Scuba Diving Photography Equipment

Underwater Photography/Videography Equipment

There are custom-made cameras and video cameras on the market made specifically for underwater use. But the best idea for all but the most dedicated professionals is to use your existing camera equipment, or get hold of an all-purpose video or dv cam, and then you just need the waterproof housing and accessories. This will ensure that you get the most use from your equipment, and even if your love of scuba dies (unlikely!) you can use your equipment on dry land.

Video Housing

You'll need something fairly rugged to withstand the knocks and pressures of scuba diving. Most housings have a depth-rating which give you an indication of how deep you can go to film. Cylindrical shapes provide greater strength under pressure than any other shape can provide. Single-seal designs are easier to use because they requires only one port seal - the rear port is permanently bonded and sealed. It's best to buy a housing with the minimum of protrusions as hardware penetrations through the shell make them less reliable and watertight. If you're canny, you'll buy a universal design which will accommodate your future camcorder purchases, providing you with a lifetime of underwater video capability. If you aren't sure about what controls you need, you can start with a Basic or Mechanical housing and later upgrade the controls according to your actual needs.

Camera Housing

Camera housing tends to be much more tailored to the individual model. Again, housings will all be depth rated in feet, and often can be bought with extras such as close up lenses. It's often cheaper to buy accessories as part of the overall housing package.

Accessories

Seal-Tight Cases

On your photography or video expeditions it's wise to buy some sort of hard case for your equipment. You want something watertight, shock proof, and large enough to accommodate your housing, camcorder / camera and accessories.

UR/Pro U/W Color Correction Filters

UR/Pro filters are the choice of professionals around the world, and are the best way to restore the natural reds, oranges and yellows to your underwater images. They are specifically designed for underwater color correction and are most effective in depths between 15 and 80 feet.

Spare Seal

You should have at least one x-ring seal on hand as a back-up as you never know when your seal might get lost or damaged.

Spare Front Port

The Front Port is a stand-alone part that can be inexpensively replaced if it gets severely scratched or damaged.

Simplified Video Housing Plans

If you're against buying a special housing for your video or DV cam, it's possible to make your own! But to avoid ruining your equipment, we recommend that you buy one of the plans that are on the market based on a proven design for home construction.