Book Review: Action Camera Underwater Video Basics (2021)

Published 4 years agoon November 10, 2021

Review by Explorers Club International Fellow and Writer Nick Lyon

We are surrounded by image recording technology, in our phones, our cars, even our doorbells! But until relatively recently, our ability to record high quality moving images underwater easily and conveniently was dependant on bulky and expensive camera systems. This is no longer the case. The GoPro camera, and subsequent models allowed all of us the opportunity to record our dives. But as with all new technology, most of us struggled to figure out how to get the best from our new cameras.

Some time ago, I was fortunate enough to attend one of Jeff Goodman’s GoPro workshops in Cornwall, UK. I knew of Jeff’s impressive pedigree and it was no surprise that the event was highly enjoyable and packed with useful information. But of course, as we all know, memory is water soluble and with every subsequent dive, I often struggled to replicate what I had learned.

Thankfully, Jeff has now released ‘Action Camera’ which is the culmination of many years working with a variety of these excellent devices. The book covers far more than simply ‘which buttons do what’. There is a welcome emphasis on the ethics of responsible filming in order to minimise our impact on the environment. The chapter dealing with equipment sensibly advises on choosing the features which suit the reader’s requirements. In a constantly evolving market, recommending specific models would soon be out of date and is avoided.

Photographic theory is rarely the chapter which most people skip to first as it can sometimes be rather laborious. Thankfully, Jeff has taken a progressive approach and as with the entire book, the subject is lavishly illustrated to enhance understanding. The practicalities of shooting in a variety of environments are also covered with emphasis on the value of thorough planning and preparation (I’m sure you know the full acronym!). This starts with getting equipment ready, but includes use of a storyboard to fully plan the shoot, as well as the techniques required to achieve the results you want. Then there’s actually producing your product and Jeff devotes a chapter to editing your film.

It could have ended there, but there are also a confined water and an open water exercise for the diver to test out their newly acquired skills and knowledge.

I was particularly glad that this is not a ‘coffee table’ book. It’s a proper hands-on manual that can, and should accompany the diver on their trips as a constant source of reference. If you have an action camera you really should have this book too.

Action Camera: Underwater video basics