Quick Underwater Solution

[luno]

I want to do a quick and easy underwater shoot with my dSLR, quality isn't really of the utmost concern. I plan on photoshopping textures and more into the image so I can work with it.

But I would like some flexibility with lighting. That's what I'm most concerned with.

Any ideas on some quick waterproofing I can do with my camera? I'll be standing in a pool no deeper than 6'.

Thanks
Bo

[Duncan Frenz]

6"(inches) or 6'(feet)?

[luno]

Feet. Oops, shifted when I shouldn't have.

[Duncan Frenz]

They have baggie type solutions that should work for your purposes. Just look at Adorama, b&H, and Amazon. They are quite cheap too.

[luno]

I thought that might be the easiest solution. I'm guessing a ziploc bag would not provide the most security.

[Duncan Frenz]

I thought that might be the easiest solution. I'm guessing a ziploc bag would not provide the most security.

I have done it with inexpensive P&S cameras, but I wouldn't put any of my DSLRs in that type of danger. I have read of others, who apparently have much more money than me to waste, use a ziploc successfully in shallow water. I read of a few here on these forums if you care to search. Me, I wouldn't do it.

[mbellot]

I'm guessing a ziploc bag would not provide the most security.

Probably not.

Most of the "cheap" baggies are still fairly expensive because they are much thicker material.

And rather than just zipping shut they also rely on folding over the zipped end a couple time to further limit water getting near the camera.

[rdenney]

Probably not.

Most of the "cheap" baggies are still fairly expensive because they are much thicker material.

And rather than just zipping shut they also rely on folding over the zipped end a couple time to further limit water getting near the camera.

They also have a clear filter that screws into the front of the lens. Remember that water against the bag acts like a lens, and you need a flat port between the lens and the water. Also remember that water refracts light at a much deeper angle than air, so all your focal lengths will seem longer under water than in air. That's why the money lens for the Nikonos for many years was a 15mm (with a curved front port to make it even wider). You want to use the widest lens for which you can find a bag.

As I recall, the manufacturer of the waterproof bag was EWA, if that helps with a search.

Rick "who uses a Nikonos and film for underwater photography--once every 15 years or so" Denney