A digital camera is a necessity  in the present era. To enhance its stimulating experience there are many accessories available in the market. A memory card is one of the most important accessories of a digital camera. Memory cards are used to store the pictures we take on digital cameras. They can be equated with hard disks in computers. Camera manufacturers usually fit their gadgets with low storage media cards. This is a mainly marketing technique, to make users buy additional memory cards for increasing the storage capacity of their cameras. Smart Media, Memory Stick, Compact Flash etc are all different type of memory cards. It is also possible to re-use memory cards, after saving the required photographs on the computer, or copying them on CDs etc. Now days we can go anywhere with an ultra-portable, high-speed USB flash drive that provides a convenient solution for storing, transferring, and sharing multimedia and more. These USB flash drives are available both in a variety of capacities and capabilities to fit our storage needs. Batteries are the fuel of digital cameras. Some digital cameras come with rechargeable batteries. Cameras are commonly sold with battery chargers to enhance their buy ability. It is always desirable to stock an extra pair of batteries. Digital photography tends to become tedious due to limited battery life. Tripods are the stands that help us to take shots in a better way. Therefore, if we want our photographs without blur and have a professional touch we can use tripods. Camera tripods have been around since the dawn of photography and are a guaranteed way to improve steadiness and decrease “camera shakes”. . A tripod is a must-have for anyone who takes more than a couple. For protecting our cameras, we can purchase stylishly designed cases to make sure that we are always in style and camera is protected. Many great looking cases are now on offer as well. They vary from the large and quite costly soft leather cases to the smaller and more affordable carry pouches. For underwater housing, we can take our digital cameras on snorkeling and scuba diving trips to take the same quality of vibrant pictures underwater as well as on land with the help of waterproof kits. Underwater photography is a rapidly growing genre, especially now that the equipment required has dramatically reduced in cost. Other accessories under the same category include waterproof halogen lights that work as deep as 75m below the surface of the water and numerous color filters to balance the overwhelming blue watercolor. Each accessory will add its own unique and distinct value to any digital camera.

Tom Lopez

Olympus Stylus 1050SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

While other digital cameras may use touch screens to access settings, the new Stylus 1050 SW has a shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof body that is sensitive to touch all over. So getting to the most common menu settings in situations where pushing buttons takes time or is difficult is now as fast and easy as a tap on the top, back or sides of the camera.

The rugged 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1050 SW is designed to take the hard knocks that everyday life–particularly those with kids–can throw its way, so you know that the memories it captures will be protected. It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms, and swim with the fishes — lethal conditions for most other digital cameras. Additionally, the sleek, lens-protecting faceplate slides down, turning the camera on and revealing the lens in an instant to capture the moment.

Stylus 1050SW Highlights

Tap Control
The Stylus 1050 SW camera can be controlled with a simple tap on its top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to the new camera’s 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. For example, to turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, tap the camera’s side twice. In adverse climates, where the Stylus 1050 SW thrives, the new Tap Control ensures fast results so you get the shot, even if you are adjusting settings while fighting frostbite with large gloves that would make traditional buttons nearly impossible to maneuver.

Shockproof design for worry-free fun
The shock-absorbing technology designed into the Stylus 1050 SW minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when the camera is dropped from heights up to 5 feet. Whether the camera slips out of a backpack or a toddler drops it down a staircase, the Stylus 1050 SW can take a licking and keep on clicking.

Waterproof for underwater adventures
The Stylus 1050 SW performs as well under water as it does on land because its lightweight, aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can take photos while being fully submerged to depths of approximately 10 feet (3 meters). The inclusion of a preset underwater scene mode makes the Stylus 1050 SW perfect for snorkeling or a day in the pool. It also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.

The picture makes the center of the flower very clear and makes the background of the flower unfocused. Its very lovely.

Freezeproof for icy conditions
Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 1050 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready when you are to make a snowman or hit the slopes.

Face Detection and Smile Shot
Face Detection tracks up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. The Stylus 1050 SW also features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject’s face to detect a smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents hoping to capture hard-to-predict baby smiles.

In-camera panorama
In-camera panorama mode captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image right in the camera — resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture ready for printing. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the Olympus Master Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. Shadow Adjustment Technology compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview
The Stylus 1050 SW features Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. This feature enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Perfect Fix in-camera editing
The Stylus 1050 SW offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, frames, text options and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once.

TruePic III Image Processor
Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures sharp images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

LED Illuminator
An LED Illuminator works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting — great for underwater close-up shots where light is scarce.

Digital Image Stabilization
This camera features Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to capture crisp, clear pictures. By boosting the camera’s ISO sensitivity and shutter speed, DIS freezes the action and captures virtually blur-free images, even when you or your subject is moving.

Large HyperCrystal II LCD
The Stylus 1050 SW boasts an advanced HyperCrystal II LCD, which is Olympus’ next generation of LCD technology. It reproduces true colors with a dynamic contrast ratio of more than 180 percent and a color reproduction performance of more than 160 percent compared to HyperCrystal LCD, providing a preview that is more true to the final image.

Stylish Design and Colors
The Stylus 1050 SW is available in four stunning colors to suit your individual taste: blue, champagne, silver and black. Its newly designed body has a lens protecting component that slides in front of the camera’s lens to further protect it from extreme conditions.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. The Stylus 1050 SW will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

Olympus Master 2 software
Olympus Master 2 software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to a computer quick and simple. Images are easily organized by folders or albums and are searchable by date in the Calendar View. With one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional-quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

kookcoo

Waterproof Digital Cameras can capture your memories on a beach, at a nightclub, pool and in many other places because of its high technical configuration. It is specially designed for taking clear pictures of the objects under water that is below five feet and more. Parallel to this, you can view all the pictures instantly and you have quick access of the images taken. There will be lot of differences in taking shots and the working condition also varies when compared with the other digital cameras.

Waterproof digital cameras have different modes that are used for diverse scenes, but you need to have proper knowledge of the camera before use and that can be attained by thoroughly reading the manual. You have to do some research before deciding to buy. Always purchase a camera that is easily accessible by the thumb for clicking and the user interface should be simple. Technical aspects like compact, digital zoom, flash levels, dimensions, internal memory, movie mode etc have to be given importance while buying.

Sony and Canon offer waterproof digital cameras at different prices. Nowadays the waterproof cameras are designed for lifestyle purpose and fulfilling professional needs also. People enjoying vacation on water base always opt for waterproof digital cameras to enhance and cherish their experience. You can take colorful shots while doing underwater snorkeling or scuba diving and so you cannot rely on faulty cameras. In addition to this, these cameras are good options for capturing action shots that are water-based like white water rafting, fishing and kayaking etc. There are cameras available to capture underwater photographs at the depth above 30 feet.

Sealife DC500 is scuba divers delight as it can be used up to 200feet depth. This camera has two underwater shooting options. First one is typical shot for underwater with slight shutter pause or lag. But the Shark shooting option captures intended object and the range or distance is remembered for the following photos and hence there is no lag time with the closing speed of the shutter. It has got a flash and has expandability with other lenses like 3x and 4x optical zoom. Some main features of this waterproof digital camera are 5.0 mega pixels, 3x optical zoom and auto-focus with a LCD display of two inches for viewing the photos.

Olympus Stylus 770SW is referred as the toughest waterproof camera because it is not only waterproof but also freeze and crush proof. Among the waterproof cameras available in the market, this camera sounds like handling anything on the way without any damage. It has got 7.1 mega pixels and as a result gets great resolution and also has LCD display of 2.5 inches. Underwater, the camera is shockproof till 5 feet, can take up crushing force of 220 pounds and waterproof till 30 feet. It also has 30 shooting modes with movie sounds.

Pentax Optio W20 is another waterproof digital camera that is preferred by many photographers because it provides them the needed features. A rubber-sealed seam is an important feature that can be immersed till 5 feet for a period of half an hour. It’s distinctive features are 7 mega pixels, macro lens, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inches LCD screen, recording videos and underwater settings.

The other popular waterproof digital cameras are Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000, Fuji Fine Pix A400 digital camera and Bonica Snapper-XP underwater digital camera.

Russ Snapper

First came the camera. Then there was the underwater camera. After that came the digital camera – and now we have underwater digital cameras. Underwater digital cameras are ideal for capturing the beauty of the undersea world (or the bottom of your swimming pool if you have that special artistic eye!). They are used by both scientists and scuba divers. Digital cameras come in many well-known brands including Kodak, Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Olympus. Surprisingly enough, the cheapest brands cost less than $200, although prices rise quite steeply for the highest quality cameras.

Some of the advantages of underwater digital cameras include:

- You can plug them into a TV.

- They are smaller and lighter than film cameras

- Bad shots can be easily deleted

- They can change resolution, which is useful for wide-angle photography in low lighting conditions underwater

- They produce better high-resolution shots

- They never run out of film (because they don’t use film!)

- They have better depth of field (up to 4 times that of film cameras)

- They feature strobe shutter speeds as fast as 1/800th of a second, much faster than even the best film cameras

- Applications include sea mode, land mode, and external flash mode


Here are some examples of the best underwater digital cameras:

1. The Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000

It has a 2. 8 inch LCD screen and 10 megapixels. Housing is required. Up to 3,2000 ISO. 3x optical zoom lens, and it even includes an anti-shake feature.

2. The Pentax Optio

It has a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 7 megapixels. It requires no additional housing. Usable for up to half an hour in depths of up to 5 feet. It can even be used for shooting underwater videos. Up to 1,600 ISO.

3. Fuji Film FinePix A400

Complete with waterproof housing, 4.2 megapixels. What’s more, it’s CHEAP – under $200 at the time of this writing).

4. SeaLife DC500

Includes both Land and sea flash modes. 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom. Features an anti-shake function that compensates for movement by either the photographer or the subject.

The foregoing is only a small smaple of the total range of brands, cameras, and features available for photographers of almost any budget and any level of sophistication.

Bob Miles
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/underwater-digital-cameras-101-for-landlubbers-135210.html

G’day, this is John writing. The great thing about diving down at Byron Bay is it’s always a relaxed and fun atmosphere with the friendly staff ready to jump in and lend a hand and, these guys are a mine of information on all the the local sealife.

Here we are loading up the boat ready for our first dive of the day to the Cod Hole at 9 a.m. New South Wales time ( 8 am our time).

All these photos are taken with the SeaLife DC550

Here we are at the dive site, that’s one of the divers with the skipper checking his air before he drops into the water. Julieanne’s just dropped backwards into the water ( really easy way to get in) and on her way over to the anchor chain. Here I am holding her camera til’ she gets to the anchor chain, I pointed it in the general direction and pushed the button, seeing all that water makes me want to jump in again.

All those bubbles at the front of the photo is someone down there looking to see what the viz is like. We’re all waiting for each other on the surface, it’s pretty choppy. We’re going to descend as a group, that way we all start off with the same amount of air.

Julieanne didn’t want to bounce around on the surface anymore, so we went down first.

Ok, here’s the gang coming down the anchor chain, one day I’m going to make some movies of our dive trips and while we’re all coming down the anchor chain I’ll have the mission impossible music in the background!!?? Maybe I’ve got a weird sense of humour but I think that’d be a laugh.

When we got to the bottom our old mate the Blue Groper was there to meet us as he has been the last few times, the last time he swam around Julieanne a couple of times almost touching her and then went right up to her mask to have a squizz and say g’day.

We saw hundreds of fish on the first dive to the Cod Hole, one of the best dives we’ve had at Byron.

Heading back to shore and the dive shop to prepare for our second dive, at
the time we weren’t sure where that would be? We beeped the horn on the boat to let all the surfers know we were there. There were lots that day because it’s still school hols!

The rest of these pictures were all taken on our second dive out to The Needles,

We saw lots of small Stingrays,

A massive grey coloured Ray just laying on the sand,(the Divemaster wasn’t able to identify that one)

Some huge Bullrays,the biggest I’ve seen, some must have been 8 feet across This particular one in the photo was actually in a large cave and Julieanne’s curiosity and camera fever got the better of her so she ‘had’ to go right up to the cave and get a good shot.

Next thing the Bullray decides it’s time to go cruisin’and glides out of the cave heading straight for our faithful underwater shutterbug.

I gotta hand it to you Julieanne, good reflexes!!, man I’ve never seen you move so fast!!!!!

Another Stringy cruisin’ by

Yep another Stingy goin’ swimabout, I took a photo of about five Stringrays all together in a semicircle having a debate about something fishy, but the shot didn’t turn out.

A real cute looking Starfish

What IS that?? not sure about that one? Julieanne here:-) That’s a Wobbegong John, can’t you tell by the colouring – that shot is a bit out of focus!

A Wobbegong Shark having a bit of a breather under a rock, I went around the other side and had a good look at him, he was quite big.

Some nice looking bright yellow something, as you can tell Julieanne and I are still learning about all the beautiful sealife.

Buy the Olympus Stylus 720SW 7.1MP Ultra Slim Digital Camera

The Olympus Stylus 720SW main features:

* Optional underwater case PT-033 (waterproof up to 40 metres / 132 feet)
* Shockproof (equivalent to 1.5m)*
* 7.1 million pixels
* Bright 3x optical zoom 38-114mm (equivalent to 35mm camera) 1:3.5-5.0
* Tough metal body in three colours: Dusky Pink, Polar Blue & Steel Silver
* BrightCapture Technology for better low light photography
* 6.4cm/2.5″ LCD
* 24 scene modes (incl. Portrait, Candle, Landscape and various underwater modes)
* Movie function with sound (640×480 pixels, 15fps)
* Macro and Super Macro mode for shots from as little as 7cm
* Editing functions (e.g. Red-eye Fix, Calendar Composition, Layout Composition, Title Composition)

* PictBridge compatible
* 19.1 MB Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
* Multi-language menu plus possibility to download further languages from the internet
* Supplied with Olympus Master Software and LI-42B

Read the Reviews of the Olympus Stylus 720SW

Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1K 5MP Compact Digital Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1K 5MP Compact Digital Camera can be taken underwater while scuba diving with the Panasonic DMW-MCTZ1E Underwater Housing. It has a 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom which features a refractive prism lens unit that allows zooming to occur horizontally within the camera. This camera is known by some as the World’s Smallest* 10x Optical Zoom Digital Camera and has built-in image stabilisation. * 5-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints * 2.5-inch high-angle LCD display with Power LCD function; 10x image-stabilized optical zoom * High-sensitivity mode (up to ISO 1600) reduces motion blur; Unlimited Consecutive Shooting at 3 frames per second * The Venus Engine III reduces release time lag to as little as 0.006 seconds * Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards

Read the reviews of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TX1K here….

Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode allows you to record extremely smooth, full-motion movie clips for up to one minute in QVGA at 60 frames per second (fps) (320 x 240 pixels). With a highly flexible movie mode, you can create the movie that’s perfect for any application. Select from VGA (640 x 480 pixels) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) with frame rates of 30 fps and 15 fps for recording up to one hour or 1 GB. Plus, Compact Movie Mode (QQVGA; 160 x 120 pixels) records at 15 fps for up to 3 minutes.

There is an Underwater Shooting Mode
# Underwater: Capture underwater images with reduced backscatter effect.

The Canon WP-DC 5 Underwater Housing is used for the Canon Powershot SD700 IS. It can be taken down to 130 feet or 40 metres when Scuba Diving.

Read Reviews of the Canon Powershot SD700 IS

Reviews of the Nikon Coolpix 7900

Steves Digicams review the Nikon Coolpix 7900 Digital Camera
and state that

“These Coolpix cameras use intelligent technology to help ensure a balanced exposure and sharpness. Nikon’s exclusive new D-Lighting function is another new addition that can literally turn throwaway shots into frame-able memories. The D-Lighting feature can be selected in Playback mode — automatically compensating for insufficient flash or excessive back lighting in order to obtain balanced exposure throughout the frame. Both cameras are also equipped with Blur Warning, another feature unique to Nikon which alerts the user when a shot is compromised by camera or hand shake, allowing another shot to be taken before leaving the scene.”

The Reviews are continued here….

Buy the Nikon D50 Digital Camera

Product Description From the Manufacturer “Nikon’s D50 interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera is designed to make it easier than ever to enjoy the thrill of outstanding digital SLR picture quality easily and instantly. Combining the outstanding response of Nikon’s patented digital and photographic performance with optical performance available only from renowned Nikkor interchangeable lenses and expanded shooting options only available in a quality digital SLR camera, the Nikon D50 makes exceptional digital SLR photography a reality for everyone.”

Read the Reviews of the Nikon D50