Photo / Video News & Reviews
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Roisin Maddison
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: Roisin Maddison
NRB: How did your underwater photography start?
RM: Growing up with a mountaineer for a father I spent the majority of my childhood in the British countryside running around with my dad’s old compact film camera bossing people around telling getting them to pose for photos or to get out of my way of my shot. Back then it would take months to get the photos developed, mostly due to the fact that my dad never took them to the photo shop and would end up stockpiling rolls upon rolls of film but also because he would inevitably forget to go and pick them up when he eventually did.
It was on my 12th birthday that my dad bought me my first digital camera, a small Olympic compact that I’m pretty sure I still have hidden in a box in my old bedroom. It was from there that my photography really kicked off, now that I could see what photos I was taking, and I no longer had to wait months to receive the final product only for it to be blurred or out of focus.
It was however one of my high school art teachers that encouraged me to take my photography seriously and to take it on into my A-levels where I found that I really did have a talent and a passion for photography, favouring it over all of my other “academic” subjects.
It was a given that I was going to go on and study photography at University but nature photography was always my passion, I just couldn’t be bothered with the fashion or street photography elements of my course and I was adamant that I wanted to be based near the sea. However, all the courses I researched or came across were all heavily based on editorial, fashion, urban photography areas that I just wasn’t interested in. Until I came across Falmouth University’s Marine and Natural History Photography course. It was ideal. It was near the sea and it was a course based entirely on nature photography; it even had a diving element, which sounded like a bit of fun. At this stage I had never Scuba dived, I was an avid swimmer, but Scuba diving was never something I had considered doing, it just wasn’t on my radar but what the hell! It’ll be fun, I’ll give it a go.
Little did I know whilst on my first open water dive in the Delph Quarry or on my first university dive at Pendennis Silver Steps that Scuba diving and underwater photography was about to consume my entire life.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
RM: My first underwater photography dive was done with a compact Panasonic set up with a single strobe. Once we had proved ourselves trustworthy, we graduated on to a Nikon D7000 and Nauticam housing with either a 60mm macro or the Tokina 10-17 fisheye lens. When I graduated university and no longer had access to the uni’s cameras I treated myself to Nauticam housing for my D7200 and a 60mm macro. For about 2 years this 60mm macro was the only dome port I owned; underwater photography equipment isn’t cheap, especially for a recent photography graduate. Whilst I have since expanded my equipment collection and tried out other cameras and set ups, my D7200 and my trusty 60mm macro will always be my go-to set up. The 60mm is just such a versatile lens. It is a macro lens but it’s perfect for those slightly larger profile creatures, that aren’t quite big enough to warrant a wide angle, whilst also being perfect for any teeny tiny macro critters. Admittedly it doesn’t get as close or as much detail as the 105mm macro but if a turtle swims past whilst you have the 105mm on you have no chance. With the 60mm it may not be the perfect shot but you are at least in with a chance. Plus, there’s always room for a bit of cropping where those teeny tiny critters are concerned.
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
RM: I would recommend getting to grips with manual setting and light set ups straight from the off, set yourself up in a nice shallow reef with a VERY patient buddy (even better a buddy who is already an underwater photographer that can advise you) and start off by practicing different settings and lighting techniques on a simple and static subject; anemones are always a good shout.
Underwater photography workshops are always a massive boost when starting out as well as underwater photography books. Alex Mustards book Underwater Photography masterclass is my absolute go-to when trying out a new technique. But remember even if you are an amazing photographer top side and an experienced diver, it is going to take a lot of time and effort to get to grips with underwater photography and undoubtedly your first few images are not going to be perfect. But stick with it because when you get your first perfect shot, all that time and effort will be worth it.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
RM: My biggest inspiration for underwater photography has got to be Jane Morgan, not only is she an amazing underwater photographer who has had many amazing articles and images published over the years, but she is also a genuinely kind and caring person who wants to help and inspire the next generation of underwater photographers. Many other Marine and Natural History students and I have had the pleasure of having her as our tutor and all-round photography guru. Over the years she has had to put up with my badgering her for tips and tricks, but she has always been there to lend a piece of equipment or teach me a new technique. She helped me get my first magazine article published and all round cheered me on to pursue a career in underwater photography.
NRB: What image are you most proud of and why?
RM: This is a hard question to answer, I am proud of so many of my images and I don’t think I would be able to choose just one. Quite often my favourite images from a dive or a trip aren’t necessarily the best photographs or the most technical, they are the ones that have the best memories and the most meaning to me.
To name just one is hard but I think I would have to pick a photograph I took in Egypt two years ago. I dropped down on a night dive and the first thing I came across was a brittle star. It was stood up on its arms holding its body in the air, which was strange behaviour that I had never come across before, so I stopped to photograph it and as I did it started spawning right in front of my camera lens. I was amazed and privileged to get to witness such an amazing bit of nature.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
RM: My favourite dive location is a little 5m shore dive off the coast of Falmouth. Pendennis Sliver Steps is the easiest most simple dive site you will ever visit but it is also the most stunning. It is the perfect dive site to jump into on your way home from work and get a bit of photography practice in, whether its testing out new equipment or techniques or just keeping your hand in during a busy period, or when the weather has prevented you from getting out anywhere else. Most importantly of all it is bursting with life, there are new species to find on nearly every dive but being such an easy dive site to jump into means I can spend so much time there and get to know to resident species, figuring out where they live, tracking their behaviours and markings throughout the year and each time getting to take better and more technical photographs.
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
RM: Personally, I am not one for marine life manipulation whether it be in water whilst taking the picture or in post edit. I like my photos to reflect what I saw on the dive as it was when I took the photo. I will however admit to occasionally doing a bit of ‘gardening’ and removing a stray bit of seaweed or two out of the way of the frame, but that is as far as I will go.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
RM: It very much depends on what dive I’m on and what I am taking the photograph for. If I am out on a pleasure dive, I will be looking for images with a difference. Every photographer wants to take that one image that nobody has ever taken before, but I will also be taking photographs for myself to document my dive and the species I found sometimes for my own memories and sometimes for species research and/or magazine articles. I think it’s very important for photographers not to get to bent up in taking the perfect image on every dive. Whilst underwater photography may be my chosen profession it is also my hobby and it is very important to me that I don’t turn my hobby, my escape, my passion, into an obsession or ruin it by making it feel too much like work.
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
RM: I take underwater photographs to create an awareness for non-divers as to the beauty and importance of our marine world. More specifically for me is a desire to exhibit how stunning and extensive our own British marine life is. In the last few years the threat to our Coral Reefs and tropical oceans has finally been taking seriously and divers and non-divers have finally realised the importance of our oceans and how imperative it is to save them. I want my photography to highlight that it isn’t just the tropical coral reefs that need savin. British marine habitats are just as important and just as exquisite.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
RM: I spent 5 years living and diving in Cornish waters without ever coming across a blue shark or a basking shark. One of my aims for this next year is to get onto one of the blue shark/basking shark trips and to photograph these gentle giants in British waters.
To see more of Roisin’s work click 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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