Underwater Digital Cameras - A Review of Jazz's Entry Level Model

If you want to get some vacation photos that are out of the ordinary, one way to do it is simply to get an underwater digital camera. Take one of these on your next vacation, and you will come home with photos that are just not possible to capture with a conventional camera.

Surprisingly, you don't have to break the bank in order to get in on the fun of underwater digital photography. Jazz, the company that is well known for its inexpensive and handy camcorders, also offers a low price, three-in-camera that serves as an underwater camera, a PC camera and a video recorder.

The Jazz JDC38W sells for less than $40 and as an underwater camera you will be able to take photos at a depth of nine feet. That's deep enough to get photos of reefs and colorful fish.

Don't expect magazine-like photos because this one only has a 1.3 mega pixel resolution and its storage capacity is limited to 8 GB. For children and first time snorkelers it is an adequate model, but if you want to get into serious, high quality underwater photography then of course you will have to pay more than $40.

The alternative to this camera, in this price range, is to get a single-use disposable, waterproof camera. Another option is to get an underwater housing for an existing digital camera that you may have.

With its plastic case, this camera looks like a toy, but one advantage to this, is that you won't have to worry about anyone stealing it!

The camera also has a PC mode which allows you to hook it up to your computer and use it for video conferencing and you can use it to take quick videos on land. The camera includes a flash, self-timer and a video interface.

The memory is fixed at 8 MB and can't be expanded. The manufacturer says that you can store around 300 images on the memory card, but at the highest resolution you will get around 75, which should be enough for any snorkeling expedition.

It uses AA batteries and has a mini LCD panel. It is not easy to view the images as you are taking the photos, so you will have to be satisfied with pointing and shooting and hoping for the best. Once again, you have to view these limitations from the perspective of the low price.

The third mode of this camera is simply to use it as a quick video camera on land, getting the kind of shots you would normally capture using the video on your cell phone.

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to disposable cameras, would like to see what underwater photography is all about without investing heavily, or if you want to give it to a child to use as an unusual toy then the Jazz JDC38W could be the camera for you. However, if you want to take the kind of underwater photos like you see in "National Geographic" then you will have to start saving for a considerably more expensive digital camera.

Anthony McReynolds writes frequently about consumer electronics and is the proprietor of the Mac Electronics Store, an online store where you can find discount electronics. Visit his website for great deals on digital cameras: http://www.macelectronicsstore.com

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Scuba Diving Computer Suunto D9 - James Bond Would Want One

Posing as a wristwatch when not underwater, the feature packed diving computers offer many functions that would leave James Bond envious of their technology. This neat little wrist-watch computers can do everything from log depth and dive time, to handling air integration. In scuba diving technology, these newest dive computers are loaded into mini, portable gadgets.

Dive computers are primarily used for nitrogen management by combining a timer, depth gauge and software that computes absorption of gases. All divers should know about residual nitrogen and decompression and some may use manual dive tables. The scuba diver computer is becoming more popular as an automated way to help keep track.

Suunto D9 is a feature packed dive computer:

The Suunto D9 diving computer is a good example. This dive computer has many features and a streamlined look. This diving computer offers the following:

o Allows you to log depth
o Keeps track of Dive time
o Temperature
o No-decompression limits over multiple dives working with air and nitrox
o Can be used in gauge and free-diving modes
o Can be switched between metric and imperial
o Can be adjusted for altitude diving
o Using the optional Suunto D9 Wireless Transmitter, it can act as a SPG
o Multiple transmitters can monitor multiple tanks, such as diving instructors monitoring students
o Can handle up to three different mixes of 21%-100% oxygen and allows you switch gases during the dive.
o Can be used at depths up to 660 feet
o Has a digital compass
o Comes with a USB Interface and PC software for dive logging
o Contains a complete package of dive gauges in the wrist-watch sized computer

Things to Consider for Diver Computers:

There are certain things you should know about diver computers, such as the brand and model's reputation, ease of battery change and is it easy to read and backlit. What type of algorithms does it use for calculating, and does it have the options you need are other things to consider. You want to see if it handles different air mixtures for versatility.

All of these things are up to the diver to consider, as the computer does not plan the dive, but keeps track and computes the amount of nitrogen present. The scuba diver still has to plan a safe and healthy dive that is within the proper guidelines.

Take Care of Your Scuba Dive Computer:

You need to read about the care of the individual brand of dive computer that you choose. The most common recommendation is that you thoroughly rinse any dive computers or underwater scuba diving cameras in fresh water. Some also allow you to soak them for an extended period of time, especially after saltwater diving. Just be sure to thoroughly dry your underwater camera before you open it.

In conclusion, scuba dive computers have become sophisticated and some look great enough to wear with a three piece suit.There are several good ones on the market, such as the Suunto D9 or Oceanic Atom 2.0. James Bond would be jealous.

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information, visit his scuba diving resource site now: http://www.scubasoul.com

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Scuba Diving Gear and What You Really Need

You have just decided to take up scuba diving and wonder what scuba diving gear you really need. Scuba diving is a great hobby, but it can be expensive so you need to prioritize and see what equipment is really essential. Here are some of the basic items of scuba diving gear:

One of the first things that you think about with scuba diving gear is the oxygen tanks and mask. The tubes and mouthpiece that you use to breathe are called the regulator. This controls the amount of oxygen that you get from the tanks. The mask is another important piece of scuba diving gear. Choose your mask carefully so that it is not uncomfortable, but also so that it is tight enough to not let any water in.

The BCD or buoyancy control device is a piece of scuba diving gear that helps you to stay in the water at the right level. You can also wear a weight belt with removable weights to keep you in the water.

Next, we can talk about the clothing. A wet suit is an essential piece of scuba diving gear because it provides you with protection from things like coral and jelly fish. There are two basic kinds of wet suits. You can wear a long wet suit which covers your whole body, including a hood for your head and this is designed for cold water diving. If it is really cold you may also want booties to keep your feet warm. Or, you can wear a short wet suit, with or without sleeves in warmer climates. The fins are another essential piece of scuba diving gear that could be considered clothing.

Safety gear for scuba diving can include such items as a first aid kit, a dive flag and a float (to signal to boats and other divers where you are diving,) and an oxygen tank repair kit. Other accessories that you might find useful when scuba diving include: a knife and a sheath, an underwater camera, a collection bag, gloves, and a net.

Take along towels, sunscreen, a hat, and other things that you would find useful while you are taking a break from diving as well. People who have been scuba diving for years will tell you that it is an experience of a lifetime. You will see things that you have never seen before and you will be "hooked."

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Recreation and Sports. To find out more about what scuba diving gear you will need, visit avdiving.com

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Positive and Negative Impacts to Diving

Scuba diving is a sport that is by basis extremely respectful of sea life. Divers are diving to appreciate the magic of aquatic flowers and animals and they're thriving on unspoiled dive sites. Any scuba diving lesson will show you the skills and the theory but also the 'underwater etiquette' that may guide your behavior in the water.
scuba swimming is the sport where fans are the most aware about the delicacy of habitats and the most deferential of the environment.

Additionally, scuba swimming areas have been blooming over the oceans of the world for decades. They have learned to preserve their resources as to keep a regular income from the scuba swimming industry. Nonetheless, scuba swimming can have a negative effect on the environment.

The 1st obvious example is the carbon print of flights which are needed to reach amazing dive locations and lets not forget the fuel used in the dive boats. These boats are gas propelled and occasionally careless of where they throw their anchor, hence damaging the sea bed, especially the sea grass which is a shelter for countless species.

Some scuba divers can have a massive impact that is very much negative. Though buoyancy control is taught inside any particular dive certification, some divers have hard times maintaining their relaxed position whilst diving. They then have contact with the reef, corals and sandy bottom and can disturb or even heavily go to pot this fragile ecosystem.

Flippers are the most typical source of destruction to the reefs. Divers have got to remain a reasonable distance away from the vegetation and go level with the surface with a level of control. Corals are living beings, there not flora. These living animals are shielded from infection by a thin deposit of mucus which is destroyed by human contact. Furthermore the oil present in human skin is damaging to them. Suntan cream is also an issue, a lot of them not being environmental friendly.

Another negative action underwater is feeding. Attracting a cloud of fishes or a gigantic grouper by providing them with food is a great feeling. Nonetheless it's not part of the natural food chain where species predate on others therefore creating this crucial equilibrium that seas need to survive. Fish remain close to reefs because they have learned that they get fed on a constant daily basis and hence will not search for their natural food source.

30 yrs ago, some resorts expanded terribly swiftly before any control was put in place. Jetties have been built on the reef for simpler access for the divers and snorkelers. Walking trails directly on the reefs have damaged them forever.

Fortunately things have changed and scuba swimming resorts have accepted the significance of protecting their resources. Some countries like the Maldives are positively dependent on tourism and the scuba swimming industry is a large part of its national earnings. More data on diving holidays can be found.

Underwater diving is all about enjoying the great thing about the seas and thus a very robust sense of respect is needed so that generations to come can still dive in pristine and blossoming waters.

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The Benefits Of Underwater Cameras

There are a number of people who enjoy exploring the life beneath the sea. Underwater photography is an area that needs special equipment, such as underwater cameras. Underwater cameras are used for photography of marine life, video, still and digital photography of the different species. They are waterproof and designed to withstand the water-pressure. They are used by scuba divers and marine biologists and for various underwater explorations. Scientists mainly use them for exploring and studying the plant and animal life, beneath the sea.

In order to take photographs at depths, a different and more varied range of cameras are available. There are housings used for conventional cameras and amphibious cameras that can be used at a depth of 50 meters. They have various appealing features, like the ability to fire an external flashgun and the ability of using interchangeable lenses. It helps to take many perfect pictures. The pictures are clear and definite, enhancing the study intended.

The housed cameras are placed in firm boxes, made of thick aluminum or clear polycarbonate plastic. They also consist of a thick plastic bag with a glass "port", to place the lens. The controls are directed through plastic. Some of the housings even allow the use of a regular flash unit that is mounted on the camera. All these features make the cameras very useful for the observation and study of marine biology and wealth.

The amphibious cameras are more convenient as they are much smaller. They are available with a range of accessories that are expensive, but improve the picture quality. The most preferred amphibious camera is the Nikon camera. It is the most widely used underwater camera. Amphibious cameras are small, compact and very easy for transporting, in comparison to housed cameras. They are also called submersible compact viewfinder cameras.

Underwater Camera provides detailed information on Underwater Camera, Underwater Digital Camera, Underwater Camera Housing, Underwater Video Camera and more. Underwater Camera is affiliated with Disposable Wedding Cameras .

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Olympus Underwater Digital Camera Review

Underwater photography has been greatly impacted and improved because of the digital revolution. Being able to see and edit your shots before you leave the water is an incredible advantage. Back in the stone age of film cameras you had to wait until your trip was over and your film was processed before you even knew you had made a mistake that could have cost you some or all of your photos. It is not difficult to see that digital imaging has greatly improved underwater photography, and all photography for that matter. Another blessing of underwater digital cameras is that while technology is constantly improving, prices are constantly dropping.

There are two basic groups or types of digital cameras: SLR which stands for "single lens reflex" and "digi-cam" which just means digital camera, and refers to the smaller point and shoot models. SLR cameras resemble their film type predecessors. They are about the same size and have similar functionality. SLR cameras have advanced features, will allow you to change lenses, and are faster than the point and shoot digital cameras. Digi-cam, while easy to use, has shortcomings when compared to an SLR underwater camera.

Although SLRs are more capable than digi-cams, they require more photographic expertise and are more expensive. A point and shoot underwater camera is more affordable and much more user friendly to the hobbyist and everyday user.

Underwater camera manufacturers are now offering affordable housings for their cameras. Although housings can cost up to $5000, there are some good lower end options. Olympus offers a very affordable underwater digital camera and an inexpensive housing to fit it. The Olympus FE-360 is a great inexpensive pocket camera, and when combined with the Olympus PT-044 housing is an exceptional combination for the price.

The Underwater Digital Camera site is a good place to compare these and other products. Click here to review underwater cameras, supplies and photography publications.

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Underwater Camera Tips For Fishing Walleye

Technology can be such a wonderful thing, and one of these new marvels are underwater cameras which can help you when you are Walleye fishing. They can take away the unknown factor, and let you see exactly what is under the water. You can see Walleye and other fish in the area, debris or underwater structures, and other area components. You can be alerted to the fact that a trophy Walleye is lurking under your boat, or that an entire school is hanging around an underwater structure. These devices are available from different manufacturers, and each camera made may be different from the others in terms of operation. The first tip for fishing Walleye is to make sure you get plenty of practice with your new camera before you ever use it while fishing. Some are more sensitive than others, and some show better pictures as well. If you are going ice fishing or fishing for Walleye in the cold weather, make sure to bring extra batteries with you. Cold leaches the energy out of batteries, so your battery will last twice as long in warm weather as it will in cold weather.

Get comfortable with your new piece of equipment, trying to set it to different depths and using different available options. Remember that underneath the water, just like in your rear view mirror, things may look bigger than they actually are. Take this into account when you are Walleye fishing, so you don't think you have a trophy fish and end up with a minnow. Another helpful tip is to make sure you avoid the bottom, otherwise you may stir up sediment which will greatly reduce your visibility in the water. You will be able to see the fish, and you may be amazed at the number of Walleye that suspend in open water. Make the camera as unobtrusive as possible so the fish do not even notice it.

Always clean it thoroughly after use, and make sure that it is dried out after being under the water. When you first put it under the water, do slow gently and slowly. Moving too fast may spook the Walleye and bait fish nearby, and it can take a while for them to return. Keep it in good repair, and do not use it in strong currents that may cause damage or break away any parts. Proper maintenance and repair will make the difference in how long it lasts and how well it works.

An underwater camera can give you a big advantage, and what you see under the water may surprise and amaze you. After use, always wipe the lens off with a clean soft cloth, to avoid any sand or dirt on the lens that may scratch it and cause problems.

Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Secrets helps anglers across North America to catch more and bigger walleye. Sign up to receive complimentary reports on walleye fishing strategies through Andrew's email publication.

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