Advice on tank shots with Sony cybershot DSC P8

[benribbans]

As above really, not a great camera for this type of thing I know but wondered if there was anything that would improve the pics?

Shots with the full lights on and no flash is ok but trying to photograph under antinics or blue LED's is awful. No depth, poor focus etc etc :(

I can adjust most of the settings on the camera but really haven't a clue what I'm doing so any advice would be great

Thanks
Ben

[Alastair]

How about posting a couple of the pictures your not happy with and give us the ISO, aperture, shutter and lens information for each picture.. we can then suggest changes for you to try.

You don't mention a tripod.. that's essential for low-light tank photography.

[benribbans]

I have taken a couple of shots, I am fairly happy with them and have fiddled with the settings but this seems to get the best results. Both using a really basic tripod and shutter timer.

Full lights

Mode - potrait
Focus - multi
White balance - flash WB
IS0 100
F3.2/10
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q4/normal_1.jpg

LED's

Mode - potrait
Focus - multi
White balance - flash WB
IS0 400
F2.8/NR1.6
Macro on
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q4/LED.jpg

Compared to my normal results they are pretty good as I have changed the settings until I get the results you can see. However, I would like better definition and a more accurate colour/depth representation although I think I am coming to the conclusion that a new camera maybe necessary...:confused:

If this is the case can anyone recommend one that won't break the bank.....??

Thanks
Ben

[benribbans]

anyone....?? :)

[Alastair]

Looking at the pictures.. they look sharp enough, but the white balance is a mile off in the first one to my eyes and could do with being tweaked with some image editting software. It also looks a little over-exposed as well.. so I'd try another couple of shots playing around with the exposure compenstion setting (I've checked, your camera should have this option).

Did the flash fire? it doesn't look like it did, but you used "flash WB" setting (what does it look like when taken with "auto"?).


PS
Late responding as I'm having problems loading the forum atm.