Should I use a camera with flash while snorkeling?

Question

I plan to go snorkeling and maybe Snuba in Kauai this spring. Are flash cameras allowed underwater? Are they needed? I'm sure that especially when snuba-ing a flash would fill out and highlight the fishies and coral, etc. Does it scare the fish? Any other advice would be great.

I have seen disposable waterproof cameras for up to 40 or some spendier ones for up to 100 feet, and some have flash and some don't.

Answer 1

Short answer "no"
The worst thing about a flash is it creates back scatter in underwater pics, which is light reflecting off of particles and such in the water. As far as scaring fish and being allowed, I have tried a flash at 80 ft and all it did was create back scatter, no effect on fish what so ever, and I have used a camera in the cenotes and on several dives, not only are you allowed , many dive masters and crew will usually pose the moment the camera is pointed in their direction.
While snorkling you are usually close enough to the surface and light that the colors are still pretty good. If you can turn the flash on you may want to try it deeper but the water must be crystal clear and even then there may be enough particles and micro-organisms to create reflections.

If you have a digital camera see if you can buy an under water housing for it, you can experiment with the camera more and it is easier to add some color back into your pics after with a good program and a little bit of work.

Good luck

Answer 2

No,

The cameras that come with the flash are really not for underwater flash pictures.

In order to take underwater pictures of fishes you really need to have a strobe light rigged up to be on. The lighting will really help make the colors of the fish stand out, however, the lights will also tend to scare off some of the fish.

I suggest that you contact a local scuba school as they usually offer a class in underwater photography that is suitable to snorkle or scuba.

Answer 3

No.

I think the waterproof cameras they do sell don't have flash features, as when you're swimming you usually have enough lighting and are technically outdoors.