Cameras

Cameras are used underwater for all sorts of inspections and documentation. Most types of cameras that can be found topside can be housed and used underwater. They are used by divers, on subsea vehicles and as stand alone devices. Film cameras are rarely used any more because of the limited amount of images that can be stored before surfacing to change film. Thus for still images, digital cameras are usually preferred. Video camera types include color, black & white, and low light. For low light imaged intensified CCD cameras are used as are tube type cameras known as SITs (silicone intensified target). Dome port optics are used in some cameras to correct the distortions caused by looking through a flat window underwater.

Features to consider when selecting an underwater camera include, fixed vs zoom lens, field of view, depth capability, resolution, and sensitivity.

For information on commercially available underwater cameras click here.

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