Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon was fortunate to get “hand-on” with the new Nikon Z9 at a Nikon Pro event recently. He was able to do some perfunctory tests with the new camera along with some of the lenses that are useful for underwater image makers. He tries to discover whether the Z9 is an appropriate upgrade for use underwater.
Following on from our previous episode, Phil Medcalf of Alphamarine Photography and Adam chat about the desirable characteristics for compact cameras when using them underwater. Given how small the compact camera market has become, and what a small proportion of it underwater image makers occupies, the choices are in many ways quite critical.
Alex and Adam discuss their computer hardware and which software they use for processing and curating their image libraries. At one time, processing digital images was a resource-intensive process, which necessitated top-end and sometimes bespoke computer power. The general improvement in computer performance and power means that this is largely no longer the case.
We all use devices with very capable cameras almost every day. This explosion in very competent devices has caused a significant change in the camera market, with people typically no longer purchasing dedicated cameras for everyday use. Adam and Phil Medcalf of Alphamarine Photography discuss the shortcomings of smartphones when they are used underwater, and why compact cameras are probably still the best option.
Photography is in essence the capture of light. Given that most underwater images are captured using artificial light, often in the form of strobes, perhaps we should consider our choice of strobe as being the single most important equipment decision we make. Alex and Adam discuss this and offer some guidelines for underwater photographers considering purchasing underwater lighting.
Underwater photographers spend a great deal of time and expense seeking perfection in their images. This includes expensive camera systems, exotic travel, and significant time expanding and developing their skills. Ultimately though, our ability to find the image files we have created is critical in order for us to justify this expenditure and enjoy the activity. Alex and Adam offer some ideas about how a workflow can help to ensure that your images are easy to find.
Spurred on by the news that Nikon has ceased the supply of the D500, Alex and Adam discuss whether this means the end of SLR cameras for underwater photographers. They list the pros and cons of SLR and mirrorless cameras and chat about how these can benefit or hinder them when they are used underwater and how the drive to make SLR owners switch to a new system is also in the camera manufacturer’s interests.
With the exciting news that some of our favorite travel destinations are opening up again, and travel, in general, becoming more possible, Alex and Adam offer some thoughts on how travel has changed over the past two years. They then go on to provide some pre-trip ideas for ensuring that you and your equipment are ready to capture amazing underwater imagery once you arrive at your dream destination!
Lightroom Classic 11 and Photoshop 2022 offer some great new tools that are very useful for underwater image-makers. Alex and Adam overview these and provide insights into how these might be utilized to enhance underwater photographs. Along with offering some ideas on how they might be used, they also suggest that like all powerful tools, they should be used with discretion! To see complete tutorials about using the new selection and masking tools, head on over to Go Ask Erin