Finding the best waterproof camera can be difficult
especially with selling prices ranging from $100 to $1000 and not to mention
all the features to also consider. The first priority should be to find a
camera that will best fit your photography and/or video needs. With some great
hints and additional information, you can easily compare underwater digital
cameras with ease before you decide to make your purchase. Take look at these
tips:
When Durable Can Easily Suggest Heavy?
Several cameras are lightweight and terrific for on the
go. Other cameras are sturdy and made for rugged events. Now in case you’re
seeking a rugged and durable camera, you should definitely compare the size and
weight with other underwater cameras in the marketplace. If the camera is too heavy
to carry and deal with, you’re going to struggle to take good pictures with it
also.
How Deep Into The Water Do You Need To Go?
Different cameras are capable of functioning at various
water depths. Some can take quality photos 40 feet below water or more if you
have the right accessory. Other underwater digital cameras are capable of
performing in water ten or fifteen feet deep. If you proceed too deep with
your camera, you may end of damaging it to the point of where it becomes
inoperable. The water pressure can contribute to the actual main housing to not
work properly which will enable water to leak inside your camera.
Optical Zoom Ratings Are Important
When considering a waterproof cameras make sure you
consider the optical zoom. It’s important also that you don’t get confused by
digital zoom versus optical zoom. They are very different. For example, optical
zoom is the ability to move in close to your subject without sacrificing image
quality. The higher the optical zoom rating, the farther away you can be from
your subject. Optical zoom provides better photo quality compared to digital
zoom. Optical zoom ratings can range from 3x to 5x for most waterproof digital
cameras.
Digital zoom on the other hand does not bring you closer to your subject, but rather the camera crops the entire image, and then digitally enlarges the image to the size of the viewfinder the portion you want to zoom in on. This results in a loss of image quality and is no different than cropping and enlarging an image with editing software.
Optical zoom capabilities make all the difference in the final product. The higher the optical zoom, the farther away from the subject you can be and still get a great, clear, crisp quality shot.
Toughness Features
If you are hard on cameras consider looking for one that has added durability features. For example, you may find cameras that are: Dustproof, keeps dust out of the housing area and protects the camera’s components, Waterproof cameras are shockproof where the housing is protected in the event the camera is dropped into water or snow and Freezeproof which means you can use your camera in subzero temperatures without it freezing up.
Best waterproof camera reviewers found two underwater cameras that make the claim of being Crushproof up to 220 pounds of pressure and that is the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD and the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS Kit.
Some of these features may be necessary depending on the type of photos you will be taking, where you are taking them, and also the conditions including the weather in which the photos are being taken.
Features To Help You Take a Better Photo
If you are buying a waterproof digital camera because you want to take great pictures there are many features and specifications to take a look at when you’re comparing underwater digital cameras. They include:
- Image stabilization (IS): This feature helps you acquire great images even when your hands are a little shaky
- Flash: Able to take good photos even if the sun is low or if you’re in deep water. Some cameras even have LED lights around the lens to assist in illuminating the shot
- Megapixels: The more megapixels, the better the photo quality and resolution
- Price: You want to definitely take a look at the price. Compare the features and benefits of each camera as it relates to your needs and how you plan to use the camera
- Purpose: It’s important to consider how you’re going to use the camera and what purpose it will serve. If you’re seeking a camera to take family photos only, you may not need the more expensive rugged, tough waterproof digital camera
However, if you and your family are outdoor types and u enjoy action activities such as skiing, snorkeling or hiking then one of the rugged tough cameras are for you because of their picture taking qualities and ability to record video.
The best waterproof camera reviewers found the video below that really shows the features of the Canon Powershot D20. This camera is an upgrade from Canon’s D10 model and is the second waterproof digital camera effort from Canon. It may start with a commercial. If so, you can skip it after about three seconds and go directly to the video. It is a really good video to give you an idea of the features of the Powershot D20.
The PowerShot D20 is the waterproof and shockproof camera. It is waterproof down to 33 ft and shockproof up to 5 feet and freezeproof down to a minus 10 degrees. The D20 looks different from the D10 in that it offers a 5x optical zoom from the 3x zoom. The previous model had a 12MP CCD sensor and the D20 is now equipped with a 12MP CMOS sensor which means better photos.
One of the big differences in the D20 is the inclusion of Image Stabilization (IS) technology which can only be used in the IS auto mode. This feature compensates for any handshaking and panning issues that may occur. It also shoots 1080P HD and can be connected to an HD TV and also has GPS. Take a look at the PowerShot D20 video below.