Sterling Zumbrunn: The great dives just keep on coming! I can really see everyone hitting their stride. The questions I get asked on the boat are much more sophisticated than earlier in the week. I can see that folks have moved well beyond the basics and are now trying to take their technique to another level.

Today I switched gears, and borrowed a prototype of the Nauticam NA-GH2 housing from Chris to test out. This housing is made for the Panasonic GH2, one of the hottest cameras of 2011, and I have really been looking forward to taking it underwater. I paired it up with the Leica 45mm macro, which is an outstanding optic that focuses down to 1:1 for tiny subjects. The camera and lens did not disappoint; autofocus is quick, and the results are stunning. My only disappointment with the camera is that the shutter lag is a little longer than what I had hoped, but for a camera this small and light, there are bound to be compromises. Personally, I’m starting to get used to not having to lug a giant SLR housing around. I might need to get one of these.

During the nightly slide show critique session, I was impressed to see the staff’s shooting advice put into good use by many of the participants. The difference in image quality since earlier in the week is significant, and that’s very gratifying to see. I have a feeling the competition is going to be hard fought. Everyone’s just getting started!



Jennifer Penner: When diving and shooting, I'll often give myself an "assignment" for the day. It forces me to look at things a little differently and focus more intently on my intended subjects. Today, I decided to shoot images that would make compelling black & whites. Through a lot of trial and error, for me, simple scenes with contrast make the best choices for black & white conversion. Once the images are pulled into Lightroom, in the Develop mode, there are many presets for black & whites... just pick the one that suits you for that particular image, make some minor global adjustments with the sliders and you're all set. Here's one from today:

Jim Decker: We've been keeping busy in the demo gear department. We've had more demo gear than any previous Shootout, and people are taking full advantage. Usually we don't get slammed with requests until mid week. It's great to see people take advantage of the new gear we have. We've also lent out some wide angle and macro accessories and those users have come back with some excellent results with a little coaching.

Gear tested today
I spent some time shooting the Canon G12 in the Fisheye FIX housing with wide angle lens. The G series cameras of the past few years have been the top picks of our staff at Backscatter. The G12 this year is no exception. The highlight and shadow detail rival that of the Panasonic LX-5. The G12 doesn't have TTL in manual exposure like the LX-5, but it does in aperture priority. The background light can be controlled by using the exposure compensation dial. This trick can be used on any compact camera in aperture priority or in program auto. The wide angle lens is the same from a few years ago and offers a 165 degree field of view, which is the widest available for this camera.

Jean Bruneau: First boat dive, and same warm feeling of having been surrounded by people as equally enthusiastic about diving and underwater imaging as I am. One thing that strikes me every time is the way the attendees fuse as a group. On a dive boat, there are no Armani suits, no Channel dresses, no coveralls, no other uniforms but the wetsuits on our backs. You don’t have the social cleavage usually found elsewhere. Folks don’t really discuss what they do, but where they are from, where they have been and the sharing of that thing we do, and that so many don’t. There is camaraderie amongst this group which could be a case study in social behaviour. Oh, and yes, demo gear has been rolling since day one. So my guess is that there are quite a few out there looking for a new system. What! I am having fun, but hey, I’m also here for Aquatica, and like a faithful preacher, I will try to recruit you with my gospel, LOL!

Oh and that huge French Angel fish today made my week, I can only wish my cocker spaniel was that friendly. Wow, part of those moments that define a trip!

Marissa Wiganowske: I was supposed to head back to the States this morning, we all know that’s not happening. Neither myself nor the Shootout staff imagined that the Thrusters would be used for four or five dives a day, brilliant! Now on board for the rest of the Shootout, our boat made way for the Hilma Hooker, what better place for the Thruster. It was stellar to be able to maneuver oneself so close to the wreck, while others could get photo and video to show a new aspect and angle to the site. What proves nice of the Thruster is that when you are not using it, you just let go of the switch and continue what you're doing. The Thruster is on the back of your tank not going anywhere, so no worry or distraction. If you decide to fin instead, you remain streamlined. Being negative 5 Lbs. in the water, it becomes an extended trim pouch in the water putting the weight on your tank.