A85. Flash or white balance correction or wet-filter?

[JohnN]

Hey folks,

I'm an self-confessed poor underwater photographer and need some advice and pointers.

I'm using a Canon A95 (an upgrade from an A80 which died after I tried to fix a bad CCD) with the Canon housing and an SL960 flash.

I've had very mixed results (almost all poor) getting anything like color-accurate pictures, even trying all the posted links about 'how-to-correct-color-balance' with GIMP. I've seen some absolutely amazing pictures taken with an A95, so I know the problem is me, not my equipment. I'm going on a diving vacation in Roatan in a few weeks and would like to come home with at least a few good pictures.


Should I be running purely manual, or leave it on auto?

So should I use the SL960 as a tray and ignore the flash?

If so, should I try to calibrate the white balance by shooting something white at depth?

---or--

Should I try and find a red wet-filter?

Or should I try and shoot with the SL960?



Suggestions are most welcome.


John N

 

[Gilligan]

1. There is no substitute for an external strobe so use it if you have it for close shots.
2. You can use the auto, sunny or cloudy white balance for strobe shots. The cloudy setting usually offers softer colors.
3. RAW is best for all shots but especially for non-strobe shots. Your camera does not have it. The CHDK hacks for Canon cameras does not show one for the A95 so RAW is not available for your A95.
4. Without RAW calibrating your white balance (custom setting) for non-strobe shots is a must so you have to carry a white or gray card and re-calibrate for changes in depth and/or ambient light conditions.
5. A red filter can be a plus at shallower depths but is darker at deeper depths. You still have to calibrate the white balance (custom setting) with the red filter on.
6. The red filter may be more of a plus for videos at shallower depths but you still need to calibrate the white balance same as for still photos.
7. An internal red filter IMO is a negative as you have to re-calibrate the white balance to take strobe shots or you get red photos.
8. Try the Tv or Av mode for non-strobe shots. I use the Tv mode on my G10 and G12. I use the M mode for strobe shots.
9. Keep your ISO below 200 for non-strobe shots if possible to reduce "digital noise". ISO400 can be a problem. ISO 100 should be good for strobe shots and non-strobe/videos at shallower depths

 

[JohnN]

Thanks much!

I really appreciate your advice