Do I need a light system?

[diversteve]

see how we do with both our canister lights. They can be switched from focused to flood so we'll see.

You might also carry a piece of opaque white plastic to further diffuse the light. My buddy shot some footage using a bright light and you see the rings of light from the reflector.

Any body have any books they can recommend? I need something that can teach me the basics of underwater videography and when to use filters, WB, etc.

I have Underwater Digital Video Made Easy by Barsky. It takes you through all the steps involved. Just released a couple years ago.

There's the Jim Church book but it was written in the early 80's so the tech sections are outdated. The setup and shooting sections are worth reading if you can find it in a library. I occasionally see it cheap on Amazon.com

There's also Annie Crawley's: "Your Guide to Creating Underwater Video" DVD. I've not seen it but her work is excellent. http://www.anniecrawley.com/dvd_books/index.htm

 

[scubamickey]

I'm ordering the DVD. I saw the intro and I was impressed. Looks like it's exactly what I am looking for. Thanks sjspeck.

 

[FunkyDiver]

Hi All, I'm curious about the red filter. Do you all use filters made specifically for your cameras, or do you use something generic that can be used on any camera? Is it just a sheet of filmy material that goes over the lens? Is it a certain shade of red? Thanks for your input!

 

[diversteve]

Most housing mfr's supply filters. Usually from UR/Pro as they're designed for u/w correction. http://www.urprofilters.com/

 

[scubamickey]

It's the same type of filters you use with still photography except these are made for a video camera. They are lenses.

 

[drbill]

As to whether or not you need to get lights, it depends on what you will use the footage for. If it is for your own personal pleasure and to share with friends, you can easily get by without lights. If you are considering commercial video products or sale of stock video footage, I feel lights are mandatory to ensure highest quality (both in color rendition and in sharpness thanks to the extra light allowing an increase in f/stop or shutter speed).

Then the question is the less expensive incandescent lights or the HID lights. Budget will likely determine that... I've shot exclusively with the former and been happy with the results, but am switching to HIS because I'm going High Def this month. Of course course you can always hold off on the purchase of any lights.

Do you film up in Alaska, or just on your warm water dive trips? I shoot in SoCal waters where vis is not always 100 feet and the light can be seriously affected by turbidity, plankton blooms, etc. The above advice applies mainly to warm water. If you are filming in Alaskan waters, I'd assume the nights would be more a necessity.