uw fuzzy pictures with A80

[utnapistim]

hi,

i have an A80 with WP-DC900 and started taking pictures this january (so i'm still a newbie).

i usually set my camera to P mode, then set white balance (usually finding a patch of light-colored sand or a buddie's dive slate).

however, i have problems with taking pictures in lower visibility (any small movement makes the pictures fuzzy due to the longer exposure).

is there any setting/mode i can use on the A80 to get rid of this? (like force camera to a fixed exposure time for example).


thanks

 

[Warren_L]

It depends on why your pictures are fuzzy - from the sounds of it, the shutter speed is too slow, allowing the camera or the subject to move such that it affects the shot. P mode can often select less than optimal settings. That's not to say it won't work, because you will get some decent shots. You may want to set shutter speed priority (choose at least 1/60s) and allow the camera to choose the f/stop. As well, you can always set your ISO to a higher setting if the camera can't open up enough. But you do lose some image quality with higher ISO. You really need to play around with the settings to find what works for you with the camera and the type of diving you are doing.

 

[LegoPacific]

I have the A70 (much like yours) and frequently use manual white balance. When in "P" mode the camera will almost always end up at F2.8 and 1/30-1/400 (ISO 100). At anything less than 1/60, it'll be tough to hold the camera steady (especially if your subject is moving). The camera will tell you this is a problem by flashing the orange "camera shake" light (next to the viewfinder) and putting an indicator on the LCD (top left).

To get around this, either brace the camera against something or switch to "Tv" or "M" mode. Bracing the camera against the reef can make for more dramatic shots as you'll be low and capture some of the surrounding stuff. Switching to "Tv" or "M" will give you more control (but you'll have to watch not to over/under expose the pic).

I'd also lock the ISO to 100 to avoid noise.