| There are two types of underwater camera | | | | Air is transparent, whereas water is not. |
| systems: an ""amphibious"" camera, which is | | | | Light does not travel in a straight path |
| a self-contained waterproof system, and an | | | | underwater like it does in air. Water is |
| SLR land camera with waterproof housing. | | | | denser and it includes particles of sand, |
| Amphibious systems are small, compact, and | | | | plankton, and other debris which scatter, |
| easy to travel with, while SLRs offer more | | | | reflect, and absorb light.You should know |
| advanced features, such as auto-focus, | | | | that all your underwater equipment needs and |
| advanced exposure control, and | | | | requires special care. Salt, sun, dirt and |
| through-the-lens viewing.The ""amphibious"" | | | | improper storage can damage a camera. Even |
| cameras are probably best for those of you | | | | though all your new stuff is made from rugged |
| who want a simple, easy-to-use | | | | materials built for underwater use, it still |
| point-and-shoot camera. Amphibious systems | | | | needs to be rinsed in fresh water after every |
| usually have a built-in lens and they will | | | | use. Saltwater should never be allowed to dry |
| take pictures on land as well as underwater. | | | | on the joints of the controls and metal |
| They also have an automatic film load and | | | | fittings. Salt is your system's number one |
| advance and are generally compact, | | | | enemy. Do not rinse with a hose. The high |
| lightweight, and rugged.If you are a more | | | | pressure may actually force salt crystals and |
| serious photographer and want the advantages | | | | sand into crevices. Use only soft lens |
| of a single-lens reflex camera you will | | | | tissues or photographic lens cloths on the |
| probably be happier with a land camera in | | | | lenses.The most important thing you need to |
| waterproof underwater housing.As a new | | | | know about your underwater camera care is how |
| underwater photographer you need to know the | | | | to clean and lubricate the O-ring after every |
| difference between taking pictures on land | | | | use. The O-Ring creates a watertight seal to |
| and underwater. The difference is what you | | | | protect your equipment from water, and so it |
| are shooting through to take the picture. | | | | is very important. |