Awful pictures - any advice please?

[Sandpipa]

Hi,

As described on another thread, my Nikon Coolpix 7900 threw a wobbler after a couple of days underwater on a recent trip to the Red Sea.

However, the few pics I did manage to take are truly awful. :depressed: !! Deep blue, blurry, poor compared to other simple cameras I've used in the past.

It's the first time I've used this point and shoot underwater as I've only recently acquired the housing.

Given the camera's fixed, slow shutter speed and seeming lack of ability to cope even ultra close-up on macro mode, I'm wondering if it's worth persevering any further - eg trying to improve the flash?

Please does anyone have any experience of taking anything decent with this camera, and if so please could you advise which white balance settings you used, and anything else which might help?

All advice very gratefully appreciated.

Sandpipa.

 

[Larry C]

Haven't tried the camera, but after checking the specs and reading the reviews I'd suggest using some sort of focus light ( a little dive light strapped to the housing works) as they seem to focus poorly in low light and all underwater shooting is relatively low light. If your pictures are too blue, bring a dive slate with you and do manual white balance at whatever depth you're taking pictures. If the camera is setting the shutter too slow, causing blurring in your auto settings, try using a -ev setting to give you a bit darker picture but less blurring. Try using ISO 200 or 400 and checking the quality of your pictures. The higher ISO will allow a faster shutter speed. Use the smallest focus setting available, center focus if possible.

 

[Carlos Danger]

I personally have no experience with your particular camera. However, I have had similar issues with my Sony Cybershot T1. It's a very inconsistent performer, even out of the water. Ironically, for what it lacks on the photo side, it does a pretty good job handling video. I’ve actually stopped taking pictures and moved over to the movies, and I’m glad I did. If you haven’t already tried video, you might give it a shot. It’s opened up an entirely new passion for me, and I couldn’t be happier; now I like my camera again. One of the best investments I’ve made is the addition of a marine filter to add the reds back in; makes a huge difference.

Hope this helps.

 

[danclem]

Larry:

This spring I broke down and purchased a Subal housing from Backscatter for my D300. While I really love my D70s, the 300 is really amazing. I just hope Subal comes out with a backplate for the 300s that fits the D300 housing.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[phillybob]

I shoot the 7900 in an Ike housing with one DS-50. I get some decent results. I set the ISO at 100, the white balance to 'shady', and 'work' the exposure compensation. The 'deep blue' sounds like your strobe isn't firing, if you're using one. If you aren't, get one ! The internal flash only makes pictures worse. As far as 'blurry' goes, stay still. You can see some of my pics on Wreck Valley Divers Scuba Diving Club - home page. Go into the 'Photo Gallery and look in 'Wreck Diving' for 'Stolt 6-8-2008' , 'APL-31 7-12-2008' , 'Sea Hag 7-24-2005' , 'Great Isaac 9-11-2005' Those were all shot off of New Jersey. Not the easiest conditions to shoot under. Also, look in 'North America' - 'Nautilus Explorer - Sea of Cortez and under 'Caribbean - 'Turks and Caicos March 2007' All these were shot with the 7900. And if you haven't tried yet, the 7900 takes really good video underwater. I was surprised.

 

[phillybob]

I shot this in the Sea of Cortez with my 7900 in an Ike housing with a DS-50 strobe

 

[phillybob]

This I shot on the Stolt Dagali off of New Jersey. Same rig. Not the best conditions, but the camera did a decent job. I don't do any Photoshop to my pics. What you see is what I shot.

 

[phillybob]

This is from the Turks and Caicos. I just read how to post pics. I could be dangerous.

 

[phillybob]

Macro from Jersey.

 

[phillybob]

Macro in the Sea of Cortez with the 7900.