7/18/2012

How To Take Care Of Underwater Cameras

By Max Tucker


If you are a diver, then you know what it is like to be mesmerized by the beauty of undersea life. Colorful coral formations and exotic tropical fish are amazing. But even if you just put on a snorkel and mask and swim looking down, in many tropical places you will see beauty that you wish you could capture on film and now that is possible.

Diving, snorkeling - they're not always possible for everyone, but with an underwater camera, you now have the chance to show others what you experienced, without them ever having to get wet!

Underwater cameras can require more upkeep than regular cameras due to the fact that the conditions underwater are not the same as they are on land. Taking good care of your equipment will make it last that much longer. Here are some important ways that you can keep your underwater camera functioning for a long time.

When using your underwater camera, great care should be taken. Do not jump into the water with the camera. If you are going for a dive, the sudden splashing caused when jumping in the water can cause the camera seals to leak. Rather than diving in with the camera, have someone else hand it to you when your are already in the water.

You are taking this sophisticated piece of equipment into the water and it can withstand a lot. However you do have to make sure by giving it an inspection that there are no cracks in the lens or leaks in the housing of the camera, because that will ensure a nonfunctioning instrument just when you need it.

After you come up from a dive or a snorkel, be sure to rinse your camera and use fresh water. The best way to do this is to soak it in tepid water for a few hours with the camera closed and going back to turn the controls periodically. That will help dissolve the salt that damages a camera once it dries. Do be sure to dry your device well before you open it, ensuring that no water that is there gets into the workings.

When your camera is completely dry, it is always a good idea to check the seals, or 'O rings' for any sand, dirt, cracks or holes. By being vigilant, you will prevent water getting through and possibly causing irreparable damage to your camera.

If it appears that the O rings are becoming cracked or damaged, then they need to be replaced. One important part of regular maintenance for an underwater camera is to have it serviced by a camera repair technician. They can check O rings that are unable to be checked by the user.




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