Getting Started with Underwater Photography
Welcome to the wonderful world of underwater photography!
Like most scuba divers, you're probably already enamored with the beauty, mystery and fantasy of the underwater world. Now you're ready to take the next step in joining the ranks of those who share a passion for capturing the essence of these unique environments. Underwater photography can become a lifelong adventure, which will mean something very different to each of us. Whether you intend to take snapshots to show your friends and family, or create fine art renditions of the world below, travel to exotic destinations, or just capture your kids playing in the pool, you have to start somewhere.
So start your journey with the DivePhotoGuide beginner's guide to underwater photography.
Underwater Photography Glossary
Traditional 35mm film cameras use 36mm x 24mm sized film (see "full frame"), like the Nikon FX or Canon EF format. Most DSLRs use smaller (roughly 24mm x 16mm) "cropped" image sensors (Nikon DX or Canon EF-S formats). Canon cameras have a 1.6X crop factor, Nikon cameras have a 1.5X crop factor. The crop factor describes the sensor's width ratio to a full-frame 35 mm sensor. For example, a 50 mm lens used on a sensor with a 1.6X crop factor would produce the field of view of an 80 mm lens (1.6 x 50 ) on a full frame sensor.
