Any tips for taking actinic shots with a Nikon D40

[TomRep]

We have a Nikon D40 that we bought a couple months ago. Still use the stock lens with no filters. I can take pictures under daylights without a problem, but I can't for the life of me get actinic shots. they are all washed out blue. I tried messing with the white balance with no real luck. Anyone have any settings I can turn to a tweak from there? tank is a 50 breeder with a 39w ATI blue plus and a 39w URI Super Actinic if that matters. I would have done a search for this, but RC has my search engine shut down. thanks in advance!
tom

 

[xtm]

You need to shoot in RAW ("NEF" in Nikon cameras) this way you can tweak your photos in the computer. Then download Nikon's ViewNX (it's freeware) and tweak your NEF files from there.

With JPGs, the D40 performs all the in-camera processing for you and your output is pretty much processed already. JPG's are quite difficult to process any further without adding too much noise and artefacts.

 

[TomRep]

Wonderful! thanks a lot! I will give that a try and see what I come up with. If I need any further assistance, you'll be sure to hear from me! lol
tom

 

[tonym10]

Hi
I just sent you an email, I can answer this too.
Have you used custom white balance by setting the camera to Pre white balance ,setting it , then using that setting?
If you have a large area of white sand on the bottom point the camera at it with lens zoomed on it , use that area of white for setting the white balance. If you do not have a large area of white sand you need something white in the water to set the white balance , maybe a large white acrylic sheet . Or get an Expo disc , put it on the lens and point the lens at the light itself to set the light balance in pre.

 

[TomRep]

hmm, never tried that either. Will definitly have to give that a whirl. thanks a lot Tony!
tom