And you, do you take photos or record videos?Some underwater photographers usually obtain good results with video and vice versa, although the most common thing is to specialize in one technique or another. For those who are starting out in the world of underwater imaging, video practice is always easier and more satisfying than conventional photography. Even the same video equipment, if it is digital, incorporates the photo function as standard.
Why video?
- Because the automations of video cameras are easier to use than those of photo cameras. Over time we can learn small tricks with manual functions that will improve the quality of our recordings.
- Because video cameras can operate in very low light. Even in the worst visibility conditions, good results can be obtained.
- Because video allows us to see events and things in a more real way.
- Because with a little experience and the right knowledge, we can create our own stories. A computer and an appropriate editing program will be enough for us to do this.
- Because after the dive you can immediately review and evaluate the images obtained.
- Because the projection of images from a dive is a social event for those who have participated in it. It's a way to share good moments with friends.
- Because the video camera, once removed from its waterproof box, will be used for any other family or personal event on land. It will be an investment that is easy to amortize.
What features do we want our video camera to have?
This should be our first approach. The answer will define the material and the corresponding budget. The approximate budget (in Spain) for a new equipment with a camera plus a waterproof box plus basic equipment of two lights of 25 to 50 watts or 100 watts and some accessories, depending on what we want to achieve, would be the following:
- Do we simply want to have memories of our dives? A simple team will solve the problem for us. Our camera and the television at home will serve us for basic setups.
- Do we want to make short documentary or fiction shorts and even compete and present in video-sub contests? Higher quality equipment is convenient.
The camera
- Before buying a camera, we must find out if any manufacturer has marketed its watertight case.
- It is advisable to incorporate a wide angle lens for ambient shots (known as factor 0.5 or 0.6). Many waterproof box manufacturers include it with them.
- It is better to purchase more than one Infolithium battery (without memory effect), with the maximum possible autonomy time.
- Some cameras incorporate color transfer devices, known as CCD, similar to those in professional cameras. They are the best quality cameras, but also the most expensive.
The waterproof box
- We must be very selective and ensure that there is a distributor in our country for our brand of camera, with good after-sales service.
- We will choose a waterproof box that also has the manual option in its basic functions. Over time we will learn to take advantage of the manual use of the controls.
- We must check the depth at which the box has been tested and if it adjusts to our type of diving. Before putting the camera inside, dive with the empty waterproof case to check its watertightness.
These are some of the components and accessories that usually come with the purchase of a waterproof box. We must verify what exactly the net price includes:
- Flood sensor.
- Front windows. One flat for the use of normal and telephoto lenses and another concave for angle lenses.
- Orange filter, internal or external, used to return warm tones to images.
- External monitor, preferably in color, that allows us to view what we are recording without having to close our eyes to the viewfinder. This is especially useful when shooting close-to-the-ground shots.
- Lights and articulated arms.
- Aileron movement stabilizer.
- Box or carrying bag.
- Always demand the instruction book in Spanish or some translation from the distributor.
How to take advantage of our new video-sub equipment
You're not going to become Spielberg in two days, but here are some tips to get the most out of your videos.
- Try taking a video course, even if it's domestic. In a short time you will get good results.
- Another option is to consult specialized books and watch many documentaries on television. Observe how they construct the plans and the immobility of the images captured underwater.
- Attend festivals and competitions related to underwater and documentary video. This way you will be able to see the existing level and assess your own evolution.
- Video, even if it is at the level of simple memory, allows us to tell stories such as, for example, what happens on a dive or on a liveaboard cruise during our vacation. Get used to telling everyday things that others can understand.
- A projection of an entire immersion becomes endless. It is best to select the images we want to obtain and then select them before displaying them. The final screening should not exceed twenty minutes.
- Stories must have a beginning, a development in which things happen, and an end.
In the water
Without going into complicated technical aspects, these are some practical tips to start practicing in the water. Get in the habit of recording an extra ten seconds at the beginning and end of each scene, in order to facilitate possible editing later. The main mistakes made when recording underwater video are:
- Not maintaining a well-framed shot.
- Extend the feedings excessively.
- Moving the camera too fast.
- Record without order or criteria.
- Using zoom inappropriately.
Remember that you must overcome two types of movements that you are going to provoke. One vertical from your breathing and another horizontal from the flapping of your wings. You will have to use your waist and your fins to compensate for both swings.
Avoid recording shots between environments with uneven lighting. This causes very abrupt changes in light in the images.
Aspects to take into account
How to take advantage of our new video-sub equipment
You're not going to become Spielberg in two days, but here are some tips to get the most out of your videos.
- Try taking a video course, even if it's domestic. In a short time you will get good results.
- Another option is to consult specialized books and watch many documentaries on television. Observe how they construct the plans and the immobility of the images captured underwater.
- Attend festivals and competitions related to underwater and documentary video. This way you will be able to see the existing level and assess your own evolution.
- Video, even if it is at the level of simple memory, allows us to tell stories such as, for example, what happens on a dive or on a liveaboard cruise during our vacation. Get used to telling everyday things that others can understand.
- A projection of an entire immersion becomes endless. It is best to select the images we want to obtain and then select them before displaying them. The final screening should not exceed twenty minutes.
- Stories must have a beginning, a development in which things happen, and an end.
In the water
Without going into complicated technical aspects, these are some practical tips to start practicing in the water. Get in the habit of recording an extra ten seconds at the beginning and end of each scene, in order to facilitate possible editing later. The main mistakes made when recording underwater video are:
- Not maintaining a well-framed shot.
- Extend the feedings excessively.
- Moving the camera too fast.
- Record without order or criteria.
- Using zoom inappropriately.
Remember that you must overcome two types of movements that you are going to provoke. One vertical from your breathing and another horizontal from the flapping of your wings. You will have to use your waist and your fins to compensate for both swings.
Avoid recording shots between environments with uneven lighting. This causes very abrupt changes in light in the images.
