Hi all

I am totally new to this forum and to any forum for that matter (it has taken about 15 minutes to figure out how to get a post up)

But anyway I am currently involved in trying to setup an underwater Digital camera assembly for some scientific research. We have recently purchased a Nikkon D700, Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4D lens (with some different variations on the way), (Modified) EasyDive Leo11 housing and 2 x Keldan lights. The setup will be automated, mounted on a towed sled/frame with the camera set to shoot at regular intervals via the inbuilt interval timer shooting mechanism and will operate down to depths of about 200m. The setup will be used (in combination with other gathered data) for benthic habitat mapping.
I am interested in trying to find the best combination of settings to try and obtain the best quality shots. I realise a lot more info is needed to try and answer such questions and I will be more than happy to try and provide such info at the appropriate forum
I would appreciate it if someone could point me to the best place to post these and other related questions?

Best regards

Matt

Hi Matt,

Welcome to Wetpixel!

I've moved your post to this forum as it is the best place for people to give you answers to your questions.

Unless you have a specific reason (dome port strength?) I woud suggest using a wide-angle lens for your research. Your field of view will be limited by the absence of natural light at the depths. The Keldans are bright, but their light will drop off quite rapidly due to it being absorbed by the water.

The D700 has a good high ISO performance, so I would suggest increasing this as high as is possible.

With wider lenses, the depth of field is deep, even with aperture wide open, so I would open this up.

Will the sled be stationary while the camera is shooting?

If so, and also assuming the benthic habitat is unlikely to be moving much, I would use aperture priority mode, with the aperture set wide open, and center weighted metering.

Lastly, I would set the White balance to match that of the Keldan's output.

Hope that helps.

Adam

I might set the shutter to "focus priority" so the camera will NOT take a shot when the subject is out of focus and set to "C" continuous autofocus with no delay and see how many times the camera will take a shot.

I have found it VERY difficult to keep a towed profiler just above the bottom and the light at 200' will be minimal so you'll need to get close even at maximum ISO. I might try setting the sled down on the bottom, take a series of shots, then lift and move it. You MAY be able to drag it but my experience says very difficult.

Tom
www.rainbowsensor.com

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