Pentax Optio S Digital cam, reducing brightness

[steelhealr]

Hi..I have a Pentax Optio S which takes pretty good pix. Obviously not the Mercedes of cams, but, I figured out how to use my macro. When I try to take frontal tank shots, some of the corals come washed out or very white/bright. Is there a way to reduce brightness when taking frontal tank shots? I can't find the manual and was wondering if someone has the same cam. Thanks. SH

[jmt]

Turn off the flash. ???

[lgreen]

that and perhaps try adjusting the white balance, if you can on that camera.

[steelhealr]

..flash is off...I know better than that.....lolol....I'll check in and see if I can find something on that. SH

[lgreen]

sometimes my sony does that too, and it can help a little if i put my hand above the camera to block some of the light. also try taking the shot pointing diagonally down rather than holding and shoting parallel.

[jmt]

Turn off the lights around the tank. Sometimes their reflection on the glass can lead to a crappy shot.

 

Also, like lgreen said, tilt the camera more at a downward angle so it's no abosrbing the tank's lighting.

 

And, if you could, post a picture of what you're talking about.

[Sinistard]

There should be some way to reduce the exposure on the camera. Look for a button or in the menu for something that say EV + or - and turn it to -1 or -2. Or if you can turn up the shutter speed or close the aperture.

[ifynanceu]

use a piece of tracing paper in front of the flash, it diffuses the light. if it is still pronounced, fold it a ctime or 2

[steelhealr]

Thanks all...to Sinistard...you got me in the right direction...I found a white balance area on the cam where you can actually set it to pix taken under fluorescent lighting. We'll see if that makes a difference. SH