The ocean is a world full of vibrant life—but capturing it isn’t as simple as taking a photo on land. Your body can’t breathe underwater, and the pressure limits how long you can explore. That’s why having the right underwater camera is essential: it lets you photograph the marine world safely, clearly, and without missing a single detail.
Submersible devices are the most honest observers when submerged. The ocean doesn’t pause for anyone. Down there, time moves differently. No matter how long you stay submerged, you can only see fragments of the sea. Skilled divers already know the value of this essential equipment. If it’s your first dive, this article will show you exactly why you need this camera!
What camera can you take underwater?
You can take an underwater camera, such as the GoPro HERO series, Olympus Tough TG series, SeaLife DC series, or any DSLR in waterproof housing. This device captures images beneath the water’s surface. As the name suggests, it works even in direct contact with water. Like other photographic devices, it captures photos and videos undersea. All in all, it is the perfect item to bring when visiting the ocean.
Users can use it to capture any scene that they want. This is because it can resist the force and conditions of water. It does this by covering a standard camera within a waterproof housing. Manufacturers usually use strong materials and tight seals to prevent water from entering the device.
Therefore, all the important parts that make a camera functional can be protected from damage. This includes the image sensor, electronics, and battery compartments. Moreover, human vision is not reliable when submerged. This is why an underwater camera uses special lenses not found in usual devices. The lens accounts for how light bends and scatters in water to ensure the best image quality.
The importance of underwater photography
The beginning of aquatic photography dates back to 1856. That year, the English naturalist William Thompson captured the first underwater photo. Then, in 1893, it was by a Frenchman, Louis Botan. Back then, people did not use a dedicated underwater camera. They often do photography by placing cameras inside large waterproof housings, such as wooden boxes.
The presence of an underwater camera is most important for aquatic photography. To put it simply, aquatic photography is the act of taking photographs inside oceans, lakes, or rivers. These bodies of water are chosen for their diversity of life, as the goal of taking pictures is to record marine life and raise awareness about the aquatic ecosystems.
Nowadays, a lot of people are also starting to do aquatic shooting for commercial purposes, or even for their wedding. This style has become more and more appealing to those looking for a fresh idea for couple photos. Some of them do underwater shooting for their pre-wedding or even as a part of the actual wedding ceremony.
What is an underwater camera used for?
It is used for taking photos and videos below the water’s surface. Typically, people use waterproof devices in the ocean, as a vast majority of it is still unknown. Of the three levels, scientists guess that humans have mapped nearly 100% of the surface, recorded about 27% of the seafloor, and explored less than 0.001% of the deep ocean.
An underwater camera documents all currently discovered parts of the ocean. Consequently, this specialised device is a way for humans to glimpse the hidden world of the sea. With its high quality, this type of camcorder helps people connect with the countless unknown creatures and landscapes on Earth. Here is a detailed breakdown of what it does:
Marine research
An underwater camera is an essential tool for marine research. As a research tool, scientists use them to study ocean ecosystems, including water currents and geology. This device benefits researchers because it allows them to observe creatures without disturbing their natural actions or habitat. The result is: clearer and more accurate records. Using a marine photographic device is better than doing research with traditional methods, such as through diver observation and physical sampling, as they have limits due to depth, danger, and time.
Diving and snorkelling
Divers and snorkellers use it to fully capture and keep the personal memories of their water trip. Oftentimes, the pictures and videos taken can also be shared on their social media. People often bring aquatic photography devices to the ocean because it houses various colourful corals and playful sea animals with stunning visuals compared to other places like lakes or rivers. For divers and snorkellers, the camera allows them to relive their experiences.
Ocean wildlife documentation
While it is also part of sea research, ocean wildlife documentation focuses more on recording and cataloguing ocean life done by ecologists and biologists. The role of an underwater camera in this activity is to raise awareness among the public about the biodiversity in the ocean, especially the flora and fauna. This is essential for protecting species that are at risk. Many people also do this documentation for personal study or photography competitions.
Filmmaking and media production
A submersible camera is an essential tool in the world of filmmaking, television, documentaries, commercials, and online media. Many filmmakers and producers rely on them to take stunning visuals of water environments. This device is often used because it features technology such as high image detail and frame rates, low-light performance, noise reduction, and colour science, all for the best movie-like quality.
Industrial and infrastructure checking
Industries such as oil and gas, shipping, hydropower, port management, bridge maintenance, and civil engineering often need to check submerged structures such as pipelines, offshore rigs, and dams. This is where an underwater camera comes in. It provides remote visual access and helps find damage, rust, or blockages without manually sending divers, which is risky and time-consuming. Using a submersible camcorder is also more efficient in terms of cost.
Archaeological exploration
Aquatic archaeology studies human history and culture by analysing artefacts in the ocean, lakes, rivers, or submerged settlements. In this situation, archaeologists use an underwater camera to explore and record submerged historical sites. Therefore, they can check shipwrecks, ruins, and sunken ships to even the smallest details, such as carvings and textures of delicate artefacts, without moving or touching them.
Sports photography
Many water sports involve an element of adventure as they occur in natural environments with unpredictable risk. These sports include scuba diving, kayaking, swimming, and surfing. An underwater camera enables sports enthusiasts and professional photographers to capture fast movements that are impossible for standard devices. Moreover, some of them can be mounted on helmets or boards, which means hands-free operation and a more unique angle.
Phone as a camera
People often ask: “Can you use my phone to film underwater?” The answer to that question is: Yes, but with limits. With modern smartphones, it is no wonder that individuals find filming with a phone tempting. Not only are they more familiar with phones, but they also do not have to spend more money to purchase a new camera.
By default, phones are not waterproof. Today’s smartphone is not built or designed to be used in water, especially one with a touchscreen. If you have never filmed while submerged, you are gambling with your phone because you have to put it in the water to test it. Here are some key details you have to remember before using an underwater camera with a phone:
- IP rating: Check for the water resistance rate or Ingress Protection (IP) rating to make sure that your phone is water resistant and can handle the force
- Depth limits: Unlike an underwater camera, many phones have strict depth limits that cannot be crossed, or they may damage the device
- Waterproof case/housing: To safely film while submerged, it is suggested to cover phones with waterproof housing with secure seals that still allow stable touchscreen use
- Lens protection: Water can scratch or fog the phone lens if the housing is unreliable
- Image quality: Using phones may not result in satisfactory images, as they can struggle with sharpness, focus, and colour accuracy, unlike an underwater camera
- Pressure resistance: The deeper you go under the water, the greater the pressure that your phone has to handle. This can often result in cracked screens.
- Temperature and battery: Water can cool your phone very quickly. As a result, cold temperatures can reduce battery life to the point of turning off or causing errors in capturing images or videos.
How to use an underwater camera?
Use an underwater camera by sealing it properly, setting the correct shooting mode, and adjusting focus and lighting before entering the water.. As it is a different type, you cannot just use it like you would use any other device. First, you have to prepare. What to prepare? Well, before any dive or snorkelling session, you have to make sure that your device is truly waterproof. Always be careful of scams. Many manufacturers falsely claim their device is “waterproof” without any proof.
Next, correctly cover your underwater camera in a safe casing. Check all sides and nooks of the housing for O-rings, gaskets, and seals. Remove any dirt, hair, or debris, if any, and apply silicone grease if suggested and provided by the device’s manufacturer. Again, always do a test by submerging the camera in shallow water to make sure that the housing is protecting your device from water. For further steps, read the list below!
- Know your camera type: Some waterproof devices, like GoPro, are built to be waterproof without a barrier, but some, like DSLRs, need a waterproof housing
- Choose the right settings: Image detail, frame rate, white balance, ISO, exposure, focus, shake control, colour correction, etc.
- Lighting: Different levels of depth provide different lighting that changes the colour of the overall image result
- Holding and moving the underwater camera: Find ways to hold the camcorder so that it stays stable while filming. For example, keep your elbows close to your body and move slowly to reduce shaking.
- After filming: Always rinse your underwater camera and casing with fresh water to remove debris. Then, dry it completely, and remove memory cards and batteries.
Bring your underwater camera on a dive session with Diving First!
No human can stay long enough to fully witness the underwater world. Every dive is a struggle with time, pressure, and human limits. This is why waterproof cameras exist. If you want to capture every single little detail of your experience and relive it, this device is your best shot!
With the right filming techniques, every dive can create lasting memories. But, you know what can also help with that? The right dive centre! Exploring the ocean can be an even more amazing journey with Diving First and their expert guide. So, what are you waiting for? Bring your underwater camera to a session with Diving First and share the beauty of the aquatic world with others!