Underwater Photography Comes of Age Underwater photography equipment has come a long way in the last 10 years. The spectrum of what's available puzzles even the most experienced photographers. From cameras and strobe packages costing thousands to $20 underwater plastic point-and-shoots, everybody's getting into the picture.

Photo Quality One of the reasons the inexpensive point-and-shoot underwater cameras take pictures that can appear muddy, grainy or washed out is due to poor lighting. While the camera itself is a major purchasing decision, the correct strobe light(s) can make or break your photo quality – and your enjoyment capturing underwater experiences.

Consider This Questions to consider when choosing a strobe light are;

Strobe Options Strobes are available in all price ranges, but it pays to investigate. Sport Diver magazine contributors Jason Heller and Eric Chang recently wrote an article titled, "The Right Light" in the April issue of Sport Diver magazine. Their recommendations include the Ikelite DS-51, and DS-125 and the INON D-2000/Z-240. For more on underwater photography, log on to www.wetpixel.com or www.divephotoguide.com.

Strobes to Try:

Ikelite DS-51 Substrobe The compact and lightweight Ikelite DS51 Substrobe is an excellent choice for many underwater photographers. Its digital electronics make it fully compatible with digital cameras as well as traditional film cameras such as the Nikonos. Switch between TTL/Auto and any of the six manual power settings for complete control over lighting the subject. Well-suited for macro and general photography.

• Size: 8cm x 12cm - 3.2" x 4.7"
• Weight: 0.6 kg - 1.3 pounds
• Energy rating: 50 watt-seconds
• Recycle time: 3.5 seconds
• Coverage angle: 70 degrees and 80 degrees w/diffuser
• Guide # (ISO 100) feet: 56 surface, 28 underwater
• Guide # (ISO 100) meters: 17 surface, 9 underwater
• Color temp: 5700 degrees Kelvin
• Power source: 4 "AA" alkaline - NiCad – NiMH
• Flashes: 200 full power
• Firing modes: TTL/Auto - 6 manual power settings
• Depth rating: 90m - 300 feet
• Much shorter recycle times and more flashes per set of batteries can be realized during TTL/Auto operation.

Ikelite DS-125 Substrobe The circuitry of the Substrobe DS-125 has been optimized for use with the latest digital camera models. The DS-125 is fully compatible with both preflash and non-preflash systems. It also works with all TTL film cameras including the Nikonos system.

The DS-125 can be fired in 10 manual power settings in half/stop increments when attached to the optional Ikelite EV manual controller. The controller can operate as a wireless sensor triggered by another flash or may be connected by sync cord for increased control over manual exposure.

• Energy rating: 110 watt-seconds
• Recycle time: 1 seconds
• Angle of coverage: 90 degrees/100 degrees with diffuser
• Guide # (ISO 100) feet: 64 surface, 32 underwater
• Guide # meters: 20 surface, 10 underwater
• Color temperature: 4800 degrees Kelvin
• Flashes: 250 full power
• Firing modes: TTL, Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8
• Battery pack: NiMH module
• Weight: 1.3 kg (2.75 lb)
• Size: 3.75" dia x 7"

INON D-2000/Z-240 The INON D-2000 uses an optical cable connected to the camera's housing that reads the camera's internal flash and transmits it to the D-2000. The D2000 sends out a pre-flash that camera reads and then the second main flash is sent buy the D2000 at the required intensity for the exposure. INON's D-2000 system uses a light blocking filter over the camera's flash that transmits only infrared light to communicate with the external strobe. It is easy to hookup multiple strobes with this optical sync system. The camera will measure the pre-flash from the D2000 reflecting off the subject telling the strobe to make the proper exposure.

• S-TTL (For high-end digital cameras to point-and-shoot digicams)
• 24-step external auto control mode (for dual strobe control)
• 13-step manual mode in 1/2EV increments.
• Guide number: 20 @ ISO 100
• Color temperature control with filters (optional accessory)
• Circular 100 degree beam angle
• Shutter linked auto off focus light
• Clear photo system (dark filter for blocking camera's internal flash)
• 4 AA batteries (NiMH, alkaline, ONH, lithium with voltage stabilization)
• Color temp: 5000K
• Flash capacity depending on type of battery: 300-600 cycles.
• Depth rated: 300 feet
• U/W weight: 1.5oz.

RESOURCES

To help sort through strobes that are currently available, we've compiled a short list to get you started. Other resources are Sea and Sea, Inon America, Sea Life, Ikelite, Adorama and Scuba.com.

STROBES ON THE MARKET Always check with the manufacturer to see what is avialable and what's been discontinued and what's new, before you buy! Here's a brief list of what's available right now:

Bonica Complete Strobe

• Includes strobe, arm, and tray
• Fully adjustable arm and flash head
• Swivels 360 degrees
• Dual sensors to allows the strobe to fire simultaneously with the camera flash without the need of a sync cord
• Cycle time: approximately 7 sec
• Battery life: approximately 120 flashes
• Battery: 4 AA
• Rated to 150ft
• Positive buoyancy
• Note: camera not included

Bonica Neon XP Complete Digital Strobe with Auto Exposure Control

• Universal underwater flash for all digital cameras
• Includes strobe, arm, and tray
• Enhances color and brightness
• Strobe arm allows for easy aiming at any angle
• Slave will fire flash when camera flash fires
• Up to 120 flashes with full power batteries
• Mounts easily to all digital cameras equipped with external flash mount
• Uses 4 AA batteries
• Distance range from 2 to 8 ft
• Depth: 200 feet
• Camera not included

Epoque ES-230DS Auto Strobe

• 3~21 adjustable guide number

• 84 x 115 lighting angle

• Uses 2 AA alkaline/Ni-Cad/Ni-MH/oxy-alkaline batteries

• 125 full flashes (Alkaline) / 200 times (Ni-MH)

• 1.5~6 sec recycle time (Alkaline)

• Slave or Nikonos synchro connector type

• On / pre-flash:auto low / pre-flash:auto high / off

• Water-tight to 150 feet

• Weight: 470g (not including batteries) -110g (under water)

• Size: 100 x 104 x 128mm

• Diffuser, spare o-ring set, arm fixing bolt

Epoque ES 150 Alpha Digital Slav

• For all digital cameras and housings
• Depth: 45 meters / 150 feet
• Offers an adjustable guide number (3-15).
• Can be used as a slave or synchronized through a 5 pin sync cord.
• Beam angle 80 degrees (with diffuser 100 degrees, 1/2 stop loss of light).
• Recycle time 6-7 sec at full power (80 flashes at full power)
• Uses 2 AA batteries.
• Has a special bracket for connecting to Fantasea (and other) flex and ball & joint arm systems.

Ikelite DS200 Substrobe Strobe can easily switch between TTL/Auto and any of the six (6) manual power settings for complete control over lighting the subject. Intensity and angle of coverage make it equally suited for macro and general photography with a built-in aiming light.

• LED gauge shows remaining battery power and fully charges in 2.5 hours.
• For housings compatible with 5 pin sync cord
• Allows manual and TTL auto exposure settings
• Size: 4.5 x 7.5"
• Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Energy rating: 200 watt-seconds
• Coverage angle: 100 degrees
• Widest lens: 15mm (Nikonos)
• 18mm (SLR)
• Guide no: @ ASA 100 76 (surface) 38 (underwater)
• Color temp: 4800 degrees Kelvin
• Power source #4063.5 NiMH pack
• Flashes: 160 full power
• Recycle time:1.6 seconds

INON Z-240

The Z-240 is INON's flagship model designed for professionals needing high performance lighting with digital camera systems, and film camera systems. The Z-240 provides high performance and versatility in package half the size of conventional strobes.

• 24-step external auto
• 320 cycle full power flash capacity for large memory cards
• 100 degree wide circular beam angle
• Clean light at 5500K
• Super fast recycling time of 1.6 sec at full power

MORRIS Aquaflash F-6TTL

The Aqua F6TTL is fully waterproof to 165 feet, all-weather electronic flash unit with thyristor circuitry and TTL exposure control with the Nikonos V.

• The Aqua F6TTL comes complete with flash arm, sync cord, wide angle diffuser, O-ring and silicone grease.
• Surface guide number of 125 at ISO 100
• U/W guide number of 28 at ISO 100
• Fast recycling (.5-10 seconds)
• Manual full power and 1/4 power settings
• Consecutive flash signal mode
• Swivel/tilt head
• Twin reflectors for wide coverage

MORRIS Underwater Slave Flash

The Morris Underwater Slave Flash fires automatically when your camera flash goes off. Ideal for fill, accent, side or back lighting needs. Lightweight with easy to aim touch design.

• GN is 66 at ISO 100
• Angle of coverage is 55°.
• With fresh alkaline batteries it recycles in 6 seconds.
• Rated to depths of 100'.
• Uses 4-AA alkaline batteries
• Surface GN: 66 (feet) / 20 (meters) ISO 100
• Angle of coverage: 55°
• Recycle: 6 seconds
• Number of flashes: 120 (w/alkaline cells)

Not suggested for use with a digital camera unless the pre-flash on the camera can be turned off.

Sealife Digital Pro Flash

• Brand new & completely redesigned for 2008
• Universal underwater flash for all digital cameras
• Enhances color and brightness
• Flexible arm allows for easy aiming at any angle
• Rubberized arm provides a sure grip
• 5 pre-flash cancellation settings
• Powered by 4 AA batteries
• Mounts easily to all digital cameras equipped with external flash mount
• Distance range from 2 to 8 ft.
• Depth: 200 feet

Sealife Strobe SL960

• Enhances color and brightness
• Flexible arm allows for easy aiming at any angle
• Rubberized arm provides a sure grip
• Camera flash cover reduces backscatter and is removable for extra brightness
• Distance range from 2 to 8 ft. (0.6 to 2.5m)
• ON/OFF and test switch
• Mounts easily to SeaLife cameras equipped with external flash mount

Sealife Digital Strobe

• Universal underwater flash for all digital cameras
• Enhances color and brightness
• Flexible arm allows for easy aiming at any angle
• Rubberized arm provides a sure grip
• Powered by 4 AA batteries
• Mounts easily to all digital cameras equipped with external flash mount
• Distance range from 2 to 8 ft.
• Depth: 200 feet

Sea & Sea YS-110 Strobe

• Free O-ring removal tool
• Free silicone grease
• Built in LED target light
• Works with all compact digital and digital SLR cameras
• Uses five pin sync cords for SLR housed cameras or fiber optic cable for compact digital cameras
• Features 12-step power control for manual operating modes, plus DS-TTL auto exposure
• Slave mode syncs for DS-TTL flash on compact digital cameras
• Delivers a wide 105 x 105 beam pattern
• Works in TTL with Sea & Sea TTL converters for Sea & Sea Digital SLR housings
• Fast 3 second recycle time
• U/W guide number: 36 with ISO 100 film

Sea & Sea YS-250PRO TTL Strobe

• Brand new for 2008
• Free silicone grease included
• Free NiMH battery and charger included
• Built in LED target light
• Works with all compact digital and digital SLR cameras
• Uses five pin sync cords for SLR housed cameras or fiber optic cable for compact digital cameras
• Features 12-step power control for manual operating modes, plus DS-TTL auto exposure
• Slave mode syncs for DS-TTL flash on compact digital cameras
• Delivers a wide 105 x 105 beam pattern
• Works in TTL with Sea & Sea TTL converters for Sea & Sea Digital SLR housings
• Fast 1.8 second recycle time
• U/W guide number: 32 with ISO 100 film

Sea & Sea YS-27dX Digital Strobe

Designed specifically for the underwater point and shoot digital photographer providing convenient and flexible manual 9-step controller for underwater lighting

• Free silicone grease
• Free O-ring removal tool
• Built in pre-flash sensor assures that the strobe will fire when the camera does and not before as in some competitor models
• 9-step power control allows photographer to match camera and strobe for precise exposure
• User friendly fiber optic sync cord connects easily and cannot flood
• Simple, lightweight and compact design travels easily above and below the water
• Fast flash recycle time
• Requires 4 AA batteries