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Compact systems have the advantage of allowing you to change lenses easily while underwater. These cameras can be really worth it if you know how to use it. A DSLR, on the other hand, locks you into your lens selection before you go underwater. Compacts also offer more manual options, such as a removable lens and an adjustable float arm. But there are a few drawbacks to compact systems. Here are a few. They cost more than a DSLR, but they don't provide the quality of professional photos.
Underwater cameras usually come with adjustable float arms. These arms are attached to a housing, which can be adjusted for length and floating capacity. This feature is crucial for underwater photography, since the camera won't implode when the pressure in the housing exceeds its capacity. A standard clamp will not allow you to adjust the length of these arms. Instead, you can add or subtract arm elements.
Most camera manufacturers make tube float arms available in various lengths, with or without 1 inch (25mm) ball ends. Some models also feature hollow plastic tubes that create lift underwater, neutralizing the buoyancy of heavy camera systems. Tube float arms are often connected to housings with twist clamps. You can adjust the angle of the arms by tightening or loosening the clamps.
There are several benefits to using a compact underwater camera. One of the most obvious is the ease of setting up the camera close to the subject. The fisheye design allows for closer shooting, which makes it easier to get close up and use the camera's zoom capabilities. However, some users report problems when using the camera underwater. If you find yourself encountering such problems, it is best to consider other features of a compact camera.
The SeaLife Micro 2.0 is a popular choice for beginners, because it has three piano-key style buttons for easy use. Its menu guides you to the appropriate settings based on the depth, lighting conditions, and other environmental factors. The camera also has an in-built auto-focus system to avoid overexposing your subject. In contrast, the compact underwater camera is much cheaper than the DSLR camera. This type of camera is best suited for beginners and those with limited budgets.
In the UW camera market, you'll find mainly two brands: Nikon and Canon. Both companies produce good cameras, but the differences between them are minimal. DSLRs are designed for professional photographers, and their full manual controls are a big plus. These cameras also shoot in RAW photo format, which enables full editing of photos. But there's more to a DSLR than just image quality.
The main difference between a point and shoot camera and a DSLR is the sensor. A DSLR camera's sensor is a large piece of glass that converts light into a digital image file. In addition, DSLRs have an optical viewfinder, which most photographers prefer. Their large sensors also allow them to isolate foreground and background subjects and produce a beautiful background blur. Underwater, DSLR cameras also withstand extreme conditions.
Digital cameras have a distinct advantage over film cameras: the ability to change lenses while underwater. Most digital cameras can hold hundreds of pictures, while a standard film roll rarely has more than 36 frames. Changing film while underwater is impractical, as the underwater photographer must return to the surface to change the film. A digital camera can hold hundreds of images, and its memory card can store many more.
Underwater cameras require a special housing and lenses for the best underwater pictures. Most major camera manufacturers have a waterproof model, but shop around to find one that will suit your needs. Check the ratings of each model to ensure that it's waterproof to the desired depth. Changing film while underwater can cause a camera to stop working in the middle of the session. A DSLR can take photos even while submerged in water, so it's best to use a housing with an appropriate lens.
Among the disadvantages of using a smartphone as an underwater camera are its fixed lens and small size. This can make it difficult to focus underwater, but it can be an advantage when taking photos of aquatic life. Moreover, it has the advantage of being able to edit the photos in the future. Still, some people find using a smartphone as an underwater camera to be a disadvantage.
While most smartphones can take decent photos and videos underwater, they do not offer the best photo quality. A smartphone's battery is relatively small, and there is little room for a large lens. The only way to overcome this disadvantage is to purchase an underwater housing. This type of camera is typically more expensive than a smartphone, but if you're serious about taking underwater photos and videos, this is a must-have feature. Be careful that your camera lights don't scare fish.
