Underwater photography: Should you spend more money on the camera or the housing?

Housing

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by Author Name Withheld 11

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Underwater camera housing is the single most important item for a successful underwater photography exploration. Spending thousands of dollars on a brand new camera means nothing if water seeps in through the seams of a sub-par housing system. I think we can unanimously agree - wet cameras just don't take great photographs.

Water risks aside, there are other factors to consider when spending money on an underwater camera and housing. Your camera can have the most state-of-the-art flash and lens setup, but the photographs can be entirely ruined by a cheap housing. The distance between your housing and the lens is important to know, as well as how your flash - internal or external - will be affected by the housing. Sometimes light and colors can be distorted with certain cheaper housings. These questions are important to keep in the front of your mind when wondering what you should spend on a camera housing.

Also, underwater camera housings have controls (sort of like knobs) that allow the user to utilize most of the features of the camera. Choosing a housing that has the appropriate controls for your specific camera is one of the most vital things to do if you wish to have a successful underwater shoot.

Choosing how much to spend on a camera housing is not easy, but remembering a few key points will help you along the way. First, know your camera. What brand is it? What accessories are necessary for your camera to function at peak performance? Some housings are compatible with Nikon's and Canon's products, and others are somewhat universal. These factors will affect what type of camera housing you purchase.

Second, know your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a camera housing? Like most technical equipment, camera housings range from inexpensive models to very, very expensive showpieces. Plastic models are generally less expensive, but they provide less protection for your camera (not to mention peace of mind!) and tend to last for shorter periods of time than more expensive models. The higher priced types of camera housings are mainly aluminum, and they are highly durable and can withstand a wide range of underwater conditions that are less than ideal.

Third, know your style. Which lenses do you prefer? What kinds of images do you hope to capture? Some housings are made for either wide-angle or macro lenses, and other housings accommodate both types.

If you love your camera, protect it with a high-quality housing!

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