S1 - slow in focusing

[NitroxCrazy]

Hi All

Having owned the canon S1 for more than a year (still dont know how to use it well at all), I only realised that when I zoomed in on an object (about x), it fails to obtain clearity. Clearity or focus is only obtained when I partially press the snap button. Is something wrong with my camera? :06: I understand that there is a software upgrade for this cam, how do I know if mine requires it?

Also for those who uses this camera, could you please advise on what general setting would you be using for Macro and Moving fishes. I still set mine camera at Auto most of the time and pictures appear to be alright (not great at all) most of the times. Tried playing around with Av, P, M etc mode. Just cant get the setting right. It is either too dark, too bright, too green, too blueish. Getting frustrated.

Thank you for your help and advise in advance.

 

[sprain]

Hi All

Having owned the canon S1 for more than a year (still dont know how to use it well at all), I only realised that when I zoomed in on an object (about x), it fails to obtain clearity. Clearity or focus is only obtained when I partially press the snap button. Is something wrong with my camera? :06: I understand that there is a software upgrade for this cam, how do I know if mine requires it?

Also for those who uses this camera, could you please advise on what general setting would you be using for Macro and Moving fishes. I still set mine camera at Auto most of the time and pictures appear to be alright (not great at all) most of the times. Tried playing around with Av, P, M etc mode. Just cant get the setting right. It is either too dark, too bright, too green, too blueish. Getting frustrated.

Thank you for your help and advise in advance.

Usually can't focus underwater when zoomed in, unless with a macro lens attached.

It is slow, which is why these days, I tend to use the manual focus mode. What is does is the camera sets a focal point, and I will move the camera in and out until the subject is in focus. Of course, that will be difficult for moving fishes...

For the settings, I usually use shutter of between 160-200. F5.6, but I might vary and play around with it sometimes. Have to note though, that I have an external strobe, so it's probably a different setting if you're using only internal flash.

You can try taking a look at my pictures either in ScubaBoard or on www.flickr.com/photos/sprain.

Will be glad to answer more questions if you have any.

Cheers!

 

[rico68]

NitroxCraxzy - Your focus problem is a common complaint of the S1, even on dry land. I've owned the S1 for over a year, but don't use it underwater. Ocassionally I'll run into a situation, usually dim light, where the thing just doesn't seem to find a focus. Many of the reviews and board comments on regular photography boards and websites comment on the same problem. I don't have it happen too often, but it sure is annoying when it does.

 

[NitroxCrazy]

Thanks Rico 68 for the reply. Now I understand the problem doesnt pertain to me alone. Understand that there is an upgrade software for the S1. Will take eliminate the problem?

Also Thanks Sprain for the advise. I do have a strobe as well but not a macro lense. Think I will head out and get one for myself this Christmas. Just a few more questions if I may, 1. Which setting do you use (P, AV, M etc) and (2) From reading in previous tread, do you use the white balance feature as well? I have tried using most of the features made available but none of which comes out better than the auto (or shall I say idiot prove) mode.

Thank you in advance....Cheers

 

[sprain]

Thanks Rico 68 for the reply. Now I understand the problem doesnt pertain to me alone. Understand that there is an upgrade software for the S1. Will take eliminate the problem?

Also Thanks Sprain for the advise. I do have a strobe as well but not a macro lense. Think I will head out and get one for myself this Christmas. Just a few more questions if I may, 1. Which setting do you use (P, AV, M etc) and (2) From reading in previous tread, do you use the white balance feature as well? I have tried using most of the features made available but none of which comes out better than the auto (or shall I say idiot prove) mode.

Thank you in advance....Cheers

I use M all the time...like the feeling of having a little more control ::

I use cloudy white balance...actually I think can use daylight as well.

 

[nelsondive]

Sprain, your pics are amazing!!
I have Canaon S1 IS with housing and I need a reccomendation for strobe system. I've never used a strobe and am just getting hooked on u/w photography.
What strobe should I get?

 

[the_cat_keeper]

I used a Sunpak G-Flash that is very simple to use. All you have to do is adjust the guide number. The shortcoming for this strobe is that there isn't a focus light - for me, this is a problem during night dives, having to shine my torchlight on the subject while trying to get the S1 to focus.

I've just bought a Inon D2000 a few days ago and hope to test it on my next dive trip in late January. Can't wait...

 

[sprain]

Sprain, your pics are amazing!!
I have Canaon S1 IS with housing and I need a reccomendation for strobe system. I've never used a strobe and am just getting hooked on u/w photography.
What strobe should I get?

Like Cat Keeper, I use the SunPak G-Flash as well. Night dive is a pain, but I see some people securing their torch light to the extension arm to ease the problem. I don't do it, and I find it quite difficult to focus during night dives as well.

All said, the strobe is still very useful. 1.5 years on and still pretty like it. I guess there's always alot for all of us to learn, and we can always get better.

 

[Taxgeek]

I also have the S1, but I gave up on still photos with it, now I only shoot video. It takes great video if you have a big card. I couldn't take the pain of trying to get still shots with it. Good luck!

 

[sprain]

I agree that the video function is great. But still photos are actually quite easy to be taken with the S1. Granted there's shutter lag and can be slow in focusing at times, but just need to work around it I guess. Once you get the hang of it, it ain't the big a problem.