Photo / Video News & Reviews
River Diving
If you like diving and underwater photography as much as I do and you live 3. 5 hours inland from a good dive site, you might find yourself looking to a new venue to enjoy. I will openly admit I had a mission as I wanted pictures of freshwater fish, especially salmon. Thus began my river diving adventures this summer.
I am inspired by the work of Martin Edge and Eiko Jones and what they do with light underwater (the “God Beams” as the topside photographers say) and was thinking about some ways to do some new things I had in mind with long exposure and ambient light. As a lot of river diving here in Oregon can be relatively shallow in the rivers (relatively shallow being less than 25 feet). I was really wanting to work with ambient lighting in clear waters and be on eye level with the royalty of the fish world – salmon and steelhead trout.
The next logical thing to do was put together an investigatory dive. Equipment was my first consideration starting with photographic gear. I packed my Olympus OMD-E1 in a Nauticam housing with a Panasonic Lumix 8mm fisheye lens and a 4.33 dome port and then started to think about dive gear. I was diving the McKenzie River in Oregon which has gin clear visibility; however, it is also a frigid 49 degrees F, so I packed my Bare crushed neoprene drysuit and whites fusion thermals. I packed my warm water fins as they are shorter and lighter than my Apollo biofins, and I selected two aluminum 80 tanks with 3000 psi a piece as my steel 100 tanks weigh 40 pounds and I didn’t know what access would be like or how long I would be walking with gear on. My lightweight warmwater backplate and regulator was added to the gear pile with a 12 pound weight belt plus 4 extra pounds – surely that would be plenty. It was not, which I discovered later.
River diving entails a few different things that you may or may not be used to. Number one is current, and in some cases, a LOT of current. You may be wearing 20-25 pounds in a wetsuit/drysuit in 5 feet of water so you can stay down. Freshwater is deceiving as you do need less weight than salt, but you have to overweight to account for current. I also have had to anchor myself along the bottom in interesting ways with a robust stainless steel reef stick that I own and by shooting with one hand and hanging on to logs, rocks, etc. with my other hand.
Fish are often found under tree roots so this can be very good shooting. I also did some shooting where I lay in the middle of a big riffle (stretch of fast moving water) and just shot water flowing over me while I anchored in with my stainless steel reef stick.My first dive I did not think about extra weight and I was soon sailing along like a balloon underwater getting blown through culverts and into large woody debris piles until I started to anchor myself by grabbing onto stuff and by putting rocks in my pockets for extra weight. Not getting my camera knocked out of my hands or rubbing the dome port glass on rocks was also a challenge. I also used my feet to push against logs so I could face into the current and shoot.
Number two is temperature. Some rivers you can go with little or no exposure suit, however I wouldn’t recommend that due to rocks, logs, etc scraping you up. My home rivers in the summer range from 65 to 48 degrees F. I found that for me I like the freedom of a wetsuit and for temperatures down to 55 degrees I was good in a 5mm wetsuit. Below 55 I could last about 20 minutes and then my teeth were chattering. At that point I was using my crushed neoprene drysuit with thermals.
I can go gloveless to 50 degrees but below that I would wear 5mm gloves. I usually always wear a hood to keep my hair out of my way. I’m toasty with this set up but temperature is a personal thing.
I recently hiked into a mountain waterfall and skin dove with my 5mm wetsuit to try and get some good over and under shots. The water was 47 degrees F which was pretty chilly but 20 minutes of being chilly was worth it for the shots I got there.
Number three is access and the diving style. Access to some rivers is back up to the side and jump in while with others you have to walk along the riverbank to get to a place you can safely access. Some rivers you have to climb down the sides and these sides can be steep and/or rocky and doing this with gear on can be a strenuous experience. Not falling down the side of a river on top of your camera gear and rolling into blackberry bushes on the way down is really the goal. Being somewhat nimble and strong is a plus for these rivers. River diving is not about calmly swimming along with perfect buoyancy most of the time. Many times you are crawling in between pools if water is low and sometimes you have to get out and walk to the next pool. Sometimes you can get into deep pools and these are really nice places to shoot when fish are holding there. These you can swim around, although I like to employ stealth technique and sit or lie calmly on the bottom until the fish are done being freaked out. I then let them get back to their regular business so I can take shots.
Some observations on fish behavior… I found that juvenile fish are much more curious than adults. Some adult fish can be very skittish, and some can be very bold and rush right up to you.
Freshwater sculpin are very fun to photograph and they are full of attitude as their marine cousins and they will fearlessly swim right up to you and sit right in front of your dome port. They are ferocious predators and will attack anything they think could fit in their mouth. Warmwater fish such as bass or bluegill are the most curious of the fish. They will literally photobomb every picture you take and they will nibble on your hands, mask, face, etc.
Male smallmouth bass are quite beautiful when they are mating or guarding their nests and can make striking pictures. Similar behavior is exhibited by native minnows such as dace, shiners, chub, and suckers.
I am currently working on a series of shoots with fall Chinook salmon that have returned from the ocean after 4-5 years of being away from their natal streams. How these fish find their way back to the very place they emerged from the gravel is an amazing question to me. Even near death these fish command respect as they have returned to fulfill a mission that started over 5,000 years ago. I wax poetic here as I am a fisheries biologist by trade.
I do NOT dive alone EVER in rivers. There are too many variables to not have a buddy or shore support. Yes, you have a BCD and regulator, however if you get stuck in a large woody debris pile or hung up on the bottom for some reason there could be a very bad outcome. Having another pair of eyes on you is a good thing. If you bring along a creative “dry” photographer they can take good topside pictures. I have not needed to tether up due to high river current to date but having someone watching your tether at all times is a smart thing to plan for. I usually do some scouting in advance for possible sites so I know what to bring.
I might add that I am eternally grateful to my cohorts in the fishery business who have clued me in to good sites and times to go and in some cases even driven me around and put me in on some great fish action. Treat these people well and buy them beer as they can be key to some beautiful pictures.
My last plug is for quiet respect of fish, especially if you are somewhere where they are spawning. This is not a good time to be upsetting fish and driving them away from their spawning beds. Better to wait until after the spawning or before to get pictures. There is a fine line between harassment and annoyance so please understand that line and respect it.
I love diving our beautiful Pacific Northwest seas but I also feel that river diving adds a fun and new slant of the beauty of the underwater world and you definitely get to see things you do not see in the ocean environment… plus you don’t have to soak your gear so much after you dive freshwater!
You can see more of Laura’s underwater photography here.
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.
News
Introducing the Nauticam Super Macro Converter 3
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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