New underwater Camera

[melev]

Size-wise, pictures 1024 and less seem to be best for the web. I like that one of the zoas you just posted, and the rock isn't over-exposed like the earlier shot.

The pictures I took were 2000 pixels wide, according to the camera owner. I'll get them moved over later today so you can see them too.

You probably need to take the pictures from the top of the tank, rather than trying to view it from the front. Maybe you could put on a snorkel and mask if you have to reach down deeply. Or use the zoom instead to fill the subject into the full field.

[ziggy_impy]

Everyones pictures seem to be amazing for coral shots in the tank and snorkeling!
How does the camera do as an everyday camera? I tried one out at Best Buy and it didnt seem to have that good of zoom. I was just curious if this was an all around good camera for taking everyday pictures outside of the tank?

[zachtos]

I would call it an average camera for day to day shooting. It makes up for it by fitting in your pocket, and not breaking if you drop it or spill a drink on it at the bar.

You can't have it all. If you want a great camera, you need an SLR, but then, you can't carry that everywhere with you.

I have made the olympus sw 1050 my walking around party camera, and my rebel xt w/ 18-55mm AF IS lens my all around camera when it's appropriate. I find you need a small (compact) camera and a nice (large lensed) camera.

[ziggy_impy]

Just had to add.. after reading the whole forum I ordered my stylus 1030 sw. Tack that on to your commission... haha

[paraletho]

I was a good boy this year so I got myself a present. Yes you guessed it a Stylus1030sw. It seems like I've been reading this thread forever and looking at the beautiful pictures, so I broke down and did it. I can justify it 2 ways. The adult in me says "Now I can post good clear pictures on Reef Central when I have a problem" . The kid in me says " That that that I want it I want it" Thanks to everyone who posted and convinced me.

[memorisa]

Originally posted by zachtos
I would call it an average camera for day to day shooting. It makes up for it by fitting in your pocket, and not breaking if you drop it or spill a drink on it at the bar.

You can't have it all. If you want a great camera, you need an SLR, but then, you can't carry that everywhere with you.

I have made the olympus sw 1050 my walking around party camera, and my rebel xt w/ 18-55mm AF IS lens my all around camera when it's appropriate. I find you need a small (compact) camera and a nice (large lensed) camera.

I agree with zachtos here - and have started saving up for an SLR already. but for a point and shoot, I'd have to say this bad boy has teh added benefits.

ziggy and paraletho, hope you enjoy your new toys. keep us posted with your photos

[zachtos]

Here are some I took the other day with the olympus sw1050 in 'underwater mode' on auto iso at 10MP fine.

[paraletho]

[paraletho]

I'm still learning but its fun.

[o.c.d.]

Hi all, it's been a bit but took some more pics. Thought everyone might want to check'm out.

[o.c.d.]

Tell me this fish isn't posing, I don't know how I missed the rest of the tail RRRRR.

[davocean]

Killer pics OCD!
I have a question for you or anyone else w/ the Olympus 1030SW
Lately some of my shots have have bright crystally specs all over.
Anyone else have this happen?
And what do you guys do to protect/clean lense?

[davocean]

Here is an example, and I've had some underwater shots like this too, but this pic shows best.

[o.c.d.]

I haven't had that happen. But every time I go in salt water I dunk the camera in RO water, Turning it off and on a few times then give it a shake, I've wiped the lens down a few time with my okley sunglass cloth case. But I usually just blow on the lens, Turning it off and on given it a shake ect.
Wooa not cool, just saw your pic. I hope the lens is just dirty.

[o.c.d.]

Might want to ask Melev he sure seems to know alot about everything. Or have you checked the photo form?

[davocean]

I may send a pic to Olympus and see what they have to say.
I'm pretty good about rinsing mine off in FW as well, but as you know, that little lense door closes soon if not using, giving short dry time.
Maybe I should PU a can of canned air to dry better, but I'm not totally sure this is from lense, since I have underwater shots this way too thus any salt crystals(which shouldn't be there anyway since I rinse every time) would have been washed away.

[melev]

I've seen those specks appear in threads of new home construction around build threads. It's like there is sheetrock dust in the air.

And no, I don't know why that happens sometimes. It seems to be a lighting thing, or a result of using the flash perhaps.

[davocean]

That particular shot happened to be on a remodel, but my faux finish girl practically sterilized that room before that was taken.
My Christmas shots were ruined from the same thing, so not a dust issue.
But thanks for input.
Maybe I got "lucky" and got a special camera, I'll check w/ Olympus folks.

[lockus]

Occasionally get these spots in low light situations. LMK if Olympus says anything about it.

[o.c.d.]

I would be interested to know what Olympus tells you also. Good luck.
Does anyone have any new photos?

[paraletho]

I haven't had that problem, but it took me a while to figure out that the lens door held air that slowly bleeds out if you don't hold the camera vertical for a time before looking staight down with the lens. It scared me at first I thought it was leaking.

[msch1999]

great looking pics.keep them coming.

[o.c.d.]

This fish does not like the camera, I wait and wait then zoom past me. I'm still trying for a better shot.

[memorisa]

I finally figured out how to use the camera - well actually I recently upgraded my lights, and it actually made a world of difference.

I really like the close up shots. Here are some that I took recently:

my brain



lavender mushroom (i think)


leather: (i really like how the focus came out in this)


octopus:


marble starfish:

[memorisa]

o.c.d. - i have the same fish, and i am trying to get a good shot of him too!

I wasn't trying but I like the way this shot came out - mandarins in the dark:



and a few i snapped right after i was done taking pics in the tank - i like how abstract they look - water up top:





edit: none of the shots were edited except for the border and the signature which was done via actions.