Taking underwater pictures with digital camera

[ktdave]

Anyone ever use a waterproof case for their digital camera to take pictures under/near water? I'm was looking to buy one for my camera and found THIS ONE. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this product or a similar one.

TIA

Dave

 

[From_Arizona]

That is a great site! I had not seen a fitted dry case for digital before.

In the past, I used a dry bag similar looking to the one on the site in hopes that it would work for snorkeling photos. Unfortunately, the case did not allow my lense to fully extend and the bag ended up just being used to keep dry then pulled camera out when I wanted an above water picture.

I am now on the hunt for a case that can be taken to depth for scuba diving with me.

 

[wardsntx]

KTdave abd From_Arizona...

this site is great fro scuba camera enclosures...have enclosures for most cameras.

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/1digital.html


Dave, that bag is cool...just not sure it is really good for taking pictures, but more for protecting your camera. BTW, i owned a few bags like this when I used to take the 4 wheeler to the creek...let's just say from experience, they only work if you use the double closure...if you forget to seal, roll over and seal again...water will find it's way in

 

[crazycanuck]

That ikelite is one serious case!

 

[matt4x4]

Ok, you can get serious about this like the above case, but it seems you just want something to house your camera on a budget, there are hard cases for each camera brand/model at about 250. per case available at best buy, or you can get universal bags.
I've been looking at the bags - more to my liking - I travel into the wilderness a lot, and every ounce matters, so something very light is up my alley.
So, this left me researching the bags. The above bag has one nice feature - the lens piece, however, I would not trust teh closure mechanism one bit, zip lock closures really aren't worth a Crud, a pinch closure is a much better way to go.
http://www.keepitdrycase.com/minwatcamcas.html - I feel these are pricey for what they are, but have a pinch closure.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... &src=champ - these are more inline price wise, very universal allow for a number of cameras to fit.
Here's a link to some sample pics with the last bag..
http://www.aquapac.net/ukstore/erol.html

 

[ktdave]

Thanks for the info guys!

Matt you are right, my needs are not for "serious" photography, just snapshots probably in and near our pool with a Kodak C533 camera.

 

[matt4x4]

I bought another one for 8 bucks yesterday - double zip lock, 3x flip over design 2 buttons to lock the flips - supposed to be waterproof to 9 feet - more than I need - will test with one of my cheaper digitals soon!
http://www.austinhouse.com/security/per ... urity.html

 

[ktdave]

Cool Matt. Test it out and tell us how it works! Although I might have a hard time finding a dealer for that one.

 

[Buggsw]

I saw some underwater disposable cameras a while back at Walgreens. Has anyone ever used those?

 

[crazycanuck]

I saw some underwater disposable cameras a while back at Walgreens. Has anyone ever used those?

I have used a few of those. Its hit and miss, I would say out of 24 shots you would get about 8-10 that would be considered good, maybe 1 or 2 that are great. They are good to have on vacation trips.. cheap and durable and no one is gonna walk off with it when you're by the poolside.

 

[matt4x4]

I have tried disposable underwater cameras with ISO 800 Fuji film and they worked great, however, I prefer digital mainly because I travel to many remote locations with nothing but a backpack and a canoe, to get 500 pictures of digital quality, it costs me less than a quarter ounce in weight (memory card) however, 500 images on film is a lot more weight - you can see why I choose digital.
As for testing the bag, I have only had a chance to test it briefly indoors for 3 pics, close up pictures turned out nice - no indication that the bag was there, the one pic that was of a general room was blurry - could have been operator error, I will have to report back after further testing - stay tuned.