Underwater Disposable Camera?

[bevgray]

A co-worker just returned from a cruise (non-Disney) and said that he had purchased a disposable, camera for taking pictures under water onboard the ship and then the ship developed the film. The cost for the camera was around $18. I had not heard of these and wondered if the Disney Cruiseline had something similar or if one could find such a thing at Walmart, Target, etc.

I'm getting ready to go on my first Disney cruise in November and would very much like to be able to take underwater pictures when snorkling. Any information would be very much appreciated.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Kodak makes a good underwater disposable camera for around $12. I've been using them for 13+ years (since our honeymoon) and have been very pleased. The also take excellent shots out of the water and you don't have to worry about the water and sand getting in your good camera when you go to the beach. I did try the Fuji brand and they weren't as good and not everyone will develop them like they do the Kodak. Have fun!!

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

Don't wait to get these on the ship, you can buy them at Wal-Mart for about half what the ship charges. We always grab a few of these before cruising. They're just like the basic disposable cameras, except that they're encased in plastic, and have a large rubber-band carrying strap. They take pretty good pictures and are a must for those snorkeling excursions.

 

[GenieDana]

Target carries reusable undewater cameras for less than $20. If you search (when the board isn't too busy) you will find some threads a month or two back on this topic.

See: http://www.disboards.com/showthread...e=15&highlight=underwater camera&pagenumber=1

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

the 1 to top it all. fuji underwater camera go up to 35 feet deep at a low price of $10. i just got 2 for next cruise. we had kodak and fuji and the fuji pictures came out better the the kodak.

 

[Dean]

I bought a pack of two at Sam's, less than $20, I think it was 27 shots per camera.

 

[BelievesinMagic]

GenieDana - We purchased on of those reuseable camera's from Target because of a thread I read here. I also got some 800 film to go with it. What a deal! For those who are interested, the plasitc packaging says waterproof and Panaview is on the front of the camera. It is yellow and blue, comes with a roll of 400 film and a battery for the flash. It cost $19.99 and the package says waterproof up to 9'9" focus-free, built in electronic flash.

I'm sure we will be snapping pics left and right, so from a tip read here we bought a pack of 800 film. For the price and because it is reuseable it was more cost efficient for us. The bigger plus - We will have a camera for our NEXT crusie

 

[bevgray]

Thanks for your replies, everyone. Something else to add to my packing list.

 

[piglet33]

I also bought the reusable camera from Target. I used it in our pool both underwater and above water and was very happy with the way the pictures came out. I used the 400 speed film that came with it and didn't have any problems. Needless to say, that camera will be coming with us on our cruise in October.

Before buying the Target camera, I used the Fuji underwater camera. I was very happy with that one also.

 

[CRB#33]

A hint about using them.

The first time I used that kind of camera, the pictures had the same greenish quality. I held the camera right to my goggles as I took the pictures.

The second time, I held the camera way out in front of me as close to the object as I could get it and the color was much more varied and clear.

 

[spoon2003]

I bought one but had lots of trouble with the winding thingy. Also, the flash had to manually turned on or kept on, wouldn't that drain the batteries? or would you open the case and turn it on everytime for a flash picture?

Thanks

Sue

 

[Wishing on a star]

I just bought the one from Target... And while the way the winding mechanism is made, (not really tight-fitting or durable???) may not be the best... This is the ONLY low cost underwater camera that offers a flash!!! Light fades very quickly under water, and I feel like having the flash will make a big difference. Also, this is the only one that is not just disposable... You can use it again and again.

Also, simply turn on your Flash and seal your camera case before you head out snorkeling... then, later after snorkeling, you can turn the camera back off. USING the flash should be what really eats up the batteries! I am hoping that the battery will at least last through the entire roll of film!

Also, with this camera I can use a high quality film.... ( I do not like Kodak MAX!!!! )

Hope this helps!!!

 

[BelievesinMagic]

Very good tips and advice. Thanks all!

 

[berly1657]

I have used an underwater camera a couple of times - Kodak disposable. And I have found that the best pictures are when the subject is facing light - so if you can fanagle the person/object into the light (not lit from behind) your pictures will turn out beautiful underwater.

Hope this helps

 

[spoon2003]

Wishing on a star

Thanks for the advice, I'll try it again.

Sue

 

[ScroogesNephew]

It doesn't appear that anyone actually answered your question, Beverly. Since I don't know the answer either, I suggest that you email the people at the cruise line or give them a call.

 

[MarkRG]

The biggest thing isn't the brand or type of camera. When you're dealing with underwater pictures involving motion the film speed is VERY important! I've used nothing but 800 speed with no flash and have had very good results with both brands. The thing to watch out for is the 'max' stuff. Unless it specifically has a film speed number written somewhere, Max film is 400 speed. If you do buy an underwater disposable, make sure it says it has 800 speed film in it.

For the next time I'm going to try that Target camera with 1000 speed film, if the camera can use that high a speed.

Rule of thumb - the higher the number, the less light it needs and the better at capturing motion it will be.

And yes, they do have one onboard available for purchase in the gift shop, but you'd be better ($$) buying one on your own at Wal-Mart. Just make sure it says it's good for underwater and it has 800 speed film and you'll be set. Also bring it in your carryons ONLY! Do not ever pack film in checked luggage.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

I bought 2 for 8.88 at Walmart. 400 speed with a flash and underwater. BE CAREFUL OF 800+ SPEED FILM!!!!!! The x-ray machines will ruin them. Especially the airport luggage x-ray. Carry on x-rays aren't as powerful.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

Oh ya, they were fuji.......the same I baught for last years cruise. The pics were fine.........

 

[AprilN]

Lampskies is right, 800 speed film is sensitive to airport screening machines of all types, so before and after our cruise, DH and I had our 3 underwater cameras hand-inspected at security. It took a couple extra minutes, but at least the film wasn't ruined.

We used the Fuji underwater cameras, and they seemed to work fine. I just didn't take very interesting pictures!