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I've been planning for the our upcoming trip to Fiji, and I'm waying up my options for underwater photography. Kate said a underwater housing is out of the question, and well I agree with her, she said I should use something like this (link below) to take photos.


Well I haven't had many 'disposeable camera' experiences, but is there anything to look forward for underwater cameras ? Flash for example ?

Not that I'd be doing any diving, just snorkling I'd imagine.

If I work my cards right I might be able to borrow my families Konica Minolta underwater camera, its probably 8-10 years old now, but if the seal still works it seemed ok. If I can borrow is, is there any suggestions for what sort of film to use ?

(Also, is there a dpreview or similar site for Film cameras ?)

The underwater disposables are not too bad, really. Obviously the quality is not fantastic, and the controls are... how do I put this... limited. Most are fixed focal length, fixed focus, no flash. However, the value for money is great

The trick is to get as close as possible before clicking the shutter release, and hold it as still as possible while you're doing it. They also take surprisingly decent shots above water, as long as it's daylight!

Don't expect too much, and you'll be right

Craig I wish I had seen this sooner. I just sold a Nikonis II which I would have been happy to loan you

Oneputt wrote:Craig I wish I had seen this sooner. I just sold a Nikonis II which I would have been happy to loan you

Well in that case I wish I had posted it earlier, but too late now! I appreciate the sentiment

where to start?

the investment in an underwater housing and strobe system is huge. Your wife is right - unless you are a keen diver it is huge overkill.

Disposable cams are great for first timers but you cant get really great results until you get your flash onto a strobe arm. This helps you avoids the problems with "back scatter" greatlybecause you cab illuminate th subject from an angle. For a first timer try the disposable first then if you like it consider renting some of the basic under water film cams from the dive shop (most will rent you one and give you a lesson).

Cheers WW

Craig,
your best results if you want colour will be in very shallow water - less than 0.5 meter.
As soon as you get any depth at all the reds disappear and your shot will look very washed out. Avoid using onboard flash as you will only light up the suspended particles in the water.
Try to shoot pointing slightly up with the sun behind you.

The other thing to try is duck dive down to 4-5 meters and shoot the silhouette of someone on the surface. Make sure that the sun is directly behind them. If the shutter is faster than about 1/250 you will get a get sunburst. This shot was with a D70 but I have captured similar with a Kodak disposable.



Enjoy the warm water