I have been using the DX-8000g for about ten months, along with a single YS-25auto strobe and the wide angle lens. I have had some good results, having gained a second place in macro and a third in wide angle catogories at the BSoUP Splash-In competition 2006. I have always used Heather's settings and often ask for her advice, as I have very little photographic knowledge myself. When I first started taking pictures, I was not confident enough to use anything other than auto functions on the camera. However, I soon realised in order to get better pictures, I needed to make the choices and not let the camera decide for me.

I now use manual exposure and alter my f-stops via the rocker dial, adjusting my strobe output to the same value. I select forced flash on the camera and setting one (no pre flash) on the strobe and have blacked out the built in flash to reduce backscatter.

By using the step zoom it is possible to alter F-stops in small non variable increments, which when the strobe over exposes and pulling back the strobe doesn't help, I find by backing off from the subject and re-composing the shot I find that I can get the lighting just right.

When shooting anything closer than about arms length, I use the macro setting and a spotting torch to aid focus in low light, and to light close up macro shots (10 cm or less), I have the strobe angled down about 2cm from the top edge of the port. When shooting normal macro shots, I usually start with the strobe just behind the port and about 10cm above.

I find the controls and menus very easy to use and most of the operations can be carried out one-handed. I think the Sea & Sea DX-8000g is an excellent camera to use, gets results as good as the dSLRs and you dont need a wheelbarrow to cart it around! Another advantage of this camera is the wet fit wide angle lens- you can carry it in your BCD pocket and not have the worry of deciding which lens to put on before the dive, and then kicking yourself if you get it wrong and something like a basking shark turns up!