If your camera offers a full manual mode then you should use it in first place without a doubt. This is the best mode to use. One has to adjust the aperture and shutter speed and for people who use an external strobe, full manual mode is highly recommended. The only disappointment in this feature is that one loses TTL (in certain cameras), but this can be compensated by setting the strobe power manually.
Most people prefer using an auto mode for macro photography, when using an internal flash on a compact camera. One must consider using full manual mode in this case. There are many people who worry about shooting in full manual mode as there is a myth of full manual mode being difficult and perplexing. There are setting adjustments required but in reality they are simple to handle. One can start with the initial settings and then change one parameter at a time.
Don’t try to overdo, try one setting at a time and then take it on from there.
When underwater there are some full manual mode settings that can help you. These are not custom menu settings but consider a few to get started.
- If one is shooting underwater go with base ISO settings of the camera with the maximum shutter sync speed and single spot focus. One needs to adjust the f-stop as per the required depth of field. While shooting small fishes or small subjects shoot at a small aperture (F29). Similarly while shooting supermacro use f-stop upto F50. Set the strobe power accordingly and adjust the f-stop as per the distance proximity.
- For wide angle photography underwater use base ISO; ISO 100 or 200, 1/100th with maximum number of focus points. One can shoot with different f-stop depending on the distance. Use F22 for close up shots, F11 when you are 1 feet away from the subject, F8 for 2 feet and so on.
- Unless experienced, one must avoid using aperture and shutter priority mode.
- There is absence of ambient light at nighttime except from the dive light. To block this light use a fast shutter speed and adjust the aperture to get the right exposure.
- During full manual mode, one should use a gray, white or a silver object while shooting in ambient light.
In short you acquire full control of your camera while shooting in full manual mode. The settings include ISO, aperture, Shutter speed, flash etc. This gives the photographer the flexibility to shoot according to his own wish. There are no custom menu settings or a fixed rule as such; one will master the full manual mode tec