Newbie just got a DC800. Any tips or suggestions?

[ks18]

Hello. I have been scuba diving for a few years now and have decided to try out some photography for the first time. I just got the SeaLife DC800 today and was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions whether it be actually taking photos or just general care of the item.
I will be using it in Hawaii next week so I'm hoping to get some great shots.
Thank you for your time.

 

[bmchugh]

You should get some good shots with clear water. To get really good shots you will need the strobe, its really amazing what a difference it makes. If you are using without the strobe, set it in sea mode and you will get decent shots as long as there is a good amount of light.

Brian

 

[SkipperJohn]

I took mine underwater in Aruba and just shot. No strobe (although I used the internal flash a few times). The camera is great. Just make sure you are fully acquainted with it's complete operation when in UW mode in the housing. The UW mode redefines some of the buttons and reading this stuff while diving is just not an option. Practice! & have fun!
& dont forget to try out the video mode. I happened to remember it as a turtle decided to spend some time in my area. What a trip!

 

[In10se]

Get used to switching from still to video mode on the fly

I'm new with mine too, but I think it's something like >menu>scene>set to either of the external flash modes or the sea mode>hit menu to exit set-up. Now hit the DISP button on the housing and watch the LCD display options cycle to the last mode ... vid. Verify and get used to this while dry. You may want to turn off the audio to increase storage since all you're going to get is reg' noises anyway ... and starting with a bunch of storage space is probably a good idea. It's a PITA to have to start cleaning out those crappy shots to get a little extra space for new stuff at depth ...

Makes sure you get the strobe settings right or the dang strobe will not flash when you want it too.