adamk76

Queensland Tourism have been on television here on the local current affairs programs saying that its just a way to promote the area and to attract more tourists. Their not denying that its a publicoty stunt.

There has already been about 106,000 people check out the dream job advert and 150 people have already submitted applications. So thinking there is a few people interested in the job. So as a care taker, will that allow you to report to the world media about how the Queensland Goverment is allowing the waters around the Great Barrier Reef to be used for the commercial fishing of sharks. I bet thats one thing you won't be able to put in your weekly blog for the world to read.

Firstly I'd like to say how good everyones pics are and thank you for sharing them with us. Here is my favourite pic for 2008. I know its not to the same standard as most, but for me as a novice I like it. It was taken on a safety stop in Crystal Bay, Bali. Our safety stop was in the middle of a Thermocline and I thought I'd just experiment with a few shots taken through the haze of the thermocline. Although it lacks a complete focus, I seem to think that it almost looks like the corals and fish in the centre of the picture are from a painting. It's for this reason that I think it's different and my favourite pic for 2008. Hopefully someone else will agree with me. Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone one who has given me advice, answers and added confusion to all that I've asked this year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Thanks Marli, All this info is just getting so confusing for someone who doesn't have a head for all things technical, wondering if its worth all the trouble. Although the features of the hack are very tempting. Guess I'll just have to try it and see. I bought my camera just over a year ago so guessing I'll probably need the 100e file. I'm currently using ScanDisk Ultra II 2.0GB cards, but with the price of SD cards these days I think I might even just go and get another and load the Hack on to it. Is there any specific SD card that you find works best?

Have just been looking on the CHDK downloads site. I was going to download the file for my 570IS but now have another question. I know I need to download both the 1.00E and the 1.01A versions and work out which version works with my firmware, but is it best to use the Complete or Small download?? Just something else to confuse me.

Trouble, thanks for sharing some truly wonderful photos. I can't wait to get to Nelson Bay now, diving there in January. Just wish I could capture a pic 1/10th as good as Kevins. I've just been looking at a friends website, http://www.tazzieblowingbubbles.blogspot.com , since I first added this post and she also talks about wide angle macro shots. There is several people using diopters in combination with the macro lens. Not sure if this is the same as what Kevin is using but apparently there is a discussion on http://www.digidreen.net regarding this topic. I also uderstand that Shannon Conway, http://www.underwaterphotography.com.au , is another person who knows a bit about this sort of set up. Hopefully this sheds some light for those who are interested.

Thanks guys for all that info. So i'm assuming that the hack only works in the M, AV, TV & P modes and not in Auto. Do any of the Hacks work in Auto, namely battery indicator?? Does the RAW Hack work in the SCN mode?? As I'm still only trying to master the basics, I do tend to use the SCN mode in Underwater. This is only due to the fact that due to work commitments, I don't get underwater near as much as I would like to improve my skills. I think I read somewhere that using this hack the camera actually saves your image twice, once as a RAW image and also as a JPEG, is this correct? Currently I'm using a couple of 2GB cards but not sure if this is now going to be enough if I choose to use the hack. I'm also assuming that I need later versions of Photoshop to be able to edit pics whilst using this HACK and not Photoshop 7 and Photoshop Elements that I'm currently using. (I can hear the moans already and know I need to seriously update). I know I should just download the Hack and try for myself, but asking questions to those who have used it just makes things so much easier. All information provided is greatly appreciated.

I was just wondering if anyone is using a RAW hack on their Canon Powershot A570IS? I have been given a link, http://scratchpad.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK , (thanks Scott Gietler for the link) to access a RAW hack for the A570IS. As I'm still a amatuer underwater photographer, I was hoping someone using this hack or someone with a bit more knowledge could tell me if this would be a beneficial option to me. I know there are some lenghty forums on here regarding RAW vs JPEG, and I'm not wanting for this post to head down that road. I'm just trying to find out how to use this hack and/or would it be useful to me now or should I wait until I've mastered all the basics. If its something that is going to just cause me more confusion, then I think I'll give it a miss. Also, is there any damage/problems that these hacks can cause to ones camera. Obviously I understand that this is going to void Canon's warranty, but what doesn't. If I was worried about any warranty I wouldn't take the camera underwater. Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated. For any other Canon users, the link above could be useful to you also. The site supports about 39 different Canon cameras, so isn't just limited to the A570IS.

Knifer, I have the same camera as you, Canon 570IS but with Canon WP-DC12 housing, I also find this a great camera to use. My question is, I thought this camera only had the capability to shoot JPEG images. You were saying that it has the capability to shoot RAW images. Have I missed something when ready (skimming) the manual or is there something else that needs to be loaded onto camera to achieve this. For my experience level I think Jpeg is probably good enough. After reading so many posts on here about the benefits of shooting Raw I thinking that if I have the capabilty to do this it may be worthwhile.

Hi Knifer, I have the Canon A570IS with Canon Housing and can say that it is a easy camera to use while getting good shots underwater. I have had this current setup for about 8 months and haven't had any problems at all. I currently have no strobes, so just using the internal flash, and have been very happy with my pictures so far. Plus the good thing is that when I'm taking pictures on dry land, the camera fits easily into my pocket. So isn't bulky like a lot of other cameras. The A570IS is something that could last you a while, as it allows you to use manual control of aperture and shutter speeds. Plus the addition of strobe(s) and the range of Inon wetmount lenses that are available means that this camera can easily grow with you as progress your techniques. This setup would definitely fall within your budget. If your interested I could post some pics on here to show you the quality of pictures the A570IS produces with just natural light and/or the internal flash.

Hi Brian, Not 100% sure about the Canon A720 IS but can highly recommend the Canon A570 IS. I have the A570 with the Canon WPDC12 housing, this is my first underwater setup and is very simple to use, allowing for both full automatic or full manual control.

Hi Sarah, I have the Canon A570IS camera in a Canon WP-DC12 housing that Jeff mentioned earlier. I have found this to be an excellent first underwater camera. This setup will allow you to learn the basics, but has the ability to grow with you as you gain more experience. With the possibility to add strobes and wet lenses (macro, wide and fish eye), this setup is a much cheaper option if you don't want to go the way of a DSLR. Below is some sample pics taken with my A570IS on a trip to Bali a couple of months ago. This was the first time that I had used the camera so pics aren't of the best standard, but it does show what is possible for someone who is just learning the basics. All these shots were taken without strobes and with no filters, just natural light and the Canon underwater setting. I should also mention that this camera is really good on land also. Its small enough that it fits comfortable in my pocket or in your bag. Its just as simple to use above water as it is below. Hope this is of some help to you. Adam

Richard, Here is some pics taken with my A570IS whilst I was in Bali a couple of months ago. This was the first time I had used the camera, so pics aren't of the highest standard but I'm sure they'll give you some idea of quality. These were all taken with Canon A570IS in Canon WP-DC12 housing with no strobes or filters, just natural light and Canon underwater setting. Any comments from anyone else would also be greatly appreciated Adam

Richard, Sorry I haven't posted any sample pics from my A570IS yet, I've been on holidays and away from my PC. I will do my best to have some on here in the next few days. Adam

I have the Canon A570IS with the Canon WP-DC12 housing so cannot tell you anything about what you can and can't do with the Ikelite housing. With the Canon housing, you are able to change from still to video mode very easily underwater. Inon do a bayonet lens mount that fits the standard Canon housing, this mount is compatible with their AD series lenses (fisheye, macro and wide). All these lenses are underwater/wet changeable. As for shooting small stuff, it is possible to shoot fairly close with the macro setting with good picture quality. If you have the money though, I guess you couldn't go wrong with buying a macro lens as part of your setup.