1st s70 photos, experts critique pls!

[matva]

hi,

i did my 1st dive with my s70 this morning and here are the results:

for those who want to see all of them at high res (1600x1200), download this zip file: http://s93009101.onlinehome.us/dive_pics.zip

for those who want to see them on a web page (1024x768), go here (has a few less pics): http://s93009101.onlinehome.us/s70/

a lot of the pictures were out of focus. I guess i just need to work on being more steady. Photoshop white balance is incredible, the zip file has two pics side-by-side, 1 with white balance done, 1 w/o. Personally, i actually prefer the blueish look. It gives an aquatic feeling. Another things i notice is that the shots are narrow. I guess this is the advantage of having a large wide angle lens. oh well.

let me know what you think i need to change. the pics still have the EXIF data. btw, the clock is off on the camera, i have to change it.

i did manage to get a nice video in... i posted it here:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=144758

 

[Jcsgt]

You've actually got some pretty nice shots there. I especially like the cowfish
(#644). I think the majority of the blur is coming from the lens being too close to the subject. If you look at #634, you can see that the object which is closest to the lens is very blurry. I have a tendency to get too close, as well, especially with smaller critters. I have to remember to put my close-up lens on.

 

[matva]

thanks...yeah, i also thought that was my best shot. funny as i only took 1 shot at that fish...

So you think the focus has more to do with my proximity to the subject? Looking at 634, that was a sudden shot if i remember correctly.. i didnt quite have my composure. i think you're right though, when i got really close to, for example, a tiny crab/spider looking thing, the pictures just wouldn't come out even in macro mode... it was a blur.

Here is another example (this is supposed to be a sailfin-blenny):

 

[Jcsgt]

I'm no professional, but it really does look to me like you're just a bit too close.

 

[matva]

so should i just use zoom to get the shot then? i think that was actually fully zoomed =/

i was looking at the cowfish exif data and found i shot:
1/100 s, f/5.3, 21 mm

Is the f/5.3 setting what gave me the good contrast? With that picture the fish is in focus while the background is out of focus. I think this is what makes the picture appealing. How is this achieved everytime?

by the way, i updated the gallery so that it shows EXIF data and only has the better pics:
http://s93009101.onlinehome.us/s70/

 

[pakman]

matva, nice pics. wish my 1st shots with my S70 were that nice.

If you're not doing it already, make sure you have the macro button on. The AF on the S70 can be a bit finicky in low lite. f5.3 and around there is a good general aperture. Play around with it and you'll start getting a feel for the minimum focus range with the lens zoomed in and out. I always had a hard time with that camera doing macro with the lens fully zoomed.

 

[matva]

thanks.
actually, i had a bit of help. I posted here first to get some advice on settings. Alcina made a nice post detailing what i should use and it worked great. cheers to you :beer

yeah, macro was on for that one. So you think i should move lens closer and use less zoom?

 

[HowardE]

Those pictures of the sailfin blenny that are blurry... Did you use the Macro mode on the camera? (The flower button)

 

[matva]

pretty sure i did. here is the exif data (sorry should have included it in the jpeg):
Image input equipment manufacturer: Canon
Image input equipment model: Canon PowerShot S70
Exposure time: 0.01
F number: 8
Exposure program: 1
ISO speed rating: 50
Shutter speed: 6.64386
Aperture: 6
Exposure bias: 0
Maximum lens aperture: 4.90625
Metering mode: 2
Flash: 1
Lens focal length: 20.7

and now that i think about it, i did use heavy zoom on that shot. those little guys will go back in their hole if you get to close to them.

btw, is there a guide on analzying exif data somewhere. i understand most of the settings but some i dont really know how to analyze/read.

 

[HowardE]

pretty sure i did. here is the exif data (sorry should have included it in the jpeg):
Image input equipment manufacturer: Canon
Image input equipment model: Canon PowerShot S70
Exposure time: 0.01
F number: 8
Exposure program: 1
ISO speed rating: 50
Shutter speed: 6.64386
Aperture: 6
Exposure bias: 0
Maximum lens aperture: 4.90625
Metering mode: 2
Flash: 1
Lens focal length: 20.7

and now that i think about it, i did use heavy zoom on that shot. those little guys will go back in their hole if you get to close to them.

btw, is there a guide on analzying exif data somewhere. i understand most of the settings but some i dont really know how to analyze/read.

Zooming in is ok... But for macro - it helps to be close. Those sailfin blennies will display for you... if you're very still, quiet, and patient.

I'd show you some video - but the SB gallery is down :sad: