D300 Live View?

[bmark]

I'm curious to know if anyone has used the live view capability of the D300 for underwater photography and whether or not it is a successful technique. The advantage I can see is that it might be easier to frame and focus. On the negative side there is shutter lag and I imagine battery life.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[fda483]

Love the D300, have many great shots with it. To date have not found a use for Live View underwater or above water for that matter. Too slow, the way it focuses is hard to deal with and the lag time - not worth the effort. Found a better option was to get a brighter viewfinder for my housing. But still love the camera.

Joe

 

[sabbath999]

I'm curious to know if anyone has used the live view capability of the D300 for underwater photography and whether or not it is a successful technique. The advantage I can see is that it might be easier to frame and focus. On the negative side there is shutter lag and I imagine battery life.

Thanks,
Mark

With the way the live view works, it would be useless underwater.

 

[bmark]

I thought that might be the case. I have used live view above water for macro shots. As you know, the depth of field is very small for extreme macro shots and I have been able to magnify the image on the screen using live view to achieve precise focus. Of course, this only works on static object and when using a tripod.

 

[Larry C]

I haven't housed my D300 yet, but there's no reason you couldn't use the live view underwater successfully, particularly for wide angle shots where DOF and focus speed aren't critical issues. I've used mine for landscapes where I've had to hold the camera overhead to get above a chainlink fence or the like and it works fine in such circumstances. With the right lens, you have focus from the lens to infinity. I don't think I'd use it for macro, although I do know people who bring a tripod underwater for video. I haven't really used the live mirror down version, as I find the viewfinder fine for macro. Those who have tested the live view underwater haven't been excited.

 

[AussieByron]

I have used the live view on my Nikon D90 which is the same as the D300. Main reason to use liveview for me is when using the video function of the D90. Using it on stills it has alot of lag and you will quickly get fustrated with how much lag there is to get focus lock and fire, even with ultra wide angle shots. I would guess you could fire 3-4 shots with the view finder compared to a single shot with liveview. This is important with fast action or close wide angle shots.

Regards Mark

 

[Mariozi]

Have not found it really useful uw.
Even when positioning the housing w/o looking through the viewfinder doing wa w/ the 10.5mm.

 

[scottfiji]

I have not found it to be of use underwater.

 

[TomR1]

Doesn't work for me. If you really NEED liveview the only Option is the Olympus E-330

 

[danclem]

My dive buddy has an Olympus E-330, and he finds live view useless. I think bmark hit the nail on the head: the only time I use live view with my D300 is on land, shooting macro with my 105, camera on a tripod. Great for things like flowers and insects: no value added below the water line.

Have fun!

Dan