PopSci 5-Minute Project: Underwater Camera

Lend your camera some protection for those, er, slippery situations

When you're vacationing on a beach, nothing beats an underwater camera; but watertight cases are pricey and disposables have lousy quality. Lucky for you, the editors of PopSci have come up with an easy workaround using something there's probably already plenty of in your suitcase (hint: not socks). That's right, thanks to the magic of unlubricated condoms, you too can transform your point-and-shoot into an waterproof wonder. The set-up is easy enough, but as John and Doug demonstrate, it really does help to have a partner lend a hand.

As always, our 5-Minute Projects are available in video podcast form—subscribe here. And check out the whole series at popsci.com/5minutes.

5 Comments

Comments

timothymm
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So... sure it my be water proof, but the pictures would stink! you can barely see the camera through two condoms! This one wouldn't work unless you could get really clear condoms.

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timothymm
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So... sure it my be water proof, but the pictures would stink! you can barely see the camera through two condoms! This one wouldn't work unless you could get really clear condoms.

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imaduck
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I was thinking the same thing. Underwater cameras are already plagued with low light conditions, this has to make it 100x worse. I'd really like to see what photos popsci was able to take with this.

Methinks this video is the result of someone losing a bet.

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DarkFx

from Winnipeg, Manitoba

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Great Idea! Im a cheap son o something and that is the best idea! Its obvious the latex would stretch clear, especially if you stretch it a bit more after, and I think one would be enough. Also, any amateur photographer knows aperture and exposure can be set to clarify for the lighting conditions, and hell, stick a flashlight in another condom if you need to. THX FOR THE TIP 8)

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nexisnet
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Here's a similar project, just a little more in depth:
http://www.diyphotography.net/diy_the_cheap_yet_shamefull_underwater_hou...

They address the condom clarity problem and have some videos taken underwater with the camera. The soft glue they use probably works better than hard crazy-glue, but it's just an extra level of protection.

Wow, it's hard not to make puns about this project!

-Adam

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