The best action camera’s for scuba diving.

Steps to a successful underwater picture experience.

1. Make Sure Your Underwater Camera is Easy to Use

   When it comes to using an action camera underwater, one of the most important things to consider is how easy it is to use. After all, you don’t want to be fumbling with buttons and settings while you’re trying to capture the perfect shot.

   Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing an underwater camera that’s easy to use:

   • Look for a camera with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. You should be able to quickly and easily access the settings you need without having to navigate through multiple menus.
   • Consider the size and placement of the buttons. Make sure they’re easy to press, even when you’re wearing gloves.
   • Think about how you’ll be using the camera. Will you be holding it in your hand or mounting it on a pole or other accessory? Make sure the camera is easy to operate in the way you plan to use it.

    

2. Don’t Overlook Resolution, Aperture, and Shutter Speed

   When it comes to using an action camera underwater, it’s important to pay attention to the technical details. In particular, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right resolution, aperture, and shutter speed settings to capture the best possible footage.

   Here’s what you need to know about each of these settings:

   • Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image or video. The higher the resolution, the more detail you’ll be able to capture. However, keep in mind that higher resolution files will take up more storage space and may be more difficult to edit.
   • Aperture controls how much light enters the camera. A wider aperture (represented by a lower f-stop number) lets in more light, which can be useful in low-light conditions. However, a wider aperture also results in a shallower depth of field, which can make it more difficult to keep everything in focus.
   • Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A faster shutter speed (represented by a higher number) can help freeze motion and reduce blur. However, a faster shutter speed also lets in less light, which can result in underexposed footage.

3. Think About the Lighting Beforehand 

   Lighting is a crucial element of underwater photography and videography. When using an action camera underwater, it’s important to think about the lighting conditions beforehand so you can plan accordingly.

   Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to lighting:

   • Natural light can vary depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and water clarity. Keep this in mind when planning your dive and try to choose a time when the lighting conditions are favorable.
   • Artificial light sources, such as underwater strobes or video lights, can help improve the lighting and bring out the colors in your footage. Consider investing in one or more of these accessories if you’ll be shooting in low-light conditions.
   • The angle of the light can also affect your footage. Try to position yourself so that the light is coming from behind or to the side of your subject, rather than directly in front of it.

     4.  Master Buoyancy and You Won’t Have to Deal with Blurry Footage

          When using an action camera underwater, one of the keys to capturing clear and steady footage is to master your buoyancy. Good buoyancy control allows you to remain stable in the water, which makes it easier to keep your camera steady and avoid blurry footage.

         Here are some tips for improving your buoyancy control:

• • Practice makes perfect. Spend time practicing your buoyancy control in a pool or shallow water before attempting to capture footage in deeper water.
  • Make sure your dive gear is properly adjusted. Your weight belt, BCD, and other gear should be properly fitted and adjusted to help you maintain neutral buoyancy.
  • Pay attention to your breathing. Your buoyancy will change as you inhale and exhale, so try to maintain a steady breathing pattern to help keep yourself stable in the water.

      5. Prioritize Taking Shorter Clips (But Not Always)

When using an action camera underwater, it’s often a good idea to prioritize taking shorter clips rather than longer ones. There are several reasons for this:

• • Shorter clips are easier to manage and edit. When you have a lot of shorter clips, it’s easier to find the best footage and put together a compelling video.
  • Shorter clips take up less storage space. This means you can capture more footage without having to worry about running out of space on your memory card.
  • Shorter clips can help you capture more varied footage. By taking multiple shorter clips, you’ll also be able to save on battery life. 

However, there are also times when it makes sense to take longer clips. For example, if you’re trying to capture a specific behavior or event that takes place over a longer period of time, a longer clip may be necessary.

      6.  Be Respectful of Marine Life

When using an action camera underwater, it’s important to be respectful of the marine life around you. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it can also help you capture better footage.

Here are some tips for being respectful of marine life while capturing underwater footage:

• • Keep your distance. Avoid getting too close to marine animals or disturbing their natural behavior. Use your camera’s zoom function if you need to get a closer shot.
  • Don’t touch or harass marine animals. This can cause them stress and harm their health.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid damaging coral or other sensitive marine habitats while you’re capturing footage.

      7.  Get Really Good at Editing Underwater Footage

Capturing great underwater footage with your action camera is only half the battle. To create a truly compelling video, you’ll also need to get really good at editing your footage.

Here are some tips for improving your underwater video editing skills:

• • Choose the right editing software. There are many different video editing programs available, so do your research and choose one that fits your needs and skill level.
  • Learn the basics of video editing. Take the time to learn about things like cutting, trimming, and arranging clips, as well as adding transitions, titles, and other effects.
  • Experiment with color grading. Underwater footage often has a blue or green cast due to the way light behaves in water. By using color grading tools, you can correct this and bring out the true colors in your footage.
  • Practice makes perfect. The more you edit, the better you’ll get. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.