The diffuser is for flash... Why don't u try & see the difference, when taking macro subjects with flash but w/o the diffuser...
Howie411, you definitely need to try this.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- For macro shots...
- Use the macro setting ("flower" icon) if the subject is closer than 3 ft. from the camera.
- Use the flash. Consider turning down the power of the flash a little. Experiment with turning down the exposure value compensation (EV) to -1/3 or -2/3.
- Definitely use the diffuser. This will spread out the flash evenly across the subject...and the barrel of the housing won't cause a harsh shadow to be cast on the subject.
- Set white balance to "Auto."
- Hold the shutter button halfway down first to set the focus on the subject. After you get the green box (indicating an in-focus subject), fully depress the shutter.
- For wide-angle shots (10+ ft. away) without an external strobe...
- Turn off the internal flash.
- If you can shoot in RAW, then take pictures in RAW mode and white balance in post-processing.
- If you can only shoot in JPG, then set white balance to either "custom" setting or "cloudy" setting.
- As with macro subjects, hold the shutter button halfway down to set the focus (green box indicator) before fully depressing the button.
- For video clips...
- Set white balance manually using the "custom" setting. A wrist slate or white sand can be used for a white color reference. I have a piece of white duct tape that I stuck on the back of one of my lights.
- Set optical zoom prior to recording. (Focus distance and metering will not change once recording has begun.)
- Don't record for too long. For various post-processing reasons, I prefer 10 - 30 second clips.
- For fun, you can try recording video clips on night dives. I do this by holding my primary light in one hand and the camera in the other. (Did I mention that you should have very good buoyancy control?)
Get a retaining coil/clip so that if you happen to let go of your camera housing it won't float away. (Trust me on this one.)
Hold steady while you are taking pictures. (Easier said than done.)
Make sure that you have excellent buoyancy control and very good horizontal trim.
Perfect your back kick. Use it often.
To help with composition, imagine the shot in your mind before you actually take the picture.
Anticipate where the aquatic critter will be and wait for it...rather than chasing it down. Many an UW photographer has taken "fish butt" photos. Those suck.
Don't forget about keeping tabs on your buddy and paying attention to the more important aspects of the dive (gas supply, turn pressure, NDLs, ascent rate, safety stop, underwater hazards, current, not running into anyone/anything, not harming any aquatic life, etc.).
Hope this helps...
