Underwater Camera Info

[justmestace]

Quite a while back, there was some discussion about underwater cameras, their performance, the best film, etc.
We just returned from Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (by Aruba), and I tested several different cameras/films.
I used a Kodak disposable, a Fuji disposable (both with no flash) and Target's reusable underwater 35mm with flash.
The results?? Each of the cameras took good pictures only if there was a lot of sun, and the fish I wanted a shot of was in a white sandy area. Even the flash didn't help much on cloudy days, and against a darker setting, such as coral or rock.
To get truly good underwater pictures, I have decided that I will have to buy a really good ($$) camera. On land, each of these took good pictures, I didn't see a difference in quality or color.
Just sharing my own non-scientific study!

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Thanks for the info stace! We had a Minolta, then it went belly-up. So we got a Canon, but even it has the same problems, dim pictures in low light, shadows and blending, that kind of stuff. I think that if you want really good pictures, you have to luck into a really sunny day with a lot of fish close. Our first trip to Grand Cayman, we snorkeled at Eden Rock, as soon as we entered the water the fish were everywhere around us, those were great pics.

 

[Padre Disney]

On our October 3 day we used a cheap FUJI under water camera from walmart and it worked great.
The pictures of all the fish turned out perfect and the one of the stingray swimming right next to us is our favorite. We plan on getting one for each one of our kids for our 7 day in March.

 

[Michelemouse]

I will second the recommendation for the Fuji disposable. Our pictures from Grand Cayman came out beautifully, with lots of rich color and details.

We'll definitely be buying them again for our Eastern cruise next October.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

I agree FUJI is my favorite underwater disposable. Another tip to remember, is that color (other than blue hues) all but disappears as you go deeper and farther away from you. To get the best, most colorful photos, stick to shallow reefs, and take photos within a few feet of you. I am one to dive down 10 or 15 feet to get a cool snapshot of a coral formation or a fish or something and these rarely have any other color than blues and greens. Nice pics, just no color variation. Some of my best photos have been taken in 3 feet of water.

Maureen

 

[musicgirl]

We got a waterproof box for our digital camera. We won't get to try it with the fish until June 04. We did try it in the pool. It did pretty well, but dh had a hard time taking my picture because I couldn't stay under long enough. He got alot of pictures of my stomach!

Has anyone else used a digital underwater?