underwater sport video camera image
Alysia
I am going on a trip to the Galapagos Islands over the summer and we will be doing a lot of snorkeling, so I'm trying to find a good camera, but I don't know much about this stuff. I'd like to keep my budget around $200 or so, but I have some wiggle room.
What do you guys think is the best underwater camera?
I've looked into the Panasonic Lumix TS4, but it is around $280.00 and even though it's waterproof, I'm hearing that I'll still need an underwater housing, which is just as much as the camera itself. Is the underwater housing necessary? Is there a good camera out there that doesn't require housing?
And finally, are GoPro cameras any good for stills? I won't be taking much video, so photography is going to be my main thing.
Any and all help is very much appreciated. I'm sorry for being so daft about this stuff, but it certainly helps to get advice from people with experience! Thank you!
Answer
The biggest challenge will be finding one with a sufficient depth rating - especially given your budget. Historically, waterproof cameras have either a 3M (9ft) or 10M (33ft) depth rating. However, some of the newer waterproof cameras have pushed that depth rating a bit. For example, the new Nikon AW110 has a 18M (59ft) depth rating.
Realize though that these depth ratings are in "static" (or still) water. If you find yourself in a raging river, surf, or underwater current, or even sloshing the camera around in the water, you will have to reduce the depth rating accordingly. The simple reason is that moving water exerts more pressure than static water.
But any of the 10M or greater depth cameras should work for snorkeling. I would not use a 3M rated camera for snorkeling, due to the depth reduction when you are not in static water. Also realize though that most manufacturers specify the depth rating for one hour immersion. If you are underwater longer than that, who knows?
And of course, a housing is going to be superior to any underwater camera. Some select compact cameras do have optional underwater housings; Nikon J series, some Canon series, etc. As well, some third party housings exist, such as those by FantaSea, Ikelite, and even Polaroid.
GoPro cameras are designed primarily for sports/close action video, and they are best for that use. They are not as good for photos. However, since by definition, underwater photos will typically be closeup (you have limited range underwater), the GoPro will work better for underwater photos than above water. And you really need to buy an underwater housing for the GoPro if you are going to use one.
Finally, make sure the camera has an "underwater" (scene) mode. When underwater, photos take on a color shift to the blue spectrum, and you will either need to correct the color balance (which is what the underwater mode does) or use an underwater red filter. Some housings can accept such a filter (FantaSea for instance) if your camera does not have such a color correction mode.
The biggest challenge will be finding one with a sufficient depth rating - especially given your budget. Historically, waterproof cameras have either a 3M (9ft) or 10M (33ft) depth rating. However, some of the newer waterproof cameras have pushed that depth rating a bit. For example, the new Nikon AW110 has a 18M (59ft) depth rating.
Realize though that these depth ratings are in "static" (or still) water. If you find yourself in a raging river, surf, or underwater current, or even sloshing the camera around in the water, you will have to reduce the depth rating accordingly. The simple reason is that moving water exerts more pressure than static water.
But any of the 10M or greater depth cameras should work for snorkeling. I would not use a 3M rated camera for snorkeling, due to the depth reduction when you are not in static water. Also realize though that most manufacturers specify the depth rating for one hour immersion. If you are underwater longer than that, who knows?
And of course, a housing is going to be superior to any underwater camera. Some select compact cameras do have optional underwater housings; Nikon J series, some Canon series, etc. As well, some third party housings exist, such as those by FantaSea, Ikelite, and even Polaroid.
GoPro cameras are designed primarily for sports/close action video, and they are best for that use. They are not as good for photos. However, since by definition, underwater photos will typically be closeup (you have limited range underwater), the GoPro will work better for underwater photos than above water. And you really need to buy an underwater housing for the GoPro if you are going to use one.
Finally, make sure the camera has an "underwater" (scene) mode. When underwater, photos take on a color shift to the blue spectrum, and you will either need to correct the color balance (which is what the underwater mode does) or use an underwater red filter. Some housings can accept such a filter (FantaSea for instance) if your camera does not have such a color correction mode.
Do underwater camcorders work well above water?
Miette Xam
I want to buy a camcorder for around $300 or less and I found a waterproof one for $190, it would be great to be able to film things underwater but I want to film things normally as well.
Answer
Visit this site, make any consumer level Camcorder waterproof. I have built 3 of these and it is not hard to do so.
http://www.indymogul.com/backyardfx/episode/BFX_20101220/affordable-underwater-camera-rig-diy
Consumer level HD camcorders have 3 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes - all times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event i have aver been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.
With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 second or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.
You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a Mic jack. You need a firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer.
Visit this site, make any consumer level Camcorder waterproof. I have built 3 of these and it is not hard to do so.
http://www.indymogul.com/backyardfx/episode/BFX_20101220/affordable-underwater-camera-rig-diy
Consumer level HD camcorders have 3 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes - all times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event i have aver been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.
With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 second or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.
You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a Mic jack. You need a firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer.
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