HC1 - Auto White Balance? Auto Exposure? Final Answer?

OK. I have read all the posts, seen all the differing opinions. How's 'bout we put it into one thread for the next guy (or gal) who is looking.

With an HC1 (I have a bluefin housing)...what settings do you all prefer to get good underwater color/exposure?

1. Auto White Balance with Auto Exposure?

2. White Balance shift and AE Shift?

3. Program AE?

4. White Balance Indoor?

What are your favorite settings for the HC1 when you can't access the manual white balance underwater?

Also, does the HC1 do a true white balance upon power on? Will it do it in manual/one touch WB mode or just in Auto WB mode?

Do you prefer to white balance once on the surface and then leave it alone? Should a person turn on the HC1 above water to white balance and then leave it on the whole dive?

We are going to Australia and PNG for 3 weeks (in just 5 days!!) and I want to make the most out of it. Of course I will be doing alot of experimenting...but would like a good base setup to start with.

Thanks for clearing the haze from my foggy mind. I appreciate any information/wisdom you all have to give!

- dougdrury

Well Doug, keeping the topic under 1 thread would make it easier for people searching for answers, no?

Anyhow, the suggestions of Wags regarding the A1 would apply to your camera as well.

1. If you use a filter, use daylight WB for best match.The filter with daylight WB is limited, being most effective between 15-60ft.

2. AE shift, according to Wags, should be -1 to -2, which works very well for most scenes overcoming the Sony tendency to overexpose. . For a more accurate shot, I'd judge using the 100% zebra for each scene, usually just 1/3-1 stop under 100%. Don't mess with WB shift.

3. Shoot manual for best results.

Enjoy PNG and Oz and let us know the results by posting some video.

OK. I have read all the posts, seen all the differing opinions. How's 'bout we put it into one thread for the next guy (or gal) who is looking.

 

With an HC1 (I have a bluefin housing)...what settings do you all prefer to get good underwater color/exposure?

 

1. Auto White Balance with Auto Exposure?

 

2. White Balance shift and AE Shift?

 

3. Program AE?

 

4. White Balance Indoor?

 

What are your favorite settings for the HC1 when you can't access the manual white balance underwater?

 

Also, does the HC1 do a true white balance upon power on? Will it do it in manual/one touch WB mode or just in Auto WB mode?

 

Do you prefer to white balance once on the surface and then leave it alone? Should a person turn on the HC1 above water to white balance and then leave it on the whole dive?

Thanks so much. Will put these tips to use. Will post some clips when I get back. Thanks a ton!