Mein Wiki - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Diving Maui - Carthaginian II

2013-03-13T21:27:16Z

Auntneck8: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „On December 13, 2005, following two years of preparation, Atlantis Adventures [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0…“

On December 13, 2005, following two years of preparation, Atlantis Adventures [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000P3EGHOzhWz8 sank the Carthaginian] off Lahaina, Maui, creating an [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000H11I7QA.3Ec artificial reef] that will have lasting [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000Fox.FetI6Xc marine life] benefits. The reefing took place off Puamana which is just outside the Lahaina harbor. The 97-foot, steel-hulled vessel, sank in 95 feet of water where it will serve as an artificial reef. The Carthaginian II, once utilized as a whaling museum, is a replica of a 19th century brig similar to the ships that first introduced commerce to the Hawaiian Islands. This vessel was a cement carrier constructed in Germany in the 1920's and renamed the Carthaginian II. It sailed to Lahaina in 1973 where it took seven years for the historically accurate 18th century whaling ship rigging to be assembled. The ship functioned as a reminder of Lahaina's nautical heritage and was docked for numerous years at Lahaina Harbor. The ship was owned by the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000B7ntwDiz8cY Lahaina Restoration Foundation] which operated the museum on board that displayed relics of Lahaina's historic whaling days. Atlantis spent roughly $350,000 on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ Carthaginian shipwreck project], counting preparation of environmental research. American Marine Services was employed to conduct the sinking operation. Before the Carthaginian II was towed from Lahaina Harbor, entertainers from the Old Lahaina Lu'au performed "Aloha" ; and members of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation placed lei on the vessel and held signs bidding it aloha. To arrange for the sinking, 10 tons of concrete had been loaded on board, adding to the 35 tons of material the boat already was carrying. Atlantis' small tugboat Roxie pulled the Carthaginian II from the harbor before transferring the operation to the bigger American Islander tugboat. A flotilla of roughly 20 boats was waiting when the Carthaginian II arrived at [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000VsMtIqSk0zY Puamana], and spectators lined the beach or pulled over on the Honoapi'ilani Highway to observe the show. Kahu Charles Kaupu provided a Hawaiian blessing, and after a 3-ton anchor was secured to the bow and the ship was in position, patches were removed from two sets of holes that had been cut into the hull about 18 inches above the water line. Seawater was pumped into the hull, and 27 minutes later the Carthaginian was headed to the sandy bottom and a new shipwreck was born. Viewers let loose with applause and whoops of appreciation as the ship silently slipped beneath the surface. On board the Atlantis shuttle boat 3 air-shattering blasts were fired from small brass cannon to mark the occasion. Overview of the Dive The shipwreck lies in about 90 feet of water off the coast of Lahina and makes a great place for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Scuba-Diving-Underwater-Photography/G0000BWCcQG1I0II/ underwater photography]. It is approximately a 10 to fifteen minute trip from the harbor to the scuba diving site. The vessel was sunk approximately 7 years before and now supports a wide mix of marine life. As soon as you begin to descend from the mooring ball you will normally be able to spot the outline of the wreck quite easily. The visibility at this dive site is more often than not 80+ feet and a good deal of the time over 100+ feet. The main mast fell in mid-summer 2011 and can currently be viewed resting upon the deck. The main cabin roof and walls have deteriorated to some degree and there are numerous holes into the cargo hold. The access to the hold itself is very large and easily accessible. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by a gate however you should still get a respectable variety of photos in this vicinity. There are several frogfish upon the wreck. Smeltzer was able to photograph five different frogfish on my last dive. These fish are extremely well placed for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I00009H42w7U0w70 macro underwater] photography and may consume a lot of bottom time, but it is well worth the effort. This [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ shipwreck dive site] is best when there are fewer than ten divers in the water since the shipwreck itself is not very big. While scuba diving on the ship, you can also find a large variety of fish including, Pacific Trumpetfish, Sergeant Majors, Dascyllus, Orangespine Unicornfish, Rainbow Cleaner Wrasse, and much more. It is a worthwhile dive and is highly recommended for your next journey to Maui.
As in all dives I recommend going slowly and take time to appreciate the site. Read other dive site reviews on my [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com blog] and see other [http://stevenwsmeltzer.photoshelter.com/gallery/Scuba-Diving-Underwater-Photography/G0000BWCcQG1I0II/ underwater photographs] on my [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com/ website] and follow me on Twitter @ [https://twitter.com/images2inspire images2inspire]. [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com/ The pool is open]…

Top Point and Shoot Cameras

2013-02-20T18:10:17Z

Auntneck8: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „I suggest looking at several important features including lens speed or the "f-stop" rating. The faster the lens., e.g., the lower the f-stop number the better an…“

I suggest looking at several important features including lens speed or the "f-stop" rating. The faster the lens., e.g., the lower the f-stop number the better and the more light that the lens permits into the digital camera making for superior quality, less noise images. f2.0 is very fast and f3.9 is ok, but it will have more difficulty in lower light situations and may typically be a little more difficult to focus in reduced light conditions. An additional capability of a [http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera waterproof digital camera] would be the ability of the zoom lens and how much of the "zoom" is produced by the lens compared to a digital zoom, where software is generating the zooming effect. One more characteristic for shooting up close is the capability to take macro photos and how near to the subject you can get the camera and still focus. One other characteristic to consider is the capability to take video and the video processors speed, e.g., does the camera have a high speed video processor meaning it can capture over 200 frames per second (fps), or is it a low speed, e.g. around 30 fps. A faster vidwo processor will create higher quality videos. A careful review of each cameras features can help you determine {[http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera which is the best point and shoot camera]|[http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera what is the best point and shoot camera] for you.

The critiques of the waterproof cameras listed below presents a good overview of several of the leading point and shoot waterproof cameras along with a suggestion on the top camera.

Water-resistant cameras reviewed:
<ol>
<li>Panasonic Lumix TS4 12.1 TOUGH Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Optical Zoom
<li>Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video
<li>Canon PowerShot D20 12.1 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens a 3.0-Inch LCD and GPS Tracking
<li>Fujifilm XP170 Compact Digital Camera with 5xOptical Zoom Lens
<li>Olympus Stylus TG-830 iHS Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD
<li>Pentax Optio WG-1 Adventure Series 14 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom
<li>Olympus TG-1iHS 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
</li>
</ol>

In case you are willing to spend about $1,000 to obtain the [http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera best waterproof point and shoot camera] system then one of the top underwater cameras in the extreme digital camera market is absolutely the Olympus TG-1 iHS. This camera when bought along with the optional Olympus underwater case and strobe allows the diver to take photographs at a depth of up to 130 feet and also makes a very good beginning level underwater [http://www.squidoo.com/best-waterproof-point-and-shoot-camera compact digital camera] for both the advanced and recreational diver. Total expenditure includes the camera, a rugged case which enables the diver to take the camera to a depth of 135 feet along with an independent strobe that provides the capacity to photograph in a varity of different situations.

Best dSLR Cameras for Underwater Photography

2013-02-19T15:28:11Z

Auntneck8: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „Are you searching for an excellent professional / high end consumer underwater camera? If so there are a number of great cameras on the market now which you might…“

Are you searching for an excellent professional / high end consumer underwater camera? If so there are a number of great cameras on the market now which you might consider from Canon and Nikon that are market leaders in the sense of image quality, lens selection, focusing speed, shooting speed and much more. See the complete review to determine the [http://www.squidoo.com/best-underwater-slr-cameras best dSLR underwater camera] for you.

The dSLR cameras reviewed here for their capability for underwater photography are the top of the line from both Canon and Nikon. Steven Smeltzer provides the revie and has been shooting Nikon for more than 25 years accordingly is definitely biased to Nikon's, but he states that the Canon cameras certainly have a lot to offer an [http://www.squidoo.com/best-underwater-slr-cameras underwater photographer] as well and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is without doubt a very high end digital camera and its video capability is superior to the current Nikon offerings. Nonetheless, since he concentrate mostly on stills his favorite [http://www.squidoo.com/best-underwater-slr-cameras dSLR cameras for underwater photography] based upon cost and performance are the Nikon D7000 and the Nikon D800. Both of these cameras provide exceptional quality images and can meet the requirements of any professional or serious photographer.
Nikon D7000
The 16MP Nikon D7000 is <strong>THE </strong>hot camera on the market. This amazing instrument has exceptional picture quality, great ergonomics and unbelievable high-ISO performance for a 24mm sensor.
Nikon D800
The 36 megapixel Nikon D800 is an awesome digital SLR camera. It is without doubt the top camera on the market for outdoor, nature, and large print images.
Nikon D3S
The Nikon D3 is the "old" flagship pro D-SLR with a 12.1-MP FX-format CMOS sensor, awesome 9 fps shooting at full FX resolution and tremendous low-noise performance up to 6400 ISO.
Nikonb D4
The Nikon D4 is the latest flagship digital SLR camera for Nikon with tremendous speed and accuracy with a 16.2 MP FX-format CMOS sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting, a 91,000-Pixel RGB sensor and Advanced SRS, improved 51 point AF System and much much more.
Canon T4i
The Rebel T4i produces a plausibly high quality image through the use of the DIGIC 5 Image Processor which allows high-speed continuous shooting of up to 5.0 fps.
Canon EOS 7D
The Canon EOS 7D has a amazing set of features that supports both still images and video. The EOS is intended for serious photographers and professionals and features an 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon's EOS 5D Mark III is a great professional camera which delivers brilliant high-resolution image capture via its redesigned 61-Point High Density Reticular AF. It also has an extended ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 50 (L), 51200 (H1) and 102400 (H2).
See more on the reviews at http://www.squidoo.com/best-underwater-slr-cameras or vist [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com stevenwsmeltzer.com] for some great underwater and landscape images.

Lightweight Scuba Diving BCDs

2013-02-06T02:34:56Z

Auntneck8:

Review of five good travel BCDs that are lightweight and offer good features and value to a variety of scuba divers from the novice to advanced divers.

I am a professional underwater photographer and my gear is very critical to me and gets lots of wear and tear. I want equipment that is resilient over hundreds if not thousands of dives while as "travel" worthy as possible. There have been a number of great new lightweight or travel [http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/best-travel-bcd-for-scuba-diving BCDs] which have come out in the previous 3 years and I have highlighted a few of my choice ones below.

The aim of any BCD should be function first and then comfort. The Lightweight BCDs reviewed at this time supply a reasonable amount of function and along with good fit. The trade off on[http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/best-travel-bcd-for-scuba-diving travel BCDs] is more often than not limitations in storage pockets, lift (which is very critical if you take a lot of weight when you dive), security of your tank while you are diving, D-rings for additional gear and ride when you are on the surface of the water.

The BCDs listed below afford good form and function and a varying degree of optional features. Review the capabilities of each and decide that best meets your needs. I feel most divers will be pleased with any of these BCDs and I would love to get your opinion as well. <strong>Great Travel BCDs</strong>

Mares F-Light Buoyancy Compensator
Cressi Travelight BCD
Oceanic Bio Lite BCD
Tusa - X-Pert Lightweight BCD
Scubapro GO BCD

[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com The Pool is Open]....

Grand Cayman wreck diving - USS Kittiwake

2013-01-30T15:52:54Z

Auntneck8:

This is the top shipwreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the top ten in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake has been on the reef for a less than two years ago and the site is maturing very well. The ship has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and approximately 50 feet high. The vessel was built for submarine rescue and was launched on July 10, 1945 and was sunk in Grand Cayman in January 2011.

This article provides an overview of what to expect on the dive a little history and other data regarding the vessel and an overview of what you will see on the shipwreck. Plese see the whole [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the web site and/or see the internet blogsite entry for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ USS Kittiwake] for additional information on the wreck and a history of the ship.

What you will find on the Dive:

The vessel was sunk January 5, 2011 off the west side of the island at the end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are five decks on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. To meet caymanian requirements for wrecks, a portion of the upper mast was removed. The are two bridges on the upper decks (both an external and internal bridge to allow operations in heavy seas) along with the radio and navigation room. The sonar was also removed. The Captain and executive officer's quarters are also on the upper decks.

On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find the rec room, mess hall, ironing room, small tool workshop and recompression chambers.. You will note the large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern which rescue divers, as well as the diving bell where divers would enter to return to the ship from the ocean and then be placed in the chambers for decompression.

The crews quarters, the engine room and medical facilities are located below the main deck along with ,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, in addition to ammunition lockers, cold storage, barber shop and other areas. While there are now a number of large[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] both vertically and horizontally, every space on the ship was used when the boat was in service.

Be sure to chart your dive adequately. One approach would be to begin at the stern prior to entering into the shipwreck to take photos around the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the the backof the ship and also get photographs by the propeller. For Scuba Divers that intend on entering the wreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship and go into the funnel which is on on the Top Deck. Should you not plan on entering the wreck you can start your investigation of the ship on the main deck just above the Screw..

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM entry through the funnel can be a great location for underwater photography] and I would suggest taking the photo looking up from the bottom of the funnel to the top of the funnel. I would suggest silhouetting one of your dive buddies diving down into the wreck. You can then exit the shaft on the first platform or in the cargo hold. The cargo hold should only be entered by experienced advanced divers. When you exit to the first platform you will see the Engineering logo in the Motor Room section. This section can be accessed easily and can be the subject of a very good underwater photo near the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The sediment may be heavy here so you should move slowly to prevent clouding up the water. For advanced divers you may also explore shaft alley and the forward hold sections of the ship. For other divers you can check out a variety of areas on the first platform and then start going up deck by deck until finally coming to the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do your safety stop.

Check out photographs of additional [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for evaluations of specific wrecks.

Grand Cayman wreck diving - USS Kittiwake

2013-01-27T10:21:10Z

Auntneck8: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „This is a great wreck dive in grand cayman and one of the best in the caribbean The USS Kittiwake was reefed a less than two years ago and the site is maturing v…“

This is a great wreck dive in grand cayman and one of the best in the caribbean The USS Kittiwake was reefed a less than two years ago and the site is maturing very well. The ship has five decks, is a little over76 meters in length amd 12 meters in beam and about 50 feet high. The vessel was designated specifically for submarine rescue and was launched on July 10, 1945 and she was reefed in Grand Cayman in January 2011.

The following is a description of the dive, a little history and information concerning the vessel and an guide of what you can find on the shipwreck. Review the entire [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the website and see the internet blogsite entry for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ USS Kittiwake] for supplementary data on the wreck plus a history of the ship.

The Dive:

The vessel was sunk January 5, 2011 off the west side of the island at the end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are five decks on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. To meet caymanian requirements for wrecks, a portion of the upper mast was removed. The are two bridges on the upper decks (both an external and internal bridge to allow operations in heavy seas) along with the radio and navigation room. The has also been removed from the ship. The Captain and XO's quarters are also on the upper decks.

On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find a number of different rooms or work areas including the recompresson chambers, the rec room and toolshop. You will also see a large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern which rescue divers, along with the diving bell where divers would enter to return to the ship from the ocean and then be placed in the chambers for decompression.

Below the main deck, 2 decks exist that include the crews quarter, medic/hospital station, engine and propulsion rooms,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, as well as the steering gear, shaft, gyro, ammunition lockers, cold storage and barber shop to name a few areas. While there are now a number of large[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, all of the space on the ship was used while in service.

Be sure to lay out your dive well. I would recommend heading to the stern prior to entering into the shipwreck to take photographs around the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the stern and in addition get photographs by the screw (propeller) and rudder. For Divers that plan on penetrating the wreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship and go into the main funnel which is on on the Top Deck. Should you not plan on penetrating the wreck you may begin your exploration on the deck just above the Propeller.

The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM funnel entry makes an excellent underwater photograph] and I would suggest taking the photo looking up from the bottom of the funnel to the top of the funnel. I would suggest silhouetting one of your dive buddies diving down into the wreck. You can then exit the shaft on the first platform or in the hold. Note the hold deck does not have any exterior exit points and is not recommended for divers that do not have an advanced certification and prior wreck experience. On the first platform you can see the Engineering logo in the Motor Room section. This area is easily accessible and makes for a extremely good underwater photo near the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The silt may be heavy here so you must move slowly to prevent clouding up the water. For advanced divers you may also explore shaft alley as well as the front hold areas of the ship. For other divers you may check out the various compartments on the first platform and then begin going up one deck at a time and then finally coming to the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do you safety stop as it is at about 5 to 6 meters or 15 to 18 feet.

Review photographs of additional [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for critiques of specific shipwrecks.