coldstroke
Guest
Currently using a canon sd 900/wp-dc70. Getting very blue photos underwater. Dealer advised me to buy a SD 850/WP-DC 9. Will the new set solve my problem? I am not a pro; simply want some good pictures. HELP!
Canon Powershot SD 850/WP-DC 9
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your photos are likely blue because the camera's internal strobe is not powerful enough to light anything beyond a couple of feet underwater. A new camera is NOT going to solve this issue, I am surprised the dealer said this. you really need an external strobe to get more light.
No. Buying a new camera will give you the same results. You need to learn how to use the camera, whichever model you have.
Check out the Sticky at the top of the UW Photo area (follow the Pink Link in my sig) for some tips on how to get better photos. Note that your SD camera does not have manual controls so you won't be able to use all of the tips in the Sticky, but there is still a lot there to help you. Here are a couple of quick fixes:
1 - get as close as possible to your subject. Distance is the enemy underwater as both depth and horizontal distance eat your light. And all photography is light. know your minimum focus distance and try to be that close for your photos - any closer and the camera will not be able to focus.
2 - use your internal flash when you are 3 feet or less away from your subject. If you are farther, switch to manual white balance.
3 - learn how to set your manual white balance (I think this model has this option, but you'll need to double check.) If you do not have manual white balance and are too far, or in conditions unsuitable, for internal flash, then experiment with the presets for white balance to see which is more pleasing.
4 - buy a strobe. Again, photography is light and if there isn't enough underwater you'll get blue photos (or green depending where you dive!) so the best option is to bring light with you. Expect to pay more for a strobe than you did for the camera and housing.
Have fun and keep practicing.
Check out the Sticky at the top of the UW Photo area (follow the Pink Link in my sig) for some tips on how to get better photos. Note that your SD camera does not have manual controls so you won't be able to use all of the tips in the Sticky, but there is still a lot there to help you. Here are a couple of quick fixes:
1 - get as close as possible to your subject. Distance is the enemy underwater as both depth and horizontal distance eat your light. And all photography is light. know your minimum focus distance and try to be that close for your photos - any closer and the camera will not be able to focus.
2 - use your internal flash when you are 3 feet or less away from your subject. If you are farther, switch to manual white balance.
3 - learn how to set your manual white balance (I think this model has this option, but you'll need to double check.) If you do not have manual white balance and are too far, or in conditions unsuitable, for internal flash, then experiment with the presets for white balance to see which is more pleasing.
4 - buy a strobe. Again, photography is light and if there isn't enough underwater you'll get blue photos (or green depending where you dive!) so the best option is to bring light with you. Expect to pay more for a strobe than you did for the camera and housing.
Have fun and keep practicing.
OP
coldstroke
Guest
I received your message with tips. Thank you very much. Can you recommend a strobe that will not "break the bank" yet fit my needs. I can invest more heavily as I advance.I want to memorialize , with photo's , the underwater beauty I experience. Thank you, again. Ed
I'm not the person to ask about cheap strobes...to me, I couldn't justify throwing the money away when I know that they won't do what I really, truly want them to do so I have to buy something else in a year or two anyway! My preference is to spend a bit more right now, get something that won't frustrate the heck out of me and that I won't have to replace for years and years. I still have/use strobes that I bought in the mid 90s, so that's not a bad per year cost 
I love the Inon's - and I order mine through Yuzo in Japan - email info@naturephoto.co.jp just tell him what you're looking for and he can help. He has excellent customer service and ships all over the world. Obviously he is not the US Inon contact - if you want to order from the US I highly recommend the guys at www.reefphoto.com Be aware that ordering from overseas can mean different things when it comes to warranties etc so know before you shop.
If you look at Post #2 in the Pink Link (Sticky in the UW Photo area) you will find a "where to shop" section with all sorts of ideas.
I love the Inon's - and I order mine through Yuzo in Japan - email info@naturephoto.co.jp just tell him what you're looking for and he can help. He has excellent customer service and ships all over the world. Obviously he is not the US Inon contact - if you want to order from the US I highly recommend the guys at www.reefphoto.com Be aware that ordering from overseas can mean different things when it comes to warranties etc so know before you shop.
If you look at Post #2 in the Pink Link (Sticky in the UW Photo area) you will find a "where to shop" section with all sorts of ideas.
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