Author Topic: Underwater compact cameras any good for microstock? (Read 5533 times)

Mormegil · « **on:** May 20, 2008, 15:20 »

I was looking at the Olympus 1030 SW, as it can be used when snorkelling. Does anybody have any experience using this camera (or anything similar) with microstock submissions, after some Photoshopping and downressing (to deal with noise).

Obviously, I'm not expecting SLR type image quality.

It's either that or an Ewa-Marine enclosure for my 5D.

microstockinsider · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2008, 19:05 »

Underwater photography is an expensive game, I've have no experience of the camera you mention, but have used a Cannon Powershot G7 in a waterproof case for snorkelling images, and if you want anything like usable images when the water must be shallow, clear and the sun shining brightly. If its an overcast day then the flash will have fire and you get less useful flash lit shots (which can be nice but... well you know....)

I'd recommend an external underwater flash, but now we are talking pricey. Using the Cannon above while scuba diving it's extremely difficult to hold it still enough to get a stable shot even in underwater mode where the iso is more sensitive.

Also be very familiar with how you camera works (like being able to operate eyes closed) you will have little idea if it has focused or what mode it is in under the water as the screen will become hard to see and you will have difficulty seeing any leds on the camera.

I do have some reasonably nice shots but most have some sort of very slight blur, usable in my opinion they would be rejected. One or two that might be okay, but have not submitted them, I don't really think they are quite good enough.

Mormegil · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2008, 22:59 »

The more I think about it, the more likely I'll be getting that Ewa-Marine bag. I don't think I can handle the shutter-lag inherent in P&S cameras...or the image quality.

christine · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2008, 21:48 »

Just had my first attempt at underwater photography. I hired a camera to see how it went and was surprised at how difficult it was, lighting, holding still,....... and keeping up with my buddy. I decided that I would need all the bells and whistles, at a huge cost, to get any decent photos. But then again, I am fairly new to photography and have a lot to learn yet

nativelight · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2008, 10:31 »

I can't answer your question about a point and shoot for UW, but I do have some newly gained experience with UW photography. The biggest challenge for me is maintaining my buoyancy with the camera in hand. I have a Nikon D70 with an Ikelite housing and two external strobes. It's quite a handful.

Light is the number one factor in getting a decent UW image. If you're not shallow with the sun shining brightly, you'll need a flash (two would be better). Remember that you start losing color at just 10 ft so you need the flash not only for exposure, but to return color to the image. Another thing I've learned is to get CLOSE to your subject - as close as possible. Otherwise, you end up with a tiny subject and your image won't be usable as stock or anything else (unless you like pix of blue water).

I was a bit leary of the EWA bag so I went with the Ikelite housing. I think the EWA bag would be great for snorkeling, but I'm not sure I'd trust it for scuba.

The biggest thing to remember is it will take time to get good at UW photography. Hopefully you'll be able to go out either diving or snorkeling several times and checking your images between trips. We went to Australia in February and stayed on a live aboard for a week. We managed 23 dives. This was our first attempt with two strobes so we were still learning a lot. We did end up with some good images, but it's obvious there's a lot yet to learn. It takes lots of patience and practice.

Since you're new to photography, do your best to get good above water first. I've been shooting for 25 years as a hobbiest, but I know a lot (not that I have any talent mind you!). UW adds an entirely new dimension.

Have fun and good luck!

Mormegil · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2008, 03:45 »

I wanted to shoot wide angle while snorkelling. I was looking into renting the Canon 20mm 2.8. Might that be *too wide* (on a 5D)?

I often shoot nature stuff with my 12-24, but it won't fit in the Ewa-Marine bag I plan to get.

It's either the 20mm or a 28-135 3.5-5.6 for wide angle. How easy is it to "zoom" with one of these bag housings on?

I can also slap on my 50 1.4.

BTW: I'm not that new to photography - one of the other posters in the thread was. I've been shooting for a few years - so I'm experienced enough to be dangerous...

Thanks for the advice everyone.

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Author Topic: Underwater compact cameras any good for microstock? (Read 5533 times)

Mormegil

microstockinsider

Mormegil

christine

nativelight

Mormegil

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