Canon G-10 Custom 2 setting

[Mullet Spearer]

Have my Custom 1 setting set up for general photography.
Any suggestions for the C2 setting for Macro photos?
Heading to Cozumel next week. Have both a DS 161 and DS 51 set up on my Ikelite housing.

 

[Gilligan]

This is what I use my C1 and C2 for on my G10 with my external strobe. It makes for easy toggling between macro strobe shots and non-macro non-strobe shots:

C1 for strobe shots: I shoot all my strobe shots in the "M" mode so as to have control over the F stops and shutter speeds. I change either of them as needed. Some articles on the web have stated that F5.6 is the "sweet spot" on the G10.

C1 Settings:
"M" Mode
F 5.6
1/250 shutter speed (adjust for conditions)
ISO 80
"RAW" recording pixel mode
"Macro" focus mode
"Auto" white balance
Camera flash "on" at 2/3 power to fire fiber optic strobe

C2 for non-strobe shots: I use the "Tv" mode so as to set the shutter speed. When I press the shutter button half way to take a shot I can see the F stop in the monitor prior to shooting. If it's in red then it is not suitable for the conditions. I can slow the shutter speed and/or raise the ISO to suit the ambient light conditions. The higher the ISO the more digital noise will be in the photo so best to stay at 400 or lower. Shutter speeds slower than 1/80 will likely result in blurred moving objects.

C2 Settings:
"Tv" Mode
1/125 shutter speed (adjust for conditions)
ISO 80 (up to 400 depending on conditions)
"RAW" recording pixel mode
"Normal" focus mode
"Underwater" white balance
Camera flash "Off"

 

[Mullet Spearer]

If you were to set it up for as much "auto", how would you set it up?
I'm sure I will be using strobes most of the time. IE: what is the most idiot proof setup? Appreciate your help.
GW

 

[Gilligan]

If you were to set it up for as much "auto", how would you set it up?
I'm sure I will be using strobes most of the time. IE: what is the most idiot proof setup? Appreciate your help.
GW

I think the C2 settings in the "Tv" mode for the non-strobe shots are pretty idiot proof so long as you pay attention to the F stop reading when you press the shutter half way down before you take the shot. You may need to change the F stop setting and/or ISO speed depending on the amount of ambient light. Shooting RAW is the major key to non-strobe shots. IMO it's a must for the best results.

For the C1 Macro strobe shots using Tv or Av will be slightly easier than M mode. You can use the JPG setting instead of RAW but why bother if you don't mind converting the RAW files in the Canon DPP software that came with the camera. You have to process the non-strobe shots in DPP anyway.

I don't think it can get much easier than using the C1 and C2 as I indicated for obtaining the best picture results. The time spent converting the RAW files to JPG's in DPP is well worth it IMO.

Of course you have to factor in your strobe(s) settings. Mine is a Sea & Sea YS-27DX which is a fully manual strobe and I have pretty much found the "sweet spots" on it.

Putting cameras on "auto" settings just won't do it when it comes to quality underwater photos.

Whatever settings you decide on make sure you practice a lot with them before your dive trip so as to be able to change settings quickly and efficiently with your housing/strobes. Cozumel has strong currents so for sure you need to master changing your settings. Having the C1 and C2 features make it about as easy as you can get.

You will have much more control over your post processing with RAW than JPG. I don't think you will regret using it. Just be sure to have large memory cards as the files are big.

Good luck and have a fun trip. Cozumel is great diving.