Have Questions about my New Toy

[Pembina]

I just purchased my first UW camera (Intova IC600) and strobe (Pixtreme PX-21) and I have more questions than answers.:sos: The strobe comes with a minimal amount of set-up instructions and no operating instructions.

First, I took the 3 pictures with the strobe on different settings and setting "3" caused the strobe to flash. I then hooked it up to my camera and took some pictures (above water) and the strobe would not flash (will it act differently under the water?). I had my camera set to "auto flash" as per instructions and took it to a dark room. When I turned the setting down to "1" the strobe would then flash. Also, I noticed that it will flash with or without the fiber optic cable so I do not understand the need for the cable.

Why and when do you use the diffusers and how do you know which to use? It is unlike taking land pictures where if the image isn't good you make alterations. I can't imagine being under water changing out diffusers.

How do you know how to angle the strobe?

I wish I could take a course before we leave on our trip but alas there are no classes available locally, I really don't have the time anyway and I am out of money.:depressed:

 

[RAWalker]

To set up your strobe it isn't which setting causes your strobe to flash, (They each should)
but with the strobe facing the camera and with the cameras built in strobe set to always fire without red eye take a picture of the PX21 set to each of the three settings.(Remember to always set the camera to forced flash when using the external strobe) The picture that is just of a bright flash that you can't see the PX21 is the correct setting to use with your camera.
As for the cable... In water the sensor in the PX21 will have trouble sensing the camera's flash and may not fire, using the cable avoids this problem which gets worse at depth.
I always use the mildest difuser but if I were to get in closer for a macro shot a stronger filter may be useful.
I angle my strobes out to keep the backscatter minimized but have sufficient light on the subject and also minimize shadows. Experience will be your guide you'll get better the more you play with your toy.
Be thankful for digital I started my learning with film where you had to wait for your results and pay to see them.

 

[gert7to3]

Here's a strobe positioning chart which may help:

http://www.kelpfish.net/strobe.swf

Jack and Sue Drafahls' books would also be helpful. I'm sure they will be at OWU this weekend. Nevertheless here's their web site:

www.jackandsuedrafahl.com