[u:42572da4ce]The basics of an underwater set-up are: [/u:42572da4ce]
Camera
Housing
Lens Port
Strobe
Arms (for the strobe)

The camera can be just about any digital camera you could think of buying. However consideration has to be put into what housings are available. It could be a wise choice to work backwards, and find out what housings there are, and which cameras can be used with them.
Remember also to get a camera that uses storage media that can be expanded, you will want the memory for quality of the photographs through to quantity you can take.

The housings can come in many different forms, but you will want one that is bespoke for the camera you have. This will generally result in much more control of the camera, and ease of use.
Most housings come with a standard flat lens port when you purchase them. However once you have mastered the basics you may want to move on to some macro or wide-angle photographs. This will allow you to capture a wider variety of shots, but you will need to purchase a macro or wide-angle port. These are all easily interchangeable, however you must do it on land before the dive. This means you must decide before hand what type of photos you would like to take, the other option is to get wet lenses where available, however these offer less effect, i.e. not as close up .. or not as wide an angle, but you can change them underwater.
Although last the strobe is not the least important part of equipment. This is where the majority of your light will come from. Water absorbs light as it passes through it like a blue filter. This means that blue is the predominant colour. Because the strobes light does not have to pass through as much water as the sun’s it is able to replace the light lost. This will help to bring out the reds and oranges that will make your photographs attention grabbing.

[color=red:42572da4ce]
Assembly[/color:42572da4ce]
It is a good idea to assemble your equipment on a clean soft surface such as a towel on a table. This will protect against damaging any of it and also help to keep the seals of the housing dirt free.
[color=yellow:42572da4ce]Camera[/color:42572da4ce]
First assemble the camera; this will consist mainly of fitting with fresh batteries and storage media. And also making sure your lens and display screen are clean and smear free.
[color=yellow:42572da4ce]Housing[/color:42572da4ce]
Then you will want to ready the housing. This means making sure all O-ring grooves are clean and the lenses are clean. Also make sure that all openings are ready to be sealed.
[color=yellow:42572da4ce]O-Rings[/color:42572da4ce]
Now you can lube up your O-rings and put them into place, do this carefully, make sure to get them in the right grooves, and at the correct orientation. Some O-rings may be shaped specially. Take care not to get any dirt or hairs on the O-rings, as this will break the seal.

You can now place the camera in the housing and attach any wiring on the inside. Close all the seals, and be careful not to cross thread any screw in fittings.
Strobe
The strobe will also need to have the O-rings prepared and have batteries put in. It is a good habit to put the batteries in whilst holding the strobe upside down. This will prevent any water from entering the battery compartment if you ever do this on a boat or in-between dives.

You can then attach the arms to the housing and the strobe to the arms, remembering to have the strobe on the outside or further most point from the camera; this will help eliminate backscatter which is the illumination of particles in the water by the strobe.

Finally you can attach the sync cord to the housing and strobe. This is usually done with a push and screw down fitting. They are designed to fit only one way so all the connections are correct. Make sure to have the cord away from any camera controls by wrapping it around the arms.
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