The people that use genuine waterproof digital cameras are those where it is usually used in the course of their work as these cameras are very expensive. Using an underwater digital camera requires skill as you are operating in a foreign environment. Waterproofing a camera is not an easy thing to do so many, so called, underwater cameras aren't really designed for that type of work.
I for one would love to have a proper underwater digital camera but this is not likely to happen and I really don't go into the sea often enough to make it worthwhile.
There is lack of real underwater cameras owing to the problems of water ingress in to the camera and of water pressure. Some of you may have seen or tried the cheap solution to this problem that comes in the form of a plastic casing. As a make-do, it woks quite well; converting an ordinary digital camera into an underwater or waterproof camera.
There are a few things you need to be aware of if you are taking photos underwater - here are some tips for using a digital camera.
The water has a strange effect on light as I am sure you have experienced from time to time; it is called diffusion and the deeper you dive the more this distortion takes place. The result of this is a darkening of the captured image so adjustments to the white balance are needed. The water also has a strange effect on how the pictures look giving them the appearance of being magnified. Many novices make the mistake of not checking the viewfinder carefully to make sure they are going to take a picture containing exactly what they want in the final shot.
You don't want to have a camera that leaks when you go underwater so before you dive, check that the case is waterproof by holding it below the surface for a few seconds. It has not been unknown for a grain for sand to be breaking the seal on the case which will allow water to access the case so look for this as well. To help combat any condensation, place a silica gel pack or two inside the camera case carefully making sure the camera will still work.
Optional lenses are often available so if you can add these to your underwater digital camera then do so. Lenses that allow you to get really close to the subject can also normally be fitted just ask if the camera has a macro facility.
One problem with using an underwater digital camera is that if it is not rinsed off thoroughly, the salt can crystallize and cause leaks later on. In cases when sand seems to get into the case, it is best washed off with streams of water.
For more information, check out Sony, Nikon and Canon's website for available underwater cases for your digital cameras.
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