I’m going scuba diving when I’m there. I want to catch that on film, but I want one for cheap.

Answer: The problem with cheap is that you get what you pay for.

The cheapest ‘dive’ housing is little more than a ziplock bag, rated to 5m and completely pointless for diving.

If you already have a semi decent digital camera than you can probably get a housing for it. You can get ‘proper’ dive housings for most well known brands of digital camera, cannon, nikon, fuji, sony etc. They replicate all of the functions and are usually rated to between 10m and 50m with some rated to 100m. The deeper rated camera’s generally have single or dual o-ring protection and are worth the extra over a non o-ring variety. Expect to pay as much if not more for the housing than you did for the camera.

Any depth rating is a static rating, i.e. it is a measure of just the depth that the camera can be taken to and expect to survive without flooding. But if you accidentally knock the housing against something then you can easily exceed the rating and cause it to flood. This is why they tell you to never jump in while holding your camera and to always get someone to hand it to you.

Question: How much would a basic, digital, underwater camera cost?
And where should I look to find one? I’m going on a cruise, and they sell disposable cameras on the ship…but I would like a digital one so I can put the pictures on facebook and myspace

Answer: I would suggest Canon D10. It takes good picture quality for both in and out of the pool. Waterproof to 33 feet, cold resistant from 14-104 degrees (F) and shockproof up to 4 feet. Or another good one Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. Waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. Good picture quality and also takes HD video.

Question: Will an infrared heat camera work underwater?
Will an infrared heat camera work underwater? (given that it is waterproof)

Answer: The camera will work, however, thermal IR energy will not travel through water. Thus, trying to image a whale will not work.

Question: Do I need to buy underwater housing for my camera?
So I have this camera, Canon PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD. It says its waterproof up to 33 feet. My mother said that I need to buy a case for it to go underwater since I might ruin it. But, I don’t think so because its made to go underwater. But, I don’t want to risk it.

Answer: No, it doesn’t need the underwater housing. It is a “Waterproof” camera.

Question: I need to find underwater housing for my camera.
I have the Panasonic Lumix LX3. I really want to use this camera underwater because of its raw modes and because I love it! But I can’t find underwater housing for it.

Answer: The only place to actually buy a underwater case would be from the manufacturer itself. Go to the panasonic website.

Question: Can this camera take pictures underwater?
I bought the SONY DSC-TX1 for Christmas and I read the instruction manual and there’s settings on the camera that allow you to take pictures underwater. I’m not sure if you can, though because the salesperson where I got it from never mentioned anything about it, and I haven’t tried putting it in water myself for obvious reasons.

Answer: Yes it can but you would need to purchase the Sony Marine Pack to house your camera. The pack is roughly $200. You can go to the Sony site to purchase the Marine Pack.