Getting into Underwater Videography/photo

[Hostage]

My old man gave me a hand me down of his old Sealife DC500. He also gave me this flash unit that uses a fiber optic cable that seemed less than reliable in getting the flash to work properly. While I took some photos with some success the videos were a bit grainy, when I was diving on a wreck with cloud cover. I know there is some trial and error when learning something new. I also noticed that having the flash pointed at what I wanted would result in a bad picture. So I guess having the light as far away from the camera is better for taking pictures and video to reduce the glare of suspended partiales etc.

Anway some guy in the group I was diving with had a $300 camera called a go pro that a lot of people seemed to be using. In addition to that he had it mounted to two Sola 1200 dive lights ($700 each) a total of 2400 lumens 0_0. I downloaded some of his videos and they were amazing to say the least!

While the camera seems to be within reason as far as cost is concerned, the lights seem a little out of budget. Right now I use the intova dive lights for night diving and to shine in dark places. They are only rated at 220 lumens. Is there anything that is a bit cheaper for dive lights that comes close to what the sola 1200 offers?

 

[PAFirefighter]

Hey man,

Read my thread here - I use the GoPro:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...topus-bait-ball-tarpon-hilma-hooker-eels.html

I LOVE my setup. I have a DC600 and the quality just is not good enough for me. Here are two examples. Best quality shot from my DC600 versus an okay shot from my GoPro...

GoPro in approx 48' of water:

SeaLife DC600 in approx 20' of water:

Obviously, the GoPro is worth every penny... The Imini cost me $30 shipped, used from B&H Photo. The scope ring and custom billet work through my buddy was $25. The filter was $14. The dive housing was $49. I'm purchasing a $49 Backscatter flip up red filter for future use.

 

[Scuba_Noob]

For video, once you have a decent camera, the lights make all the difference. The Sola1200s are a little extreme (but very effective) for a Go-Pro system and likely cost more than the Go-Pro system itself. My buddy uses the Sola800 with his Sealife DC1200 and his Canon S100, and his videos look pretty good. There are likely cheaper lights that don't sacrifice too much effectiveness.

For photos, once you have a decent camera, the flash makes all the difference. Most people use external strobes to get better shots. They can also get expensive.

If you want both video and photo, I wouldn't suggest the Go-Pro. Even though I think it's great for video with the right lights, it's not great for photo. Maybe pick up a point-and-shoot with HD video capabilities. Or if you don't have any desire to advance your photography skills beyond just automatic photos, maybe look into the more current Sealife models (1200, 1400, 1600) which look good too.

 

[diversteve]

While the camera seems to be within reason as far as cost is concerned, the lights seem a little out of budget. Right now I use the intova dive lights for night diving and to shine in dark places. They are only rated at 220 lumens. Is there anything that is a bit cheaper for dive lights that comes close to what the sola 1200 offers?

Your Intova (unless it's the wide) probably doesn't throw a wide enough beam for video so you'll be filming the shadows. Or you'll see the reflector pattern. Both will be obvious on video. You want something with a 60^o or wider beam angle. Probably more for the GoPro (or two lights) since it shoots much more wide angle - I believe it's 110^o .

You might review this forum for other options: GoPro Video

Here's a few less expensive options:
I-Torch Video Lights - Dive Gear Express
http://www.tecdivegear.com/underwater-video-lighting/121-scuba-mini-video-light-light-for-me.html
Focus/Video Lights - Optical Ocean Sales
Bossk BigBlue FF 3x5W 500 Lumen LED Focus Light [bos.ff.3x5w] - $289.99 : Reef Photo & Video! (IDK how wide this one is)
Underwater Video Lights - Mozaik

 

[kkfok]

Hey man,

Read my thread here - I use the GoPro:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...topus-bait-ball-tarpon-hilma-hooker-eels.html

I LOVE my setup. I have a DC600 and the quality just is not good enough for me. Here are two examples. Best quality shot from my DC600 versus an okay shot from my GoPro...

GoPro in approx 48' of water:

SeaLife DC600 in approx 20' of water:

Obviously, the GoPro is worth every penny... The Imini cost me $30 shipped, used from B&H Photo. The scope ring and custom billet work through my buddy was $25. The filter was $14. The dive housing was $49. I'm purchasing a $49 Backscatter flip up red filter for future use.

The clip by GoPro was taken with red filter and the one by SeaLife DC600 was taken without a filter, right?

 

[Hostage]

I have two Intova 220 lumen lights, I have a large one w/ lots of battery as a primary. It has a narrow beam, the other one has a wider beam at 43*. I wonder if the 220 wide angle would be good enough for something like the go pro.

 

[PAFirefighter]

The clip by GoPro was taken with red filter and the one by SeaLife DC600 was taken without a filter, right?

Correct. But, typically a red filter is not needed in shallow water from my research. Here's another shot with the SeaLife DC600 at approx. 4':

From what I saw there is a "red filter" mode built into my DC600. My g/f had the DC600 most of the trip and I used the GoPro. I'd like to take shots with that red filter mode on to see what the difference is. The SeaLife DC600 screen says 25' and deeper for the red filter mode.

GoPro with red filter at 90':

---------- Post Merged at 10:47 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:43 AM ----------

I have two Intova 220 lumen lights, I have a large one w/ lots of battery as a primary. It has a narrow beam, the other one has a wider beam at 43*. I wonder if the 220 wide angle would be good enough for something like the go pro.

To answer your question...

[video=youtube;B0nwHazi26Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0nwHazi26Y[/video]

[video=youtube;oM8oIVlHNSM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM8oIVlHNSM[/video]

[video=youtube;c0bCL1CP80I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0bCL1CP80I[/video]

 

[Cat276330]

Im really considering getting a Go Pro, the more i see the more i want one Love the videos!