OM TG-7 Microscope Mode Settings for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Microscope mode on the OM System TG-7, Olympus TG-6, and Olympus TG-5 cameras is an incredible tool for underwater macro photography. Take stunning photos of the smallest creatures you come across on your next dive with these base settings from Ikelite Videographer Logan Wood.

 

 

What is Microscope Mode?

Shooting great macro images of all the small critters we find in the ocean couldn't be easier with the OM system's TG-7 in Microscope Mode. This also applies to the TG-6 and TG-5 cameras.

Microscope mode allows you to shoot a subject from up to one centimeter away by significantly reducing the minimum focus distance of the lens. Because you have such a short minimum focus distance, you'll need to be using a flat port on your housing. A dome won't allow you to get close enough for this mode to work.

Best Settings for Microscope Mode Underwater

Here are the best settings for shooting macro in microscope mode:

• Turn the mode dial to the microscope icon and choose Microscope. Press OK to bring up your shooting settings.

• Set your ISO to 100, this will give your images the best color and least amount of noise.

• You'll want your White Balance set to AUTO. It's best to let the camera handle this and make adjustments later if needed.

• Make sure you're set to AF for autofocus.

• Aspect Ratio 4:3.

• Next, make sure you're shooting in the RAW format. This will give you the most flexibility when editing your photos, including the ability to change the white balance after the photo's already been taken.

• Scroll down to the next page and turn Still-I.S. On (or Image Stabilization, to “ON”). This will help reduce some of the camera shake when shooting small objects and is super helpful.

Shooting RAW gives you more creative control in the editing room, like fixing white balance or adjusting exposure levels. Note the true white coloring on the spots of this spotted cleaner shrimp. © Steve Miller

Shooting in RAW will give you the most flexibility when editing your photos.

• Next is your Flash Setting and I highly recommend you use strobes when you're shooting macro. It’ll bring out so much color in your image and when your camera's shooting in microscope mode, it'll use smaller apertures and faster shutter speeds so you need as much light as you can get.

•If you're shooting on RC compatible strobes, change this to RC (Remote Control).

•Set your Exposure Compensation to 0.0, but this is adjustable depending on your preference.

• Drive Mode to Single.

• Set your Metering Mode to Spot. Now the camera will meter the exposure based on the subject that's filling the circle in the middle of the frame.

• Face Priority Off.

• Accessory Off.

That's it! Now you're set up to shoot macro shots in microscope mode on your own systems TG-7 as well as the TG-6 and TG-5.

 

Get the Gear

Get all the gear you need to dive into the tiniest details underwater: Underwater Housing and OM System Tough TG-7 Camera Kit # 62342KIT

• See all OM System TG-7 kits and accessories


If you've taken any shots that you'd like to share, please tag us on Facebook or Instagram and consider submitting to our Featured Customers page for a chance to be featured on our website and newsletter. If you have any questions, you can reach out to us at ikelite@ikelite.com

 

Additional Viewing

OM System TG-7 Underwater Housing // Setting it Up with TTL Strobe [VIDEO]

Ikelite DS51 II Strobe Features // For Macro and Wide Angle Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

Macro with Black Background Underwater Camera Settings

Macro Close-Up Underwater Camera Settings

Featured Customers | Dave Stone The Subtle Movements of Marine Life [VIDEO]

The Secret to Underwater Photography with Olympus and Panasonic Cameras [VIDEO]

Manual White Balance for Underwater Still Photography

 

 

Logan Wood is a published photographer, cinematographer, and Producer at Ikelite. Stemming from a great appreciation for the outdoors and living an active lifestyle, his work focuses on capturing and sharing the natural world through the latest technologies. When not in the studio, Logan can be found cruising on his bike, going to concerts, and researching where to go next. You can see more of his work at loganwood.net and on Instagram @jlowood