A camera dome port is a curved housing that is mounted in front of the lens of an underwater camera housing. It is designed to improve the quality of underwater photos by reducing distortion and improving the field of view. Here’s how it works:

When light passes through water, it changes direction due to the difference in refractive index between air and water. This causes distortion and a reduction in sharpness in the resulting image. The dome port helps to reduce this distortion by creating an air-water interface that reduces the angle of refraction.

The curved shape of the dome port also helps to increase the field of view. When the camera is pointed straight ahead, the dome port effectively captures the view in front of and above the camera, which provides a more comprehensive perspective of the underwater environment. This is especially useful for capturing large underwater scenes, such as coral reefs or schools of fish.

Another benefit of using a dome port is that it can create unique visual effects. For example, when the camera is partially submerged, the dome port can create a split-level image that shows both above and below the waterline. This is a great way to capture interesting perspectives and create visual interest in your underwater photos.

In summary, a camera dome port is a valuable accessory for underwater photography that helps to reduce distortion, increase the field of view, and create unique visual effects. By using a dome port, you can capture stunning and clear underwater images that showcase the beauty of the underwater world.