advice for 5060 user?

[rrw]

All -

I'm an old diver but new photographer. Currently have an Oly 5060CZ with the predictable PT-020. I've gotten some surprisingly good results (at least it seems that way to me), but am seeking any tips or suggestions anyone might have. Specifically:

1. Since I generally use the auto settings... I have trouble with the slow shutter response. Would using the "sports" high speed default setting help with that do you think, or would I be better off jumping into manual mode?

2. Any other suggestions about basic settings?

3. Will be having some "big critter" opportunities in a couple of weeks. Any tips on "big fish" and the like?

thoughts and suggestions very gratefully received...

rrw

 

[CrateCookie]

I hate to say it but Auto is not the way to go underwater. You can get away with it above water but below, with everything moving, you need to pick where you are planning to shoot before hitting the button. To speed things up, you will want to make the camera think less. To really cut down on shutter lag, use manual focus and not auto focus. At least it is only electrons being wasted and not film.

All -

I'm an old diver but new photographer. Currently have an Oly 5060CZ with the predictable PT-020. I've gotten some surprisingly good results (at least it seems that way to me), but am seeking any tips or suggestions anyone might have. Specifically:

1. Since I generally use the auto settings... I have trouble with the slow shutter response. Would using the "sports" high speed default setting help with that do you think, or would I be better off jumping into manual mode?

2. Any other suggestions about basic settings?

3. Will be having some "big critter" opportunities in a couple of weeks. Any tips on "big fish" and the like?

thoughts and suggestions very gratefully received...

rrw

 

[alcina]

Go manual. For faster subjects start around 1/250 and aperture around 4.5 or so - this is for water with reasonable light...if you are shooting in green darkness you won't have as much play in the settings. For stationary subjects I wouldn't drop my shutter under 1/125 unless I really really had to...the shutter controls the background colour -fast = dark; slow = light.

For the big guys you are going to need a wide angle lens (I would shoot natural light if you have no strobe). If you are going to use only the camera and housing, then you are most likely going to have to choose how much of the fish you want in the frame. Unless you back off a good distance you might not get the whole critter - and backing off does nothing to help your images. Get low and under your subjects - you'll maximise the natural light, bring the subject out from the background and expand the types of shots you can achieve.

Here are some general tips that apply to any make/model of camera (some tips only apply to manual settings) as an initial start:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1103341&postcount=4

 

[scubaaaronh]

take a look at this site by splahdown divers and use the fourth column settings and you will shoot like a pro.

http://www.splashdowndivers.com/photo_gallery/underwater_photography/up_settings.htm

It took a lot of the guess work out for starting out then you can fine tune the settings for your particular shot.

 

[bahura2]

for underwater shots dont used auto, i always go to manual mode at least you can udjust the settings, just practice and do more dives with your oly 5060 it's a nice camera thou. but for me i prefer to do more on macro shots with this, im happy with the result....

 

[diver.cat]

Hi, I've been taken photos with the same camera and macro results can be amazing. In very closer situations you'd must to use out-case flash due the in-case light are not working. I use the oly external flash and, for macro, is enough. For enviroment photos you'll need a powerful flash, without TTL, and try, and try, and try ...