As we dive deeper into underwater photography we slowly move from automatic to manual settings. The logic is simple; the more variables we can control, the more control we have over the creative output – the final image.

I view these settings as a starting point for each composition. They will provide good lighting, depth of field and great image quality in most basic macro and wide-angle shooting conditions. From here, you can start making small adjustments to really dial in your settings to produce the image you envision.

In addition, you can fall back on these settings if you start making changes and find yourself lost in a world of confusing settings. Just pause, go back to these settings and begin again.

One important note on these settings is that I’m assuming you’re shooting with a strobe/flash (or two). Once you master these settings you’ll be well on your way to creating fantastic underwater photos.

Macro Versus Wide-Angle

We have two primary settings groups. In underwater macro photography, we are lighting the scene exclusively with our strobe. There is no ambient light to worry about and our settings will reflect that.

In underwater wide-angle photography, we are exposing for ambient light while also using our strobe light to expose the foreground or primary subject. This is more complicated, however our settings will address that as well.

The Best Camera Settings

The settings in this tutorial video, and in the article below, are grouped by camera sensor size, since this plays such a large role in the settings we select. Be sure to watch the video for details on why each of these is chosen as our best default setting.

Lastly, please know that there are several ways to shoot the same photo, so be sure to experiment once you get comfortable shooting with these settings on your next dive trip.

1” Sensor Cameras

Wide-Angle
ISO: 200
Aperture: f/5
Shutter Speed: 1/125

Macro
ISO: 100
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/200

Micro 4/3

Wide-Angle
ISO: 200
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/125

Macro
ISO: 100
Aperture: f/18
Shutter Speed: 1/200

1.6x Crop Sensor

Wide-Angle
ISO: 250
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/125

Macro
ISO: 100
Aperture: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/200

Full Frame

Wide-Angle
ISO: 250 or ISO 320
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/125

Macro
ISO: 100
Aperture: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/200

Brent Durand is a professional writer and underwater photo instructor. Find his in-depth video tutorial series at tutorials.brentdurand.com.