I just got a new camera --olympus 1030 and an underwater housing --Ikelite for an upcoming first trip to Bonaire. Now I am totally freaked out about using it. It is so big-- I have only used those disposable cameras underwater, and although they are not tiny this thing is very scary to me. I have clicked some pics around the house just to get a feel for it but I sure hope I can get more comfortable in the next four weeks. Anyone else ever had those feelings of inadequacy over a new camera?

Susan, Practice,practice,practice...

Susan, that's the way I felt when I got my oly sp350...the housing had MANY buttons on it...LOL! I agree with Ron (pigs must be flying, eh Ron? lol) that practice. After having the camera for two years, I am still learning new things!

I have the SP350 in an Ike housing with an Ike DS125 strobe. Once in the water the whole rig in not at all unwieldy. As noted, with practice, practice, and more practice it becomes second nature to change any setting needed.

I had hubby use a label maker to make small labels for the flash, iso, macro, etc. buttons that I stuck to the outside of the housing--this was very helpful as I get confused very easily both underwater and above!

Well Susan I'm in the same boat. I have an brandy new Olympus 1010 and Olympus housing. My plan consists of lots of practice and experiments. I need to know what the limitations are before I get it wet. Most of the tests will be for minimal focus distances in the UW housing. I need to know what the optimal shooting distance is. This will also change slightly underwater due to the magnifying effect of water.

I probably will test it first in the cold dark waters of NE. One thing for sure if I get decent pictures here, Bonaire will be a cake walk.

Susan,
Here's a hint you might find useful. Use what the manufacturer uses (underwater setting) in auto then review your shots seeing what the camera picked for you. Should you decide to go manual you then have an idea of where to start. I doubt that you will spend much time changing your settings initially.

Find a nice sandy area where you can figure out your buoyancy. Taking a camera diving will add a whole new level of challenge in trying to stay in one place (off the reef) while getting a good shot.

Last but not least, remember to have fun!

I had a new Olympus 1010 in October. I used the UW macro and wide angle settings and was very happy. Check out my October trip report to see the pictures of my first time in the water with it while snorkeling