Waterproof Digital Cameras

Although some people say the best things in life are free, this isn’t exactly true when in comes to cameras. Nikon’s flagship model, the D3X, has a price tag that is in the neighborhood US$8,000. The D3 used to be the second most expensive Nikon, costing about US$5,000, but it has recently been eclipsed by the D3S by a couple of hundred dollars.

The D3X offers extreme resolution with its 24.5-megapixel CMOS sensor in FX format, while the D3 has 12.1-megapixels also with CMOS sensor in FX format. Both cameras feature Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing Technology. Their LCD monitors are of the same size, at three inches, but the D3X has 920k dpi compared to the D3’s 922k. ISO range also differs, with 200 – 6400 for the D3 and 100 – 1600 for the D3X though this is expandable to 50 – 6400. Continuous shooting for the D3 is at 9 fps while the D3X is slower at 5 fps.

The top of the line model is intended for professional studio and wedding photographers or those who have need of high resolution photos. The older D3, on the other hand is more suited for photojournalists and action and sports photographers. There is, or course, nothing to stop serious amateurs from using these cameras. And they can take them anywhere they want, even underwater for high resolution or action photos of marine life.

They will need, however, an underwater housing like the Aquatica D3-D3X. The housing has a depth rating of 90 meters. Its body is made of precision-machined aluminum that is anodized and coated with polyurethane.

The Aquatica D3-D3X features a bayonet port system which accepts different ports intended for all types of lenses. It also allows changing of lenses without having to remove the camera from the housing. In the unlikely event that moisture seeps into it, a visual and audible alarm is set off.

You can access all camera menu controls through the housing. There are spring-loaded contacts for some of the settings. Two Nikonos bulkhead connectors are included for your lighting needs.

There are plenty of people who, after taking great photos with their compact digital cameras, because they want to take even greater and more creative photos, are switching to DSLRs. There are a lot of entry-level options to choose from, even from a single manufacturer. Nikon, for instance, has several models. Arguably, the best of the lot is the Nikon D5000.

The D5000 has a 12.9-megapixel CMOS sensor in DX-format. Aside from capturing clear and sharp still images, it can also record 720p HD video. Both still and moving images are enhanced by quality Nikkor lenses.

Picture composition can be done either through an optical viewfinder or the 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD display. This color monitor can be flipped both to protect the LCD screen when not in use and to allow various shooting angles from bird’s to worm’s eye views.

The camera features 19 advanced scene modes including one for beach and snow settings. However, you might want to protect it from getting splashed with seawater or getting hit with snowballs. The Ikelite 6801.50 Underwater Housing is an excellent armor specifically constructed for the D5000. It goes a little further, though, than just shielding the camera from splashed seawater and hurled snowballs. It can take the DSLR down to 60 meters below the water surface.

The casing is made of thick and clear polycarbonate that allows you to actually see if the o-ring seal is properly installed. The LCD display is also clearly visible through the case. Except for diopter adjustment, all camera functions are accessible through knobs, dials, and levers that are ergonomically positioned and mounted on the case. Peering into the viewfinder is facilitated with the Super-Eye, an extended eye-relief that can easily be looked into even when wearing a diving mask.

Lens ports are interchangeable to accommodate wide-angle, zoom, and macro lenses expanding your shooting options. External strobe lights for additional lighting can also be attached.

The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS, known in Europe as Digital Ixus 95 IS, is one of the two slimmest PowerShot models. It has a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 10 million effective pixels. The lens is a 3x optical zoom, which is equivalent to 35 – 105mm in a 35mm format camera, and is complemented by a 4x digital zoom. The lens allows you to take both wide angle and close up photos, while the digital zoom enables the enlargement of your prints. You can also shoot HD videos with it and, with its HDMI connectivity, view them on your HDTV.

A noteworthy feature is the Smart Auto mode which guarantees great photos through the camera’s Scene Detection Technology. This scrutinizes the brightness, distance, contrast, and overall hue of a scene and automatically sets the appropriate shooting mode from 18 possible choices.

Intelligent technologies are incorporated into the PowerShot SD1200 IS. These include Improved Motion Detection, which shoots blur-free moving subjects; iContrast, which brightens dark areas; Face Detection, which guarantees proper exposure of the subjects’ faces; and Auto Red-Eye Correction.

The PowerShot SD1200 IS can be taken underwater up to a depth of 130 feet with the Canon WP-DC29 Underwater Housing. This is made of clear plastic giving you full view of the camera including the 2.5-inch PureColor LCD monitor. All camera controls are accessible via dials and knobs mounted on the casing.

The built-in flash can be used while in the housing with a removable diffuser. If it is not sufficient to provide adequate light, it can be used to trigger an external flash. A lighting tray or buoyancy adjustment weight can be attached through a ¼-inch socket at the bottom of the housing.

If you are in the market for an affordable entry-level digital camera that can take reasonably good photos and videos, the Vivitar Vivicam 5399 may just be for you. A bonus is that this camera comes with an underwater case at no additional cost, so you can take it snorkeling, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, or just playing in your pool or in some water park. You can go as deep as 50 feet beneath the surface and still continue snapping photos.

The Vivicam 5399 is a point-and-shoot 5-megapixel compact digital camera. It has an 8.25mm fixed lens with Auto AF. Although it does not have optical zoom, it is provided with a 4x digital zoom allowing picture enlargement. A 2.4-inch TFT LCD monitor serves as the viewfinder and playback display. Photos and images can be stored in JPEG (EXIF 2.1) and AVI files respectively in the built-in 16MB memory or in an SD card with a capacity of up to 2GB.

The camera is equipped with a built-in flash for indoor and low-light condition shooting, red-eye reduction for more natural-looking photos, and an AntiShake technology reducing, if not eliminating, picture blurring.

PC Interface is established via a USB 1.1 cable. It supports Windows 98SE, 2000, HP, and Vista. The camera is also PictBridge enabled allowing direct connection with a printer.

With measurements of 3.3″W x 2.2″ H x 0.86″ D, the camera easily fits in your palm or pocket. It weighs 85 grams without the 2 size AAA batteries that are the sources of its power. Seven different colors are available to choose from –pink, red, sky blue, yellow, silver, blue, and black.

Panasonic’s Lumix TZ cameras have always featured a Leica DC Vario-Elmar 10x optical zoom lens starting with the TZ1. From the TZ2 onwards, this had the equivalent of 28 to 280 mm in a 35 mm camera. Complementing this is a 4x digital zoom that further enlarges captured images. Although the Lumix TZ4 and TZ5 are no exceptions, Panasonic has packed more features into them.

The TZ4, with its 1/2.5″ CCD sensor, boasts of 8.1 million effective pixels, while the TZ5, with 1/2.33″ sensor, has 9.1. At these ratings, you are assured of high resolution photos. These cameras do not have optical viewfinders but with a 2.5-inch LCD monitor that has 230K dots for the TZ4 and 3.0 inches and 460K for the TZ5 serving the purpose, they are actually redundant. These feature an intelligent function that adjusts brightness levels depending on lighting conditions thus maintaining a clear view.

While both can record videos, the TZ5 is a step ahead as it can record 720p HD movie clips which can be played back on large-screen HDTVs. Redeye reduction is also included but only in the TZ5. Face detection and Quick AF functions, however, are featured in both cameras.

An optional underwater housing that is dedicated to the TZ4 and TZ5 is available should you wish to go swimming with them. This is the Panasonic DMW-MCTZ5 and it is compatible with both cameras as their outside dimensions are virtually identical, differing only .01 inch in depth.

The DMW-MCTZ5 is made of clear polycarbonate allowing you to see right through the camera body. An o-ring seals the joints of the housing effectively shutting water out even up to a depth of 130 feet.

All camera control buttons and functions can be accessed through buttons on the housing. The internal flash can be used either on its own, or as a trigger for a slave strobe for additional lighting. A ¼-inch socket is included with the housing for a tray.

The Fuji Z200FD is an ultra-slim yet high-performance digital camera that packs plenty of features. Its metal body’s design further enhances the appeal of this pocket-sized camera.

With its 10 megapixel CCD sensor, you are assured of high resolution photos that can display distinct details even for large prints. It has a 5x optical zoom lens which is the equivalent of a 35 to 165 mm lens in a 35 mm format. This allows you to capture panoramic views as well as get up close and personal with your subject.

The Z200FD features a face detection technology that can detect up to 10 faces and automatically sets proper focus and exposure. It also automatically removes redeye that results from flash reflections. Dual Image Stabilization eliminates photo blurring caused by a moving subject or camera shake. An ISO sensitivity of 1600 allows properly lighted exposures even under low-light conditions.

Picture composition is easy because of its 2.7-inch TFT color LCD monitor that is made of amorphous silicon. It has approximately 230,000 pixels, with about 97% coverage. A reinforced glass coating guards the monitor from scratches or abrasions.

One of the shooting modes of the Z200FD is the Underwater Mode. However, as it is itself not waterproof, it has to be encased in a Fuji WP-FXZ100 Underwater Housing. With this, the pair can take a dive into the deep blue sea up to 40 meters and capture breathtaking images of marine life and underwater landscape.

The WP-FXZ100 is made of clear polycarbonate with a reinforced glass lens opening. All camera controls are accessible through the case. The built-in flash of the camera remains usable although it can also be used to trigger a slave strobe if you need more powerful lighting. A tripod socket sized 1.25 inches is incorporated in the base of the casing.

With their lightweight and compact bodies as well as advanced features, Nikon Coolpix L2 and L3 entry-level cameras are sure to further stir a beginner’s interest in photography. There is nothing like being able to take remarkable pictures to encourage you to move on to even more sophisticated subjects and compositions.

Featuring 3x Nikkor optical zoom lenses, these cameras can capture both wide angle and close up photos. With a 6-megapixel CCD sensor for the L2 and 5.1 for the L3, you are assured of high definition images. Both cameras have a 2-inch LCD display that functions as a viewfinder and playback monitor. They also have a built-in image improvement capability. A D-Lighting function corrects poor lighting and excessive backlight, a Face-priority AF function assured proper focus on the faces of subjects, and an In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function automatically eliminates red-eye.

Since the Coolpix L2 and L3 can only take photos in about 29% of the world’s surface, Fantasea Line created the FL-3 underwater housing out of injection molded polycarbonate that could hugely expand the camera’s coverage to include the more than 230,000 types of marine life known to man, even those that live at 40 meters below the surface.

The housing is dedicated to the cameras providing a snug fit and a perfectly matched alignment of the control buttons. Mode, menu, zoom, flash, exposure, and white balance, can all be controlled via the buttons on the FL-3. A diffuser for its built-in flash in incorporated at the camera front, and a hood shelters the LCD display from excessive light.

Apart from blocking water, the FL-3 also seals off dust and snow. You can thus also use your Coolpix L2 or L3 while tossing volleyball on the beach in summer or snowballs in wintertime.

The D700 is one of Nikon’s high-end cameras intended for advanced photographers and professionals. It is the company’s original 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor in FX-format. This, along with EXPEED digital image processing, assures rich and clear photos.

The VGA color monitor packs 921,000 dots giving you a clean and crisp image that allows 170° wide-angle viewing. The monitor is protected with a tempered glass. It has two live view modes and can shoot up to 5 fps. Focus is achieved with a 51-point AF and a 3D Focus Tracking guaranteeing precise focus and sharp images.

The magnesium alloy construction of the Nikon D700 makes it a rugged yet lightweight camera. It is also equipped with dust and moisture protection. These, however, are not enough if you want to take the camera to greater depths to capture underwater life and vistas.

Ikelite 6812.7 underwater housing provides the needed protection for the Nikon D700 for deep sea diving. With its heavy-duty thick walls made of clear polycarbonate and Quad-Ring seal glands, the camera is sealed and secured from water up to a depth of 60 meters. Since polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer, it is corrosion-free.

The housing accepts a range of lens ports that accommodate macro, wide-angle, and zoom lens. With its simple locking system, changing lens ports is quick and easy. You can even see the O-ring seal of the port enabling you to check if it is in its proper position.

As peering into the viewfinder may be difficult when wearing a diving mask, the housing is equipped with the Ikelite Super-Eye which magnifies the image from the viewfinder. At the same time, you can also clearly view the LCD screen through the clear housing.

All camera controls are accessible through the Ikelite 6812.7. It even includes an iTTL conversion circuitry that enables you to control exposure by adjusting the camera’s f/stops.

With a 5-megapixel imager and a 3x optical zoom lens, which is the equivalent of 35 to 105 mm in the 35 mm format, the Olympus C-5050 Zoom Camera can be considered a serious camera.

While it has a built-in flash, a hot shoe allows it to be supplemented by an external flash for better lighting. Also, in addition to its optical viewfinder, it has an LCD display that can be rotated and repositioned for taking over-the-head and worm’s eye view shots. The locations of the controls are designed with ergonomics in mind. These are all within easy reach and manipulation is straightforward.

The world of the Olympus C-5050 can be greatly expanded with the PT-015 Underwater Housing. It can take the camera to depths of 135 feet to capture photos of a colorful and vibrant underwater world.

The PT-015 is made of transparent polycarbonate within which the C-5050 Zoom Camera can fit snugly. It has 19 push buttons and rotating dials which provide full access to camera controls. These buttons are made of stainless steel nickel-plated brass and are sealed with Buna-type o-rings to keep water out.

The C-5050 camera is inserted into the PT-015 housing via the swing-open back door. Double o-rings installed on this door guarantees against any seepage of water into the housing.

The lens port of the PT-015 is constructed out of fluorite (FL) glass with a 67 mm metal lens ring. This ring is compatible with most of the external lenses available from Olympus, Sea & Sea, and Inon. With this, you have a wide choice of lenses to choose from, from wide angle to macro lenses.

To improve the visibility of the LCD display, a removable rubber shade can be mounted on the housing. There are molded rails running along the top and bottom of the LCD display into which the shade can be inserted. This is useful when diving in shallow water where the sun can still affect your view of the LCD.

Designed for advanced and professional photographers, the Canon 5-D packs a lot of features guaranteed to capture high-resolution photos with excellent color reproduction. Its full-frame 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, coupled with the DIGIC II Image Processor, delivers pictures that can be enlarged without significant loss of sharpness and clarity. In addition to its optical viewfinder, it also has a 2.5-inch LCD screen that can be viewed even at a 170° angle allowing you to take bird’s or worm’s eye view photos without climbing stairs or crawling on the ground. Its fastest shutter speed of 1/8000 is matched by an ISO of 100 – 1600. This can even be expanded to 50 – 3200.

When coupled with Ikelite 6871.05 Underwater Housing, the Canon 5-D can considerably expand the places where it can take beautiful pictures. Instead of being limited to dry land, it can dive down to 200 feet beneath the waves and shoot marine life and underwater seascapes.

The Ikelite 6871.05 model is constructed from heavy-duty, corrosion-free clear polycarbonate. It features an interchangeable port system that accepts all kinds of ports available from Ikelite. This means that you can mount all types of lenses on your Canon 5-D, from wide angle to zoom and macro lenses. The o-ring is visible from the back of the casing so you can actually see if it is properly installed.

All camera controls are mated with the controls mounted on the housing. These are oversized to allow quick and easy manipulation even when wearing gloves. To keep these moving parts water-tight, Ikelite’s Quad-ring seal glands are installed in each control button and lever.

Composing pictures through the optical viewfinder when wearing a diving mask is made easy with the Super-Eye magnifier which enlarges the image seen through it.