Underwater Photography Page

After reading reviews on the web, searching for user opinions, and price shopping we purchased the Sealife Reefmaster in March.  Our decision was based on ease of use and price.  At some point we will probably ugrade to a Nikonos system, but didn't want to invest that type of money until we learn the basics of underwater photography.  The information on these pages comes from our (limited) experience so please feel free to send us your opinions, disagreements, tips, etc... to our email at the bottom.

Our Setup

35mm Reefmaster RC Camera from Pioneer Research.
**The camera can be used on land or underwater to depths of 164ft.
**It has a built in "Coral Flash" that compensates for the underwater "blue-ish"
   effect that occur on close objects.
**F 3.5   1/140 second, close focus to 5 feet.
**Motordrive, automatic advance
**auto off power-saver with 1 touch reactivation to conserve batteries
3x Color Correcting Close-up lens 
**2-4ft range underwater, 10inches on land
**color correcting lens enhances reds and yellows and reduces excess blues
External Flash
**provides additional light and reduces backscatter in underwater phots from 2-8ft
**brighter underwater photos with more vivid/true color
**automatic flash/the coral flash is covered by a deflector that triggers the external
   flash to fire.

Tips

Buy the external flash!!! Seriously. It makes a world of difference in your picture quality. Remember to check the batteries before diving for faster charging time. It shouldn't take more than 4 seconds for the indicator to light up. Also its important to make sure the flash is positioned up and away from the camera, not behind it.

As for basic underwater photography I recommend you pick up one of many books on the subject. You can find some online for possibly less than your neighborhood store, or even better why not visit your local library. PADI, and I'm sure other agencies as well, offer underwater photography courses to help you fine tune your skills. Most of these courses are geared towards the more expensive cameras (such as Nikonos) with alot of education on f stops and shutter speeds and such, but even with a basic "point and shoot" like the reefmaster the class will help you to develop and improve your skills. This is a great website to check out as well.

When taking underwater pictures remember that distance is distored so it may take you some practice (and a few rolls of film) before you get the hang of judging distance.  Also...you are limited to a range far less than on land. Even though the Reefmaster's booklet says taked pictures "from 2 ft to infinity"......your not going to be able to get a good panorama shot. 10-12 ft is probably the farthest clear shot you'll get underwater (depending on lighting depth, subject, etc). After that the pictures are VERY blue.

If you are using the 3x close up lens (two others are in the works...see below) you must stay withing the 2-4ft range. I have had many a "great shot" of nudibranches and tiny reef shrimp (even a harliquin shrimp once..argh!) that were a big blurry mess because I was too close.  The other thing to note about the lens is that it pops off really easy underwater. I've heard that if you make the connector shorter it helps, and I know I usually keep one finger on each side of the lip to ensure it stays on. I've had several shots that have an "arc" on them from the lens falling off during the shot. (the new ones are supposed to be better at staying put).

Obviously, marine life isn't going to sit still and pose for you. Often I find myself stalking my subjects. I find it works best to swim with the camera extended in front of me instead of pushing it out at the last minute which often makes the fish disappear pretty quick.  The biggest keys to getting the great shots is patience and luck--being in the right spot at the right time. It never fails, the one dive you don't take your camera the most incredibe, you won't believe it subjects will be there. Trust me, I speak from experience on this one!

Above all.........practice, practice, practice.  Then go out and practice some more. You will not get 24 great shots, sometimes there will only be one or two. This is normal, even for those that have been doing it forever. There is definitly science and art to uw photography, but there is alot of luck involved too.

As for film, I use 200 ASA. You can use slower or faster speed depending on conditions (see the Reefmaster's booklet). I have talked to some who have used slide film in the Reefmaster with really good results.  Remember that slide film is less forgiving though and more expensive to develop as well so I wouldn't undertake that until you've had plenty of practice first.

In the Works...

Hurray!!! The makers of the Reefmaster RC finally decided to make a real macro lens. In the works are an 8x and a 16x lens.  Originally there was talk of a framer as well, but the lastest word is that they are not. If you hear differently PLEASE let me know.  Originally the lenses were due to be in stores in May, but now the date has been pushed back till June. I received a response from the helpful folks at Pioneer Research stating that the 8x, the 16x, and the wand (a measuring device) will be sold as a kit for approximately $130 starting in mid-June.

If you'd like to view photo's I've shot with the reefmaster please follow the link on my home page.  If you have pictures you've taken I'd love to see them! Please send me your link by clicking on the floating bottle to send me email. Don't have a webpage to load your photos on? Why not post them for free at Photopoint!

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