Tips for rookie using Canon S410/DC-800 Housing

[menemsha43]

Upon the recommendation from previous threads, I just purchased a DC-800 housing for my Powershot S410. I'm heading out this Saturday for a week of diving with it - the first time I'll use it. Does anyone have any tips for adjusting the camera itself for using underwater. I've read a little about the little shield thingy on the housing.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[menemsha43]

I guess its just point and shoot. Lol.

 

[alcina]

I haven't used that exact system, but here is a link that might help with general settings to get started - no matter what system you use. YOu'll have to adjust for the waters you will diving in - most of the guidelines listed in the link are for warmer, bluer waters. If you are diving up north or in CA you may find that these settings are too dark and you'll need to open up a bit. If it's very bright, you'll need to increase your shutter speed (this controls background). But digital makes that easy - remember: Shoot, Review, Adjust, Shoot, Review, Adjust, Repeat...try to always take more than one frame of a subject...just in case!

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1103341&postcount=4

 

[jbb]

Well I have the s400 and have only used it in tropical waters but some items apply no mater what.

1. Keep the display off as much as possible - leads to condensation on the inside of the case as the camera heats up.
2. Keep the camera off in between dives and in a bucket of water to avoid condensation.
3. There is a white balance setting when you use it in Manual mode. I always use the flash in the tropics if i'm shooting up close. Ideally you would have a strobe but thats more money. I haven't used my camera in Seattle waters due to the particulates in the water - again a strobe would help as I have seen a local instructor with my camera take some fairly good shots. She had the sea and sea universal strobe I believe.
4. I haven't done anything too much about the gasket. I has lasted me just fine on 3 trips to the tropics.
5. Get extra batteries.
6. Play with the ISO settings - I haven't done that much.

Sorry you probably wanted some actually setting info but as far as i know you can only play with the ISO and white balance settings.

Good luck.

Jason

 

[menemsha43]

Thanks a lot - appreciate it.