Steps in preparing your camera to go underwater.

Published June 28, 2009 |

Remove the o-rings.
Clean and check the o-rings. If the o-rings are damaged they should be replaced. Remember the cost of replacing an o-ring is cheaper than replacing a camera.
Lubricate the o-ring with silicone grease.
Clean the o-ring grooves in the casing. Make sure they are clean because even a single hair can cause a leak.
Place the o-rings back in the casing grooves.
Put a fresh or fully charged battery in your camera. Remember when underwater it?s not possible to change the battery. If using disposable batteries use alkaline batteries because non-alkaline don?t hold up well to the power demands of underwater photography.
Insert your film or memory card.
Seal the camera, making sure you don?t pinch the o-rings.
Check if your camera is working and that the case is sealed correctly.
If your camera requires a weight you can attach it now.
Set your camera exposure. For novice underwater photographer auto exposure is recommended.
Set the focus. For a novice auto focus is recommended. Manual focus underwater takes both camera skill and good buoyancy. A point to remember is that everything looks closer than it really is underwater so set estimated focus for the apparent distance – not the real distance, because the camera sees it like you do.
Ensure that you have a wrist cord or strap attached to your camera so that you won?t loose it while diving.