Most favored film for underwater photography?

I'll be shooting underwater photos while snorkling this summer in

Mexico. Most likely I'll be using a point and shoot so from what I've

read, slide film may not be the best choice. I was thinking of

possibly using Portra 100UC or 400UC for the coral.<br>

I noticed threads on this topic are somewhat vague so I thought I'd

just ask directly. What films are favored the most by underwater

photographers?

Kevin

 

Basically shoot reversal film as this will give you plenty of exposure

latitude.

 

Any hi saturated film will be fine but I would recommend faster than

100iso.

 

If you get a chance to take a diving course you won't regret it and you

will get loads of photo oportunities.

 

There is a big difference between snorkling and looking down on your

subjects and diving and being right there with them.

 

Either way you should have a great time.

 

All the best.

 

M.

Kevin

 

Sorry I just reread my post.

 

It should read

 

Avoid reversal film as you need the extra latitiude of print film.

 

It's been a long day ;-)

 

M.

Kevin--

I'd say use whatever you're more comfortable with for your photography in general. You'll get a bit more latitude with negative film with your P&S, so it might not be a bad idea. Lots of people use slide film; I use Provia 100 for wide-angle, and Velvia for the macro stuff. One minor disadvantage of negative is that underwater, you often don't know what the colors really are until you get the film back, so there's a little guesswork involved. I'd vote against the 400 ASA; in shallow water you'll have plenty of light, so no need to sacrifice grain.

 

Remember to try to dive down and get under or level with subjects, rather than shooting from above, it will make a difference. If you're interested, I wrote an article for photo.net on underwater photography, it can <a href="http://www.photo.net/learn/underwater/uw2/general.html" >be found here</a>. Cheers...

When my wife and I first started shooting underwater, we went with film that the pros recomended. However, pros have very powerful underwater strobes (2)on very long strobe arms.

 

For a point and shoot in shallow water go with 400 asa print film and get it processed so you have daily feedback.

 

Even shallow water sucks up a lot of light and turns everything blue so use something with saturated colors.

 

In all but the clearest water your on camera strobe is your enemy because it light up all the floating detrius in the water and makes your prints look spotty.

 

For way better advice than mine however, go to:

 

Cathychurch.com

Sorry Andrew, I didn't disagree on purpose, we must have been typing at the same time. You get much better underwater results than I do so maybe he should go with 100 asa.

Neal--no need to apologize! :) I think if Kevin can dive under the surface and get some upward angles, light shouldn't be a problem. The built-in flash on most P&S cameras is an issue, as you mentioned. But hey, it's all worth a try...