To photograph watersports like surfing, sailboarding and boating from the water requires specific camera equipment and waterproof camera housings. This guide will help you purchase the equipment you need to make photographs from the water perspective. It is important to determine the conditions under which the equipment will be used and the watersports you will be shooting. Get as much information as you can about the equipment you are planning to buy.

CAMERAS: The most widely used 35mm camera bodies are manufactured by Canon and Nikon. Both companies produce quality camera bodies that can be grouped into two categories; the top-of-the-line professional body and the mid-range body which often proves to be the best choice for watersports photography. If you need a very fast motor drive(more than 5 fps) and super fast autofocus system, the professional body is what you need. If a reasonably fast motor drive(2-5 fps) and a very fast autofocus system will do the job, the mid-range body is a good choice. The professional model is more expensive than the mid-range bodies and often has features that are not used for this type of photography. They are also much larger and heavier than the mid-range bodies. This is a very important consideration for use in the water. The mid-range bodies are fairly inexpensive and very small and light. The camera bodies worth consideration are the Canon EOS1n and the Canon EOS A2. The EOS A2 has proven to be an all around good rig for water use. The Nikon F5, N90 and F100 are all quality cameras. While Canon has the edge in autofocus technology, Nikon has a reputation for durability and quality lenses. All Nikon lenses can be used with all Nikon bodies.

LENSES; A camera does not make a good photograph, the lens does. Always buy quality glass. For surfing, the size of the waves determines the lens. For small waves up to six or eight feet, a wide angle lens like a 20mm or 24mm would be the choice. A fisheye lens like a 15mm or 16mm lens can also be used. For larger surf up to ten or twelve feet, a 100mm or 135mm lens would be a good call. Autofocus zoom lenses are popular, especially the 70-200mm. This is the lens for the biggest waves and for shooting off of a personal watercraft. This zoom is also a great lens for sailboarding. Always buy a quality zoom lens like a Canon L Series. Cheap zoom lenses take poor photos.

HOUSING; A waterproof housing should protect your camera and lens from the water and from shock. Most housings are made from a combination of acrylic and fiberglas. It is best to go with a custom-built box like the Photographic Support Systems housing pictured above. These housings are specifically designed and built for surfing and watersports photography. Pistol grip housings are best for wide angle/small to medium size wave use. Some cameras need to have the handle on the side of the box. The Photo Support housings can use a number of different lenses with different front plates. Contact the housing builder for more information.

Photographic Support Systems PO Box 1753 Carlsbad, CA 92018 (760)434-3994
WWW.PHOTOSUPPORTSYSTEMS.COM