Back to Basics: Why is it different underwater?

Peter Rowlands · Issue 16, Dec/Jan 2003 · pp. 43–45

43 Back to Basics Why is it different underwater? There are two main differences - Physical and Optical and both of them are caused by the medium in which we decide to operate - WATER. PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES To take underwater photographs we have to make sure that both we and our cameras are able to operate underwater. We put on a diving mask and air tanks to help us see and breathe underwater and our cameras and accessories must be redesigned to cope with the two main effects of water - moisture and pressure. Waterproof camera designs A normal land camera can be waterproofed by covering it in a waterproof material. This can be as simple as clingfilm where the material acts as a water barrier but results in a poor optical quality. An effective seal can be achieved by overlapping clingfim but this is a very basic and temporary form of moisture barrier. Most modern materials such as plastic,…