How would you take pictures at Tide Pools?

[CowZ]

Hey guys I am a photography noob. Is it possible to use my point and shoot to take pictures at the Tide Pools? My understanding is that using DSLR you want to use a polarized filter but is this possible on my point and shoot? Thanks in advance!

 

[Gooberlx2]

Which P&S specifically? If there aren't adapters and such for your camera, you might just try holding a polarizer flush to the lens with your hand.

Also consider one of those shallow water cases like this and take fun pics from under the surface. There may also be dedicated cases for your particular camera from the manufacturer (Canon makes cases for much of their P&S lines, for example).

 

[slashbinslashbash]

It depends on the point and shoot. Some have provisions for attaching a filter. Sometimes there is a separate adapter that screws onto the body which will then hold a filter. My Panasonic DMC-FZ20 was like that. P&S filters are smaller and harder to find in retail stores, but I bet (if your camera has a filter attachment) you could find the right size online.

Actually, you could probably buy a big DSLR-sized filter and just hold it in front of your lens. I don't know of any reason why it wouldn't work.

 

[OulOat]

If your P&S is waterproof, dunk your camera in and start snapping. Closeup shots of the little critters in the tide pool is more interesting than the tide pool itself.

 

[CowZ]

Thanks for the feed back guys. I recently bought a Canon SD1400is. I haven't looked into whether my camera have a waterproof case that goes with it but I will definitely do a search on it. I'm thinking about going to the tide pool tomorrow so I guess I am not going to have time for any of these remedies for the time being. How reliable are these waterproof cases??? Are there aftermarket ones that are more reliable than whats offered by Canon? Thanks a lot!

 

[Gooberlx2]

Here is the specific case for your camera. I doubt you'd find a better case than the one Canon makes....though the Canons are definitely pricey. I've used one down to 100ft before. They work quite well.

You might try going to Best Buy or Wolf or somewhere to see if they have to generic bag kinds. They'll be a lot cheaper too and probably work just fine in a tidepool. Just have the people at the store show you how to use them. Perhaps do a field test before actually sticking your camera in there as well.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Yeah, the Canon waterproof cases are bombproof. They are simply awesome. However, they are also super expensive. I have a "DiCAPac" brand bag-style waterproof case (I bought mine on eBay) for small P&S's such as my SD790IS, and I like it quite a bit. It has proven to work well for snorkeling, poolside, etc.

 

[OulOat]

Thanks for the feed back guys. I recently bought a Canon SD1400is. I haven't looked into whether my camera have a waterproof case that goes with it but I will definitely do a search on it. I'm thinking about going to the tide pool tomorrow so I guess I am not going to have time for any of these remedies for the time being. How reliable are these waterproof cases??? Are there aftermarket ones that are more reliable than whats offered by Canon? Thanks a lot!

Use a clear plastic bag. You are wadding in a tide pool after all.