GoPro 4 Hero Silver w/Backscatter filters and dual tray...what lighting

[Matthew Jones]

So we have what's listed in the title. We aren't pros, don't intend to be. I just want some better pictures while we dive here in Hawaii, but they don't have to be "perfect". I have the three filters from Backscatter, plus a 55mm adapter and macro and macro plus ten lens for macro mode on the FLIP 3.1 system.

I haven't attached any lighting to it, but I definitely see the benefit. Initially I wanted to mostly take stills. And then I was going to buy a pair of SOLA 1200s to go on the arms. However, I'm reading they aren't good for stills, mostly only video. So am I better off buying these as planned and just screen capturing video? Or am I better say with one 1200 for video and a strobe of some sort for photos?

Also, how does a strobe work? I feel kind of stupid asking, but I assume for the SOLAs you turn them on and film. With a strobe do you need to hit the shutter button at the same time the light flashes or something, or does the strobe stay on (ie - switch the strobe on and then hit the shutter)?

 

[tamas970]

Strobes are controlled these days with light signals (usually obtained from the built in flash of the camera) or in some cases with an electronic signal from the shoe mount. gopro has neither, so you need a really strong pair of lights. An idea I am checking out is the Itorch Venom C92. It is not quite cheap, but apparently emits the right warm light needed for UW use and the intensity & FOV also seems right.

Right now I have an Archon light (as i recall the type: W38VR) and not satisfied: it is VERY difficult to handle at depth, it doesn't have a magnetic switch and I have to fight against the water pressure if I want to turn it on or off. Besides, intensity is a little weak, you are looking for something in the 6+k (real) Lumen range.

 

[gearhound]

Since you're in Hawaii, check out Intova for lights. I have a pair of their Galaxy video lights that I use for video and stills. I believe they're under the Tovatec name now. Intova does have a smaller light for action cameras that are fairly inexpensive. You just have to get close for them to be effective in open water.
I don't believe there's a way to fire off strobes with the Gopro.

 

[Matthew Jones]

I looked at the Galaxy, which is priced nicely, but doesn't have a focused beam for macro, right?

Gotcha on the strobes.

---------- Post added December 26th, 2014 at 10:00 AM ----------

So the Sola only has a 60 degree flood, which with two of them is only 120 out of the 170 degree view of the GoPro. Makes me wonder if that's a no good idea...whereas the Galaxy has a much wider spread...but then what about for macro?

 

[smorneau]

Subscribing

 

[Matthew Jones]

Since you're in Hawaii, check out Intova for lights. I have a pair of their Galaxy video lights that I use for video and stills. I believe they're under the Tovatec name now. Intova does have a smaller light for action cameras that are fairly inexpensive. You just have to get close for them to be effective in open water.
I don't believe there's a way to fire off strobes with the Gopro.

I decided to order the Galaxy x2. My only concern is I have a backscatter tray that has two screw mounts. I ordered flex arms with the YS end I hope it works. Looks like a YS adapter on those lights.

---------- Post added December 26th, 2014 at 02:34 PM ----------

I ordered these arms for it.

Backscatter Flex Arm with YS adapter end

i already own this:

Backscatter GoPro Double Handle & Tray with Tripod Adapter

am I all set

 

[gearhound]

I wouldn't think a focused light would make a difference for macro. It's not like strobes focus light (unless you use a snoot).
I use the Intovas for both my Gopro and my Sony Nex system. Haven't had issues with not enough light with either, but I mostly dive caves.

 

[Matthew Jones]

I edited the above post

 

[Ran Mozaik]

I tend to join the recommendation for the new Venom C92. We saw it first time at DEMA this year and the light quality and beam is amazing. You can really see the difference between other lights. SOLA is also high-end and will give you an excellent even beam.
If you are looking for something easier on the budget, Bigblue have just released their new lights and they are very good value for money. Getting two AL1800XWP on a boomerang tray would be a great package for both wide and macro videos.
You don't need a narrow beam for macro. A wide beam would be strong enough since you are shooting very close anyway.

 

[pasley]

With my GoPro I use a Fish-lite 2400 Lumens. Very wide angle of beam with no hotspots and is well suited to the wide angle lens of the GoPro. This will allow you to shoot video (GoPro strong suit) or take stills. The only issue with stills is the light is on and that will tend to send some creatures ducking back into their holes as opposed to a strobe and its sudden flash of light. The light and tray cost more than the camera, but isn't that how it is in photography?