Depth and Time for Waterproof Cameras – (Is It Limited?)

A waterproof camera is widely used in underwater photography and videography. Taking a photo or recording video underwater is not a huge problem today. Because many advanced electronic devices have been manufactured to be used underwater. Using a waterproof camera underwater depends on many factors.

A mid-range waterproof camera can be used up to 20-30ft of depth, and a deep-range camera can be used more than 50ft of depth. Time is an independent factor, and it affects only the device operations. in order to gain test results, it has limitations.

According to the camera and casing, duration and immerse depth can be changed. So let’s see, what are the important factors to staying a camera underwater?

Waterproof Camera Depth and Time

Normally, when we buy a waterproof camera, we need to pay attention to the waterproof depth and waterproof time. Those will explain two things. As you are well aware, hydraulic pressure is increased when the depth is increased. So depth is the most important factor for waterproof cameras.

Frankly, time is not an essential factor for waterproof cameras. It is important for mobile phones. When a phone is kept underwater can lose its water tightness. Temperature and type of liquid will be major factors for waterproofness.

Imagine if you can use more than 50ft depth camera under 20-30ft underwater, will not leak water inside even it uses more than a day. Time is just for the device operations. If a device can be operated for a maximum time from one charge, it will be the time. So do not worry about the time.

Most used waterproof cameras and their maximum depth.

Waterproof CameraMaximum Immerse Depth (ft)
Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition16.4
Panasonic LUMIX26
GoPro Hero 9/1033
AKASO Brave 7 4K30FPS33
Nikon Coolpix W15033
OLYMPUS Tough TG-650
Fujifilm FinePix XP14082
Panasonic DC-TS7D Lumix TS7102
SeaLife Micro 3.0200
Waterproof cameras and maximum depth

Stop Water Leaking Inside the Camera

A waterproof camera is the same as a regular camera. But there is a special water tightness and shoot under low light and high stability. When the depth is increased, water pressure increases, and as a result of this water, seals can be damaged easily. Normally we can divide waterproof cameras into two main categories.

01 – Self Waterproof Camera

GoPro is a self waterproofing camera
GoPro is a self-waterproofing camera

Those are directly waterproof by their own casing. These devices have been designed up to 10m/33ft watertight devices.

As an example, GoPro is one of the self-waterproof cameras. It can be used without casing up to 10m/33ft depth. There is a high risk of using these devices without any external casing. Because diving depth can be changed easily.

If you wish to buy a DSLR, you should know its waterproofness. So check here: Is DSLR Camera Waterproof?

02 – Waterproof Camera Casing

A waterproof casing can increase the waterproofness
A waterproof casing can increase the waterproofness

This is another successful solution for a waterproof camera. Normally, a regular camera is not able to use in water directly. It will damage water. But using a waterproof casing will solve that problem easily.

A waterproof casing is a real solution for every time in any environment. It can immerse water with a camera up to 40m-50m underwater. The waterproof casing has specially designed for underwater shooting.

Suppose you need to add additional lightings and lenses you can easily mount with the camera. But if you use a self-waterproof camera, this is impossible. Sometimes lighting may be weak.

So it is a great solution to use a waterproof casing underwater.

Waterproof Ratings Depth and Time

The waterproof rating is a useful factor that you should know before buying an electronic device. Normally waterproof ratings for an electronic device is measured by IP rating. It is Ingress Protection (IP). It is a numerical identifier; how much extent the relevant device can withstand dust and water.

IP68, IP69 are the highest IP ratings in the standard. IP69 will allow immersing in water more than 3m. So most waterproof cameras have more than an IP69 rating.

Waterproof casings also have IP ratings. Those are extremely with higher IP ratings.

Read More About – Mobile IP Rating Explained- What Does It Mean IP68, IP69?

How to Protect a Waterproof Camera?

Do not Exceed Recommended Waterproofing Depth.

This is an important factor in protecting the waterproof camera from falling and diving extra depth. Every waterproof camera has a limited depth. If the depth increases, its inside water tightness can be loosened, and water will leak inside. When the temperature increases, this can be increased the high probability.

Do not exceed the Shockproof Height.

Most of underwater cameras are shockproof. It can be 1m-3m in height. When the device falls on a hard surface, it will not damage. Waterproofness also will not damage due to falling. So it is very important to select the higher shockproof camera.

If your camera has no shockproof height, Carefully use it without falling on the hard surface.

Do not Immerse in Harmful Fluids.

Sometimes you may think to test your waterproof camera under gasoline, oil, etc. These can be damaged the water seal inside. So do not immerse the waterproof camera in harmful liquids.

FAQ

Can I Use a Waterproof Camera as a Web Camera?

Most waterproof cameras cannot be used as web cameras due to poor voice recording quality. Some cameras do not perform well in low-light conditions. So it is another problem with a web camera. According to that, So many waterproof cameras are failing as web cameras.

Why Should I Wash the Waterproof Camera After Diving?

It is essential to wash the waterproof camera with pure water after the divings. When the water is evaporated from the salty water, it will become solid. So these can lay on the button openings, and it will clog those operations. So it is important to wash the waterproof camera using drinking water.

Can I Use a Lower IP Rating Camera Underwater?

Lower IP rating cameras are rated as less than IP67. Those are not able to use underwater by immersing. But those can be used underwater with using a waterproof casing successfully. Waterproof depth depends on the IP rating of the casing.

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Owner Randy Organ

Randy Organ

I am Randy Organ, a researcher as well as 10 years experienced technician for home construction. My hobby is studying new problems and seek well technical and modern solutions. Water is an invaluable resource. But it hurt much more to many more industries. Structures and electrical are a few of them. Here I try to find ways and solutions for the water leaking