How to use a camera water housing and accessories
March 6th, 2010 | Published in Self Improvement/Motivation
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A brand new waterproof digital camera housing is at your hand, and you are about to travel on vacation to take some under water pictures. It would be worth taking the time to learn to use it properly before going outside. This article highlights some important considerations before using your digital camera housing in a humid environment. If you get something wrong with the water you will not have a second opportunity to take “picture of a lifetime,” and if you accidentally misuse your camera water housing, you may not have a camera running at all!
First, and it seems obvious, you should read the instructions that came with the unit! It seems quite easy: just put the camera and close the cover. However, why risk ruining a camera because you forgot to mount the rubber seal properly? Alternatively, indeed even forget to run any of a number of other minor components that can help make these under water camera housing work.
If you purchased your camera on online such as eBay, amazon, wallmart, shopping.com and you have lost the manual, just go to the manufacturer’s website for more information.
The most waterproof digital camera housing comes with a rubber o-ring, or grommet of some kind. These rings sit in the middle of the main camera housing, and the opening for you to slide the camera in. It is vital to regularly inspect the rubber ring for any defects. These rings have the potential to degrade over time and also weaken from repeated opening and closing the lid of the box. Fortunately, they are a replacement part. It might be worth buying one or two extras in advance, because it will be very difficult to locate one on vacation, let alone a boat on the reef where the diving!
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You really should try the camera housing before taking it into the water. Discover how to control the camera while in the housing, and practice it with your eyes closed. At this point, when you are in the water, you can concentrate on taking pictures instead of fighting to get the camera on. Manufacturers will recommend that immerse the camera at home and leak testing before going outside. Here’s my advice: first test camera in the dry fluid such as the sand. Just bury the camera in a little sand and shake a little. Dry particles will be much easier to identify than the liquid, and easy to out the camera for leaks in the housing. After the testing is complete, you can test for moisture. Some manufacturers suggest leaving the unit overnight submerged in a bucket or sink in the water. Maybe give a few seconds at first, then a few minutes to make sure no leaks evident.
Finally, you need to be caution when removing the waterproof Camera water housing after use. Dry the housing so that there is no visible water, which is leaking when the seal is opened. A towel will do, but a hair dryer at a low temperature is better if you have one handy. It would also be good to give housing a wash if you have taken in a saltwater environment. This will keep the unit clean and clear of any residue of salt that may dries on the surface.
At that time, you are enjoying taking pictures under water with the breath taking adventures in your vacation. Surf Photogaphy is one of the most enjoyable parts of your vacation. There’s no better opportunity to get once in a lifetime photos in and out of the water. Photographing turtles, whales, fish and surf photography are just a few of the great opportunities you will encounter while you’re in vacation.
When Hawaii is your vacation destination, Hawaii Photo Rental offers camera waterproof housings and accessories for your photography needs. Anyone looking forward to getting great underwater photos, surf photography or just protect their precious gear can rent these amazing camera housings at www.hawaiicamera.com.