You’re out of luck. Ultra Zoom (Bridge) cameras are not adequate for underwater photography.
What Are Bridge / Ultra Zoom Cameras?
Bridge cameras, also known as Ultra Zoom or Super Zoom cameras, are a type of camera which bridges the gap between DSLR’s and Compact cameras. They usually feature fully manual controls, a large, fixed, versatile lens with x10, x20 or even x60 zoom capability, and a sturdy build slightly resembling a DSLR. Many prosumers choose these cameras as an excellent alternative for all around photography before diving (no pun intended) into the world of DSLR’s and lenses.
Some examples for popular Ultra Zoom / Bridge Cameras are:
- Panasonic Lumix FZ200
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000
- Canon Powershot SX50 HS
- Canon Powershot SX60 HS
- Canon Powershot SX510 HS
- Fujifilm FinePix S-1
- Fujifilm FinePix SL1000
- Olympus Stylus SP-100EE
- Nikon Coolpix B700
- Nikon Coolpix P530
- Nikon Coolpix P600
- Nikon Coolpix P610
- Nikon Coolpix L820
- Nikon Coolpix L830
- Nikon Coolpix P900
- Nikon Coolpix L110
- Nikon Coolpix L120
- Nikon Coolpix L130
- Nikon Coolpix L330
- Nikon Coolpix L340
- Nikon Coolpix S9700
- Sony Cybershot RX10
What Happens Underwater?
Unfortunately, specifically for underwater photography, these cameras are not popular. The reason for that being that they are quite large in physical size, and their lenses extend a long way forward. Creating an underwater housing for that would result in a bulky, complex and quite expensive product that frankly, won’t be very popular among Bridge Camera users.
Supporting a long range zoom lens underwater is also a rather complicated task, since an underwater lens port is always fixed, and trying to support that type of lens throughout all its range would be nearly impossible.
What Are My Alternatives?
The best alternative would be to get a compact bundle, including a good quality compact camera and an underwater housing. These bundles range from $600 to $1400 and provide the best combination for shooting quality photos underwater, due to their large sensors yet small size.
Try some of these popular bundles:
- Canon G16 + Fantasea Housing
- Canon S120 + Ikelite Housing
- Sony RX100 III + Fantasea Housing
- Canon G7X + Ikelite Housing
- Nikon L30 + Ikelite Housing
- More Bundles Here
What if I still want to take my Ultra Zoom / Bridge Camera underwater?
The only option in that case would be an Ewa Marine Flexible Housing. These housings are made from high-end PVC materials and are built to be a rugged yet flexible solution for taking practically any camera underwater. You might not have full functionality like most underwater housings, and handling it is not as ergonomic as a custom made housing for your camera, but it’s safe to use and it works great. Especially for shallow water, pool shots and videos.
Most Ultra Zoom cameras would fit into this housing – Ewa Marine D-A Housing.
Browse Ewa Marine housings here
If you still need any advice, please contact us at contact@housingcamera.com or via the online chat on the bottom right corner!
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