Underwater Video Through an SLR - AquaExposure Education

Tips and techniques on shooting underwater HDSLR video. Shot
on location in my home of Papua New Guinea, and with a focus on the Nikon
D90.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• underwater
• video
• photo
• HDSLR
• papua
• new
• guinea
• nikon
• d90
• aquatica
• camera

[AquaExposureChrisGug]

The D90 offers up to 4 Preset White balances using the feature PRE and one could store (in d1-d4 WB memory) a 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m, say during one or two test dives. These settings can be used P,S,A,M modes. What do you think about this. For macro objectives could one get better video in the A mode, with R11-R16 if there was enough light? I have decided to follow your advice and either do a video or a photo dive and not switch.

[AquaExposureChrisGug]

Using preset WB for different depths, the reason we do a M WB so often is, while depth is a primary concern changing the color, we also take into account the angle of sun, as it refracts different wavelengths at different angles, particulate such as plankton or general organic funk making different levels of visibility, and different colors in different regions of the world, and to a lesser extent, reflected light off the sand vs coral (or open water vs wall - or any number of examples).

[AquaExposureChrisGug]

All this leads one to want to do it the hard way and just take a WB reading before every scenario change. Of course, this applies to wide shots more so than macro, because in macro, your light source will be more constant because of your video light(s).

Also, putting the D90 in A mode won't do anything because once you start a video clip, it is only P - there is no manual exposure for video.

[AquaExposureChrisGug]

Gug here - I was asked the following questions, and thought the conversation might help others. Q: One question in your video lesson you mention using either a filter or lights. However can’t one use the white balance feature and choose a suitable color temperature to emulate a red filter. Alterative could one use the white balancing function underwater in the P mode, the settings of which are taken over in the video mode?

[AquaExposureChrisGug]

A: You're right using the manual WB - remember, it needs to be readjusted for several factors, like every 4 meters of depth, turning against or towards the sun, etc . . .

[AquaExposureChrisGug]

Also, with regards to lights vs filters - for the BEST color, you still M WB for both. Filter is impractical on the Nik 10.5, unless you apply it to the rear element - inflexible because it shouldn't be used < 5m and needs to be removable u/w, unless you have a plan that negates the possibility of shooting shallow. Also, you can't use a filter AND lights together.

[FanFanatik]

u re hot!

[CoD0GxYxG0]

@aqualExposureChrisGug where did you buy your underwater camera house for the d90?