How to Use a Waterproof Digital Camera

Waterproof digital cameras are popular for outdoor travelers. They usually come in a slim design that is convenient to carry in your purse or pocket, and they can withstand at least 30 minutes under water without a protective case. Learn how to take pictures of your camping trip or capture underwater sea life using one of the most popular waterproof cameras, the Pentax Optio W30.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Turn the power switch on and off using the button at the top right corner of the camera. A light will turn on or off to indicate that the camera is powered on or off.
   

2. Use the focus frame in the middle of the camera's LCD monitor. This helps you to capture the area where you want to take the picture. The monitor should be facing you so that you can preview the image before taking the picture.
   

3. Find the shutter release button next to the power switch button at the top right of the camera. Press the shutter release halfway to capture the focus and exposure of the camera. The focus frame will turn green when you have focused the camera. If the camera is out of focus, then the frame will appear red.
   

4. Push the shutter release button completely to snap the picture. A flash will appear to indicate that the picture has been taken. For one second, you can review your picture on the LCD screen before it saves to your camera's memory.
   

5. Press the shutter release button halfway to change it to camera mode. Use the four-way controllers on the bottom right side of the camera that is facing you. The capture mode palette will appear on the LCD monitor. With the controllers, select the icon for underwater mode, which is indicated by a starfish and seashell, then press OK to return to original photo capture status.
   

6. Press the shutter release button halfway like you did in Step Three to capture your desired image. Again, the focus frame on the LCD monitor will be green if the subject is in focus. Take the picture by pressing the shutter release button completely down like in Step Four. The flash does not discharge whenever you take pictures in the underwater mode.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid getting dirt onto the camera's battery and card covering before taking pictures under water. Make sure that battery and card cover is free of any dirt or excess water before opening the cover.
• Do not jump into any water while holding the camera, and avoid using the camera at waterfalls or river currents. Any excess pressure may force water into the camera's interior and therefore ruin it.

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