Digital Cameras for Diving

Waterproof cameras are all the rage these days, with consumers snapping up rugged models they can take to the pool, the lake or the beach. But scuba divers need more advanced models that can be taken to greater depths. Fortunately, there are some great digital cameras for diving. Today's line of scuba diving cameras ranges from high resolution models with off-the-camera strobes to hands-free models that will take photos automatically at pre-determined intervals. Choosing the best digital camera for diving depends on your needs, so this page has listed some of the various types of digital scuba diving cameras so you can compare and find the one that's right for you.

(Image credit: Frhojdysz)

If you're looking for high-quality underwater photos, SeaLife makes some of the most popular cameras on the market. This 14-megapixel model comes with an off-the-camera flash and 5 "piano key" controls that make it easy to operate, even with gloves on. It has 6 underwater modes and 4 built-in digital color correction filters that will help you get the sharpest images with great color, even when you're at depth. It even has a "spy mode" that will automatically shoot photos at set time intervals. If you want creative control and high quality images, but can't afford a DSLR with an underwater housing, this is a great digital camera for diving.

The GoPro Hero line of cameras have become extremely popular with sports enthusiasts. It's not only scuba divers who love this camera. The GoPro series is also quite popular with surfers, mountain bikers and others who like being able to strap the camera to their board, bike, etc. and go. It shoots both video and still frames, and has an option to shoot photos automatically at intervals (from 2 to 60 seconds) until the battery dies or the card is full. This is perfect for anyone who wants a hands-free camera that can go anywhere. Just remember that if you want to use this for diving, you're going to need a light source if you don't want all your photos to be flat and blue.

The Intova CP9 is is one of the least expensive digital cameras for diving that can go to 130 feet. If you're on a tight budget, but want to take photos underwater, this cheap scuba diving camera may be a good choice for you. This compact camera doesn't have optional strobes like the camera shown above, and it doesn't have as many features either. It can, however, go as deep as any recreational diver can go. However, if you want to take good photos at depth with this camera, you're going to need a light source, either a handheld light or one you can attach to your mask. On the good side, the Intova CP9 can take videos as well as photos, and it has a 4x digital zoom to help you get close to the action. This would be a great first camera for a diver who isn't sure how much they'll enjoy underwater photography or for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money.

Another innovative option for hands-free underwater photography is a Liquid Image mask. As all divers know, the most important aspect of a mask is how well it fits, so Liquid Image makes this camera mask in two sizes, and they also offer other masks with a variety of resolutions and depth ratings. The one shown below can go to 130 feet and can shoot HD video or 5.0 MP still images. It has a 136-degree wide-angle lens to capture all the action underwater and lever-style buttons that make it easy to use while wearing gloves. The mask doesn't have a built-in flash, however, so you'll need a handheld light for the best results. This digital camera for diving falls in the mid-price range and might be a good option for someone who wants to keep their hands free while scuba diving.

The digital scuba diving cameras shown above can all be taken to depths of 100 feet or more, which is great for open water divers. But if most of your diving occurs in shallower water (40 feet or less), there are a lot of waterproof shockproof digital cameras geared toward sports enthusiasts who don't need the ability to take their camera so deep. They're made for surf, sun, sand or snow and are great for taking photos above and below the water.

eBay is a great place to look for scuba diving cameras, both new and used, including the still-popular 35mm Nikonos underwater cameras. When shopping on eBay, just be sure to buy from a seller with high feedback ratings, and you could walk away with a great bargain that you won't find elsewhere.

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