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Best Digital Cameras

Horacepart79 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:13:07 GMT

Horacepart79: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „I recommend looking at several key features including lens speed or the "f-stop" rating. The faster the lens., e.g., the lower the f-stop number the better and th…“

I recommend looking at several key features including lens speed or the "f-stop" rating. The faster the lens., e.g., the lower the f-stop number the better and the more light which the lens permits into the digital camera making higher qualtity less noisy images. f2.0 is very fast and f3.9 is ok, but it will have more difficulty in situations where the lighting is low and can typically be more difficult to focus in lower light situations. Another characteristic is the ability of the zoom lens along with how much of the "zoom" is produced by the lens versus a digital zoom, where software is producing the zooming result. One more characteristic for taking pictures close up would be the ability to take macro shots and how near to the subject matter you can come with the camera and still focus. One extra feature to think about would be the ability to shoot video and the video processors speed, e.g., is the video processor high speed meaning it can capture more than 200 frames per second (fps), or else does it have a low speed video processor. A faster vidwo processor will create higher quality videos.

The critiques of the waterproof cameras listed below gives an interesting synopsis of a number of of the leading point and shoot water-resistant cameras along with a recommendation on the best camera.

Waterproof cameras reviewed:
<ol>
<li>Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1 TOUGH Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Optical Zoom
<li>Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video
<li>Canon PowerShot D20 12.1 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens a 3.0-Inch LCD and GPS Tracking
<li>Fujifilm XP170 Compact Digital Camera with 5xOptical Zoom Lens
<li>Olympus Stylus TG-830 iHS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD
<li>Pentax Optio WG-1 Adventure Series 14 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom
<li>Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
</li>
</ol>

If you are willing to spend approximately $1,000 to get the [http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera best underwater camera] system then one of the top underwater cameras in the extreme camera market is absolutely the Olympus TG-1 iHS. This camera when purchased with the optional Olympus underwater case and strobe enables the diver to take photos in over 130 feet of water and also makes a very good beginning level underwater camera for both the advanced and recreational diver. ntire expenditure includes the camera, a rugged housing which permits the diver to take the camera to a depth of 135 feet along with an independent strobe that delivers the ability to photograph in a varity of diverse situations.

Understanding Coral Reefs

Horacepart79 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:33:12 GMT

Horacepart79:

[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Introduction to the Underwater World
[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reefs] consist of tiny animals that belong to the class anthozoans, the major class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has over 6,000 identified species of jellyfish, sea pansies, sea anemones and sea fans. Corals, after their larvae phase, no longer move but are fixed in one place. This type of animal is known as a sessile animal.

Coral reef colonies are made of millions of these very small, cup-shaped animals termed polyps. A solitary coral polyp might be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps working together in a cooperative colony over many years create the limestone skeletons that make the framework of the magnificent coral reef. Corals begin life in tropical waters as free-floating larvae. Following a comparatively short period of time, the larva eventually attaches itself to a hard surface and becomes a polyp. [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. To reproduce, the coral polyps release both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also called coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction takes place when fragments of coral are broken off as a consequence of storm storms. The broken pieces of corals more often than not survive and continue to grow and make a new colony. This process is referred to as "fragmentation". Corals exist in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They secrete a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton provides two essential functions, first for the coral itself it offers shelter, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators approach and second this same skeletal structure is what creates the coral reefs over a period of time. The calcium carbonate is secreted at the bottom of the polyps, consequently the living part of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, completely covering it. The calcium carbonate created by the living colony continually adds to the dimensions of the general structure and therefore the enlargement of the coral reef. The expansion of these reef structures differs greatly, based on the varieties of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower portion of the polyp. This method creates a cup, known as the calice, in which the polyp rests. The walls surrounding the cup are known as the theca, and the floor is called the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that give structural integrity, shelter, and an increased surface region for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and radiate inward coming from its outer wall. Periodically, a polyp will raise up off its base and secrete a new floor to its cup, forming a new basal plate above the old one. This creates a tiny chamber in the skeleton. If polyps are physically stressed or under potential attack, they contract into the calice so that almost no part is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the organism from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Different varieties of coral build structures of different dimensions and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., making marvelous variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Various coral varieties tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other varieties along with environmental conditions. Corals contain only a narrow degree of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an external layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out with tentacles to seize prey such as small fish and planktonic animals (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms

Scuba Diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwake

Horacepart79 — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:37:32 GMT

Horacepart79:

This is a great shipwreck dive in grand cayman and one of the best in the caribbean The USS Kittiwake was reefed a less than two years ago and the site is aging very well. The ship has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and around 50 feet high. The ship was designated for performing submarine rescues and was launched on July 10, 1945 and she was reefed in Grand Cayman in January 2011.

This article provides an overview of what to expect on the dive a little history about the ship and other data about the shipwreck and an overview of what you will see on the shipwreck. Plese see the complete [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the website and/or see the blog entry for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ USS Kittiwake] for supplementary information on the wreck plus a history about the ship.

The Dive site:

The boat was reefed In january 2011 off the west side of the island at the end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are 5 decks on the 47 foot tall [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. A portion of the upper part of the ship was removed to meet cayman requirements The are two bridges on the upper decks (both an external and internal bridge to allow operations in heavy seas) along with the radio and navigation room. The sonar has been removed from the ship. The Captain and XO's quarters are also on the upper decks.

The main deck contains the rec room, mess hall, ironing room, small tool workshop and recompression chambers.. You will note the large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern that supported submarines and hard hat divers, along with the diving bell where divers would enter to return to the ship from the ocean and then be placed in the chambers for decompression.

The crews quarters, the engine room and medical facilities are located below the main deck along with ,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, in addition to ammunition lockers, cold storage, barber shop and other areas. While the USS Kittiwake has been opened up with large[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, all of the space on the boat was utilized when the boat was in service.

Make it a point to plan your dive well. I would recommend heading to the stern prior to entering into the shipwreck to take pictures near the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the the backof the ship and in addition get pictures by the screw (propeller) and rudder. For Divers that intend on penetrating the shipwreck, after you leave the stern make your way to the top of the ship and enter via the main funnel that is located on the Bridge Deck. If you do not intend on entering the shipwreck you may start your exploration on the main deck just above the Propeller.

The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM funnel entry can be a great location for underwater photography] . try silhouetting your dive partner in the shaft diving down into the shipwreck. You can exit into the ship on several of the decks including the first platform or in the cargo hold. Note the hold deck does not have any exterior exit points and is not recommended for divers that do not have an advanced certification and prior wreck experience. On the first platform you can see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section. This area is easily accessible and makes for a extremely interesting underwater photo close to the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The sediment may be substantial in this location so you must move slowly to avoid clouding up the water. For experienced wreck divers you should also look at shaft alley and the forward hold sections of the ship. For others you can check out the assorted compartments on the first platform and then begin going up deck by deck and then finally arriving at the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do your safety stop.

Look at photographs of other [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for critiques of specific wrecks.