Panning with prosumer cameras

As I get ready for my Coco's trip I wonder if anyone has any experience with prefocusing and panning with a G2 or similar camera.

I am planning on doing a bit of this to try and capture the hammerheads and minimize the shutter lag.

Would love to heare your results, tips or ideas?

Thanks

Bob

When are you going to Cocos? I'm going at the end of July:D

July 8-19. Yipeee!!!!!

I'll make sure we save you a whale shark or two

Hey Bob,

I went to Cocos in June last year and it was without doubt the best diving I have ever done. I am very jealous of you.

It was my last trip with a film camera (MMII) before upgrading to digital. I have to say that my pictures were terrible. This is for a few reasons which make photography difficult there.

1) Overcast sky - the sky was overcast almost all the time we were there, leading to dark conditions underwater

2) Thermoclines - Expect to encounter these quite a lot. A real pain if trying to shoot through the shimmering.

3) Pesky Hammerheads - They really do hate the bubbles. Getting close (I was using a 16mm lens) is really hard so you have to take your chances. A rebreather really does help.

4) Currents - Some of the best photo oppurtunties were in currents so strong that you couldn't even look into the current without losing your mask. Take a pair of gloves or a reefhook (there is no coral to damage)

5) visibility - not always the best. A lot of hammer shots you can't get close enough so just turn off the strobes to avoid backscatter.

I am sure you will make a better job of it than me.

As regards panning - the hammerheads don't tend to move that fast so it shouldn't be too tricky. Now the blacktips and silkies can be a different matter.

I found one of the best shots (at Alycone) was to lie on your back and shoot up with the Hammers schooling above you for good silhouettes.

Anyway hope you have a great time.

Mark

Awesome Mark, I remember a bit of those types of conditions from my trip to Galapagos. That trip was just like yours. I had a mmII, it was my first time with a camera, and you can only imagine how badly nearly every pic stunk.

Thanks for the tips and pointers! I am not sure about whether I will do better than you, but I am guessing since you shot film on that trip, tha I will take more than you were able to! Maybe the law of averages will hold.

My Local dive shopr owner/photo pro is trying to get me to take a rebreather class on the way our there and do a couple of rebreather dives with him. Sounds intriguing, but I think I will focus on my digital camera. One new thing per trip tis enuff.

Be well

Bob

[Edited on 5-23-2002 by bobjarman]