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Best Digital Cameras

Kasey7eyes — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:29:53 GMT

Kasey7eyes:

There are a number of [http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera point and shoot cameras] that are worth exploring and should be compared based upon fetures such as 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 allows into the camera making higher qualtity less noisy images. f2.0 is very fast and f3.9 is ok, but doesn't take as good a picture in lower light situations and can typically be a little more difficult to focus in reduced light situations. Another characteristic would be the ability of the zoom lens along with how much of the "zoom" is created by the lens compared to a digital zoom, where a software program is creating the zooming effect. One more feature for taking pictures up close would be the capability to take macro photographs and how close to the subject matter you can get the camera and still focus. One additional feature to consider is the capability to take video and the video processors speed, e.g., does the camera have a high speed video processor meaning it will capture more than 200 frames per second (fps), or is it a low speed, e.g. around 30 fps. A faster vidwo processor will create higher quality videos.

The critiques of the cameras listed below presents an interesting overview of several of the best point and shoot water-resistant cameras along with a suggestion on the top camera.

Water-resistant 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>

Should you be ready to pay out about $1,000 to obtain the [http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera best waterproof point and shoot camera] system then one of the top underwater cameras in the extreme digital camera market is absolutely the Olympus TG-1 iHS. This digital camera when purchased with the optional Olympus underwater case and strobe enables the diver to take photographs at a depth of up to 130 feet and also makes a very good entry level underwater camera for both the advanced and recreational diver. ntire expenditure involves the camera, a rugged housing which allows the diver to use the camera to a depth of 135 feet along with an independent strobe that offers the ability to photograph in a varity of different situations.

A Synopsis of Coral Reefs

Kasey7eyes — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 06:39:47 GMT

Kasey7eyes: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Learning about Coral Reefs [http://blog.steve…“

[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Learning about Coral Reefs
[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reef systems] consist of tiny marine creatures that are in the class anthozoans, the major class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has more than 6,000 recognized species of sea anemones, sea pansies, sea fans and jellyfish. Corals, subsequent to their larvae phase, are fixed in a single place and do not move. 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 single coral polyp may be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps functioning in concert in a collaborative colony generation after generation make the limestone skeletons that make the framework of the beautiful coral reef. [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, the coral polyps release both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also known as coral spawning.) One type of asexual reproduction occurs when fragments of coral are broken off because of a storm. The broken pieces of corals typically live and continue to grow and produce a new colony. This process is known as "fragmentation". Corals exist in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They produce a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a consistent foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton enables two basic functions, first for the coral itself it provides protection, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators come near and second this same skeletal structure is what creates the coral reefs over a period of time. The calcium carbonate is produced at the foot of the polyps, consequently the living portion of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, totally covering it. The calcium carbonate deposited by the living colony incessantly adds to the size of the general structure and thus the growth of the reef. The expansion of these coral reef structures differs greatly, depending on the species of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. Different varieties of coral build structures of different sizes and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., creating marvelous diversity and intricacy in the coral reef ecosystem. Different coral species tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other species and by environmental conditions. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower part of the polyp. This process creates a cup, known as the calice, where the polyp sits. The walls encircling the cup are called the theca, and the floor or base is known as the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that gives structural integrity, protection, and an enlarged surface area for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and radiate inward from its external wall. Periodically, a polyp will raise up off its base and secrete a new floor or base to its cup, forming a new basal plate just above the previous one. This produces a minute chamber in the skeleton. If polyps are physically stressed or under probable attack, they contract into the calice so that virtually no part is exposed beyond the skeletal platform. This protects the organism from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Corals have only a narrow level of organ development and consists of three basic tissue layers: an outer layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea in between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out by means of tentacles to grasp quarry 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

Wreck diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwak

Kasey7eyes — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:09:49 GMT

Kasey7eyes:

This is the top shipwreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the top ten in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake which was sunk a less than two years ago and the shipwreck site is maturing well. The shipwreck has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and about 50 feet high. The ship was designated specifically for submarine rescue and was launched on July 10, 1945 and she was reefed in Grand Cayman on January 5, 2011.

This article provides an overview of what to expect on the dive some history and other data concerning the vessel and an guide of what you will find on the wreck. Review the entire [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 additional information on the wreck plus a history of the ship.

The Dive:

The ship was sunk In january 2011 off the north 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]. Externally, the crow's nest, mast and large stern a-frame have been cut down and remounted to make her height suitable for Cayman waters. The are two bridges on the upper decks along with the radio and navigation room. The sonar was also removed. The Captain and executive officer's quarters are located on the upper decks

The main deck contains the mess hall, toolshop, recompression chambers and rec room. You will see an [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern which supported submarines and hard hat divers, as well as the diving bell that was used to bring back divers to the ship and to then move to the recompression chambers

Below the main deck, 2 decks exist that include the crews quarter, medic/hospital station, engine and propulsion rooms,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, as well as ammunition lockers, cold storage, barber shop and other areas. While there are now a number of large[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, every space on the vessel was used while in service.

It is important to plan your dive well. I would recommend heading to the stern before entry into the shipwreck to take photographs around 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 photos by the propeller. For Scuba Divers that plan on entering the shipwreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship and go into the funnel which is located on the Top Deck. Should you not plan on entering the wreck you should begin your investigation of the ship on the main deck just above the Propeller.

The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM entry through the funnel makes an excellent underwater photograph] and I would suggest taking the photo looking up from the bottom of the funnel to the top of the funnel. I would suggest silhouetting one of your dive buddies 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. The cargo hold should only be entered by experienced advanced divers. When you exit to the first platform you can see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section. This section can be accessed easily and can be the subject of a extremely good underwater photo close to the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The silt can be heavy in this location so you must move gradually to prevent clouding up the water. For experienced wreck divers you should also explore shaft alley and the front hold areas of the ship. For others you can check out the assorted areas on the first platform and then begin making your way up deck by deck and then finally coming to the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do your safety stop.

Review 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 reviews of specific wrecks.