Q&A

In our Q&A section we provide you with answers for the most frequently asked questions regarding Olympus underwater equipment.

1. How deep can I go with the underwater cases PT-056/ PT-057/ PT-EP12/ PT-EP13?

All housings mentioned above are waterproof down to a water pressure equivalent to 45m depth.

2. How deep can I go with the PT-EP14?

The PT-EP14 is the first housing from OLYMPUS that is waterproof down to a water pressure equivalent to 60m depth.

3. How often do I have to replace the O-Ring?

The O-ring is a consumable product. Independent of the number of times the case has been used, it is recommended that the O-ring should be replaced by a new piece after a year has passed. Always perform an advance check of the case before going for a dive. In the Academy section we have prepared a maintenance tutorial movie.

4. How can I stabilize the camera and use autofocus in the best way?

To take crisp, clear underwater photos, you should remember these two tricks:
I. Press the shutter button halfway to lock the focus
II: Hold the camera properly

5. What is underwater mode?

If you want to capture those same colors that you see in magazines, you need to set very specific camera modes. Even then, it can take years to learn to capture pristine underwater images.
But there's a simple way to capture cool underwater shots: Some OLYMPUS cameras have an underwater mode which will help you to capture the distinct colors of the sea. The underwater mode has been developed with advice from professional photographers who have shot underwater for many years.

6. How to start with macro photography under water?

When taking underwater macro photos, approach subjects even more carefully than usual. If you rush and do not approach carefully, the subject may run away. Also if you disturb the sand, the image can become very unclear. An other important thing is the flash which helps to illuminate the subject in a correct way.

If you are compeltely new to Underwater Macro photography, we would recommend to start with the predefined underwater macro mode and then experiment to develop your own style. White balance, auto focus and other functions will be adjusted automatically. As a result, the subject will be revealed in natural coloring. Nevertheless getting great results may take a few attempts; give it some time and keep on shooting!

7. What does backscatter mean and how can this be avoided?

Backscattter becomes an issue when artifitial light sources are used in cloudy water. The flash Illuminates particulates between the lens and the strobe making the image completely white dotted. Two easy ways to avoid backscatter are:

- Reduce the distance between the housing and the subject
- Try different flash position

8. Are there any rules in underwater photography?

Yes, for underwater photography we have three golden rules dealing with the picture design and picture selection:
1) Do not take shots from above a subject
2) Do not cut off the subject
3) Do not touch anything under water 

9. How can I get a black background?

A black background is very nice to isolate a subject and there are three important things you need to take care of:
1) Try to use a fast shutter speed
2) Use the highest F number possible
3) Minimize the background of the subject

Of course also the position of the flashes plays an important role, so try out what works best in order to minimize the back scatter and to achieve a nice black background