Transitioning from Compact Cameras to DSLR: Readying Yourself for the Shift
In the world of underwater photography, taking the leap from a compact camera to a DSLR (dSLR) can bring about a significant transformation. This is a journey that one photographer, our protagonist, embarked upon, and we're here to share the lessons they learned along the way.
Initially, our photographer purchased a Sony Cybershot DSC-P9 with a Sony Marine Housing, hoping to capture stunning underwater images. However, the results were disappointing due to the familiar blueish/greenish colour cast. Undeterred, the photographer continued to use the D300 on land, becoming more familiar with its manual settings.
With time, the photographer mastered shooting in manual mode underwater, understanding the relationship of ISO/f-stop/shutter speed and how the positioning of the camera and strobes around the subject improved image quality. This newfound knowledge paved the way for a more creative approach, enabling the photographer to achieve effects like sharp focus on subjects with blurred backgrounds, a feat that compact cameras often struggle with.
The photographer's journey didn't end there. Seeking to learn more, they participated in photography meetups through meetup.com, met other camera enthusiasts, and received peer feedback on their images. They also took lessons from Cathy Church in the Cayman Islands, where they were able to rent equipment and dive with it, learning about using manual mode and the Olympus SP-350 camera.
Eventually, the photographer ended up buying the Olympus SP-350 camera, which had a hot shoe and an electrical bulkhead for TTL capabilities, similar to a dSLR setup. However, the photographer decided to move to the next level and get a dSLR, starting with the Nikon D300 for land use, due to its sensor capabilities and low-light sensitivity.
For underwater photography, the photographer chose the Nauticam housing for the Nikon D7000, known for its quick innovations and easy-to-use design. The new dSLR setup includes the reuse of Ultralight arms, strobes, and Sola light.
The transition to a dSLR demanded more technical knowledge and practice. The photographer had to become fluent in their camera’s controls, understand underwater composition and movement, and handle more complex gear. Expecting to spend time mastering buoyancy control to keep shots steady and avoid stirring sediments, the photographer embraced the learning curve and practiced diligently.
Underwater, light behaves differently, and colour loss happens quickly with depth and distance. Using external video or photo lights (2000-2500 lumens) is key to restoring vivid colours and capturing life-like images. Learning when to use ambient light versus artificial lighting, and how to adjust white balance manually, makes a huge difference.
Investing in quality housing and ports is crucial for underwater use. DSLR housings with dome ports significantly improve image quality, especially for wide-angle shots. Careful selection of housing compatible with the camera and lenses is essential.
A DSLR setup underwater usually requires additional gear: macro lenses, strobes or continuous lights, arms, trays for stability, and possibly battery grips for longer shoots. This hardware increases complexity but enables better image quality and versatility.
The transition to a dSLR also meant focusing on detailed macro or wildlife shots, which requires patience and careful interaction with marine life to get close without causing stress or damage to the environment.
In summary, upgrading to a dSLR underwater lets you unlock higher image quality and creative possibilities but requires mastering manual settings, improving lighting techniques, investing in specialized housing and accessories, and developing underwater-specific skills for steady, respectful photography.
After a camera malfunction during a scuba diving trip, our photographer decided to upgrade to a dSLR and purchased the Nikon D7000. They bought lenses for dSLR use, including the Nikon 105mm for macro photography, the Tokina 10-17 (fisheye) and the Tokina 11-16 (rectilinear wide angle) for landscapes and architectonic pictures. The photographer also experimented with rear curtain sync for creating motion blur in pictures using an external flash.
The photographer plans to write a follow-up article about their experience using the new camera underwater, sharing more insights and tips they've gathered on their journey.
- With the leap from a compact camera to a DSLR, the photographer discovered a significant improvement in underwater photography.
- Frustrated with the blueish/greenish color cast from their initial purchase, the photographer improved their underwater photography skills using the D300 on land.
- The photographer's newfound knowledge allowed them to master effects like sharp focus on subjects with blurred backgrounds, a challenge for compact cameras.
- Seeking to learn more, the photographer participated in photography meetups, met other camera enthusiasts, and took lessons from Cathy Church to hone their skills further.
- The photographer eventually chose the Olympus SP-350 camera with TTL capabilities and later moved to the Nikon D300 for land use, impressed by its sensor capabilities and low-light sensitivity.
- For underwater photography, the photographer equipped the Nikon D7000 with the Nauticam housing and reused previously purchased strobes and Sola light.
- The transition to a dSLR required mastering buoyancy control, underwater composition, and handling complex gear for steady shots and minimal sediment disturbance.
- Underwater, the photographer learned to use external lights for restoring vivid colors and capturing life-like images, mastering when to use ambient light versus artificial lighting and adjusting white balance manually.
- A dSLR setup for underwater photography requires specialized gear such as macro lenses, strobes or continuous lights, arms, trays for stability, and possibly battery grips for longer shoots.
- Focusing on detailed macro or wildlife shots comes with patience and careful interaction with marine life, ensuring minimal stress or damage to the environment.
- The photographer plans to write a follow-up article about their experience using the new camera underwater, sharing additional insights and tips they've gathered during their journey.
