Cameras are a dying breed, that's a fact. If they are surpassed in terms of use - not in terms of quality of photos - by our smartphones, they remain indispensable allies when it comes to photographing underwater, as we may have to do, for example during a family swim. Finally, of course, if they are comfortable underwater, they will be even safer under the spray of our sailings!
We went to Léo Lachot, specialist of underwater photography, and himself a diver at Photo-Denfert, in Paris, for advice.
The photographer explains: " There are 4 main categories of waterproof cameras. The first one is the waterproof compact cameras. They offer a good quality of photos while possessing a double waterproof protection which will avoid any problem in case of leakage ".
Compact and waterproof units, double security
In this category, the diver photographer recommends the Olympus TG6 pack with Olympus PT059 housing. The camera itself is already waterproof to 15 meters. The housing offers a waterproofness up to 40 meters.
However, as Leo explains: " The housing completes the waterproofing of the camera, in case of leakage, it is an additional protection that will prevent damage. "This pack is complete, including moisture absorption bags, and is offered at 618.80 euros .
Compact expert and its housing, for high quality photos
" Expert compacts ", explains the photographer, " offer better quality photo results. They are intended for more demanding photographers without falling into the madness of all manual settings. "
This is where the specialist offers us the Sony RX100 M5A Pack with Ikelite RX100 M5 housing. " In this configuration "he says, " the camera is protected to a depth of 60 meters. All settings remain easily accessible. "
Interestingly, the quantity of accessories available for this housing (f lash, filters... ) that will only be limited by your creativity. The pack is offered by Photo Denfert at 1237 euros .
Hybrids, a good compromise between size and photo quality
The expert explains: " Hybrid cameras are the ideal compromise between quality and size. They have a weight that makes them forgotten and they will provide very good quality pictures to the exceptional amateur diver. "
Another strong point that Léo explains to us: " Hybrid devices are generally simple to use and offer live viewing on screen, so they can be used by the whole family. "
In this range of products, the selection goes for the Nauticam Sony Alpha 7C 28-60 mm pack. This combination allows, according to what the diver explains to us, " access to the best of Sony's hybrid technology that can be used both underwater and in everyday life. Sony cameras have no need to prove themselves, they are reliable, well known and proven. "For 4999 euros The camera, housing, lens, zoom ring and carrying case are included in what remains the last step before the professional equipment ", as the photographer explains.
SLRs, top of the line at maximum price
" There is a whole world ", explains the vendor, " between SLRs and the rest. SLR cameras are for demanding users who know and like to spend time refining and fine-tuning the settings of cameras that are true all-rounders. "Already heavy, the SLR cameras will be even heavier with the housing, no question here of simply holding the camera at arm's length, the whole camera and housing ( without any objective or complementary grip ) reaches or exceeds 5 kg.
All categories champion of this exceptional class " The Nikon D850 Nauticam housing is the Rolls of the housings for amateurs "explains Léo. Offered at 3 558 euros without the camera (add 2949 euros for the bare D-850), the bill amounts to more than 6,500 euros for this set which could be quite complicated to use for simple vacation pictures.
Advantage of being able to photograph on the boat without fear
Whatever model you choose, the main attraction of these cameras and their housings is that they can remain safely outside the boat (secured from falling into the water, however), for photos even outside the water. No fear of a wave or humidity, they are designed for worse!
