Silly questions!

[Helen]

Hi all,

I have an olympus C5050z and PT015 housing. Sorry to go completely back to basics but need some advice on the basic settings. Have so far been just using it on auto (just switching back and forth from macro to AF) and have been getting some results that I'm fairly happy with, but would like to understand a bit more. So some basics questions (sorry if asked before did look at the sticky on settings for C5050 but didnt understand much of it!)

Am I best setting it on SHQ/ TIFF/ Or RAW?
Should I be manually setting the white balance?
Should I have the ISO setting on automatic or pick one myself (if the latter how do I decide which?)

Anyway I think that will do for now, may think of more questions later.

Thanks in advance for replies
Helen

[TimIngmire]

Hi Helen,

If you aren't shooting fast moving subjects and you're happy with the write times then RAW is best as it gives you the most flexibility - of course it produces a larger file size so less photos on your card. TIFF files are just way too big and IMHO don't offer the same benefits as RAW.

As for MWB, if you shoot RAW then you don't need to do it. It can be usefull for when shooting with jpg but I've seen some strange results from the 5050 where the left side of the picture has a purple tinge. This may not affect all the cameras tho.

I always kept to ISO50 on the 5050 but obviously for ambient light shots you might want to increase it. If on auto watch the shutter speed, if it's too low for your subject then you might want to manually increase it.

HTH,

TIm

[Helen]

Thanks Tim,

Very useful advice as always. Am going to Portland tomorrow will have a try with some of the new settings. Regarding the RAW mode what software do I need to have to be able to view/ manipulate the images. Have just bought a new computer and only have i-pics at the moment but should really buy myself some proper photo editing software. Any recommendations (for mac)??

Thanks again
Helen

[TimIngmire]

Ah now, for a mac I'm a bit clueless I'm afraid.

Free software you can look at for the PC would be Picasa, Pixshooter Essentials and Bibble which can all do ORF's (the Oly RAW format). You might find that they have mac versions available.

Let us know how you get on.

Tim