The first time out, underwater photography with the latest generation of waterproof cameras is enough to make you giggle like a schoolgirl, even for a grown man like me.
Not the best shot on the day...but funny. Click photo for a larger example. More examples below.
Why? Because for most of us it is a totally novel, exciting and new experience with great rewards you get to cherish afterward. And, because the new underwater cameras carry and function just like other compact digital cameras. Which means, no more big bulky waterproof cases. Plus, waterproof cameras are still really rare, so you get lots of positive attention.
This past weekend, I went to the local waterslide park with a friend and his kids and packed along my sleek new Pentax Optio WP.
This is a great little camera that ACD featured in a recent newsletter and which I have been enjoying and showing off for a couple of months. Its sleek, compact design, large preview window, 5MP resolution, and excellent photo quality had impressed both me and many of my friends.
Not underwater, but definitely wet in this one. Click photo for a larger example.
So, this was the first time I was going to field test it for its waterproof capabilities - Pentax claims full waterproof resistance to 5 feet of depth - and I was pumped.
Here are a few tips and ideas I came up with for you after this fun-filled outing with my new toy (click any photo for a larger example):
Bring Your Goggles or Mask
Oops, I forgot mine� Consequently, my little friend got more good underwater photos than I did in far fewer attempts. Without goggles or a mask, you won't be able to see the preview screen and line up your shots.
If you are careful and patient, you can do fairly well by guessing at shot alignment, but managing that on top of floating, attempting to track your moving subject (everything moves underwater) and trying to hold the camera steady is a big challenge. I took many photos throughout the day, but only a couple turned out really well, because I couldn't see the screen.
Wrap the Wrist Strap Around Your Wrist and Hand
I had to laugh a bunch of times as I reviewed the photos throughout the day, because there were so many that included the wrist strap. Take the time to put it over your wrist and wrap it carefully around your hand. As you pass the camera back and forth to friends - and you'll be doing this a lot - remind them to do the same. Also note, if you are not in a pool, be sure to attach a big piece of foam to the wrist strap so the camera floats when it slips out of your hand�and it will.
Remember to Switch Modes
Remember to toggle in and out of the underwater mode each time you make the transition. Get used to checking the mode before each set of shots, just to be sure. The Pentax Optio WP had an excellent Surf and Snow mode to cut down reflections and avoid underexposure, so I spent the day toggling between that and the underwater mode.
Rinse After Each Use
As a veteran of many different seafaring sports as well as pool escapades, I remembered to rinse the camera after a day in chlorine water, the same would go for sea water and even lake water. Giving it a good rinse after a day out will help preserve the finish and lens quality.
Check this page on the Pentax website for more information on the Pentax Optio WP.
Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 of this article series coming up soon in your ACD Photography Tips Newsletters.