Obsolete Strobes

Over the last month I decided to upgrade my camera system to improve my macro & wide angle capabilities. One of my pre-delivery concerns was whether my old strobes would be compatible with the new equipment. This situation led to a series of discussions at the dive shop regarding underwater lighting.

The prevailing opinion among divers is to add the biggest, most affordable strobes to a camera. Digital camera sensors, though, are much more sensitive to light than film. As a result, the need for a brilliant flash of light is essentially gone, especially considering the latest in underwater photo equipment. The new avenue is for photographers to use video/dive lights. Bob Wohlers, the head of Instructional Design at PADI describes this development in latest issue of Undersea Journal. The process has a few advantages according to Bob:

1) The coverage provided by the lighting equipment (total coverage, shadows, highlights) can be seen prior to taking a photo.

2) The lights can be used with video (most still cameras on the market now can render high-quality video).

3) The equipment act as super-bright primary night diving lights.

4) Power can be increased or decreased on the lights.

5) During the day the white balance can be employed using the video/ambient light combination.

Depending upon the model, the video/dive light can also eliminate the hassles associated with strobes – luggage space, changing batteries, etc. I purchased a rechargeable Light & Motion Sola which is very compact and has a seventy minute burn time on the highest setting.

The possible disadvantages to using a dive/video lights are being able to approach a skittish fish and fine tune lighting. In the Undersea Journal article, Bob only discusses photographing still objects – like coral. Video divers take wonderful sequences with huge white beams of light crisscrossing the ocean; but will I be able to creep up on a skittish fish for a tight face picture? Also, the dive/video lights do not have too many power settings. The high-end Sola has just full, medium and low options. I only adjust my strobes, though, about 30% of the time when the opportunity exists to set-up on a creature for a few minutes.

My old Sea & Sea strobes worked with new camera, so I will be experimenting on my upcoming trip to Belize. If the Sola does not scare the fish I may decide to purchase another one, shed the bulky strobes and batteries and completely convert to the new method.