S95- Underwater Mode

[BKSZEA]

Does anyone use the "Underwater Mode" on their S95? I'm just starting out with my S95 and I've used it a few times. It seems to work pretty well from what I can tell. (I'm a recreational photographer - I don't do a whole lot of post-shot processing). It seems to add alot of the reds back into the shots. I was curious what the more experienced photograhpers thought. Thanks, Bill

 

[muzikbiz22]

While I don't speak for everyone here, I'm willing to bet that about 99% of the S90/95 owners do NOT use underwater mode. The beauty of this camera is full Manual mode, various lens choices and RAW, used with external strobes, etc. If you're using the Underwater mode, and getting great shots, and you're happy, then that's a beautiful thing That's half the battle !

 

[darook]

I don't have a 95 but my PnS without a strobe benefited from UW mode for the reasons you mentioned. If you have a strobe it would not be advisable as the images would be way too red.

 

[flareside]

If the goal is to limit post processing, you can get the same effect using the underwater white balance setting rather than using the underwater (scn) mode. Underwater white balance can be used with most shooting modes and does not lock down features like underwater (scn) mode does. It also automatically (temporarily) shuts itself off when the flash is used so you don't have to worry about it ruining those shots.

It is also very simple to go from the underwater white balance setting to a manual white balance setting which is something you will likely gravitate to in the future.

 

[Nemrod]

I mostly shoot in RAW. If not, I may choose the cloudy symbol and vivid color setting. Since I shoot with dual strobes I find the underwater mode sets my color balance off too much. But, the real solution is RAW.

N