The aquatic world is fascinating and many of us love to explore the underwater. So, if you are an amateur looking to capture the underwater life on camera, you need to know the right cameras and accessories for shooting in the water. There are many types of cameras available today for photographers who love to shoot while snorkeling and scuba diving. The first thing you need to know is to go for a high quality waterproof camera. One of the earliest models was the Nikonos series but today you have several new brands.

For challenging underwater pursuits, you need to have a very good camera.

1. Amphibious cameras: You might encounter the term amphibious camera-this is the name the dealers use for such cameras meant especially for underwater shoots. Normal underwater cameras are nothing but normal digital cameras secured in compact and tight waterproof housing. You can down to a hundred feet with your camera being perfectly waterproof. This is a very popular type of camera with amateurs worldwide. There are two main options for shooting pictures underwater with your amphibious camera. You could use cameras with a rangefinder which eliminates the need to view your target through the camera lens. This is often very comfortable for most photographers. Otherwise, you could stick to SLR variety of amphibious cameras-where you need to look at your target through the camera lens while shooting.

1. Disposable cameras: no, these are not use-and-throw cameras. But they are basic underwater cameras. These can be used if you merely want to try a hand at shooting a few pictures while you are at a beach on a vacation. They are handy cameras and come at low prices. Apart from being waterproof, they do not offer any significant feature for underwater photography. The focus is already set so you cannot experiment with shooting at closer range. There is no flash facility. Hence, you might not be able to take color pictures at greater depths.

1. Housed cameras: these cameras with high features are for professional underwater photographers. The most compact models in this category are the Nikonos cameras. These cameras are quite expensive. With such cameras, you can buy accessories like close-up kits and extension tubes as well. These cameras are totally waterproof and encased in special housing. But they can also be repaired even if they are slightly damaged due to water contact.