Cnimaem under water - practical tips

Until recently, the underwater photography is mainly engaged in marine science, but with the advent of digital cameras and such a wonderful sport like diving, the situation has changed radically. The fact that the capabilities of most cameras, previously used for underwater photography, was very limited. Plus they cost a pretty expensive, so let them not everyone could afford.

By contrast, modern digital cameras do not impose virtually no restrictions, and thus have a relatively low cost, and its technical characteristics not much inferior to even the most expensive film cameras.
Shoot under water is possible by means of so-called amphibious cameras or any camera designed for underwater photography and protected akvaskopom, soft box or hard cover.Cameras amphibian
Cameras amphibians - a digital or film cameras, the main feature of which is immersion in water at a shallow depth and in a short time (usually no more than an hour). As an example of such a camera can cause Pentax Optio W20. C using the Pentax Optio W20 can take off without any problems fish and coral reefs, and scuba diving, swimming at great depths.Akvaskopy
Akvaskop is a box with glass at the bottom, and a small hole for the eyes, which is on top. The easiest akvaskop can easily make your own. To do this, wrap the camera usually very thin plastic bag, and then push the edges between the rubber surround and glass masks so that they are very tightly squeezed between them.
With the help of the camera, protected akvaskopom, you can lay directly on the mattress to remove the coral reefs, crabs, sea urchins, etc. But in doing so, it must be remembered that the lower akvaskop - very sloppy design, so completely omit it in the water impossible.Softboxes
Softboxes - these are special cases that protect the camera while underwater photography. They are made of soft plastic and have a glass window for the lens.
Before diving into the water softbox should necessarily inflate. Otherwise, even at shallow depths, it starts to squeeze, because of what the camera control buttons will be pressed, and its lens is pressed into the housing.
The main advantage of soft box is their relatively low cost. For example, the case of soft plastic for digital SLR camera worth about two hundred dollars, and for a simple digital "Soap" - fifty.
The disadvantages of a soft box is the fact that it must be constantly washed and thoroughly dried, and periodically lubricate it clamping screws. In addition, the inflated bag of soft plastic greatly hinder immersion in water, and at great depth, he gains weight and starts to pull down.Hard Cases
Currently, solid cases that protect the camera while underwater photography, produce and manufacturers of cameras, and third-party manufacturers. In this case, solid covers are available for both digital SLR cameras, and digital "shoot cameras. Make them the same or polycarbonate, or metal, although metal, hard covers and are gradually receding into the past.
In most cases, hard cases are made under some specific model camera. True, there are exceptions. For example, the company «Ikelite» produces several varieties of hard covers, which are ideally suited to digital SLR cameras from different manufacturers. But such cases are usually much more expensive.
The main advantages of solid covers can distinguish their continued buoyancy, by which greatly simplified the movement of a scuba diver, as well as additional magnifying glass viewfinder. The only disadvantage is considered a very high cost.