Aspiring photographer questions

[Bobyjimmie]

Hey gang,

My wife is an aspiring photographer and shes getting a new SLR, so since I want to start taking underwater photographs so I can share what I see with her Im gettin her old camera. Its a Canon A95 powershot. I know Canon has a housing for it that I can get in the $169 range. I dont want to spend a holy fortune on gear but would like to take some nice pics (for what that camera can take of course). Any suggestions on anything would be great.

Do I NEED a strobe or can I start without one and take some ok pics? If I need a strobe are there some decent inexpensive ones that I can choose between for the camera? I am no avid photographer I am a true beginner and my gear should match my hand me down camera.

Thanks ahead of time for all the info.

[clgsamson]

pm Alcina (UW forum mod), she has this great pink link to some Canon A95 users...

[Bobyjimmie]

Cool thanks!

[clgsamson]

found it http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/2187053-post2.html

[Bobyjimmie]

Thanks for the link Clgsamson, so what I really noticed as far as the major differences between strobe and no strobe is color brilliance. Which means I can totally get away without one until I can afford one! Awesome.

[jonix]

Thanks for the link Clgsamson, so what I really noticed as far as the major differences between strobe and no strobe is color brilliance. Which means I can totally get away without one until I can afford one! Awesome.

you could hold off the strobe purchase. you just have to practice setting your custom white balance with and without flash.

[clgsamson]

"if you are near, get nearer. Fill the frame", words to remember when lining up a shot using live view (LCD).

[herman]

It's quite possible to do some nice shots without a strobe. What you have to understand is the flash on your (any) camera is good to maybe 2 ft at best and even there it's pushing the limits of the light. Stick to close up shots macro to at most 3 ft and you should be able to take some nice photos. Also, go ahead and learn to use manual mode on the camera. Preset modes, even the UW ones don't do a good job. Eventully you will want a strobe. IMO it's best to shoot with the internal flash for a while and save your money for a better strobe rather than buy an inexpensive but less than ideal one.

[bobf]

It's quite possible to do some nice shots without a strobe. What you have to understand is the flash on your (any) camera is good to maybe 2 ft at best and even there it's pushing the limits of the light. Stick to close up shots macro to at most 3 ft and you should be able to take some nice photos. Also, go ahead and learn to use manual mode on the camera. Preset modes, even the UW ones don't do a good job. Eventully you will want a strobe. IMO it's best to shoot with the internal flash for a while and save your money for a better strobe rather than buy an inexpensive but less than ideal one.

excellent advise.........

[RTRski]

I agree as well (currently a Canon A520 user). For one thing, it's best if you get used to the extra task loading of a camera without a strobe first, in my opinion. Adding the strobe means also adding a tray and arm, and the entire rig gets much bigger and bulkier. So take it in stages, especially if you're a newer diver (I still consider myself that as well, so I'm not trying to be patronizing).

Besides, if you buy a strobe right off the bat, usually you're buying a strobe for that camera. If you wait a while, you may 'get the photography bug' more and realize you plan on upgrading cameras, so your strobe purchase, if you make one, will be thinking ahead.

That said, I ended up adding a used Ikelite DS50 to my A520 setup, and am practicing with it, before I can afford to house my Olympus E330. The DS50 is probably underpowered for when I do use the E330, but I just couldn't see going all the way to a DS125 first and taking down $700 in strobe/arm attached to about $300 in camera and housing value combined. :)

[Rick Murchison]

Get low; (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3104987-post1.html)
Get close; (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3104987-post1.html)
Shoot up; (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3104987-post1.html)
Repeat. (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3104987-post1.html)
--
Piece of cake!
:)
Rick

[Bobyjimmie]

Thanks guys all great advice!