Raceroc Posted October 31, 2005 #1 Share Posted October 31, 2005 I purchased a Canon A510 digital camera with the underwater case. When taking flash photos underwater do I need to use that diffuser thing? Or am I OK without it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photocruiser Posted October 31, 2005 #2 Share Posted October 31, 2005 I purchased a Canon A510 digital camera with the underwater case.When taking flash photos underwater do I need to use that diffuser thing? Or am I OK without it? Interesting question! Light tends to refract differently underwater than it does topside. Fill your bathtub with water and put something colorful that sinks and use your Canon A510 digital camera and test it. Remember that your tub reflects the bright porcelin but see if you get a good exposure. Photocruiser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlove Posted November 1, 2005 #3 Share Posted November 1, 2005 The long story is: One of the things that happens when you take shots underwater with a flash is something called backscatter. It dependes greatly on the particulate matter in the water though. If the water is really clear than you can probably not use the diffuser, and be fine. If there is a lot of particulate matter you're going to get some backscatter no matter what. The only way to get away from backscatter entirely is to use an external flash, but that is a whole other bucket of worms. The short story is: use the diffuser, better safe than sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raceroc Posted November 1, 2005 Author #4 Share Posted November 1, 2005 OK Thanks!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyz80 Posted December 14, 2005 #5 Share Posted December 14, 2005 Without a diffuser or external flash you'll get a ton of backscatter from the particles in the water as mentioned above. Here's a pic I took with my S45 in its underwater housing. You can see how annoying the backscatter is. If you're lucky enough to get a really bright day and don't go deep, see if you can shoot without the flash and still get a decent exposure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyz80 Posted December 14, 2005 #6 Share Posted December 14, 2005 This picture was taken on a very bright day in hawaii and you can see how much less scatter there is. The water was equally as murky in both locations (~30ft vis). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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