Many of us remember the days when video cameras first became available for topside use, and many of us have taken our passion for photography to the next level by bringing our cameras underwater with us. It’s natural to want to record the amazing things we see while diving, and now that camcorders are smaller and easier to use than ever, more and more divers are taking underwater videos. If you’re into filming the splendid sights the underwater world has to offer, but you’re wishing that you were a bit better at it, you’ll appreciate the following tips.
Get the Right Equipment
The best underwater videos are shot with professional grade cameras, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a relatively inexpensive video camera diving with you and get some great results. Be sure that you have a compatible housing to protect your camera from moisture and pressure; in addition, be sure that you follow all manufacturer recommendations. If choosing a new camera specifically for underwater use, look for one marketed to divers. There are several excellent options available.
Maintain the Housing
Properly maintain your housing, paying particular attention to the O-rings. These safeguard your camera against moisture, and are only useful if they are in good condition. They need to be maintained using a small amount of lubricant, and after each dive, they need to be cleaned to ensure that no sand or other particulate matter remains. O-rings also need to be replaced fairly frequently, preferably before they show visible signs of wear.
Test the Housing Before Each Dive
Before each and every dive, fill a large sink, bathtub, or bucket with water. Before placing your camera inside the housing, seal it up and submerge it in the water. Look for bubbles that indicate air is escaping, as these indicate a leak. If there are no bubbles, leave the housing in the water for a little while. Once you bring it up out of the water, carefully inspect it to ensure that no water has entered. Dry it carefully. If it passes the test, pop your camera inside, seal it again, and set out for adventure.
Test Connection Ports
Most housings are equipped with ports that connect the camera to the monitor and any lights you are using. Constant contact with water can lead to oxidization, which is a type of damage that can cause limited electricity flow. Check to be sure that all connection ports are working properly before diving with your video camera, or you could end up carrying dead weight!
Gain Familiarity with Your Camera
Before diving with a video camera, be sure that you are intimately familiar with the way it functions. Practice topside before diving so that once you’re beneath the surface, you can simply focus on capturing the sights you wish to share with others instead of trying to figure out how your camera works. Once you learn the camera’s basic functions, take it into a room with dim light similar to that which you’ll experience beneath the surface. Work on capturing some images there to make operating your camera underwater even easier and more effective.
Use Sunlight to Your Advantage
Because lighting conditions underwater are much different than they are at the surface, you can capture some interesting effects, particularly if you use your imagination. Use sunlight to your advantage though, and unless you are trying to capture silhouettes, avoid shooting in the sun’s direction.
Utilize Artificial Light
In order to capture bright colors and convey that all important sense of “being there” to your viewers, learn to utilize artificial light to your advantage. Selecting a camera or a housing equipped with fill light is a good way to take some of the hassle out of underwater videography; if you have a camera or housing without light, attach an external light and work on using it to your advantage, creating dramatic light and shadow effects that bring more excitement to the films you produce.
Learn to Use Filters
Filters can help make colors pop, but in some cases, they are not suitable for use with lights. Learn to use filters by practicing. You can make colors look more realistic this way, or you can create interesting effects.
Learn to Use White Balance
White balance can help make colors more true to life, even if you’re using filters. For example, using a red filter in greenish water can cause the resulting video to look yellowish. Adjusting the white balance can bring back the natural greenish hue and provide more pleasing results.
Utilize Manual Focus
While automatic focus works well topside, it does not normally work well underwater. Use manual focus to ensure that images look crisp and clear, particularly when filming from a medium to long distance from your subject. One exception to this rule is close-up work; auto focus will normally work well when you are filming fish or other items near you.
Understand Vignetting
Unless you are going for special effects, try to avoid vignetting, which is when the corners of the shot appear dark and shadowy. Practice taking wide angle shots, which typically result in less vignetting.
Hold Steady
Keep your camera steady, and aim it at each subject for at least six to eight seconds at a time to ensure that you don’t make your viewers seasick. Move slowly from one subject to the next, focusing on keeping your camera steady as you do so.
Minimize Zoom Use
Unfortunately, zoom is a function that can be hard to deal with, particularly in the editing process. While shooting, zoom in on your subject before beginning a new shot, so that there are no awkward breaks or jerks in the resulting action. The more you practice with this feature, the easier it will be to use it.
Try New Angles
Have fun with your camera and experiment to create spectacular effects. Look for interesting ways to frame your subjects, use different angles, and think about ways to make your films unique.
Don’t Overlook Editing
While diving, it can be tempting to film everything we see. In some cases, the results are outstanding, but often, we end up with less-than desirable outcomes. Learn to edit your film, add music or narration, and create presentations you will feel proud to share with others.
Last, but certainly not least, consider taking an underwater videography course. Though this can be time consuming, it will ultimately provide you with the ability to produce superior results.