Photo / Video News & Reviews
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Robert Bailey
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown talks to underwater photographers from around the world that he admires. In this blog: Robert Bailey.
I grew up in the era of Jacque Cousteau. Those documentaries were ground breaking, they were adventurous, and they were unlocking the mysteries of the sea. Those explorations still fuel my inspiration today. In Costa Rica, in the late 80s, I hired a mask and snorkel, floundered into the sea, and didn’t come out for 3 hours. I was completely hooked. That feeling is still with me nearly 30 years on. I got certified as a diver after that trip, and decided I wanted to teach. I trained to become an instructor in the US. I worked at the University of Calgary for 6 years training up to instructor level, staffed three full-time Instructor Training Courses over the years, and taught both dive rescue and Ice diving as specialities.
Being a dual citizen made the move from Canada to Europe in the late 90s an easy one, and after six years in the Netherlands I moved to the UK and have been based in the Midlands since 2005. I joined BSOUP at that time, and BUPG a little later. Entering competitions and being surrounded by accomplished photographers established the benchmark for what makes a winning image. As a result of competing my images have been published in the London Times, Sunday Times Magazine, Outdoor Photographer, Dive, Scuba, and other publications. Winning sponsorship to compete for the UK in the Epson Red Sea competition in 2009, and placing in that prestigious event was a great achievement for me. I’ve accumulated a lot of other awards in UK club competitions and other events over the years. Although I’ve travelled frequently to warmer climes, I’m drawn to colder environments. I spend the majority of my time these days diving in the UK, and Canada as these locations are less photographed and less crowded than other areas. My website is www.RobertBaileyPhotography.com , established in 2007.
NRB: How did your underwater photography start?
RB: I’ve been interested in photography since an early age. Already being a topside shooter, using a camera underwater was a natural progression for me. My underwater photography started in the early 90’s as a way of augmenting scuba training materials for the program at the University of Calgary. After a while I found my interest in UW photography overtook my desire to teach. No longer content being a diver with a camera, I evolved into an underwater photographer obsessed with getting better pictures.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
RB: Like most photographers I love kit. As Martin Edge once said, ‘It’s sexy’. In the film days I started out with a Nikonos V with a 35 mm lens, which is all I could afford at the time. I had varied results using that setup, but was bitten by the bug, and kept working at it every chance I got. Eventually I saved up enough to buy a 15mm lens, which was unparalleled for quality at the time. This was great to use, and I was able to make pictures I couldn’t have previously, especially close focus wide angle. After a few years I realized the limitations of working with a range finder camera underwater and set my sights on getting a housed system. I owned an Nikon F4 at time, so worked to get that into a housing with a Sport Finder (a lovely- and not cheap – optical view finder) I was able to get pictures more easily, especially of quick moving tiny fish, which proved a great challenge for me using the Nikonos.
My favourite camera out of them all is the one I use now, the Nikon D500. it’s nice to be able to take advantage of the latest digital technology. The autofocus system, in my experience, is better than anything I’ve used previously underwater. Having immediate feedback underwater is much easier than working with film. My work horse wide angle lens is the Tokina 10-17 mm fisheye, which is renowned for its close focus ability. I still use an old style Nikkor 60mm Macro lens which has excellent optics. I’ve used various brands of strobes over the years, but settled on Inon strobes which I’ve found to be hugely reliable, and easy to use. My Z240s are my go-to lights, and I use two S2000’s for off camera work. The Nauticam Super Macro Convertor (SMC) is a fantastic tool for unlocking the tiny marine life world not immediately apparent to the naked eye. When I dive with this, I feel like a kid looking at the underworld world through a microscope. I like kit that’s reliable, and built to last.
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
RB: Revisit the fundamentals. Ensure your dive equipment is in order. Confirm you’re correctly weighted for conditions. Achieving neutral buoyancy in my opinion is key to good photography underwater, and more importantly preserving the underwater environment, and conditions for other photographers who may be around you. You’d be surprised how often this is overlooked. Get in the water as much as you can, and always dive with a camera. Creating opportunities underwater is more important than the equipment you don’t have. Fully exploit the equipment you do have. Join an underwater photography club, submit images to competitions, and solicit as much feedback as possible about what you can do to improve. There’s a lot of talent around these days, many photographers are generous with their knowledge and love to wax lyrical about their experiences. Join trips with other underwater photographers. These trips are often setup by clubs to maximize photographic opportunities. Read and research. There are a lot of good books around, and I highly recommend the latest books from Alex Mustard and Martin Edge. Read these cover to cover. The internet also contains a wealth of knowledge. Table top experimentation can be massively helpful in familiarizing you with your equipment. When your diving, set your equipment up on the surface for what your trying to achieve. Minimize adjustments underwater where possible. Having a plan and being deliberate has helped me over the years.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
RB: I think when I first got into it, I was hugely inspired by the work of David Doubilet. His underwater stories in National Geographic were only available though the post, so those articles were like gold when they arrived. Doubilet’s book Water Light Time is still a favourite of mine, and now a well worn tome. In more recent years Alex Mustard, Flip Nicklin, and Thomas Peschak are a few of the underwater photographers I really admire. There’s so much talent out there these days. Starting to place and win competitions certainly has fuelled my passion in the past, and trying to stay in the top set of local photographers keeps me coming back today.
NRB: What image are you most proud of and why?
RB: Without hesitation a picture I made of a whale shark whilst on a live aboard in Egypt. Quite early one morning in the Gulf of Suez on mirror calm seas the skipper killed the engine. From our cabin I could hear a lot of chatter on deck, and went up to see what was going on. To my amazement four whale sharks were going about their business. We jumped in the rib and did some snorkelling with these gentle giants. Amidst the excitement I got the cox to take me back to the boat, and I did the fastest lens change in history and jumped back in equipped with a wide angle lens. I managed to make a few pictures complete with surface reflections. Having only seen Basking Sharks in the UK for the first time the week before, I quite excited by the whole affair. I still look at these pictures and remind myself I was there.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
RB: It’s hard to settle on just one place. I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot during my diving career. The diving and topside experience off northern Vancouver Island in Canada has been remarkable over the years, and tops my list. The marine life there is prolific and many of the subjects are less photographed than those in the tropics. Being surrounded underwater by dozens of Pacific white sided dolphins ranks high on my list of underwater experiences. There are no crowds to speak of, the topside wildlife is abundant. Over the last few years we’ve run trips where we’ve seen coastal wolves, California sea otters, bald eagles, coastal deer, black bears, humpback whales, and orcas to name a few. I think Queen Charlotte Strait and Slingsby Channel would rival any topside safari. It’s home for me, and a lot of my formative experiences as a diver and photographer took place there.
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
RB: I do my utmost to respect the creatures I photograph, and not interfere with any marine life. I leave subjects alone that are inaccessible with a camera. I think humanity needs to be more courteous to the other inhabitants we share our planet with. Jeopardizing life for the sake of a photograph is not acceptable practice to me.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
RB: Clean, uncluttered backgrounds. Colour. High Contrast. Anthropomorphism
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
RB: My love of nature, photography, diving, being outdoors, and the great friends and family I’ve shared my experiences with.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
RB: A blue whale is my ultimate dream. and I’d like to photograph it in a remote area, maybe in a polar region. Having said that I’d settle on being in the water anywhere, with any whale. I’ve seen a lot whales on the surface, and have been close enough to Orcas to smell their breath. I’m in awe of whales, and would love the experience of being close to them underwater.
Find out more about Robert Bailey by clicking 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.
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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