New to Digital

[divingbrit]

Divedwith a MX 10 for some years, now got a Cannon Powershot A40. Still to get a housing. What do I need to know before jumping into the wet stuff

Thanks :bonk:

 

[notabob]

Welcome to the boards and welcome to digital! Definitely get flood insurance for the camera before you take it anywhere near the water. Not sure who provides this type of coverage in the UK, but ask around. Other than that, it'll come with experience. One of the great things about digital is that you can see the results of your shots immediately, and retake them on the spot if they didn't come out. Makes it much easier to take better shots quicker. Also, I can practically assure you that after the 1st time you look at the pictures you will want an external strobe for it. There is a variety of strobes and trays for the housing (I'm assuming that you're planning on getting a Canon housing, I'm not sure if anyone else makes one for the A40). Keep in mind that the strobe will have to be compatible with the pre-flash that most digital cameras (including your Canon) use. The most popular strobes around here are the Ikelite (DS-50 and DS-125) or the Sea & Sea (YS-90DX). All good strobes, with their own pluses and minuses. Ikelite strobes utilize an external sensor (either TTL or manual) that you point at and that triggers off of the camera's internal flash. The Sea&Sea strobe is manual only (but has plenty of power settings for you to pick from), and uses a fiber cable that mounts directly to the housing in front of the internal flash for triggering. You'll also need to get a "tray" that mounts to the housing and to which you will mount the strobe arm. All of this, of course, only applies if you decide to splurge on the external strobe. It is a sizable investment, mind you, but it is definitely worth it.

This forum is a great source of information. Between asking questions and checking the archives, you can find tons of useful info. You may also want to check out

http://www.digitaldiver.net

and

http://www.wetpixels.com

Both sites concentrate with digital underwater photography and have message forums on the subject. Hope this helps!

-Roman.

 

[divingbrit]

you will want an external strobe for it. There is a variety of strobes and trays for the housing (I'm assuming that you're planning on getting a Canon housing,

The Sea&Sea strobe is manual only (but has plenty of power settings for you to pick from), and uses a fiber cable that mounts directly to the housing in front of the internal flash for triggering.

now here is the first silly question, is there away of using my current flash from my mx10, never seen it done but with a fibre cable, sounds as if it should.

 

[notabob]

divingbrit once bubbled...
now here is the first silly question, is there away of using my current flash from my mx10, never seen it done but with a fibre cable, sounds as if it should.

The MX10 strobe will not work, unfortunately. Your camera (and most other digital cameras) uses a pre-flash. It's a short flash that goes off right before the main flash. The MX10 strobe (and in fact any strobe not designed with pre-flash in mind) will trigger off the preflash, instead of the actual flash, and will fire too early.

-Roman.

 

[divingbrit]

Rats :mean: well it was just a thought, will start saving then.
Thanks for the info