A40 settings

[junkyard_dawg]

Ok, I purchased a case for my A40 and I'm going to try it this week in the Keys. Have a question about settings.
I know it's not the best equipment in the world but it's a start. So, what can I do to help it look it's best? Thanks.

 

[alcina]

Here's part of an answer I gave another user of Canon's. I have two - the A70 and the A20...love 'em. You'll have a great time.

I am giving this advice based on my recent trip to Coz and on my use of the A70...some things may be a little different on the A40, but hopefully this will get you in the ballpark.

First, set your shutter speed for 1/250 or so. A fast shutter will help freeze action and you shouldn't get too much blur.

I wouldn't use program/auto mode...the camera will select a shutter speed that is too slow and you will get blurry shots.

I leave mine in macro mode and turn off AiAF.

Next, try your aperture around 5.6 or so...you may have to change one or both of these settings during the dive if it looks like your photos are blown out. Remember, in most screens on digital cameras if the colours look nice and bright and well exposed they are actually OVER exposed and you need to adjust to make them a bit darker. YMMV but I use this as a good rule of thumb.

Now for shutter lag. You cannot control this, it's just one of those things you are going to have to work around when using any digital non-slr.

Prefocus by half press of the shutter then there shouldn't be any significant lag when you fully press to take a photo. This is one of the hardest things to "learn" when moving from film. You are going to have be patient and wait for the fish/creature to "pose" to take the shot. It'll be worth it.

Slow down. Even while drift diving it is possible to do this. Don't pursue the fish/creature...most of the time this will make them turn away. Have your camera & arms in position so you aren't making dramatic movements when you take a photo...this will also let you have a nice place to prefocus from.

Practice practice practice. If you can do shore dives or snorkelling or even in the swimming pool get in there with the camera. You don't have to keep your results, but practice is the only way you will get a feel for how long it takes for your camera to go from cold (no prefocus) to a worthwhile shot. Then you get to try to "time" that when you diving...it can be frustrating, but keep at it...you'll be surprised at how fast you get it!!

Also practice on land so you know your controls.

Ask away if you have questions...also do a search through this forum as this is a common question for any new camera and there have been quite a few recents posts...

 

[junkyard_dawg]

Thanks for the information. What about the ISO? What should I have it set for? does it matter?
I'm used to just point an shoot (auto mode) but I know that won't cut it underwater. I'll probably just have to try a few settings and see how good or bad they are.

One more question...I have also heard to use the RAW format. What is the advantage to using that format?


I'm looking forward to using my digital for the first time

 

[alcina]

Don't think the A40 has RAW. For info on RAW, use the advanced search function...there are several threads more or less recently about it here. Then ask away!

I would set ISO on 50 if you can; 100 max.

 

[datdat]

Ok, I purchased a case for my A40 and I'm going to try it this week in the Keys. Have a question about settings.
I know it's not the best equipment in the world but it's a start. So, what can I do to help it look it's best? Thanks.

scubagruba....
I have a A40 with the Cannon case that I have used for a year with great success. I have used the manual setting and set to 100 sp film and a slow shutter setting with flash set at 100% with great pictures. Also I have just let the camera do its thing on auto. I have taken it to 95 foot with the std flash in the Caymans beautiful pictures.
If I could figure out this site I will post some.
datdat

 

[datdat]

scubagruba....
I have a A40 with the Cannon case that I have used for a year with great success. I have used the manual setting and set to 100 sp film and a slow shutter setting with flash set at 100% with great pictures. Also I have just let the camera do its thing on auto. I have taken it to 95 foot with the std flash in the Caymans beautiful pictures.
If I could figure out this site I will post some.
datdat

Also the bigest problem that I have is getting the image centered. With mask and regulator it is hard to get screen close enough to your eye to zero in. But its if un to point and shoot and blow off the the ones you don't want.

datdat

 

[junkyard_dawg]

Also the bigest problem that I have is getting the image centered. With mask and regulator it is hard to get screen close enough to your eye to zero in. But its if un to point and shoot and blow off the the ones you don't want.

datdat

Once again, I appreciate the responses. I've got everything loaded up and ready to go! I'll post some pics if they turn out decent (probably if they don't too). I've been playing around with my settings last night and I feel ALOT better about manual mode now thanks to the responses.

 

[junkyard_dawg]

Don't think the A40 has RAW. For info on RAW, use the advanced search function...there are several threads more or less recently about it here. Then ask away!

I would set ISO on 50 if you can; 100 max.

Yes you are correct...it doesn't have that function. Man, I have owned this camera for 2 years and don't even know what it can or can't do! :06: I can set the ISO to 50 though! Thanks again for the responses.

 

[junkyard_dawg]

Well gang....I took my camera on it's first trip. It worked great. Then I decided to do some lobster catching and let my better half use the camera. I caught a lobster and turned and looked and my wife had a very strange but familiar look on her face and right away I knew. We looked up down and the boat captain looked for an hour to no avail. So ...now I must do it all over again! what fun!

 

[alcina]

Oh no!!! So sorry to hear of the loss!!

I hope your insurance replaces it quickly...I know it won't help with the lost photos, but then you'll just have to have another vacation to recapture some of those images!!