Often it is not possible to capture the beauty of underwater life with normal camera, but thanks to underwater models, now you can explore the marine life. An underwater camera is a special designed digital camera used for still and video photography to capture the amazing flora and fauna of marine life.
You can capture the still images of sea life or can shoot while scuba diving. Safely protected with waterproof casing, these models are designed to be fully submerged underwater and withstand any surrounding pressure. The smaller models of underwater cameras are normally ideal for up to two hundred feet to four hundred feet while the bigger devices are made for deeper water regions.
As compared to film-based underwater cameras, the underwater digital cameras are much better since they don't run out of film. Yon can also delete any bad shots or change to a lower resolution picture mode in low-light conditions. No more fuzzy backgrounds and edges as seen in film underwater devices, with their wide-angle photography, underwater digital cameras delivers sharper images.
Available in all sizes, shapes and film format, many underwater digital cameras also come with viewfinder feature which helps in picture adjustment for photography. With some nice prints, they produces better images which are really helpful for amateur photographers. However they are not only meant for deep-sea divers. Many underwater models available today can also be used to take quality pictures on dry land in harsh climatic conditions like snowfall and severe rains. Adorned with multi-flash function, color correction filter and macro lens, the underwater digital camera offers superb image quality. Just like normal digital camera, they also comes with 15MB of sufficient memory along with the storage, editing and manipulation software.
If you wonder which model of underwater digital camera to choose, what features to consider, then here is a briefly discussed guide on the features of some prominent underwater digital camera models.
Panasonic SDR-SW20:
This compact model is for those who want an easy-to-use and lightweight device. With 10x optical zoom and MPEG-2 format up to 10 Mbps, this is one of the best digital cameras available for video recording. However, with only 0.3MP 640x480 still imaging capability, the still imaging options are basically non-existent in this new model.
Pentax Optio W30:
One of the pioneers in underwater, the current Optio W30 comes with 7MP with ISO1600 and 3x optical zoom image recording feature. Supported by both SD and SDHC, videos in this model is of 640x480 in MOV QuickTime MJPEG format.
Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1:
This is the one of the best designed underwater photo devices for up to 5feet depth of water. With 4GB card, and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640x480 powers, the Xacti E1 allows shooting with an approximate record time of over 5 hours. For still images, this device offers a solid 5x optical zoom with a 6MP CCD at up to ISO1600 power. One special key feature of this underwater digital camera is the flip out view screen which saves you from the risk of bumping in with underwater objects while swimming around.
Olympus SW series:
At 10 Megapixels, ISO1600, and a 3.6x optical zoom feature, Olympus may also be one of the most well rounded underwater models. With an underwater depth up to 6.6 feet, this is the deepest water digital camera on the list.
Intova IC-700 7.0MP digital camera with underwater housing:
Available in an affordable price of around 0, this underwater digital camera features 7 megapixels, macro mode and an in-built flash that can reach up to five feet underwater.
