Waterproof Digital Cameras

The Nikon D700 is one of the company’s top DSLRs. It boasts of a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor assuring you of clearly defined and rich photos. An outstanding feature is the high ISO sensitivity ranging from 200 to 6,000 making it capable of capturing excellent images even in extremely low-light conditions. Constructed with a rugged magnesium alloy and provided with dust and moisture protection, the camera can absorb a certain amount of punishment without damaging its internal components.

Owing to its tough housing, the Nikon D700 can be taken beyond the usual milieu for expensive DSLRs. It can be taken for a swim and a dive down to 200 feet beneath the waves provided it is encased in a suitable underwater housing, such as the Sea & Sea MDX-PRO D700.

This Sea & Sea model is dedicated to the Nikon D700 and is constructed out of an aluminum body that is CNC machined from a solid block precisely cutting and polishing its most minute detail. As it is made of aluminum, it is both light and durable. An anodized coating is applied to protect it from rust, corrosion, and abrasion.

Sliding the camera inside the housing is facilitated by a quick shoe. A port lock device keeps the port closed, while locking latches secure the opening of the housing preventing it from accidental opening. As a further precautionary measure, the housing is equipped with a leakage sensor that alerts you to the slightest seepage of water.

Although the camera is capable of shooting in low light conditions, the housing comes with two type-N strobe connectors. The external flash can be triggered by the camera’s built-in flash. The main and sub-command dials are strategically positioned on the housing allowing you to operate them without letting go of the handgrips.

The 7.5 megapixel Olympus Evolt E-330 differs dramatically from most other DSLR cameras. It is the first to offer live preview. Conventional DSLR design makes live preview impossible because the mirror deflecting incoming light to the viewfinder blocks its path to the sensor. Olympus tweaked this design and came up with a solution. With this, it is able to offer an LCD screen, installed in the Evolt E-330, that can be flipped out to capture shots from awkward angles, expanding your options.

Said options are further expanded by the Olympus PT-E02 Underwater Housing that is specifically designed for the Evolt E-330. Made of clear and transparent polycarbonate, it is tough enough to withstand water pressures up to a depth of close to 200 feet. With the help of a silicone O-ring main seal, safety locks, and stainless steel as well as nickel-plated brass hardware, water is effectively excluded from the casing.

The LCD display of the Evolt E-330 is clearly visible through the polycarbonate allowing you to properly compose your underwater photos of sharks, manta rays, blue whales, or marine plants. Camera settings are also visible and they can be adjusted through buttons and knobs conveniently mounted on the housing.

In front of the camera lens is a clear fluorite (FL) glass. This protects the lens while at the same time allowing the entry of light rays into the lens without distorting them. A flash diffuser is integrated with the housing allowing you to use the camera’s built-in flash in low-light conditions.

The PT-E02 housing is compatible with the optical glass flat ports PPO-E01 designed for the 14-45 mm zoom, and the 35 mm macro lenses; PPO-E02 for the 14 – 54 mm and 11 – 22 mm zoom lenses; and the PPO-E03 for the 50 mm macro lens. It can also be coupled with the PFL-E01 Flash Housing that can accommodate Olympus’ FL-36 Flash.

For amateur photographers who feel they have exhausted everything compact digital cameras have to offer and want to move up to the world of SLRs, the Nikon D40 is an excellent camera.

The entry-level camera features a 6.1-megapixel CCD DX-format imaging sensor guaranteeing sharp images and vivid colors. Controls are intuitive providing a smooth transition from the simplicity of compact digital cameras to the complexity of DSLRs. Even its size and weight are perfectly suited to this transition. It is Nikon’s smallest DSLR and weighs only about 16 oz.

A 2.5-inch LCD color monitor can be used for picture composition if you do not wish, or if it inconvenient, to use the viewfinder, and for playing back captured images. An in-camera image-editing feature allows you to edit your photos without need of a computer so that you can directly connect the camera to a printer.

The Aquatica D40 underwater housing was built specifically for the Nikon D40. It is constructed out of anodized aluminum making it light yet durable, able to resist corrosion even with constant exposure to seawater. It is also resistant to warping and twisting even under tremendous water pressure up to a depth of 61 m.

The housing features a bayonet port system that accepts all of Aquatica’s available ports, gears, and extensions providing you with a wide range of shooting options and maximizing your creativity. In addition to a full access of all camera controls through the housing, it also has a quick-response zoom control.

The Aquatica D40 Underwater Housing has dimensions of 154 x 176 x 127.

Featuring a 10-megapixel CCD sensor coupled with a Nikkor 3x optical zoom, the equivalent of 36 – 180 mm in a 35 mm formal camera, Nikon Coolpix assures you of high-resolution wide angle as well as close up photos. The camera uses Nikon’s EXPEED digital processor to faithfully reproduce captured images.

With a manual ISO setting of up to 2,000, you can shoot clear images even under low-light conditions. You can also freeze quick-moving subjects by increasing the shutter speed and compensating with a higher ISO. Auto ISO setting is available with a range of 64 – 800.

Apart from taking still photos, the camera also has three movie modes, complete with sound. Photo and video composition is done through a 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 230,000 dots. It has a 170° viewing angle, both horizontal and vertical, and an anti-reflection coating. It also has an acrylic panel that is scratch and fingerprint resistant. An electronic VR or vibration resistant feature compensates for camera shake resulting from slight hand movements. This guarantees sharp photos even when using a slow shutter in low-light situations or emphasizing the movement of the subject.

The Nikon Coolpix S550 can also be taken to 200 feet underwater to capture marine life and scenery. However, this is possible only when encased in a waterproof housing like the Ikelite 6281.55 Underwater Housing. This is a clear housing that gives you full view of your camera. All controls are accessible via levers and buttons on the housing.

It has an easy-to-open latch yet it provides a tight closing when locked, effectively sealing off the housing. After opening, you only need to drop the camera in, lock the housing and you can jump into the water. A flash diffuser comes with the unit to help improve lighting. If light from the built-in flash is insufficient, you can attach an underwater external strobe.

The housing measures 6″ W x 4.4″ H x 3.4″ D including the port. When loaded with the Nikon S550, the Ikelite 6281.55 Underwater Housing weighs 1.5 lbs under water, meaning it has an almost neutral buoyancy.

Cyber-shot is a line of Sony digital cameras which are known for their InfoLithium battery pack and Carl Zeiss lenses. There are actually 15 series of models of Cyber-shot cameras of which the W series is one. These cameras use wide angle lenses with special coating for panoramic shots. The W series, in turn, includes 20 different variations.

Of these, the DSC W210, DSC W220, and DSC W270 are of identical dimensions and thus all fit into the Sony MPK-WEB Marine Housing for Cyber-shot Digital Cameras. Although the DSC WX1 is slightly smaller, it is also compatible with the marine housing.

All of these Cyber-shot cameras except for the WX1, boast of a 12.1-megapixel CCD image sensor assuring high-resolution photos. For the W210 and W220, this is coupled with a Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom which is the equivalent of a 30 – 120 mm lens in the 35 mm format. The W270 has a slightly wider range at 5x starting from 28 – 140 mm. With these zoom ranges, you can shoot wide landscape vistas as well as up close and personal portraits. The WX1, on the other hand, has a 10.2-megapixel image sensor, with a lens identical to that of the W270.

The Sony MPK-WEB Marine Housing for Cyber-shot Digital Cameras is the diving gear of the DSC W210, DSC W220, and DSC W270. It can take them to a depth of 40 m to shoot underwater landscapes and marine life. A special o-ring is supplied to resist water even under pressure.

A diffuser in front of the camera’s built-in flash can be used underwater. If, however, it proves insufficient to supply needed lighting, it can also be used to trigger an external slave strobe. It is compatible with the HVL-ML20M underwater light. This, however, requires the VCT-MP1K arm. An LCD hood is installed over the monitor to shade it from light that could affect the display.

The marine housing has dimensions of 148 W x 112 H x 89 D mm.

The D90 is one of the more affordable DSLRs in the Nikon lineup. With this model, excellent camera features are brought within the reach of more amateur photographers.

The camera boasts of a 12.3-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor in DX format. This, together with its EXPEED image processor and Nikkor lens, assures you of high-resolution images with minimum noise. One of its best features is that it is the first DSLR with an HD movie capability. It can capture 24 fps movie clips at 720p HD complete with sound.

In order for recreational divers and water adventurers not to miss out on the opportunity to record their exploits with the Nikon D90, Aquatica introduced the AD90 Underwater Housing that is dedicated to the D90, and which is equally affordable.

Known formally as the Aquatica AD90 Underwater Housing for Nikon D90, it is constructed from a solid piece of machined aluminum that resists twisting and warping. This is a necessary feature as twisted or warped controls could fail to function especially when subjected to high water pressures. The aluminum is anodized and coated with polyurethane for extra protection against corrosion resulting from exposure to salt water.

All controls for taking stills and videos are accessible through its buttons and levers. Both the on/off/info and shutter release levers are extended for an easier operation even when wearing gloves. Its bayonet port system accommodates various ports, extensions, and gears. It also has a lens release button allowing you to change lenses through the port aperture.

Picture composition can be done either through Aquatica’s Aqua View Finder which magnifies the image from the camera viewfinder, or through its LCD monitor which is visible through a window in the back of the housing.

The housing has a depth rating of 300 feet or 90 meters.

Built with an aluminum body, the Seatool Housing for Canon EOS 40D is light compared to other underwater camera housings. It weighs 1.7 kg on air, but when mated with the camera and taken underwater, this is reduced to 170 g making it negatively buoyant but only slightly.

The Seatool housing has a depth rating of 60 m. It features a design that is compact and ergonomic, which makes shooting comfortable. Camera installation is easy. Ports are interchangeable, allowing you to mount different lens types, from macro through wide angle to zoom. These lenses can be changed through the port.

A diffuser in front of the camera’s built-in flash allows its use underwater. Large ports, however, may obstruct light from it.To remedy this, an accessory shoe for macro flash is incorporated at the top of the housing. A single 5-pin Nikonos bulkhead is included with the housing for attachment to the flash.

The Seatool Housing for Canon EOS 40D measures 210 mm W x 123 mm D x 164 mm H. With these dimensions, there is plenty of room inside it for the Canon EOS 40 as it only measures 146 mm W x 74 mm D x 108 mm H.

The EOS 40D boasts of 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that guarantees high-resolution photos suitable for enlargement or cropping. In addition to its viewfinder with a magnification of 0.95x, it also has a 3.0-inch LCD with Live View mode. This allows the taking of photos from all angles, from bird’s- to worm’s-eye views.

The camera is equipped with a DIGIC III processor which enables the EOS 40D to respond and operate quickly as well as to assure authentic color reproduction. It also has a low power consumption thus extending battery life.

Plenty of other features are incorporated in the Canon EOS 40D that advanced amateurs and novice professionals would appreciate. Although on its own it is a landlubber, mating it with the Seatool Housing will allow it to dive into the vast underwater world for more shooting opportunities.

There are not too many differences between the Olympus D-575 and D-580 digital cameras and their cases are not one of them. For this reason, they can both fit into the Olympus PT021 Underwater Housing.

Although officially called an Underwater Housing because it is capable of bringing these two fine Olympus digital cameras underwater, its area of protection is wider than that. On land, it also shields the camera from dust and snow as well as bumps, falls, and knocks.

The housing is made of clear polycarbonate with red highlights in front of the lens, the hinges and clamps, and on some of the levers and buttons that access camera functions. There is also a diffuser in front of the built-in flash, and a detachable hood for the LCD monitor. Since polycarbonate has good optical qualities, the camera’s 1.8-inch LCD monitor is clearly visible through the housing.

As far as underwater protection is concerned, the Olympus PT021 can withstand water pressures up to depths of 130 feet. A rubber o-ring seal runs the full length of the shell’s joints to prevent water seepage. When on terra firma, the impact-resistant polycarbonate shell absorbs the shock of falls and bumps keeping the camera untouched.

A mounting for converter lenses and filters are incorporated in the PT021 for more creative photography. Should the internal flash prove insufficient to provide proper lighting under the water, it can be used to trigger a slave flash. All camera controls are fully accessible.

One of the differences between the D-575 and D-580 is their image sensors. The D-575 sports a 3.2-megapixel sensor while the D-580 boasts of 4 megapixels. Both have 3x optical zoom lenses. As for their digital zoom, however, the D-575’s is less at 3.3x to the D-580’s 4x.

They also have seven shooting modes you can choose from that would cover most shooting situations. These include landscape, portrait, night scene, and a movie mode with audio.

When joined, the Olympus PT021 and D-575 or D-580assure you of great photos while playing in the rivers, lakes, and oceans, whether on or below their surfaces.

Featuring a 7-megapixel CCD sensor with a Nikkor 3x optical zoom, the Nikon Coolpix L12 captures high-resolution photos and pulls distant subjects closer to the camera. Optical Vibration Reduction and Image Stabilization functions guarantee sharp and distinct photos even when shooting from a moving vehicle. A 2.5-inch LCD-TFT monitor with a resolution of 115,000 dots makes picture composition and playback possible even under bright sunlight.

Shooting in low light conditions is also possible with its high ISO sensitivity of up to 1,600. Its Face-Priority AF detects faces and adjusts aperture and shutter speed for their proper exposure. It also has an automatic In-Camera Red-Eye Fix. In addition to still pictures, the Coolpix can also record videos, including their sounds.

This excellent camera’s capabilities are expanded further by the Fantasea FL-12 Underwater Housing. With the housing, the Coolpix L12 can take a dive up to depths of 200 feet and capture underwater life and sceneries.

The Fantasea FL-12 is made of injection-molded clear polycarbonate which gives you a full view of the camera inside. It is lightweight yet it is highly resistant to impact and to extreme temperatures.

The housing’s main seal is a radial o-ring. This, along with four stainless steel buckles assuring a tight clamping of the shell, effectively keeps water from seeping through the joints. The command control buttons on the housing that access those on the camera are also fitted with double o-ring seals.

All controls of the Coolpix L12 are accessible through the housing’s buttons. These are made of coated brass that resist corrosion even after exposure to salt water. A removable diffuser is mounted in front of the built-in flash for low-light underwater photography. For the installation of different filters and accessory lenses, the Fantasea FL-12 accepts a 46 mm thread on its port ring.

The Canon EOS 7D is the company’s answer to rival Nikon’s D300s. Both of these cameras are intended for advanced amateurs and budding professionals who demand features necessary to create spectacular photos with excellent color reproduction and sharp images.

The EOS 7D boasts of an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. With this level of resolution, you can crop your pictures and enlarge them without any significant loss of detail. Apart from capturing still photos, the camera is also capable of recording 1080p HD videos. Exposure control can be adjusted manually, and you can even choose the frame rate.

In addition to an Intelligent Viewfinder, you can also use the 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor for picture composition. It has 920,000 dots guaranteeing sharp images during both composition and playback.

Although the body of the EOS 7D is made of magnesium alloy that is dust and weather-resistant, it is not equipped to deal with a more radical exposure to the elements. It cannot resist water and therefore is unable to capture images from under the seas. In order not to miss out on this opportunity, it has to be encased in an underwater housing. One possibility is the Aquatica Underwater Housing that is dedicated to the EOS 7D.

Aquatica housings are machined from solid aluminum, after which they are treated and anodized to a level on par with military specifications. The housing is finished with a polyurethane powder coating that is electrostatically applied and heat-treated. This provides a robust protection against wear and the effects of exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Being made of aluminum, the Aquatica housing is lightweight. In spite of this, it is strong enough to have a depth rating of 300 feet. The port mount is bayonet-type making it easy to install or uninstall ports. The port is wide enough to allow changing camera lenses without having to take it out of the housing. All camera controls are accessible including video controls. And in case you want to record dolphin sounds along with the video, you can install an optional hydrophone.

Bulkheads and connectors for external flashes are also provided on the housing.