If you enjoy taking photographs underwater, you may have reached that point where you would like to either invest in a better camera or get better looking results.
These days, the first step is to buy a good digital camera if you do not already have one. Although you can take perfectly acceptable pictures with a film camera, it typically takes longer to become proficient as the results are not instant, as with digital.
Good underwater photography will require an initial investment of probably several hundred dollars for a good digital camera. Even though most digital cameras today come with a built in flash, you should still purchase an external flash unit and a strobe, in order to enjoy the best results.
Unfortunately, scuba diving, especially when combined with underwater photography, is expensive. However, it can be satisfying and fun and taking good photos underwater can even be profitable as well.
As mentioned, a good digital camera and the housing will cost you around $500; you will also need to have a good strobe unit which will cost another $300 or so. A storage card is about $50. And if you want extras such as filters, extra lenses, additional strobes, of course you will spend more. However, to start out, all you really need is the basics; you can always upgrade to better quality gear later.
If you have taken underwater pictures, you may have noticed a lot of tiny specks. This is known as backscatter and is caused by the light reflecting off tiny particles that are suspended in the water. These are present even in water that seems to be completely clear and appear on your photos as tiny fuzzy circles.
One solution for getting rid of this effect is simply to turn off the flash; however you really need the flash to bring out all the different colors. Without the flash your pictures tend to all be green or blue in color.
Although there are so many underwater camera and lens choices, some recommendations would include the Olympus SW line, the SeaLife DC800, or for something more expensive, the Sea and Sea DX-1G. Nikon and Canon are both reliable names and Ikelite makes quality external housing units. Sea and Sea strobes can be used with any of the above
You may discover yourself the best equipment to have as far as getting professional results with your underwater camera, although the above mentioned products will get you started.