How do you get underwater pictures?

[forevergreen]

Hi
Im like really now to digi photography as some people know so im not going to try this .Yet. but how would you take photos underwater? Awhole new camera? a speacail thing you can put over your current camera?

[RichBrew]

The obvious choice would be an underwater camera. The most famous is the Nikonos model, but this is a film camera and does not meet your criteria. Another option are cameras that are weather proof and have some limited depth use (around two to ten feet or so). For real flexibility, an underwater housing for you camera would be the best solution, but beware: these can be expensive. A few years ago I looked into the possibility of just such a housing for my Nikon F5, and found that it would cost more that the camera body itself!

It depends on how serious you are with underwater photography, which in itself is a specialised field, plus how much you are prepared to spend.

RichBrew

[forevergreen]

Thanks for the info. I was just wondering

[kml]

I have a pentax dslr.This would be too expensive to replace so I`ve brought a vivitar am 5188 with a water housing.Its very compact and perfect for taking pictures whilst out and about on the canoe or rock pooling with the kids.It`s 5 mega pixels and takes a good photo for 49.99 I thought it was a great buy and very versatile as it can take pictures both under water and on land.

[Beavo]

Originally Posted by kml

I have a pentax dslr.This would be too expensive to replace so I`ve brought a vivitar am 5188 with a water housing.Its very compact and perfect for taking pictures whilst out and about on the canoe or rock pooling with the kids.It`s 5 mega pixels and takes a good photo for 49.99 I thought it was a great buy and very versatile as it can take pictures both under water and on land.

Hi,

do you happen to know how deep you can take it?

[kml]

Hi,It says on the box it can go upto 15 metres but I have to add that we haven`t used it any deeper than 2.Hope this helps.

[Marineboy]

Hi forevergreen, there are several good underwater photography specialists around the country. Try . . . .

Ocean Optics Ltd, in London
Cameras Underwater, in Devon
Alan James underwater photography, in Bristol.

They do all have their own websites, and as I can't post a link you might want to google them. I used to work at Ocean Optics and can highly recommend them. The Devon based Cameras Underwater is only small, but with that you get first class customer service and advice. Alan James and team know their stuff too. There may be others, but these are the ones that jump to mind.
There are lots of housings available, some rigid and expensive. others flexible and "cheap". Try Ewa Marine for a really good option for taking an existing digital camera down to 10 meters.
I still use my Nikonos V as its like an old dive buddy to me! But yes, digital is the way to go. BSoUP (British Society of Underwater Photographers) might be of interest to you too. Good luck, let me know if I can help.

[Beavo]

Originally Posted by kml

Hi,It says on the box it can go upto 15 metres but I have to add that we haven`t used it any deeper than 2.Hope this helps.

Thanks for getting back so quick...where did you manage to get it at that price?