Oly C5050 & PT-015...what filter for snorkeling

We are headed for our first big snorkel trip to Bonaire and I've purchased the Oly C5050 and PT-015 for picture taking. I'm wanting to get a red filter to help with the underwater photos. Can you suggest what would work the best. Is there a filter that would fit on the waterproof housing or should I use one that fits on the camera. I'm more of a point and shoot picture taker so talk to me in simple terms Any and all suggestions to improve my results will be greatly appreciated.

DonnaJ

Hi Donna,

I'm not sure you can find a filter which will work with the PT015 housing, and I'd be surprised if you could find a filter which goes on the Oly 5050 without an adaptor. If it's anything like the Oly 4040, you will need an adaptor just for the filter which will not allow the camera to fit inside the housing. If you are going to be in shallow water - you should be able to capture some color. Also, I've seen macro shots others have taken using the camera's flash only and some turn out very nice. I hope I'm wrong about the filter but good luck and have lots of fun!

You will need a filter that has a 67mm dia. for your PT-015. Craig has written an excellent feature on this topic. Read it here: http://wetpixel.com/features/200307_available_light/

At snorkel depths you should be able to get good pictures without a filter. Particularly if you get close to the subjects and definitely if you use the internal flash.

For samples of pictures taken at 50 feet with the internal flash only;

http://www.splashdowndivers.com/photo_gall...ple_gallery.htm

For details on settings for use with the internal strobe only;

http://www.splashdowndivers.com/photo_gall...up_settings.htm

And finally, get youself a copy of Photo Shop Elements for cleaning up and color correctiing your photos when you get home.

http://www.splashdowndivers.com/photo_gall...ng_examples.htm

Maybe the B+W FL-D? 20 mired, 20 CC M. Alex Mustard mentions using a 10 CC Red in this thread: http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...lter,and,strobe , so 20 might be too much.