HID instead of strobe?

Using a Canon S45 and canon housing. Also use a Greenforce HID 50 umbilical as a general dive torch. A video arm is available for the lighthead which I assume would have a standard fitting for camera trays. The torch creates light with a very noticable hot spot, but I reckon I could rig up a diffuser of sorts using plastic/acrylic/whatever. I dive primarily in Scotland and with poor vis and low light levels, I've always got the torch on for finding my way. Combining the two seems like a cost effective solution. Any ideas or suggestions on this setup instead of just adding a strobe?

I've not been taking pictures underwater for long, and I'm no photographer, but a few examples of my first attempts are here:

www.themacphersons.com

Hi!

I did a wee test recently to find out more about HID, HLX and flash.

There are (at least) 2 different setups:

wideangle and macro.

For wa shoots I'd like to experiment more with the available light settings described by Alex Mustard.

Macro is different. You may use any light for digital photography as long as you're WB is set accordingly. In your case, your torch will most probably be the only (or strongest) source of light. I did a few shot uw with HLX compared to HID.

The result is pretty the same after a bit of PhotoShopping. The pictures are horrible (I couldn't fit all the torches to my rig and had to do macros single handed) regarding picture composition, focus etc. but you can see the different effects caused by the light sources. If I'd set the WB during this test there would have been no significant difference. I did a few dry shots with HID, HLX and flash with appropriate WB settings. Very promising.

One advantage (esp. in your case) would be the extra light for the AF and image composition. To get rid of the nasty spot in the center of your image I'll recommend a diffusor. You should go for about 60° to cover a bit more than the target area. Take care to get evenly distributed light at the object distance you'll usually operate.

You may have a look at my web site to see samples done with HLX lights only.

It's for sure a simple and cost efficient solution to your problem. I'll get my hands on a new LED light prototype later this year. I'll post my results as soon as they're available.

Helge ;-)=)

Paul,

I was browsing through your pictures and on your Mexico trip the "two fish" are actualy pork fish and the "Jacks" are actualy atlantic spade fish.

The jacks or amber jacks are way bigger and longer. Here is a photo of a jack:

http://24.74.150.92/all_my_pics/Wilmington...erated/jack.htm

Vlad

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the setup I suggested as it wont cost much. If it doesn't get reasonable results, I'll save up for a strobe.

Thanks for the marine ID tips! The dive guide told me the big fish were jacks. I'll update my website soon.

Cheers,

Paul.