Advantage of using Manual controls vs Automatic controls on Underwater Cameras

April 13, 2023

Underwater photography is a fascinating and exciting form of photography that captures the beauty and diversity of the marine world. However, capturing stunning underwater images requires a deep understanding of the underwater environment, the camera equipment used, and the camera controls.

One of the most significant decisions that underwater photographers need to make is whether to use manual controls or automatic controls with their cameras. While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, choosing the right control type can make all the difference when it comes to capturing the perfect shot.

Manual controls provide photographers with more control over the camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This level of control allows the photographer to fine-tune the camera settings to achieve the desired exposure, depth of field, and focus. Manual controls are especially useful when photographing in challenging lighting conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Manual controls also allow the photographer to control the white balance, which is essential for capturing accurate colors underwater. Since the color of light changes as it passes through water, automatic white balance settings can struggle to capture the true colors of marine life. Manual white balance settings enable the photographer to adjust for color changes and create more accurate and visually appealing images.

On the other hand, automatic controls are more convenient and easier to use, making them an excellent choice for photographers who are less experienced or working in less challenging conditions. Automated controls allow the camera to make quick and accurate adjustments to the settings based on the scene and lighting conditions, helping the photographer to capture the shot without needing to make any adjustments manually.

However, automatic controls can sometimes be too sensitive and lead to overexposed or underexposed images or blurry photos of fast-moving subjects. Moreover, automatic controls can sometimes fail to produce the desired results in tricky lighting conditions, such as in low light, backlit or reflective environments.

Ultimately, the choice between manual and automatic controls comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions and subjects being photographed. Some photographers may prefer to use manual controls to achieve greater control over the camera settings, while others may prefer the convenience and ease of automatic controls. However, many experienced photographers often use a combination of both, switching between manual and automatic controls based on the situation.

In conclusion, the choice between manual and automatic controls with underwater cameras is an important decision that can significantly affect the quality of the images captured. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option and experimenting with both, photographers can select the best option for their needs and capture stunning underwater images.

Bob from Robert Herb Photography