Photo / Video News & Reviews
A Guide to Underwater Wildlife Video & Editing: Part 2
Read Part 1 here.
A part serialisation of a book by Jeff Goodman
PART 2: How to choose the right camera and housing
Choosing the right camera can be an absolute minefield so it is worth looking closely at various models before parting with your hard-earned cash. Not all cameras have a suitable housing made for them although this is becoming less the case as time goes on.
Let’s first of all think about what your expectations are.
Are you thinking of becoming a professional or would you simply like to make extremely good videos yet remain an enthusiast? Are the films you are about to make for TV broadcast, for home movies, or something in-between? Either way, the product wants to be aesthetically good and often could be shot on a range of camera types. But when it comes to technical quality and versatility, then you simply get what you pay for. A camera with enough specifications for TV broadcast is going to cost anything between £6,000 to £60,000. The underwater housing on top of that may cost up to £20,000 extra. A good amateur camera is going to cost somewhere in the region of £150 to £1,000. There are then good semi professional cameras that fall in between..
Let’s have a look at a few choices.
Video really has come into it’s own over the past few years. Even your mobile phone is capable of taking fun images. But as we are going to take the art of underwater filming a little more seriously let’s start by looking at some serious equipment that will give us a degree of control and flexibility
Choosing your camera really is difficult as there are so many different types in the market place. As well as the standard dedicated video cameras there are also now excellent video capabilities on SLR’s such as the Canon 7D. I am sure that as this book goes to publication, there will be new models of cameras out that do even more amazing things. But what ever they do and how ever they do them, the basic principles of good videography remain the same. This also applies to editing software which we will cover later.
In general video cameras with underwater housings come in three very broad categories. At the lower end there are the ‘easy shot’ consumer cameras such as the Canon Ixus, which are pretty well fully automatic with a few manual menu driven choices. The quality of this small camera is excellent.
Next are the middle range such the HDR-XR550 or the HDR-CX730 with the Gates housing which will give more manual control over things such as exposure and focus, although it must be said that in this middle range of housings not all camera functions may be available through the housing controls. Finally semi professional rigs such as the Gates housing for the Sony PMW-EX1R. Now we are getting towards fully functional cameras and housings with very good through housing access to all the camera features.
I won’t be able to cover all cameras and how their functions are accessed, but generically they are mostly the same. This book will go through that generic camera and leave the individual reader to consult their owners manual for precise layout and functions.
Just as a guide for you, the camera and housing I use when teaching students is the Sony HDR-XR550 in a moulded metal Gates housing. (At least it is at the time of writing this. It’s not possible to keep up with new products for the purposes of a book, but on-line reviews or specialist magazines will certainly be doing this.) With this camera/housing combination, I get a very good quality camera with a good range of manual/auto controls through the housing. Having said that, housings are very personal things and I highly recommend you to get your hands on a few before buying.
Camera Format – Tape or hard drive?
I have always loved shooting on tape. It is a solid tangible piece that I can physically hold and know with confidence that all my hard earned material is on it and in my hands……safe!
The quality is good and reliable, images and sound transfer easily to any edit software, and I always have a physical backup to put away in the filing cabinet. Tapes are small and are no real problem to carry. In an emergency, most countries have a shop somewhere that will sell them. Should the real horror happen and the housing flood, then the tape inside is still retrievable.
Hard drives however, are taking over and it’s no good burying my head in the sand and trying to ignore the digital take over, so I will embrace it with good grace. Probably the most common format used by the non professional is AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition). I must confess that the quality of the newer cameras using this format is amazingly good and the playback through the camera results in some very fine images. The hard drive on the Sony HDR-XR550 which I’m using for the purposes of this book, is to say at the least, big. The 240GB’s give around 101 hours of full HD movie. That is a lot of movie. It is also a lot of movie to loose should your hard drive go down. So the most important thing when using none tape formats is to make sure you download to a separate hard drive after each and every dive. Not to do so is foolish and may result in tears.
Hard Drive or Card Capture means you need to take a laptop or backup device on location with you. Not such a big problem really but then again it all depends on the local electricity supply. But, as most people take laptops with them everywhere now………..
The AVCHD format is good but difficulties can occur when trying to play and edit the material on a computer or laptop that is not fully up to spec. Dual drive and plenty of memory are essential. With older laptops the files do not readily play well and are prone to crash or jitter.
Things are getting better but if you are having trouble, keep the original AVCHD files in backup and trans-code them to something like mpeg4 for easy editing. This still gives good quality especially if you are uploading to the web. As technologies change and advance so quickly, I can only say that a web search on how best to deal with your video and audio files is always crucial.
Which Housing?
Just because you have a camera you like, doesn’t mean that there is a commercially built housing available for it. You can build your own, but that’s for another book. When looking at cameras, look to see what housings are available. OR, do it the other way round and look at housings and see what cameras they facilitate. Often companies such as Cameras Underwater will sell a package of camera and housing together. This in fact is probably the better way of doing it because you can rely on the knowledge that a manufacturer has built a housing for a suitably good camera.
Three main types of housing are acrylic see-through housings, moulded metal ones and circular tubular ones
The acrylic types have the advantage of letting you see into the housing to make sure that all the controls are working, as well as being able to see if there are any leaks. The moulded metal types are robust and pleasing to look at. The cylindrical ones have been the most common type over the years as it is easy to adapt the internal controls to many types of camera. As long as it fits inside of course. All of these types should be able to take interchangeable ports which we will discuss later on.
There are pros and cons to all these housings, but one important factor to be considered is, how much control you have of the camera through the housing. Some housings will only give you on/off and zoom control and leave all other functions to automatic settings. Others will give a much more comprehensive range of manual/auto controls such as focus, exposure, white balance, zoom, on/off and more. Decide carefully on your wants and needs before falling for any luring sales pitch that may leave you frustrated later on.
Mechanical or Electrical Housings
Let’s look closer at the way in which you can operate the camera controls through the housing. The Gates housing I am using for this demo has mechanical controls. This is where a control rod passes through the body of the housing itself and directly makes contact with the camera controls. This is a very reliable system and easily maintained or repaired in the field. The slight downside to this is that on the bigger housings the push rods or gear wheels can become loose and not engage fully. So, a bit more maintenance is needed.
The other type, such as the Amphibico, uses the camera electronics to operate the functions, removing any need for holes or control rods in the housing. I find this type of control very good and precise, until that is, some sort of electrical fault manifests itself through salt corrosion. It must be said that most units are very well sealed against this happening, but, you are working in a marine and salt environment and electronics do suffer. As with the mechanical controls, regular maintenance is essential.
Next time we look at Underwater Camera Monitors and how to minimise the risk of leaks in your housings.
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
Are you just getting started out in underwater photography or are you a seasoned shooter who wants to take their images to the next level? Whatever you experience or ability, here’s an overview of underwater photography workshops.
What is an Underwater Photography Workshop?
The first thing to note is that this is not ‘school’! There are no compulsory classes and at workshops you are free to pick and choose what you take part in, or otherwise.
A huge part of learning and developing your skills is through experimentation, trial and error, responding to feedback, and honing your technique. Underwater photography workshops provide you with the perfect platform for practice and improvement.
There is no better alternative to hands on experience in an environment that is 100% dedicated to your development. Reading informative articles and watching videos on YouTube can never replace the value of one on one time with your camera rig, underwater!
Underwater photography workshops are generally structured around core components, namely: presentations, underwater practice, feedback and critique sessions, troubleshooting/one-on-one sessions, and technical support.
Other components of a workshop include dining, relaxing, and time for socializing too!
What Topics do Underwater Photography Workshops Cover?
Depending on the pro, the type of workshop and regional diving highlights, a wide range of topics may be covered from composition and lighting through to shooting techniques and editing.
Benefits of an Underwater Photography Workshop
- Improve Your underwater photography
- Learn from professionals
- Learn from other participants
- Expand your photography knowledge and understanding
- Try put new techniques
- Learn how to maximize your camera rig
- Phenomenal travel opportunities
- Memorable experience and new friendships
Underwater Photography Workshops in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
When it comes to underwater photography workshops that focus on shooting macro, muck diving, and unusual marine species, there can be no better destination on the planet than the Lembeh Strait.
The Critter Capital of the World, a Muck Diving Mecca, and the Twilight Zone are just a few of the names that have been given to this stretch of water over the years due to its high density, and diversity, of rare and unusual marine life.
Some of Lembeh’s most iconic species include the hairy frogfish, Pontohi pygmy seahorse, the Lembeh sea dragon, Mandarin fish, Bobbit worms, Rhinopias scorpionfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, tiger and harlequin shrimps, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin crabs, and where do we start with octopus? Here’s just a few… wunderpus, mimic, blue ring, hairy, long arm, starry night, and coconut… and the list goes on!
Dive conditions in the Lembeh Strait can be extremely favourable for underwater photographers. There is little to no current making both moving around and remaining stationary a breeze. The comfortably warm water temperatures reduce the cold that can also set in when not on the move.
Lembeh Resort and Underwater Photography Workshops
Lembeh Resort not only offers luxury accommodation in the Lembeh Strait but it is also offers a complete suite of facilities for underwater photographers and enthusiasts. Here is a ‘snapshot’ of the camera and imaging services that are on offer at Lembeh Resort – inside and outside of underwater photography workshops:
Photography Facilities
Lembeh Resort offers a suite of facilities for underwater photographers, including:
- The only Backscatter Authorized Photo Center in Asia
- Photo Center offering camera, housing, lights and accessory rentals and purchases, onsite repairs, onsite 3D printing of small components, professional support and assistance, full workshop support
- Full time onsite Photo Pro
- Full time onsite Marine Biologists
- Marine biology and underwater photography trained Dive Guides
- Spacious camera room with individual work spaces, lights, and power points
- Varied diving options including single dives in the Lembeh Strait, two or three tank dive trips, day trips to Bangka, east coast Lembeh trips, blackwater, bonfire, night, and Mandarin fish dives.
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2025
The renowned Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop is back in January 2025 for the 12th year running!! This unique workshop is hosted by not one but three worldclass photo professionals. The 2025 workshop features: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). The week-long workshop promises to be packed with incredible diving, Pro presentations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback.
2025 Workshop Schedule and Dates:
- Pre-Workshop: January 8th ––10th (time to relax and unwind after traveling and enjoy some of Lembeh’s famous dive sites.)
- Workshop: January 11th – 17th (Capturing Critters in Lembeh 12th Annual Workshop)
- Workshop Extension: January 18th – 19th (Additional Day Workshop Extension)
- Post-Workshop: January 20th – 21st (Stay additional nights and enjoy extra diving days or some time to relax and explore more of North Sulawesi)
Find Out More:
Meet the pros and find out more about the Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2025 underwater photography workshop, including prices and workshop inclusions, here:
If you are ready to book your place on the January 2025 Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop – contact Lembeh Resort at: reservations@LembehResort.com.
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