First attempt at underwater videography

[Cris Magsino]

Hi guys! Im new here just want to share my first attempt at underwater videography. Taken recently at Anilao, Batangas, Philippines.
Hope to hear some feedback from you guys. thanks!

[video=youtube;9ZG3EtOk1GI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZG3EtOk1GI&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Better than many of the videos I've seen from "seasoned" divers. One important rule to remember is that there is already a lot of movement underwater. The camera should not be one of them. Try to hold perfectly still and shoot reef inhabitants in their natural routines, feeding, crawling or just looking around.

 

[Cris Magsino]

thanks Max for the feedback that is what I thought when I saw the clips. I could have improved the stability in After Effects but did the quick edit in the GoPro app instead due to excitement hehehe

---------- Post added July 15th, 2014 at 09:29 PM ----------

If you use lights in taking videos, is it better to use the red filter still or not?

---------- Post added July 15th, 2014 at 09:32 PM ----------

If you use lights in taking videos, is it better to use the red filter still or not?

 

[drbill]

Using a GoPro to take decent underwater video is difficult because for most people it is difficult to hold them steady. I recommend using a dual handle mount to film with them to increase stability. A red filter will certainly improve wide angle shots in waters deeper than the penetration of red light, but don't use one if you are filming closer-up with lights (although you can get one that flips in and out so you can mix wide angle and closer footage).

Did 44 dives in Anilao last year... took me at least a month of steady work to edit all the footage after I got back. Great place to film.

 

[fire_diver]

Not bad for your first video! I thought your lighting was good enough for those closer shots. Like the others said, slow - slow - slow .... steady - steady - steady! Perfect your buoyancy to reduce your movements. Look at the guy you film at about 5:39 in your video; no movements, rock-solid buoyancy. Even if you aren't using a 2-handed tray, keep both hands on the camera to help steady it. Find a way to hold it, with arms pulled into your sides as much as possible while still seeing your display screen (if you have one). When you have something of interest to video, sea fan, formation, statue, etc. hold still and get at least 10 seconds of STILL video. Video cards are cheaps, buy plenty. Shoot everything for longer than you think you need then cut, splice and edit everything together into the video. Keep the video run time between 5 and 10 minutes. You will be spending many more hours to edit than you spent on the actual dive.

Good luck, and lets see your next dive!

 

[ShootingUnderwater.com]

from one beginner to another, you're off to a great start! I have questions that maybe others can answer ...

Is it better to set your camera's white balance manually for video? Like in artificial lighting (video lights) someone suggested setting the Kelvin to 3100-3400k. Have you heard this?

 

[Cris Magsino]

Thank you guys for your valuable feedbacks. For this video i was using a two hand grip gopro mount. Its just that i am still working on my bouyancy at this stage our DM on the video has really a rock solid bouyancy which i hope i get to learn soon hehe. Will try to do all your teachings when i shoot my next dive soon. Thanks again!