How do Underwater Cameras Work?
An underwater camera is basically a waterproof digital camera that does well in water. Essentially, it's a device that captures still and motion photographs or video of what's beneath the surface of the water. Cameras can be used for many purposes, such as research, education, diving instruction and more.
The first underwater cameras were invented in 1957 by Frenchman Jacques Cousteau. Underwater cameras are constructed with two different parts: the housing and an external case that prevents water from entering the first part of the camera. The only opening to this case is usually at the lens of the camera which allows for light to enter and create an image on film or a sensor which captures digital images or video.
There are three basic kinds of underwater cameras: fixed and zooms, and digital and analog. Fixed underwater cameras, with the exception of a few models from Canon, have a waterproof case that covers the camera's light-sensitive film. Zooms have an interchangeable lens that is threaded into a waterproof case. Digital underwater cameras use image sensors that are connected to the electronic part of the camera housing which can be connected to either a computer or television via cable for review and output. Analog underwater cameras are often used to record events such as weddings or public appearances. They take still photographs when turned on in water, but they can also be controlled by turning them on and off in air above water to take still photographs.
Underwater cameras are constructed with many different materials to protect them from water. The housing and the external case of the underwater camera are constructed from polycarbonate, a tough plastic that is shatter-proof, lightweight and can withstand changes in temperature.
Many underwater cameras have an underwater flash attachment or a monofilament line that marks an item for the camera to focus on while taking pictures or video. Some models have a wide-angle lens, usually 28mm, as does Canon's PowerShot G9 digital camera. Other models use a macro lens that enables you to take pictures or video of close objects like corals and sea life. Underwater cameras are often given a water rating by their manufacturer, which tells you the depth at which they can be used safely.
Underwater cameras require a housing that is also waterproof and dive proof to be useful. The waterproof housing consists of poly carbonate with an added coating for extra protection from water and sea life. It is usually made so that it can be attached to the diver's body or mounted on a scuba regulator using Velcro straps. The underwater camera needs to be easily accessible so that it can be operated while wearing gloves or when the diver is underwater. Many underwater cameras have a waterproof case with a small built-in light for those times when it's dark but the camera is not.
Businesses that use underwater cameras include U.S. Navy, National Geographic, National Parks Service, Swedish Shell Oil Company and PADI to name a few. Even the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force use underwater cameras to film their training. U.S. Navy ships under construction now have powerful underwater cameras attached to them and for the first time are being used as part of the ship's defenses against potential threats at sea, including mines.
The Bell & Howell BV2000 compact underwater camera was the first waterproof underwater camcorder available in 1973. It is also called a BV5005 because it can take 5-inch standard 35mm microfilm film cassettes which were used to back-up documents when they are not in use on board ships at sea. The United States Navy retired these cameras in the 1970's and used them for training purposes instead.
Gallery, even though I was in the middle of nowhere (and I mean WAY out in the middle of NOWHERE), but it was close enough for me to be able to get to! And what a sight it was! The mountains were blue, the sea was blue, the rocks were blue and all of them had a greenish tint - probably because of the algae growing on them.
I have several underwater camera photos that I would really love to share with you all - photos that show just how beautiful this place is under water, but unfortunately I can't really share any with you. I found a few photos that I took with my dive buddy's camera, and can only share those.
Here is what the sea looked like around 3:30-4:00 in the afternoon...
I took this shot myself and I don't even know why. It must have been something to do with the colors of everything in it...
And this one was taken by my dive buddy at 5:00 in the afternoon :)
This place was like heaven on earth for me - so beautiful...
Underwater cameras play an important role in marine observing. Marine life is being discovered faster than all other types of land animals because of underwater cameras, as it has given us more information about these creatures than ever before. The use of underwater cameras, specifically those with video capabilities, has allowed marine biologists to observe many behaviors that would have previously gone unseen. Many new and unique behaviors have been discovered as a result of the scientific study of underwater videos.
...and then there is THIS:
Caught on tape: Shocking moment fanatical shark worshippers try to wash away their sins by swimming with deadly predators in the Bahamas
These stunning pictures show fanatical shark-worshippers in the Bahamas taking part in an ancient ritual which they believe will cleanse them of past sins.
A 30-strong group swam at night into the mouth of a shark cave and into the open jaws of dozens of beasts as they mumbled prayers. The images are similar to those documented by the Spanish conquistadors during the first Spanish invasion of the Americas.
The Belize shark-worshippers, who believe Jesus Christ was crucified on a shark, have developed a strange cult using sharks as their spiritual messengers.
Photos and video footage taken last year showed how fearsome human beings can look when swimming with large sharks. This latest personal footage shows the believers taking part in what they call 'shark cleansing'.
Shark-worshippers are known for their strange rituals involving prostrating themselves in front of huge sharks and swimming under them with torches held above their heads during shark-cleansing ceremonies.
Conclusion:
The purpose of underwater cameras in marine biology is an important means of exploring the deep-ocean for life that is not easily accessible to divers. Camera capabilities such as strobes, lights and video recorders have made it possible for biologists to capture the behavior of deep-ocean life from afar. Cameras have discovered previously unseen behaviors and are providing a better understanding of deep-sea animals and their environment. Video and still photography have enabled the documentation of behavior that would otherwise be too difficult to observe, particularly with the aid of scuba equipment in dangerous locations. The use of cameras has allowed scientists to see more about animal behavior than has been previously possible.