Best WB protocol with A710 IS

[john_a]

I recently replaced my Oly C3030/PT-007 with a A710/WP-DC6 rig. I would settle for similar quality pictures but am excited about what I might be able to gain in terms of advantage, particularly with the WB features in the camera so . . .

Has anyone used the underwater scene mode? If I understand correctly, this dials blue way back in the WB but the tradeoff is a loss of some manual control, particularly over ISO.

An alternative would be to run in P or Tv or Av and do a custom WB to a gray card which I would bring along (mini WhiBal). I could also periodically sneak the card into some shots for a post-processing reference.

Any thoughts on what would be the best way to go to get the best color in-camera and the least post-processing?

 

[Flash!]

Avoid using the Underwater mode with your A710. It will use auto ISO, and usually end up cranking the ISO high enough that your pictures are worthless. Luckily, I found that out testing in the pool before doing a real dive.

In P mode, there is a WB mode called Underwater, it's what I use. That way, you can lock your ISO to 80 or 100 to keep the noise respectable. That WB setting is also available in movie mode, which can make for some nice looking movies.

Alternatively, you can use the firmware hack here and shoot in raw on your A710 so your WB setting becomes irrelevant.

Personally, I shoot in P, ISO 80, underwater WB, then postprocess for color in Photoshop. I've gotten some great results this way, look great printed even 8x10.

 

[DiverDonn]

Wow!
Just bought the A710IS and an Ikelite housing and DS51. Still learning the manuals and the above from Flash! probably saved me 2 dives worth of learning curve. Another question this beginner has is: I also have a 20mm WA lens, do I have to remove the lens when I am going to use the Macro mode? In my old camera, it made the shots much better to take the WA lens off before hand.
You can practice all you want above water but until you get wet, it just isn't the same.
Really glad I found this thread, Thanks, DD

 

[john_a]

Wow! . . . the above from Flash! probably saved me 2 dives worth of learning curve.

Indeed - thanks for the clear and useful direction. I had forgotten about the UW WB setting which, of course, still allows one to make use of the other settings. I'll experiment with that and with custom WB using the WhiBal to see which produces the results I'm looking for.

Also, since I just got a copy of Lightroom, I'm looking forward to using its nice, intuitive interface to speed up the post-dive cleanup.

The RAW hack looks intriguing but I don't have enough time before my trip to play with it. Didn't want to spring for the G7 (with no real grip on it, I would bet those are the most-dropped cameras of all time!) so I have been figuring on a JPEG workflow for some time.

4 days and counting to Coz . . .

 

[vane-sub]

Hi!

I use Auto WB with an external strobe (Epoque ds 150 alpha)... i think I read somewhere you don't need to worry about WB when using a strobe.

I shoot in M, ISO 100, AWB, and play with f and speed

I'll have a look to the RAW link anyway

 

[alcina]

The Canon cameras tend to do a fabulous job with MANUAL WB. I've got a friend here who is shooting a Canon and some of his shots come out looking almost like he had external light I'm not a huge fan of the results from the preset white balances with adjustments in post processing - often the images can look dull or muddy to my eye. Just my two cents!

The Pink Link in my signature that takes you to the Sticky in the main UW Photo area leads you to some more information that our members have offered over the past year or so -you might find more useful tidbits there.

 

[Flash!]

Hi!

I use Auto WB with an external strobe (Epoque ds 150 alpha)...

How do you like the 150? Does it seem to work well with the A710? I've been considering picking up a slave strobe to help minimize the particles visible, as well as have better output and recycle time than the built in flash. The Epoque units seem to be rather inexpensive, too compared to some of the other options.

 

[vane-sub]

So far I'm happy with the strobe and not so happy with the photographer :shakehead

I chose it because it was the cheapest (although it was a birthday gift, I thought I didn't need a strobe more expensive than the camera)

The first time used it I was really happy, no more particles and no shadow when shooting in macro mode... But the last couple of times... hmmmm, I don't know, it seems if I use Guide number 3 with the difuser, the picture is too dark and if I remove the difuser I burn the subject (same with guide number 6 and difuser)

I've only tried macros... These are some of the pictures i've taken (I need more practice, I've had the strobe since may and done maybe 8 or 9 dives since then). Pictures taken with M mode, ISO 100, AWB. No photoshop

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/519647212_84c1a3c0f0.jpg

 

[kerryw]

If you are shooting in Manual mode you should be able to make f stop adjustments to fix this or perhaps even shutter speed.

I will say however that I don't think the pics you posted are underexposed that much, technically the middle two are a bit but if you exposed much more on the first and last you would start to burn some spots.

I personally perfer a bit underexposed as it is more saturqated and easy to fix if you want in post processing.

If I had the pics you show here I would be happy.

KLW

 

[vane-sub]

I use a very high speed most of the time, but sometimes I still burn the fishes... Thanks for the advice! I'll try again this weekend (last chance to learn before Manado and Lembeh )