What Equipment is Used for Underwater
Photography

If you constantly marvel at stunning shots taken of rainbow colored fish darting around exquisite coral reefs, you might have wondered what equipment is used for underwater photography.

The idea to document life under the sea began decades ago by naturalists who wanted to share the joy and beauty of the deep with others. The first underwater color photo was taken in 1926 by Dr. William Longley and National Geographic staff photographer Charles Martin. The men recorded a shot of a hogfish floating effortlessly off the Florida Keys. Back then, Longley and Martin used cameras encased in waterproof housing and multiple pounds of highly explosive magnesium flash powder to illuminate their underwater environment. Today, underwater photo equipment has evolved to include safer high tech tools that can be used by everyday photographers.

Equipment is an important factor in taking awe-inspiring underwater pictures. These days you can find a wide range of underwater photo accessories from rudimentary waterproof cameras that can be thrown away after a single-use to high tech water resistant housing units that retail for tens of thousands of dollars.

Amateur photographers looking to capture their underwater adventures during diving vacations might consider sticking with disposable underwater cameras. These single-use waterproof cameras can be purchased at local discount stores for less than $15. They function in the same manner as traditional disposable cameras, but are designed to withstand underwater conditions.

Advances in digital photography have made point-and-shoot cameras designed specifically for underwater use practically obsolete. Only a handful of companies continue to manufacture an amphibious range finder camera that utilizes 35mm film.

Since the explosion of digital photography most underwater photographers opt to use their everyday “land” cameras to record deep-sea explorations. This is accomplished by housing traditional digital cameras in special waterproof units. Underwater housings are specific to the camera and are designed from a range of materials from inexpensive plastic to high-priced aluminum cases.

In addition to allowing divers to use their own digital cameras, some waterproof housing units also offer supplementary optics. This is especially helpful if your camera does not feature a wide-angle lens. Finally, when shopping for a housing unit, it's best to look for one that offers full control access. Some housings limit the controls you have underwater. The more controls your housing provides, the more options you will have while shooting.

Even though most cameras come equipped with a built-in flash, when shooting images underwater it's beneficial to have a separate flash or strobe. This provides more light from different angles. Having an external flash unit is especially critical if you are planning to capture pictures in deep, dark, low visibility environments such as caves or shipwrecks.

Since color is absorbed as it travels through water, the deeper you are, the more likely you will notice a reduction in the clarity of reds, oranges and yellows. A strobe replaces that color. It also helps to provide shadow and texture, and is a valuable tool for creating a balance between available sunlight and complete darkness.

If you are just starting out in underwater photography, you should consider talking with divers who are experienced in the field. This will help you get acquainted with what equipment is used for underwater photography and determine what system best suits your needs and budget.

If you are unable to locate an underwater photo pro, then consider these three simple tips provided by expert underwater photographers:

1. Shop for your camera, housing and strobes together. While you don’t have to purchase all the equipment at the same time, it's beneficial to see which items complement each other. What’s more, older models may have had housings available, but have since discontinued them.
2. If you plan to invest in a digital SLR system, consider purchasing the entire line. Doing so will help save you money and provide the opportunity to invest in other accessories in the same line without having to start from scratch.
3. Experiment with rental units. Many scuba companies allow divers to rent underwater cameras for specific sessions. If you feel comfortable with the rental model and are happy with the results, you can consider purchasing a similar unit.

Not every camera store carries underwater photo equipment, which is why most experienced divers shop online. The following are some top rated companies that specialize in underwater photo equipment:

• Sea & Sea
• Subal
• Nexus USA
• IKELITE

As with traditional photography, you might consider starting off with a cheaper line of equipment and work your way up to more advanced offerings. With the vast amount of underwater photo equipment on the market today, even inexperienced divers can capture vibrant shots under the sea.

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