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  • Add To The Fun Of Your Next Dive Cruise with Underwater Photography!

    Add To The Fun Of Your Next Dive Cruise with Underwater Photography!

    Anyone who enjoys scuba diving knows that there is no better way to enjoy a dive vacation than to be on a cruise with a bunch of other divers. These dive cruises are focused primarily on diving but also offer other forms of entertainment such as swimming, shore excursions, movies and more. One of the other great features of almost every dive cruise is amazing food. With all of the physical activity each day, divers are ravenous and ready to eat after a few dives. If you are ready to add a new dimension of fun to your next diving cruise, consider trying your hand at underwater photography.

    What You Need
    A great many divers jump in the water with some entry-level cameras such as a GoPro in a waterproof case or a waterproof point and shoot model. But if you are really interested in getting some great panoramic shots or the tiniest of sea life in a macro shot, then you will need some upgraded equipment. Backscatter.com offers a huge assortment of camera gear including underwater units of all types. And the best part is that they offer a wide range of rental equipment. So you can rent camera gear for your next cruise and try it before you buy it.

    What to Look For In Gear
    Each diver is going to have different camera preferences just as they do for any dive gear. Some divers are looking for the smallest camera possible so that it can be clipped on a BCD when entering and exiting the water. Other divers are looking for a larger rig that has optional lighting for taking pictures inside wrecks and in caves. And other divers want a camera that senses the depth and ambient light and sets the filters and flash accordingly. So unless you are an avid photographer on land, renting camera equipment for your next dive cruise is the best way to discover underwater photography and the equipment that you prefer to use.

    While on a dive-specific cruise, you are certain to meet many other underwater photography enthusiasts. This is a great way to learn more about the process, the equipment and what works best for divers who have a similar dive style and skill level to your own. And it is a great way to get some valuable tips from pros who have the top of the line equipment and are happy to share their photos and knowledge with other divers.

  • Taking Great Pictures On Your Next Cruise

    Taking Great Pictures On Your Next Cruise

    Most travelers have a smartphone or a cell phone that take a decent picture, However, for a once in a lifetime cruise vacation you might be hoping to capture some professional quality images. But when you start looking into DSLR cameras you quickly discover that a good camera can cost more than a great cruise. There is a simple solution. Camera rentals are a great way to get the latest in technology without paying thousands of dollars for a camera that you might use a few times a year at best.

    Camera Bodies
    A base camera body with no lenses can be very expensive. As an example, the Canon 5D Mark IV sells on Amazon brand new for just over $3,000. But LensRentals.com offers the same camera body for a seven-day rental for only $158.00. And full insurance coverage will only cost another $36.00 for the entire seven-day rental period. I added in FedEx 2-day shipping for another $25.00 and the total comes to $219.00, or less than 10% of the cost to buy the camera.

    Lenses
    Just to compare the lens rates I selected a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II on Amazon and the cost was $1,800. The rental was $75 for seven days and the added insurance was only $18. And even with a full $25 in shipping the cost is $118, far less than 10% of the purchase price. Because the lenses are rented separately from the camera bodies, this is also a great opportunity for you to try a new lens on your own camera while you are on your cruise. Having access to a wide angle lens or a fisheye can be helpful when trying to capture a scenic sunset over the ocean or when sightseeing. Packages are also offered. Some are complete kits with the camera, two lenses, a case, and an extra battery while others are just a series of lenses. The benefit to ordering a package is that the shipping is far more affordable.

    The only thing better than taking a great cruise is taking great pictures on your cruise. But if you are not interested in investing a few thousand dollars camera equipment, then you should consider renting quality equipment for your trip. Your pictures will be professional quality shots and will not cost you $25 each or more because you are buying them from the cruise ship photographer.

  • What to Know When Taking Your Camera on a Cruise Ship

    What to Know When Taking Your Camera on a Cruise Ship

    If you are an avid photographer and never take a trip without your DSLR camera, then you have a good idea of what you will need and the space required to safely pack your equipment. But for those travelers who are just interested in getting a few great shots of the ship and capturing a few moments in each port, a point and shoot camera or a quality smartphone is your best choice. But either way, there are a few tips that every photographer should keep in mind when on a cruise ship.

    Water is Everywhere!

    Passengers on a cruise ship expect to encounter some splashing and moisture when near the pool and spa areas, but the fact is that there is water almost everywhere. From servers delivering drinks to children running with sodas, cups of water or even sticky juice drinks. So protecting your camera equipment can be a full-time job. Never set any camera equipment on a flat surface until you are certain that it is clean and dry. And your best option is to keep your camera around your neck and have the lens cap in place when not taking pictures. If you are thinking about buying a point and shoot camera for your cruise, invest a few extra dollars for a waterproof model. The cost of waterproof and water resistant cameras have dropped substantially in the last few years and the picture quality is surprisingly good.

    Taking Your Camera on Excursions

    Not every excursion is to a location or activity which includes water, but it is always best to be prepared. Placing your camera in a dry bag is a great way to eliminate any worry of water damaging your camera or the photos that you have already taken. You can purchase an affordable dry bag from Amazon and know that your camera is safe. In addition, you never know when you will encounter rain so your dry bag is just added insurance that your equipment and photos are well protected.

    A Tip In Case You Misplace Your Camera

    If you are using a point and shoot camera, it can be easy to set the camera down for a second and forget to pick it back up. And chances are, it will be gone when you remember your mistake and return to look for it. Taking a picture of a sheet of paper with your email address and home address on it is a great way to help your camera find its way back to you, in the event that it is lost. In most cases, the person who finds your camera will begin to index through the pictures. Finding a photo of a page that says “if lost please return to” can be all the motivation it takes for someone to contact you about the camera. You might also consider noting that you will send a reward to the honest person who returns your camera as a thank you.

    Having the ability to take pictures during your cruise is a great way to preserve your memories and to share them with others. So take a few minutes before your cruise to be sure that you can travel with your equipment in a water-safe case or bag and that anyone who finds your camera, should it be lost, has a way to contact you to return it.

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