INITIAL SETTINGS FOR MY NIKON D300

Many times I've had a new underwater photographer ask me what settings I use on my Nikon D300. Before I install my camera in my housing I decide what lens I'm going to use. I then configure the camera as listed bellow and setup my entire rig.

Don't forget...Take about a dozen test shots to make sure everything works!!!

Initial Camera settings for 18-55 mm & 18-70 mm lens

Nikon 18-55mm lenses

8” dome port

·         Manual mode on – A Must!!

·         ISO = 100 or 200

·         Use 1/100th

·         F-Stop =   See below for how settings effect shot

§  F8 for normal pictures

§  F11 for Close up

·         Set focus to Maximum number of focus points

·         Set Metering to Matrix setting

Changes in aperture and how the effect the shot.

Larger Aperture setting F2.8 – Heavily blurs the background (good for Macro)

                >

Starting point setting of F8 – Maximum all round sharpness

                >

Smaller aperture setting F22 – More depth of Field more in focus

NOTE: During Dive adjust shutter speed up or down to adjust 

background color or to create the Black background.

Initial Camera settings for 105 mm MACRO lens

Nikon 105mm lenses

Standard macro port

·         Manual mode on - M

·         ISO = 100 or 200

·         Use 1/200^th

·         F-Stop =   See below for how settings effect shot

§  F7 to F8 for Fish shots

§  F13 for really close up

·         Set focus to Single Spot focus

·         Set Metering to Center weighted setting

Changes in aperture and how the effect the shot.

Larger Aperture setting F2.8 – Heavily blurs the background (good for Macro)

                >

Starting point setting of F8 – Maximum all round sharpness

                >

Smaller aperture setting F22 – More depth of Field more in focus

Click here to download Bob's Initial settings Guide