Photo / Video News & Reviews
A Guide to Underwater Wildlife Video & Editing: Part 1
A part serialisation of a book by Jeff Goodman
Profile: Born in Devon, England, Jeff now lives in Cornwall where the horizons are clear and bright. He has been a freelance television underwater and wildlife cameraman from the age of 22, filming mostly for BBC, Discovery and National Geographic. With this book, Jeff takes the reader through all the basics of film-making and editing underwater wildlife video. How to choose a camera and underwater housing, finding and filming the subject, right through to the editing process on your home computer. Jeff enables the production of a quality video presentation with music and narration.
Throughout this serialisation of the book, Jeff shares some of his more poignant experiences from filming on location. His stories explore our relationships with the natural world and our place within it. His love of the oceans is evident throughout and so encourages any reader to look at the marine environment as a unique and magnificent ecosystem.
We will be looking at cameras, how to choose and how to use them. Lighting, editing and many other aspects of getting the very best video images and sequences will follow.
Forward by BBC TV Wildlife & Underwater Presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff
“A Guide to Underwater Filming and Editing” is a technical manual with a truly light touch. It enables us to begin to film marine animals, plants and habitats with confidence and care. The layout is based on the filming courses that Jeff runs, and is tried, tested and proven successful. The technical aspects are easily mastered by anyone, the compositional elements make a sound base from which to develop one’s own style, and the straightforward text guides the filmmaker right through to their premiere!”
PART 1: Introduction
Things have certainly changed since I began my career as a wildlife cameraman. Technology in all its facets has brought the capability of making good wildlife videos, especially underwater, within reach of most people. When I started, in the late seventies, professional and semi professional movie cameras were a very specialised item, particularly with any sort of underwater housing. Now, the modern day high street store or web shop can supply a whole variety of cameras and housings pretty well tailored to fit requirements and budget.
Technology has also made the process of shooting video easy. ‘Point & Shoot’ cameras are very good and the quality can be excellent. A bit further up the scale we have cameras that give us the option of either using complete ‘auto’ or complete ‘manual’ with a few combinations in between.
So, why learn about equipment and how to make underwater films when technology has so many things placed in the ‘auto’ folder of life? Basically ‘auto’ will only take you so far and while producing a very immediate image; it will not replace your mind as a thinking decision maker, with a sense of artistic ability. While many people are, quite rightly, excited about the first video clips they make, there soon comes a time when the desire to do better things arises.
Whether you are intending to make a professional broadcast film or a good quality hobby video, the basic principles of making that film are the same. A cameraman must know the camera and its underwater housing controls fully and be able to use all its required functions without any second thought. Imagine the scenario of getting to a location – saving the money, deciding where to go, getting the tickets, passports, currency, excess baggage, travel to airport etc etc. You get the picture. Finally you get to the location you have dreamed about. Now you organise the diving – where to go, what state of tide, what time of day, how deep, who to go with, etc etc. Finally after all this preparation and anticipation you are in the water and the conditions are good. Without any warning, there in front of you, is the animal you came to film and incredibly, it’s doing its thing! You are excited, you lift the camera up to shoot and then panic as you ask yourself – is it in focus, is the exposure right, what about colour balance and so on ??? – and then in that brief moment while you are deliberating over the camera settings, the animal swims away, or buries itself in the sand, or simply stops what it is doing to look at what you are doing. Oh! the sheer frustration of not being prepared! ‘I should have used auto,’ you may think to yourself, and perhaps you should have, but knowing where and when not to use ‘auto’, is part of the whole deal.
But let’s suppose you get some great shots, the next question is what are you going to do with them? Show your fellow divers – show the family (and let’s face it, they will love anything thing you do) – then what? If that’s all you want to do then probably the ‘auto’ way of life is not such a bad thing, but, if you want a little more out of all your hard work, then perhaps this book is for you.
Most people with a modern video camera get to take some excellent shots now and again, but it takes a little more effort and thinking to be able to produce a video sequence that will enthral your audience and keep them entertained until the very last frame has been seen. This applies to the absolute beginner right up to the semi – professional. By the time you may become a professional, all these skills will be second nature, allowing more time to think about animal behaviour and to predict what is about to happen next. This is where research and knowledge of the species you are filming becomes invaluable and knowing what is going on, and perhaps what to wait for, instead of just shooting away only to achieve a simple catalogue of animal portraits instead of a good behavioural sequence.
So, being a good cameraman does not end with just knowing your camera and being skilful in getting all the best shots. As any video editor will tell you, every shot can be a masterpiece, but if there is not enough variety of material to make a full sequence, then all that effort can be wasted. A great shot is of course a great shot and this is most obvious when taking a still photograph. But with video, the story doesn’t end there. All the time you are filming you have to be thinking about your final video product. ‘I have a great shot, but how am I going to get into it story-wise and then how am I going to get out of it and into the next great shot?’…….and so on. Editing is a crucial part of film making and in my opinion no professional cameraman is truly worth his or her salt until they have spent some time in an edit room and seen how sequences are made and fitted together.
It is with equal attention that this book will look at cameras, how to get the best from them, how to approach filming your subjects and how to ensure you have enough material to make a good and full sequence. We will then look in detail at how to put your hard earned shots together with easy to use consumer editing software.
There are many skills and qualities that make a good wildlife underwater camera person. A few of these are confidence in their diving abilities, slow and easy going in movement while approaching marine life, a good degree of knowledge about the subject, being able to give the correct body posture and not to appear threatening. When filming wildlife there are often no second chances and so we discuss later a ‘whole new way of diving’.
The next part of this serialisation will look at how to choose a camera and housing.
News
Meet Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Redefining Action Cameras With Unrivaled 8K Image Quality & Smarter AI
Insta360 is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its Ace series, Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This groundbreaking wide-angle action camera delivers unparalleled image quality, smarter, easier capture powered by AI, upgraded audio, and an improved rugged design made for action at its most extreme.
Co-engineered with Leica, it delivers serious performance upgrades with the industry-first dual AI chip and state-of-the-art imaging courtesy of a new 1/1.3″ 8K sensor and Leica SUMMARIT lens with a 157º field of view. Creators can experience smoother videos with higher frame rates at 8K30fps and 4K60fps Active HDR, PureVideo for excellent low light performance, a bigger 2.5″ flip touchscreen and more.
The action camera utilizes Insta360’s advanced AI technology to offer a smarter experience from shooting to sharing. Innovative functions like the option to pause or cancel a recording, gesture and voice control, Auto Edit, and AI Highlights Assistant completely transform the experience for creators. With no more complex workflows, anyone can experience a simpler way to film and spend more time immersed in the moments they love.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 significantly improves on its design, offering a more rugged, reliable action camera. Its waterproofing has increased to 39ft (12m), and it offers crystal-clear audio with an integrated Wind Guard and a removable Lens Guard to handle whatever you throw at it, providing full flexibility for action and sports enthusiasts.
“Our goal was to refine and enhance the groundbreaking features of the original Insta360 Ace Pro to deliver an unparalleled experience,” says JK Liu, founder of Insta360. “We are confident these upgrades establish a new industry standard. Not only do they bring significant advances in AI, they empower creators to capture what was always impossible with other action cameras, opening the door to unprecedented creative potential.”
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to order today worldwide via Insta360.com, as well as trusted retailers and select authorized partners.
Unparalleled Image Quality, Day and Night
The Leica SUMMARIT lens immediately sets it apart from competitors with its state-of-the-art image quality. Combined with an upgraded 1/1.3″ 8K sensor offering 13.5 stops of dynamic range, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 delivers simply breathtaking visuals in situations other action cameras simply can’t handle.
Further contributing to its image quality and performance is the industry-leading dual-chip design. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with a dedicated Pro Imaging Chip that handles image processing and noise reduction, while a separate 5nm AI Chip handles further image processing and overall camera performance, providing a smooth, seamless user experience. The dual chip also enables more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K30fps video, 4K60fps Active HDR (High Dynamic Range), and upgraded PureVideo. Even in fast-moving motion and high-intensity action, creators can enjoy smooth, sharp videos thanks to the higher frame rates or slow it all the way down with crisp 4K120fps slow motion.
A complex, custom-trained AI neural network underpins PureVideo, a specialized shooting mode that drastically reduces noise and enhances details in real time for cleaner, brighter images, even in extreme low light. Whether it’s twilight strolls or evening rides, creators can record what they never could before. For the daytime, upgraded 4K60fps Active HDR brings out all the details in intense highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. Meanwhile, a wider 157° lens FOV captures more of the surroundings, perfect for vlogging or when the scenery really matters.
Exclusive Leica-engineered color profiles infuse footage with their signature aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to every shot. Insta360’s devotion to color accuracy is seen elsewhere with Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s ability to retain rich and precise colors, even underwater.
Ready for Action Anytime, Anywhere
The upgraded design proves to be even more rugged, ready for when you ramp up the action. Waterproofing has increased to 39 feet (12 meters) or 197 feet (60 meters) with the Dive Case, and it handles temperatures as low as -4ºF (-20ºC) with ease, perfect for winter sports and extreme climates.
The new, removable Lens Guard provides greater all-around protection, meaning creators can feel confident to push the limits further and capture the impossible, knowing their action cam is up to the challenge.
An all-new Wind Guard keeps wind and noise at a minimum during those peak moments, ready to snap on and off as you need. With refreshed audio algorithms bringing professional-grade clarity to your content, you can immerse your viewers like never before. What’s more, the magnetic mounting system lets you seamlessly switch between accessories. Less time spent unscrewing and screwing your camera and mounts, more time in the moment.
Insta360’s leading FlowState Stabilization technology ensures videos remain incredibly smooth no matter what, while 360º Horizon Lock, now applied automatically in-camera, keeps everything perfectly level. Prioritizing performance and convenience, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sports a bigger 1800mAh battery and a new Endurance Mode that offers a 50% longer runtime at 4K30fps than Insta360 Ace Pro. Fast charging powers the battery to 80% in 18 minutes or 100% in 47 minutes, so you can get back to the action quicker.
Insta360 has expanded its compatibility with several top third-party sports accessories, allowing action and sports enthusiasts to add a new level of detail. For data-rich videos, overlay real-time stats from third-party sports brands, including Garmin, Apple, COROS, and more. Alternatively, users can add stats from their phone directly in the Insta360 app without any extra gear or use the GPS Preview Remote for easy live preview, remote control, and real-time GPS data. For moto vloggers, pair Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with your motorcycle helmet headset from Sena, Cardo, and more for clear dual-track audio and hands-free control every ride.
Made for those who demand the highest standard of action capture, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect combination of durability and high-quality performance to capture life’s thrills with confidence.
Smarter, Easier Capture & Editing
Insta360 Ace Pro’s flip touchscreen proved an essential and convenient tool for creators and has been further upgraded to 2.5 inches. With a 70% increase in pixel density, a 6% increase in brightness and a 100% increase in flip durability, it allows for perfect framing and easier preview for vlogging, selfies, and difficult angles, all while remaining visible under bright sunlight. Instead of guessing if your shot looks perfect, you can shoot with confidence, knowing it is.
Internally, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers innovative solutions to problems that have hindered action enthusiasts for years:
- 4K Clarity Zoom – Want a close-up but the image quality becomes too grainy? Zoom in and out 2x without losing quality.
- Pre-Recording – Never miss a moment with up to 120 seconds of footage saved before you even hit record.
- Gesture & Voice Control – Use quick hand signals or verbal commands to control the camera, such as start/stop recording or take a photo, ideal if it’s mounted out of reach.
- Pause/Resume Recording – Got time between shots? Hit pause and continue recording when you need to keep everything in one continuous file for easier file management and editing.
- Timecode – Seamlessly synchronizes multiple cameras for an efficient editing workflow.
Insta360’s revolutionary AI features demonstrate a commitment to making shooting and editing as accessible as possible. Anyone, regardless of their skill level, will be amazed at what they can create. For those who aren’t confident editing, AI Highlights Assistant automatically finds the best moments from a video and delivers the highlights for review, all in-camera. Creators can merge every thrilling moment into one incredible recap or choose the ones their favorites and delete any unwanted clips to save storage.
The Assistant also helps craft your next reel from your adventures and pushes it directly to your smartphone via the Insta360 app. Look back on all your Memories and share those unforgettable moments in seconds.
Acting as a full editing suite in your pocket, the Insta360 mobile app fully embraces the game-changing possibilities of AI with advanced Auto Editing, one-tap templates and creative Shot Lab effects. Instead of spending hours learning complex tools and editing workflows, AI does it all for you, bringing your clips to life with dynamic cuts and transitions. Creators can even achieve the infamous Invisible Selfie Stick effect with the AI Selfie Stick Eraser in the app for third-person views. Looking for a real twist? AI Warp uses preset or custom keywords to bring your wildest ideas to life.
Available Now
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to purchase today worldwide via Insta360.com and select retailers. The Standard Bundle retails for US$399.99 and includes a Wind Guard, Battery, Standard Mount, Mic Cap, and USB-C Cable. The dual battery bundle includes the same accessories and two batteries for US$419.99.
The SMC-3
Nauticam is proud to introduce the SMC-3, the latest evolution in our line of water contact optics! Designed as a renewed version of the acclaimed SMC-1, the SMC-3 boasts a lightweight build—now only one-third the weight of its predecessor—without compromising on optical performance.
SMC-3 Specifications
| Dimensions | OD 70mm x H 32mm |
| Weight in Air | 307g |
| Weight in Water | 215g |
| Max Magnification (*1) | 2.4x (lens dependent) |
| Working Distance (*1) | 51-103mm |
| Lens Construction | 3 elements in 2 groups |
| Lens Coatings | Anti-reflection Coating |
| Mount Thread Diameter | M67 |
| Depth Rating |
100mm |
Tested with Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Key Features
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just one-third of the SMC-1, the SMC-3 offers unparalleled portability for on-the-go use.
- Superior Optical Performance: Enjoy the same exceptional clarity and precision you’ve come to expect from the SMC series.
- Increased Working Distance: The redesigned lens allows for a greater working distance, meaning it’s easier to use and provides enhanced versatility.
- Premium Materials: Crafted with advanced materials to enhance durability while minimizing weight.
- Cost-Effective: Slightly more affordable than the discontinued SMC-1, the SMC-3 delivers exceptional value.
Uncompromised Optical Quality
The Super Macro Converter 3 is constructed from lenses that are precision crafted of specially formulated low dispersion optical grade glass, ground to the most demanding standards. These exceptional measures, enhanced by broadband anti-refective coatings effectively reduce common optical issues such as chromatic aberrations, coma, spherical aberration, and field deformation associated with underwater macro photography using traditional magnifying lenses. These optics are assembled in a rugged hard anodized aluminum housing, and nitrogen purged during assembly to eliminate fogging.
Stunning Magnification
When combined with a full frame camera and a 100mm or 105mm macro lens, the device converts the optical system to provide a maximum of 2.4X magnification factor. In other words, a subject area of 15.6mm X 10.4mm will fill the whole frame of a 36mm X 24mm sensor.
Improved Sharpness and Contrast
As the Super Macro Converter 3 is optimized explicitly for using together with a macro lens underwater, images captured exhibit exceptional sharpness compared with conventional magnification lenses. Thanks to the broadband multi-layer anti-reflection coating on each surface of the lenses, images also exhibit higher contrast.
Superb Light Transmission
All the lens elements installed inside the SMC are optically optimized to appropriate diameters so as to provide maximum light transmission. The SMC doesn’t suffer from vignette issues under even the most extreme conditions. The broad band multi-layer anti-reflection coating on all surfaces also greatly improves light transmission.
Optimized for Autofocus
By utilizing a specially developed algorithm in the optimization process, the SMC renders superior image quality over the full focusing range of the camera lens (which becomes ~50 to ~100 mm in front of the SMC). Also benefitting from the high brightness and contrast of the image, the autofocus system of the camera usually works acceptably well within this range.
Ample Working Distance
Even at the maximum 2.3X magnification, there is still more than 50mm of working distance between the front element and the subject with 100/105mm macro lenses. This working distance is crucial when capturing behavior with skittish subjects.
Resolution
High resolution was a primary design goal of the SMC project. This has been achieved using computer aided optimization and high grade optical glasses with unique refractive and dispersion properties. Images taken with this new system exhibit very high resolution and quality. Results have exceeded expectations, and these images rival the quality of the macro lens in air.
Smooth Bokeh
The Converter retains the optical properties of the macro lens for the whole system underwater, resulting in a blurred (out of focus) background that has a pleasing smoothness and creamy look, without the normal purple and green fringing.
Avoiding Diffraction
Due to the overall superior optical performance of the SMC-3 it is possible to shoot larger apertures with excellent image quality. This avoids reaching the diffraction limit of high resolution sensors, and allows selective focus effects with narrow depth of field in super macro images.
For more information about the Nauticam Super Macro Converter 3, which ships in November, click here.
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