INTOVA INWD-IC600 6.0 MP Digital Camera with Waterproof Housing -180FT

INTOVA INWD-IC600 6.0 MP Digital Camera with Waterproof Housing -180FT

Publisher : Intova Company : INTOVA

Features

• Waterproof to 180 feet, 54 meters.
• Double O-Ring design for added leak protection.
• Full function button control.
• Removable 46mm lens thread adapter.
• 2.4" color LCD display, 12 X zoom (3x optical, 4x digital) and SD card capacity up to 2 gig.

Product Description

The new standard in affordable Sports Photography. This full featured 6 MP camera, with a rugged and compact housing, fills all your photographic needs. Use the camera by itself for safe, protected environments or put it in the housing for Wet and Wild photo occasions. The polycarbonite housing has full button feature controls and is waterproof to 180 feet (54 meters). Other features include a 2.4" color LCD display, 12 X zoom (3x optical, 4x digital) and SD card capacity up to 2 gig.

WP-DC21 Underwater housing for Canon G9 Digital Cameras

Canon WP-DC21 Underwater housing for Canon G9 Digital Cameras

Release Date : 2007-10-05 Publisher : Canon Cameras US Company : Canon

Features

• Can use camera's internal flash to control external strobes
• Includes - Neck strap, wrist strap, silicone grease

Product Description

The WP-DC21 Underwater Case for Canon G9 Digital Cameras protects your camera from sea water, sand or whatever else you can throw at it. This All-Weather Case offers a new shooting possibility to help you realize the full potential of digital photography. You can also use it to take pictures where it is snowing, raining, dusty or excessively humid.

Camcorder That Requires No Hand-Holding

Many digital video cameras fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. But sometimes you need your hands for other things, like steering a bike.

The VholdR camcorder from Twenty20 lets you skip the hand-holding by clipping it right onto handlebars, helmets or goggles to record action video as you see it.

The VholdR, which weighs 4.8 ounces, records TV-quality video to a MicroSD card.

It can record about two hours of video on a battery charge, and comes with a U.S.B. cable and desktop software to watch, tag and share your videos on the Web.

The camcorder is encased in a brushed aluminum body with a grooved base designed to fit a camera mount. It costs $350 and is available for you to enjoy your vacation wearable camcorder

Although a note on the site says the next batch of cameras will not ship until after the holidays, you should be able to get it in time to record a few runs on your mid-winter ski trip

Scuba Diving For Beginners

Scuba diving is an exciting water activity for almost all ages. It involves using special gear to stay underwater for extended periods of time. That simple definition, though, belies the true excitement of this recreation - scuba divers enjoy seeing marine life up close and even see underwater shipwrecks, coral reefs, and caves, all from a unique perspective. Scuba diving has become extremely popular because it offers unparalleled excitement, a good workout, and a chance to see nature's wonders up close.

If you want to join other scuba divers, it is important to find the best scuba diving instructor - one who is certified by a professional body like NAUI (The National Association of Underwater Instructors) or PADI (The Professional Association of Diving Instructors)- since scuba diving has some risks. Getting good instruction ensures that you learn scuba diving safely. Both PADI and NAUI can also provide you with the facts about scuba diving, and dive certification is required to dive at most resorts and dive operations.

When selecting an instructor, it is important to select someone with the right certification levels. Levels include Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, DiveMaster, Assistant Instructor, Boat Diver, Deep Diver, Drift Diver, Multilevel Diver, Night Diver, Search & Recovery Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Navigator, Underwater Photographer, Underwater Videographer, Wreck Diver, and others. It is important to select a scuba diving instructor with the credentials and certification that most meets your needs.

When you are just starting out as a scuba diver, you may be interested in travelling to one of the scuba diving hot spots -The Red Sea in Egypt, Malta, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, and others. These popular scuba diving destinations offer beautiful dives and plenty of instructions for the new scuba diver. These destinations also allow you to easily rent all the gear you need for scuba diving - including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, exposure suits (wetsuit or dry suit), buoyancy compensators, weights, and tanks. All this gear allows you to stay safe and control your decent into the water. For beginning scuba divers, it can make sense to rent this equipment, as scuba diving gear can cost more than $1000. For new scuba divers, renting also makes sense because it ensures that the gear is properly maintained and kept.
snuba gear
However you decide to approach scuba diving - whether locally or at an exotic destination, whether as a pleasant pastime or a regular hobby - joining the ranks of scuba divers worldwide is sure to be an eye-opening experience - and one that will create a life time of memories.

About the Author:
Diver Village - The Source For Dive Articles This article is distributed by: www.iSnare.com
Hawaii has many great snorkeling, scuba diving, and snuba diving locations.

Olympus E-3 digital SLR camera

Olympus E-3 digital SLR camera : Olympus released their E-3 flagship SLR camera, as a latest addition to its Four Thirds System. The Olympus E-3 gives semi and pro photographers a high-performance tool that satisfies the most stringent demands for D-SLR photography. The new Olympus SLR camera represents the ultimate choice for photographers and provides great image quality and the highest levels of speed, as well as Live View capabilities. The Olympus E3 incorporates world’s fastest auto focusing speeds thanks to its AF system and new Zuiko Digital SWD lenses. The Olympus E-3 gives photographers a crucial edge to help capture that decisive shot with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. and 5fps sequential shooting!http://astore.amazon.com/zuiko-digital-lenses-20


Olympus image stabilization
The Olympus E3 DSLR camera features a 10 Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor and Olympus’ TruePic III image processing engine. Furthermore, the professional Olympus E3 incorporates a highly advanced built-in image stabilization system to compensate the effects of camera shake to the equivalent of up to 5 EV steps. The image stabilization is very effective and utilizes the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD). The IS system features two modes: One for shakes along both the x and y axes, while another stabilizes only the y axis; ideal for sports photography. Sharper shots every time, together with the custom-made Zuiko Digital lenses photographers can rely on accurate and high quality results!



You can look for more details and place order for a special price at amazon.com

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Technical Details
#70-300mm focal length
#EF mount; telephoto zoom lens
#3-stop Image Stabilizer for outstanding camera shake reduction
#Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create an attractive, even defocused #background at large apertures
#Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Featuring the latest 3-stop Image Stabilizer for outstanding camera shake reduction, the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM zoom lens also features super responsive autofocus. Replacing the popular EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer (IS), the lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.

Image Stabilizer
IS dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM features Canon's latest 3-stop IS, a one-stop improvement over its predecessor. This allows shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur. Photographers normally shooting a 300mm frame handheld at 1/500 second can obtain the equivalent result with a shutter speed of just 1/60 second, vastly extending options in low-light conditions.

Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane.

The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM provides 2-mode IS for shooting immobile subjects. Mode 1 stabilizes the image along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For shooting while panning to follow a moving subject, Mode 2 turns off correction in the panned direction and prevents the effect of dragging the subject back through the frame. IS switches off automatically when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabilizer motor vibrations.

Superb autofocus
The micro USM motor found in the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. Good holding torque stops the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus point and without overshoot. A high-speed CPU and optimised AF algorithm result in a significant increase of AF speed compared to that of its predecessor.

A zoom ring locking mechanism is provided that locks the zoom at the wide-angle setting. This ensures that the lens is carried or stored in its most compact position, preventing possible damage caused by the lens extending and hitting obstacles when being carried mounted on a camera with a strap.

Pleasing defocused background
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM employs an electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) with a circular aperture. This helps create an attractive, even defocused background when isolating a subject at large apertures.

Image quality
By optimizing Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, Canon's engineers have been effective in suppressing flare and ghosting--more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural color balance.

Focal length translates to 112-480mm equivalent in 35mm film format when fitted to EOS 20D and EOS 350D cameras.

The EOS system
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM includes distance metering information, providing compatibility with the E-TTL II flash system of late model cameras such as the EOS-1D Mark II N and EOS 5D . When used in conjunction with Canon's range of EX Speedlite flash units, the lens passes distance information to the flash algorithm for markedly improved flash exposure metering.

Accessories for the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM include the lens hood ET-65B and the lens pouch LP1222. In keeping with Canon's Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

Nikon D300

Nikon D300

Key Features

* 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
* Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
* ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
* 14-bit A/D conversion
* Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
* Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
* Shutter life 150,000 exposures
* New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
* Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
* Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
* Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
* Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
* Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
* Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
* Compact Flash UDMA support
* 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
* Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
* HDMI HD video output
* 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
* Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
* New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
* Buttons sealed against moisture

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon's newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.

Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution. (NORMAL-LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV 1GB CompactFlash card.)

The D300 incorporates a range of innovative technologies and features that will significantly improve the accuracy, control, and performance photographers can get from their equipment. Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed before a picture is taken. This information is used to improve the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance functions in the D300. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better and by identifying them, it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance detection.

The D300 incorporates Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus-point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options--Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D300 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras that feature Picture Control System.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D300's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed to ensure accurate focus.

The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

Refined Ergonomics and Usability
The D300 inherits one of Nikon's most streamlined, functional, and aesthetically pleasing layouts in a digital SLR camera, designed to enable photographers to take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy, and comfort.
The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed accurately, while an ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. Its 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode.

The D300 features rugged magnesium alloy construction and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested up to 150,000 cycles. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D300's rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

What's in the box
Nikon D300 digital SLR body, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable, AN-D300 strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, DK-23 rubber eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM

Common Courtesy In Cruising

You don’t need a Miss Manners at sea to know there are some basic, common sense rules of etiquette for cruising. No, there is no handbook on it, but the key words here are “common sense.” For some less thoughtful folks onboard, taking a vacation means taking a break from using their brains.

Picture a cruise ship like a floating village or small town at sea. As with any unfamiliar place you go to, you should get to know the lay of the land, so to speak. No one is going to be just like you; people from all over the world, from different cultures and religions are sharing the same floating space as you are. Everyone should learn how to live in harmony for this short stay so that all of you will have the best vacation possible.

Some cruisers have been to their share of ports and know what to do. However, newbie’s need to pay some attention to their surroundings. Read the literature about the ship’s activities. And if there is any doubt about something, ask a member of the cruise ship’s personnel. Now, let’s talk about some of those unspoken shipboard “rules:”

Cool it with the complaints – You are on vacation! Nothing is more unattractive than a grown-up whining like a child over something like waiting in line. You know that saying “When in Rome?” Well, it is your vacation. No worries, no deadlines, no being late to anything … you’re on a ship and nothing on board is going anywhere. Say hi to the people next to you; challenge someone to a game of paper, scissors, rock to break up the monotony.

Respect the Dress Code Guidelines – Cruise ships will often post some clothing guidelines for dinner or live entertainment for that day. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you will not be thrown off the ship. However, you would feel mighty uncomfortable wearing your Bermuda shorts and flip flops to a semi-formal dinner or dance.

Say so long to the seat savers and line cutters- It is a bit exasperating to take the time to arrive at a decent hour to catch the next lounge act only to have a sea of coats draped over chairs and no bodies in the seats. And line cutters, shame on you. It is one thing for you to stand in line and have your spouse join you after a quick trip to the rest room. It is a whole new ballgame letting in your twenty newfound friends from the poker tables cut in line.

No hogging of the gym equipment/hot tub/lounge chairs/computers, etc. – There are possibly several thousand other people who at some point want to use stationary bike or hot tub privileges. Be mindful of others who are discreetly waiting without complaint for their turn.

Designated smoking areas – There are specific areas just for smokers on board. Do not be selfish and light up at the dining room table while others are eating. Here’s a big clue: if you see ash trays, you can light up.

These unspoken rules sound perfectly logical don’t they? Yet, some cruisers forget themselves in their quest for a good time and other people suffer for it. If you are unsure of something, ask. Let your common sense rule. And don’t worry, it won’t get in the way of your good time.



About Author :

Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing in discount cruises and travel. Visit http://www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/for more information on how to cruise the world for little or no money.

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience

Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a River Cruise. You just unpack once on this floating hotel and there you go cruising with river cruises over magnificent castles, significant towns and cities, appealing villages and lavish vineyards. It has become increasingly popular nowadays to sail through the grand rivers of Europe especially with the wide selection of vessels available.

All the vessels are beautifully furnished, displaying attractive art objects with public areas reflecting the atmosphere around each region you cruise. It is the most pleasurable experience on river vessels as all offer personal service with the help of a smiling bilingual staff. You are provided with a single seating superb dining arrangement and well-accommodated cabins, which are comfortable and airy.

The most popular destinations in Europe, Russia or China can be explored intimately, closely and deeply with the river cruises. It is unlike a bus ride where you are still spending time on the bus than exploring and discovering destinations. River cruises provide splendid service and superb food. Every travel programs is well formulated and designed and you visit a port a day, at least. Hence, you get an opportunity to explore small villages in remote regions minutely, which might not have been otherwise possible with an ocean cruise. As you cruise along, you admire the beautiful scenery around as well as enjoy the local nightlife at the ports.

Have you ever thought of rediscovering America in an easy and relaxed fashion? Well River Cruises are there for you.

For the early settlers of America, rivers were natural highways, today the same rivers signify the old and the new, and as you cruise along them, you discover American history as it unfolds to you slowly and steadily. It is becoming extremely popular nowadays to experience America's great waterways on Victorian Style steam driven paddle wheelers on 3-to twelve-night trips. There are stunning antiques displayed in the gallery and there is a two-storey dining room with huge windows for a fantastic view of the scenery. The river steamboats are designed in 19th century format with stylish furnishings- an impressive mirrored and brass staircase and a lounge with a two-storied glass rear wall for a glimpse of the giant paddlewheel. There are other amenities available like movie theaters, musical shows and bathing pools.

River cruises are well designed cruises - you are neither seasick nor loose sight of the land as in blue water cruises and neither do you pack, unpack or hip-hop hotels like in a car or motor coach tour. The River Explorer sails over the rivers Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio - to and fro on four to ten days trips throughout the year.

Vacationers can sprawl on the Sky Deck, read, play games or watch videos. The dining is casual, informal having no assigned seating. You can meander into the pilothouse and catch a glimpse of the real-time radar and navigational charts, if interested. At various ports storytellers, bluegrass and blues bands, dancers and Cajuns step aboard to entertain the guests.

You learn about America's heritage-it's a rich experience to understand the development of commerce and industry in America or why river towns Tenn. and Clarksville were founded. Imagine seeing the colors along the riverbanks or the rising sun or the setting sun-are truly natural wonders. You might like to undertake shore excursions to New Orleans French Quarter or the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. It is such a wonderful idea to have some river cruises to observe themes like 1950's music, big bands, old-fashioned holidays, or the fall foliage along the Ohio River.

Looking for information about cruises?
Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com
'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!
Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

A Lifetime Cruise - Hawaiian Cruise - An Exotic Hawaiian Cruise Trip

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone's dream cruise to the Hawaiian
Islands on an exquisite ocean liner. Being pampered from dawn
to dusk with exemplary cuisine, entertainment and fun for
all that too for a moderate sum on a Hawaiian Cruise is
definitely something out of the world. An increasing number of
cruisers and liners are now regularly calling on the
Hawaiian ports as also at the neighboring islands of Kaua'i,
Maui, Kona and Hilo.

Hawaiian Islands, a cluster of 137, provide adventure - sports,
relaxation and a new insight to oneself. The islands make one
wonder whether you are at land or at sea.

Hawaiian Cruises transport you to a heavenly state. Because of
the tropical latitude, the weather remains the same through
most of the year. The eastern side has more rainfall
while the western part is the dry land. Locals enjoy skiing and
snowboard in the snow-covered areas of the Big Island.

The Hawaiian culture is very diverse and almost every nation's
culture is found here. Hence, any newcomer is automatically
drawn into the Hawaiian culture, which is enjoyment and
adventure. Honolulu is the capital city. It is believed that
the first permanent inhabitants of this island had sailed in
from the islands of Marquesas in the southern hemisphere
between 300 and 800 A.D.

Hawaiian Cruises along the different yet distinct islands
provide an insight into the uniqueness of each island. Hawaii
Island is a big one with Kilauea crater, said to be the
home of the fire Goddess, Pele. Maui, once the sole property of
the royals, is famous for its exquisite swimming spots. The
rainbows across the cliffs and waterfalls of Honolulu
are nature's splendor. In spite of the diversity the common
thing of these islands is 'aloha', the spirit of welcoming.

World know Hawaiian people for their hospitality and
friendliness. They can mingle easily and in no time have others
dancing to their music and enjoying themselves thoroughly with
their cuisine. The Hawaiian Cruise enables the visitors to
participate in the Hawaiian culture. The vacationing people get
unlimited happiness aboard the floating cruise liners and
fabulous treatment for little fare.

U.S and Canadian citizens need both proofs of citizenship and
identity to board Hawaiian Cruise. Proof of identity could be
driving license, Government's identification card and in case
of children between ages 6 to 17, a school identity card is
good enough. In addition to these, a valid passport to sail is
also necessary. Permanent residents of the United States need
to have on them their Alien Resident Card (ARC). In cases of
children traveling without their parents, the legal guardian
with them should possess the parent's consent letter
authorizing the minor to travel with the guardian, which is
also important in case of emergency of any kind.

Looking for information about cruises? Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com
'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!

Single-use cameras for taking picture underwater

Disposable digital and film cameras (also called single-use cameras) provide a cheap and easy alternative for photographers. They offer an option for times when you don’t want to risk your expensive equipment but you do want to take some pictures. For example, what could be a scarier combination for a photographer than an expensive piece of camera equipment and water? While professional underwater photographers (or serious hobbyists) are willing to spend a lot of money on their underwater cameras, what about the rest of us? Disposable underwater cameras offer an inexpensive alternative. After all, we may only want to take pictures one time on a snorkeling vacation. Why should we have to buy or rent a lot of expensive equipment?

Disposable underwater cameras are ideal for a wide variety of outdoor adventures where moistures,water, sand and rough use might come into play. Use them underwater, (many models are actually waterproof from 15 to as much as 50 feet underwater) but also use them above water for many outdoor shots in sunshine or on a light cloudy day at the beach, the pool, or even the desert.

An underwater disposable camera can also be called an all-weather camera since it is ready for anything at anytime. It's ideal for shooting outdoors in wet and even snowy conditions. Think of it as not only waterproof but also weatherproof, allowing you to use it to get some great shots in the great outdoors. Use it in the rain, on the slopes, on a boat or in the ocean. Use it while snorkeling, skiing, fishing, boarding, or surfing. Take great photos of sunsets, wildlife, waterfalls or crashing waves.

The disposable underwater camera you buy should be extremely durable and rugged. It should be easy to grip and take pictures, even with gloves on. It should fit in your pocket, beach bag or purse.

Most of these cameras are pre-loaded with 400-speed film with 27 exposures, and include a shock resistant, heavy-duty housing that floats. They are cheap (you can pick up a disposable underwater camera for about $6.00 to $20.00) and even cheaper if you buy them wholesale in quantity.

Not all underwater cameras come with a flash. To get really nice underwater images, your best bet is an external strobe so you won't create ""backscatter"" (which looks like snow or dirt in your pictures). Also remember when taking your photos, especially when snorkeling, to keep the sun behind you and to take advantage of that beautiful blue clear water. With a disposable underwater camera you really can take great pictures anywhere and at anytime.

Application to use underwater case in daily activities

There's so much you can do with an underwater digital or video camera. If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, you can use the camera to show your friends and family the beautiful tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, and other underwater treasures you encountered on your vacation.

But that isn't all. Videotape the children (and adults) swimming at the ocean, lake or pool. This could help them improve their swimming techniques or record their very first swim. Or you could plant your underwater video camera on the bottom of your pool and enjoy all the underwater swimming and games played on the VCR.

You could put this camera in your aquarium and see the fish and water life from another view on your television across the room.

Many people use underwater video cameras for fishing, ice fishing and boating. Think of this: You can actually see the type and quantity of fish below the water surface or find out what the conditions are like beneath your boat. Are there weeds, rocks, or sand? You could also inspect damaged propellers. All you have to do is attach your underwater video camera to your boat hook or fishing pole.

Your underwater video camera should connect to most camcorders TVs, VCRs, portable monitors and LCD screens with AV inputs.

You can also record everything on your computer with an underwater video camera. All you need is something called a Grabbee Video Grabber. Then you connect the camera to your lap top and record.

How far can you see using an underwater video camera? About 10% farther than a diver can. Water clarity plays more of a role than the depth and available light. Typical viewing distance of an underwater video camera will range from 3 feet (very poor visibility) to 50 or 60 feet (excellent visibility).

You should have a choice of a color camera or black and white. In the past black and white cameras were much more light sensitive and were a better camera to use underwater. This is not the case any longer. Today's color video cameras are very light sensitive and can produce a very nice image in low light. So price is really the major consideration when choosing a black and white or a color camera.

During the day most underwater digital or video cameras will operate on natural light to about 100 feet in most water conditions. Beyond 100 feet or at night you will need to use the auxiliary lights.

Make Money With Your Digital Camera

Make Money With Your Digital Camera

If you own a digital camera, you have probably taken at least a few photos that you think others would like. Did you know that it’s quite easy to make money with most any digicam – even a low-end point and shoot? Well, it is, and I’m going to tell you how to get started!




You don’t need to be an experienced professional photographer to start earning money with your digital camera. And you certainly don’t need a bunch of expensive photographic equipment. All you really need in order to earn some extra cash – and possibly even a good living - is a decent digital camera, an active imagination and a little practice.

First, let’s discuss the practice part. Get out and start taking a bunch of pictures. Take pictures of anything and everything you see including landscapes, buildings, automobiles, animals, people…well, you get the picture. Take pictures of everything, even things that might seem boring or uninteresting.

The key to getting several great pictures every time you pick up your camera is to take a boatload of them! In fact, I fill up my camera’s 2 GB memory card virtually every day. That’s 569 high-resolution images per day! Out of that many pictures, I almost always have several “keepers”. Of course the advent of digital cameras has made it very easy and inexpensive to take tons of pictures any time you want to.

Be sure to spend some time “learning your camera” as you take your practice shots. Practice using the different settings and “picture taking modes” available on your particular camera model so that you’ll be prepared to capture the best images possible under a wide variety of conditions. For example, low-light photography, action photography (sports) and portraits all require different skills and varying camera settings in order to produce the best results.

After you have become familiar with your camera and feel confident about using its various settings, it’s time to start making some money. Studio portrait photography probably isn’t an option unless you already own (or are willing to buy) the proper equipment. This includes a high-quality camera and lens, lighting equipment, backgrounds, etc. But there are plenty of other types of photography you can make money at with nothing but your quality digicam. For example, you can take pictures at birthday parties, amateur sporting events, family reunions and many other types of social events. You can also take pictures of local landmarks and tourist attractions and sell them on eBay or even your own website. The opportunities for making money by taking pictures is limited only by your imagination!

Regardless of the types of photographs you plan to take, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1 – Always take plenty of pictures. If you max out your memory card, you’re virtually guaranteed to have several great pictures that your client will be happy to pay you for.

2 – Take pictures from several different angles and with varying camera settings. It will do you no good to take 500 pictures at a birthday party if they are all exactly alike!

3 – Anticipate where the action is going to be and be there yourself when it happens. For example, if you’re taking pictures at little Johnny’s first Pee-Wee football game, make sure you’re in the best spot to get a good picture when he scores a touchdown.

4 – Always be practicing with your camera and learning new photographic skills. Spend some time online keeping up with the most popular photography forums as well as the numerous photography help websites.

5 – Submit some of your best photos for display on several photography websites such as TodaysPhoto.org. You’ll receive plenty of free exposure for your work resulting in more business.

Conclusion: You really can turn your photography hobby into a money-making venture. And who knows, you just might find that you can do it full-time and kiss your day job goodbye!


About The Author

Rick Rouse is the owner of TodaysPhoto.org. Visit him and submit your own photos to be considered for use as a “Picture Of The Day”