I have some really basic questions and would appreciate some general suggestions. If this has been discussed elsewhere please let me know. Thanks
I just received a D 300 and plan to shoot manual in an aquatica housing with a 60 macro and tokina 10-17. I have 2 Ikelite ds125 strobes that I will use manually. There are all kinds of camera settings so if someone can give me some advice on things like:
Does everyone shoot RAW and use the adobe RGB color space? I don't really have time to master photoshop...but maybe Lightroom or Aperture.
I have Ikelite DS125 strobes... what flash synch speed should I try? (manual strobe)
I was thinking of using center weighted metering for both of these lenses, but spot could be used for a nudibranch or an eye? Would matrix ever be considered for close focus WA?
I planned of AF-S focussing ... is single point or dynamic area generally better? How big an area?
Please share any other info I might find useful in setting things up.
Definitely shoot RAW for keepers. That way in camera color space settings won't matter. I use lightroom and can recommend it (even 2.1 which is still suffering some growing pains). Every iteration is getting more powerful and I'm using PS less and less. Also, a much shorter learning curve and more intuitive interface than PS.
I believe the flash sync speeds are 1/60 - 1/250 on the 300. But read the manual to be sure.
Light metering will depend on the scene. To start with WA, consider matrix metering so you will limit blown out areas (sunballs) or too dark areas. You may be limiting yourself so play with the settings. Don't just follow the meter. You may create some pleasant surprises.
Spot or center weighted should work for the 60mm micro lens on close-up, but watch things like sand which will throw back a great deal of light.
Try the DS 125's at 1/4 power to start. No sense in blinding the critters with a full blast only to find out your strobes are too hot. If you are shooting at higher fstops for darker backgrounds, you will need to bump up the strobe power. Here there be dragons. You'll need to get a feel for the strobes but once you do, you will be able to gauge a scene and get pretty close to correct output first shot. They are pretty powerful strobes.
Use dynamic area focusing on fast moving subjects, single point for macro.
Thats my two cents. Now, for the best advice, go out and play, and don't forget to break all the rules.
