What to Expect from a Cheap Underwater Camera
For those who are just trying out diving and underwater photography for the first time, a cheap underwater camera would usually do. These cameras are all right, but how can one choose a camera that is both cheap yet produces fine quality shots – if they are indeed available?
A cheap underwater camera can easily be found, although finding a cheap one that takes fine shots is a lot trickier. Before I recommend a cheap waterproof camera, you have be warned that there is a possibility of getting awful photos from other cheap cameras – grainy and blurry – because of the slow shutter speed and other settings that you cannot change. To avoid disappointment, remember that given its price, you cannot expect professional quality photos. But then again, you can still be optimistic because there are cheap waterproof cameras that honestly seem worth more than their price.
One example of which is the Bell and Howell Splash WP5 waterproof camera. This camera, with a standard retail price of about $70, can provide up to 12.2 Mega Pixels resolution, which is far from the 3 to 8 MP that you get from other similarly priced cameras. Its waterproof rating is up to 10 feet or 3 meters. It can survive rain and snow as well. Even when you take photos underwater without flash, the images remain sharp and the colors are really vivid. (We talked about the best 35mm underwater camera in the earlier post)
There are eleven scene modes, including a Smile Shutter that automatically detects faces. It also has a Smart Scene Mode that analyzes shooting conditions and enhances the photo depending on its analysis. This model from Bell and Howell has a large 2.7” crisp LCD screen that you can use for easy and quick playback and viewing. It even has a 5x digital zoom! You can even take videos at 30 fps (frames per second) using its one touch movie mode.
It has a 2.4” LCD and can take videos. It also comes in various colors. Some photos might end up blurry and distorted. Camera controls are very easy to use. Quality is great. LCD is sharp enough and clear for viewing, even underwater. There is an automatic smile detection feature camera.
This hip and affordable camera from Bell and Howell is truly a cheap underwater camera that is worth its price and more!