Aquarium Scene Mode: Clux-2 Vs. Dlux-4

[Tenor1]

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Is there a scene mode equivalent on the Dlux-4 that would perform in a similar way to the aquarium scene mode on my Clux-2.

 

I want to upgrade from a Clux-2 to a Dlux-4, but my hesitation is the lack of the aquarium scene mode. I shoot about 1,500 pics a month of aquariums (my other hobby) and this mode does a spectacular job of neutralizing the blue of the aquarium. I am trying to improve the overall quality but concerned about the lack of the aquarium mode on the Dlux-4.

 

Thanks,

Carlos Marques

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[brucek]

I've never heard of an aquarium mode. And in looking at the D-Lux 4 manual it doesn't seem as if it has one. Now I'm speaking from ignorance here, but isn't this mode just shifting the white balance of the photo? If so, you should be able to do the same thing fairly easily with any other camera, especially one like the DL4 that has several custom settings available. You could setup one of those setting for the aquariums and then use it when needed.

[stuny]

Carlos -

 

I believe Bruce is correct. By the way, the D-Lux 4 is a much larger, more expensive, more capable camera than the C-Lux.

[Tenor1]

Thanks Bruce and Stuny

 

I don't know if the white balance is manipulated to achieve the aquarium setting but the affect is perfect. It would be similar to the sunset mode effecting the color of the picture. Could adjusting the white-balance neutralize the blue of the aquarium?

 

The Canon G-10 does have an aquarium setting and I have a Canon 750 with the setting and it has the effect I want. I purchased a Nikon 6000 last weekend on the recommendation of the store owner and a Nikon rep at the shop. They both said none of the cameras I was interested in had that setting, so I went to my next "want" of a low-light camera. The Nikon seemed to do a better job over the D Lux-4 and the Canon G-10. After I went home I finally found an article saying the Canon has the aquarium setting. The shop owner did not say I could achieve the affect by white balance adjustment. I told them I preferred the Leica D Lux-4 over the Panasonic LX-3. I own a Panasonic LX-1 and it is nice but the colors are more exaggerated (IMO) than the Leicas that I own. I have a V Lux-1 and a C Lux-2.

 

My hobby of aquarium photography is certainly not the norm for most people.

 

Are you sure I will be able to make the needed adjustments on the D Lux-4 or should I get the Canon G-10? The shop is totally willing to make any exchange as I have bought about 10 Leica cameras and 6 Nikon and Canons from them. I give them all to my nieces and nephews.

 

Regards,

Carlos Marques

 

I thought I would get a M-8 but my sister, who would also use the camera, cannot use a manual focus due to an eye stigmatism. So I need cameras with auto focus.

[farnz]

Carlos,

 

Although there's no Aquarium scene mode, the D-Lux4 will let you dial in the Kelvin colour temperature of your choice, which should provide even better results with a bit of practice.

 

Pete.

[stuny]

Carlos -

 

Just as a matter of interest, the reason why things look blue under water is that light's longer wavelengths are quickly absorbed by water -- The more distant the light source, the less long waves. Consequently, for SCUBA photos one needs a flash to bring out the true colors.

[Tenor1]

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THANKS Pete,

 

I'll try lowering the Kelvin to neutralize the blue. Normally, 5700 Kelvin gives a somewhat sunlight color and lowering the number would give a more yellow effect. Marine tanks use a 10,000 Kelvin and the blue intensity goes up as the Kelvin number rises. Freshwater planted tanks use a range of 5700 - 6700 depending on the bulb manufacturer.

 

I had no idea any camera had a Kelvin adjustment. Does the D Lux-4 give numbers like 5700 or 10,000 with a sliding scale to adjust it? I imagine lowering the number is the trick since higher numbers gives a more blue light.

 

My thanks to all of your help,

Carlos Marques

[brucek]

I had no idea any camera had a Kelvin adjustment. Does the D Lux-4 give numbers like 5700 or 10,000 with a sliding scale to adjust it? I imagine lowering the number is the trick since higher numbers gives a more blue light.

 

Yes, the D Lux-4 allows you to set the white balance through a sliding scale of Kelvin temperature.

 

You can also do a manual adjust by choosing a portion of the viewed image and setting it as the white point.

 

Incredibly flexible camera, IMHO.

 

Bruce

[farnz]

... You can also do a manual adjust by choosing a portion of the viewed image and setting it as the white point. ...

Well there you go - I hadn't spotted that one. You live and you learn. Thanks, Bruce.

 

Pete.