I've read a bit about using manual mode for u/w with my a75. One reason mentioned was because auto many times would choose too slow of a shutter speed which could lead to blurry pics. Has anyone had any luck using Shutter Priority underwater? I'm thinking my camera has this mode. Give me your thoughts. My thought is it would make it a bit easier and IF the pics turned out too light or too dark I could then get a base reading and then switch to Manual and make adjustments accordingly. Thanks in advance (again), Greg
Shutter priority with A75
- Thread starter gt2003
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You can try it but M is still the way to go.
Remember it's a combination of shutter and aperture. In shutter priority the camera will almost always go wide open for aperture and you'll have depth of field problems.
If you want a base place to start, try 1/250 and f 4.5/ f 5.6 or thereabouts. Then change one or the other and see what happens.
For really close things - nudis, sponges, echinoderms, etc - try f/8.
Remember it's a combination of shutter and aperture. In shutter priority the camera will almost always go wide open for aperture and you'll have depth of field problems.
If you want a base place to start, try 1/250 and f 4.5/ f 5.6 or thereabouts. Then change one or the other and see what happens.
For really close things - nudis, sponges, echinoderms, etc - try f/8.
I'll start around there and adjust manually. I'm sure once I get the hang of it adjustments won't be that difficult. The camera is freakin me out now just because its new and I don't know it well.
What intensity level for the flash? Most of my pics will hopefully be pretty close up. should i set it on full power?
Also, what about the 2300MH duracell batteries and chargers that I can find almost anywhere. It seems most everyone likes the 2200-2300 MH batteries no matter what the brand.
What intensity level for the flash? Most of my pics will hopefully be pretty close up. should i set it on full power?
Also, what about the 2300MH duracell batteries and chargers that I can find almost anywhere. It seems most everyone likes the 2200-2300 MH batteries no matter what the brand.
I have rechargeables from 1700 - 2300. I have several brands. None are noticeably different than another. All last for a minimum of two dives (60+ minutes) plus review and I do not turn my screen off throughout the dive.
Manual is the way to go and playing with your camera before you hit the water is the only way to learn it. Sounds like you are on the right track!
On my A70 I actually reduce the flash intensity by one click...takes it to 2/3. Otherwise it tends to blow out the really close ups. I haven't noticed a dramatic difference on the farther shots by leaving it on full. You might want to experiment a little with that underwater...but having a bit less power might be a good reminder to get closer!
One thing about getting closer...it only works to the minimum focus distance of your lens...so be aware of that. I'd have to say that is the number one thing my photo students forget coz I've drilled in "get close then get closer" so much! You've gotta be close, but you have to work within the limitations of the camera, too.
So much to remember!
Manual is the way to go and playing with your camera before you hit the water is the only way to learn it. Sounds like you are on the right track!
On my A70 I actually reduce the flash intensity by one click...takes it to 2/3. Otherwise it tends to blow out the really close ups. I haven't noticed a dramatic difference on the farther shots by leaving it on full. You might want to experiment a little with that underwater...but having a bit less power might be a good reminder to get closer!
One thing about getting closer...it only works to the minimum focus distance of your lens...so be aware of that. I'd have to say that is the number one thing my photo students forget coz I've drilled in "get close then get closer" so much! You've gotta be close, but you have to work within the limitations of the camera, too.
So much to remember!
You're a wonderful teacher Cina! Thats the one thing I remembered with my reefmaster last May; close, closer, closer, BLURRY PICS, ARGGHHH!!!!! It looks like the minimum focusing distance of the a75 is 5cm so I think my pics at about 1-2 ft. should be OK. We'll see. We generally do a shore dive our 1st day just to get the hang of things. This will be a great preparation dive as far as camera settings go.
I looked at Wal-Mart today. I can get a charger and four 2050 MH batteries for approx. $25 (us). I can then buy another 4 batteries for 10 bucks. I may go with the link above that includes the charger, 12 - 2300 mh batteries for about 30 bucks. Obviously I'm not 100% sure right now but I want to get a pretty good handle on things before the next trip. I figure the best way is to ask questions and get to know my camera. Thanks, Greg
I looked at Wal-Mart today. I can get a charger and four 2050 MH batteries for approx. $25 (us). I can then buy another 4 batteries for 10 bucks. I may go with the link above that includes the charger, 12 - 2300 mh batteries for about 30 bucks. Obviously I'm not 100% sure right now but I want to get a pretty good handle on things before the next trip. I figure the best way is to ask questions and get to know my camera. Thanks, Greg
A very good idea indeed!gt2003:
gt2003:
Always happy to help!
BTW - an EXCELLENT, invaluable book to get is Jim Church's Guide to Composition. It isn't digital, but frankly most of the books I have seen on "digital" aren't worth much. Jim's book is essential for every photographer, I think. Clear, good illustrations, practical advice. Check it out - well worth the cash and you'll use it over and over and over...
lukeROB
Contributor
gt2003:
Seriously Greg - get closer than a foot if you can. I find that nearly every shot I still like from when I was using the basic setup only is within half a foot. Lots are right at the 5cm minimum focus point.
I'll do it LR. A bunch of my pics with my reefmaster were blurry because the minimum focus point was something like 18 inches even with whatever close-up lens I had snapped on. I just couldn't stay that far away. I got blurry pics of quite a few cowfish (I think), a drumfish as well as some inanimate things just because i wanted to get so close.
I was playing around with my a75 last night, taking pics of stuff really close-up just to see what it could do. I'm very impressed so far.
I bought my energizer recharger with 4 - 2200MH batteries as well as 8 extra energizer 2500 MH batteries last night. I've been playing around with my camera a bunch to get familiar with operating it on manual, making adjustments after the shot then shooting again until I get it right. I've gotta get my housing ordered. I'd like to be fluent with my setup before I take it underwater. I'm sure I'll ask 100 other questions before my next trip. Thanks for all the feedback. I'm absorbing it slowly so I should be set by next trip. Thanks again and again and again, Greg
I was playing around with my a75 last night, taking pics of stuff really close-up just to see what it could do. I'm very impressed so far.
I bought my energizer recharger with 4 - 2200MH batteries as well as 8 extra energizer 2500 MH batteries last night. I've been playing around with my camera a bunch to get familiar with operating it on manual, making adjustments after the shot then shooting again until I get it right. I've gotta get my housing ordered. I'd like to be fluent with my setup before I take it underwater. I'm sure I'll ask 100 other questions before my next trip. Thanks for all the feedback. I'm absorbing it slowly so I should be set by next trip. Thanks again and again and again, Greg
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