How to Choose the Perfect Underwater Camera Housing
For some photographers and active lifestyle enthusiasts, having a waterproof camera is just not enough and they prefer to use an underwater camera housing for a high-powered camera. Due to the low quality of photos produced by waterproof cameras, these enthusiasts would rather spend on another accessory to ensure that they get the best photos of the underwater world.
How should one choose the perfect underwater camera housing then? Housings can range from those made with plastic to those made with polycarbonate and even to those made with aluminum.
Most of the housings though are made of transparent, heavy-duty polycarbonate. Unlike waterproof cameras, housings can allow you to take photos of imagery up to 100 feet depth.
After selecting the material of housing that you prefer, you can now narrow your choices to those that allow for flash photography and those that do not. If you have a TTL flash, make sure you have a compatible camera housing.
If you already have a camera, the selection part will actually be much easier because manufacturers specify which cameras are compatible with their housings.
One example of a great camera housing is the Fantasea FP-5000, which is compatible to most of Nikon Coolpix models. Its depth rating can reach 200 feet. The Fantasea model also has an anti-glare hood over the LCD screen for more convenient viewing when used under sunlight. The design is made for easy porting of accessory filters and lenses.
A more expensive choice would be the Ikelite underwater housing, which is about three times more expensive. With its glass lens port and accessory flash port, this Ikelite model is made of heavy-duty polycarbonate with the same depth rating as the Fantasea model.
When immersed in saltwater, it is almost neutrally buoyant. It provides access to all of the Nikon Coolpix P5000’s functions. While it is more expensive, it has also been receiving higher ratings and better reviews from customers.
Should you decide to buy an underwater camera housing for your camera, instead of buying a whole new waterproof camera, then you may as well choose one that has good quality and can match the abilities of your camera.