Teaching Classes and speaking at Dive Shows
Has given me the great opportunity to interact with many people who have made the transition to the digital world of photography. I am continually asked what camera, what housing and “why can’t they be like my film camera?” My standard answer is to find a housing that you like and there will definitely be a camera to fit into it. Do not buy a camera and then shop for a housing.

You should also work backwards from what size your final image sizes need to be
If you plan to send your photos as email or make pictures up to 8"x10" then a four to five megapixel camera is more than enough for you. The occasional larger photo that you may need can be professionally produced by a digital lab so let them do it. I would, however, shoot all your images in super high quality or fine resolution to maintain a reasonable size file to help support your large award winning photographs. You can always compress the file size for email or website use; but stretching it larger will cause pixelization or grainy looking images.

Video cameras have the capability to take still images
But you will not be happy with the results if you make a large print. Digital still cameras have the ability to capture video but it may be at a reduced frame rate (usually 15 frames versus 30 frames per second) compared to standard video cameras. In either case, if it is the once in a lifetime shot of the Killer Whale pushing the great White Shark away from your dive buddy, then capture it, no matter what camera you have. The systems are getting better all of the time so you will soon see one camera that does it all. You have 5 megapixel cell phones now, so housings for them could be next. (Just what you need so you can be reached by your friends on your next wall dive, or order a pizza)

Lastly, digital cameras work like your home computer
So they take time to boot up, capture and then store information. That's what we call shutter lag in the digital camera world. To reduce that lag, menu settings of spot metering, full time auto focus, non-auto ISO settings and using pre-focus lock (half shutter button release depression) prior to taking the picture will solve a lot of your frustrations. Your camera is like a musical instrument. Learn the buttons and practice every day and you and your images will be on stage in no time at all.

Good Luck,
Lenny

 

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