Thank you for the excellent content from BtM! If you do another Q&A episode, I'd love to hear any recommendations to build and maintain underwater photography/videography skills between dive trips. As a non-professional, I find myself relearning my underwater camera skills under constraints like one or two blue-water dive trips per year, precious limited air / NDL time, and the short attention span of underwater subjects (including some non-photographer dive buddies who just want to keep moving 😜) . My local dive scene is limited to relatively murky fresh-water lakes.
As for budget video lights, Kraken sports 3500 or 5000's are excellent. the 5000 is, imo, the best light you can get for the money for an enthusiast. very bright and manageable. Offers wide, spot, red and ultraviolet (which I absolutely love during night dives) and the remote makes switching between modes and brightness per mode super simple and fast. if they flood you wont't kill them, worse case you replace the battery. I have not regretted buying these whereas I absolutely regretted having spent money on other major brands with larger marketing funds then actual product innovation based off shop recommendations prior to these. I have used these lights with Rx100 iv, v va and they work incredible well for both photography and video. I've been into this hobby for many years and still think of myself an amateur, I can say that everything stepped up a few notches after buying these lights. they are VERY simple to use and react very quick with the remote. like Vanessa said, video lights are an investment but they definitely pay off if you buy the right lights. shops will point you to major brands as they are paid to do so. look into these, would have saved me some significant bucks if I have someone pointed me to them a few years back. For the pro types out there. I am NOT saying that these lights will replace powerful strobes or are better then more powerful video lights. my point it that for beginners, amateurs or enthusiasts, these lights offer an excellent and VERY competitively priced solution for both worlds in all dive scenarios (shallow/deep, Day/night). And no, I have absolutely no affiliation with them, I bought their product just as I bought other major brand products prior (light in motion sealife etc) and fundamentally believe these these are the best starting point for people who find themselves into the hobby that would like to step it up a few levels for a reasonable price.
great thank you!!! I have heard about them and should try them out. How is the beam edge? because they have flat glas, these kinds of lights tend to be very harsh on the edges? What is the price tag on them?
@@ReefPatrol I bought 2 of the hydra 5000's with remote for $950 back in 2015. It might seem like a lot for 2 lights and a remote, but back then it was WAY less than any other option with this kind of output, functionality and quality. I don't have enough experience to compare something like beam edge with pro video lights. I can say that when pointed at a wall, the light is very uniform from the middle until about 10-15% of the edge and then slightly taper off (softer). way better (and brighter) than the Sola 3800's I had before them in this regard (actually, these lights are way better than the sola 3800's (and lower in price at the time) in ever aspect and by far better than any other lights I've used). These lights have worked very well for me and provide new opportunities with the ultraviolet option (so cool down there with the ultraviolet) plus they're very easy to travel with. I'm not a pro, but I am sure that if a pro was to use my current setup they can do absolute wonders with it, which means I still have a ton to learn and look forward to ;o) As mentioned, for anyone getting into this hobby or looking to up their game, the Kraken lights are definitely worth looking into.
@@zoubtube and by the way on my channel there are few coral fluorecense videos and a old tutorial too on how to film it ;) maybe i ll do a new version for the btm channel if thats of intrest to some ;)
@@ReefPatrol thanks for the heads up. I just subscribed to the channel. Anything that helps with underwater photography/videography is of interest. from camera settings for different situation (Lakes/reefs, shallow/deep) based of the camera types (full frame, apsc, 1 inch (I Currently have a RX 100va setup) etc, to post work. I've followed tony northrup for photography/lightroom/photoshop and Chinfat for premiere pro tutorials (by far the best tutorials out there, incredible depth and very well organized) literally since they started their channels and they have helped me tremendously (not to say I'm any good, though I'm definitely better at editing :o)). but all of it is above water. I'm really hoping that this channel ties all of this together as as a complete underwater photography/videography channel that I can grow with over time. thanks again for the efforts and looking forward to more videos. P.S. I'll make sure to plug your channel on the channels I mentioned above, its only fair and I know for a fact that their are others in the same boat as me.
Thank you so much for your videos. They are absolutely beautiful. Even the instructionals are beautiful! I am so glad I found this channel and will follow it very closely. I would love for the Q&A to continue as well as possible workshops. Thank you so much, your team is fantastic!
Really look forward to your videos. Defo my favourite channel. I'd love to see a behind the scenes video of you guys filming underwater. Kind of like the end part of Blue Planet (some filming you filming).
Hi, would LOVE for you guys to color grade our community footage in a future series!!! Sort of a Peter Mckinnon Editing YOUR Photos! series. Please set this up!!!
I forgot I had asked that question, was very surprised to hear my name. I ended up getting a great deal on a setup with strobes and video lights from someone that decided they didn't like diving with a camera. Thankyou for your answer anyway 😊
@@ReefPatrol it will be a while before having something proud enough to show, I'm a beginner diver. I did have another question you may have answered already and I missed it. Do you still use red filters with strobes or video lights?
@@dylanslater83 you can use redfilters with them yes, just to a proper white balance :) but you can leave the filter away, you defently dont need it for light and strobes, but it doesnt harm.
@@ReefPatrol okay thankyou, I'm using a sony rx100 4 at the moment and their reputation for white balance is definitely true so I guess it will do a lot more good than harm.
Thanks for your videos. A couple of questions. Is a translucent cap a good way for a white balance? When using a white balance card, if better to use the 18% gray side for white balancing? Thanks!
Dear Vanessa, I have a late question: I have a canon 5D and a Nauticam. Do you know a external monitor that I can use? Thank you. My name is Bernardo Ribeiro an I’m from Lisbon.
#BTMunderwaterfilmingtips First of all - thank you a lot for all the tips & tricks around getting better shots and clips! Thats great work! Iam really interested in the pan and tilt tripod head you are using in some of your clips. Can you please tell me which brand it is? Or do you have any recommendations for a robust, small and compact not shaking tripod head which is not too heavy? I know it sounds like I want everything in one piece.. but there must be better products out there.. but I dont find it. At the moment Iam filming Macro with Panasonic GH4 + Olympus 60mm Macro + 10 Diopter in an Ikelite housing, using a DIY tripod that looks similar to your system. I tried different "land" tripod heads, but of course its just a question of time until they are corroded.. than i tried the ULCS Video head and modified it in high because it was too shaky... but Iam still not happy with it. There are some other brands out there, but they are too high, or seem too fragile or are too heavy so I cant take it on a flight. Eg. Aquatica tripod head or INON. I want to be as close to the bottom as possible... Iam also thinking about mounting the tripod vice versa on the top of the housing - do you have experience with that? I even started designing my own video-head on a quadpod, but I dont have the time to continue... unfortunately! So you see I spend a lot of time thinking about it :) Can you please help me? Thanks a lot! Alex
Hello I have 2 Led lights focus and they have Some blue and red Leds. Do you think is good idea use blue leds in the deep and red leds in blue waters? with white light togheter
Has anyone tried a variable red filter like the INON M67 Underwater Variable Red Filter or STC Aqua-Red Underwater Fader? These variable filters are expensive ($150-200) but the ability to adjust the red intensity at depth during a freediving session, with the turn of the filter, would be incredibly useful. I'm primarily interested in this setup for videography, using my A6000/A6500 with cheap housing (Salted line, 67mm thread) under 25 meters (80ft) and ambient light. I primarily use my setup in the surf right now, but I intend to start freediving again and eventually a nice trip in the future. Thank you.
look really interesting, but they of course will only work with flat ports. and manly you use flat port for more macro stuff and for that you usually use video lights, and there you dont really need redfilters. but if you use the flat port als a more allaround port with a zoom lens, perhaps it's a good thing. Not sure about the quality. we would need to test them out to say more.
@@ReefPatrol Thank you. I have been using the 16-50 kit (apc sensor) to start with, which is why the flat port didn't bother me. I thought the dome port was for wider lenses.
Thank you for the excellent content from BtM! If you do another Q&A episode, I'd love to hear any recommendations to build and maintain underwater photography/videography skills between dive trips. As a non-professional, I find myself relearning my underwater camera skills under constraints like one or two blue-water dive trips per year, precious limited air / NDL time, and the short attention span of underwater subjects (including some non-photographer dive buddies who just want to keep moving 😜) . My local dive scene is limited to relatively murky fresh-water lakes.
As for budget video lights, Kraken sports 3500 or 5000's are excellent. the 5000 is, imo, the best light you can get for the money for an enthusiast. very bright and manageable. Offers wide, spot, red and ultraviolet (which I absolutely love during night dives) and the remote makes switching between modes and brightness per mode super simple and fast. if they flood you wont't kill them, worse case you replace the battery. I have not regretted buying these whereas I absolutely regretted having spent money on other major brands with larger marketing funds then actual product innovation based off shop recommendations prior to these. I have used these lights with Rx100 iv, v va and they work incredible well for both photography and video. I've been into this hobby for many years and still think of myself an amateur, I can say that everything stepped up a few notches after buying these lights. they are VERY simple to use and react very quick with the remote. like Vanessa said, video lights are an investment but they definitely pay off if you buy the right lights. shops will point you to major brands as they are paid to do so. look into these, would have saved me some significant bucks if I have someone pointed me to them a few years back.
For the pro types out there. I am NOT saying that these lights will replace powerful strobes or are better then more powerful video lights. my point it that for beginners, amateurs or enthusiasts, these lights offer an excellent and VERY competitively priced solution for both worlds in all dive scenarios (shallow/deep, Day/night). And no, I have absolutely no affiliation with them, I bought their product just as I bought other major brand products prior (light in motion sealife etc) and fundamentally believe these these are the best starting point for people who find themselves into the hobby that would like to step it up a few levels for a reasonable price.
great thank you!!! I have heard about them and should try them out. How is the beam edge? because they have flat glas, these kinds of lights tend to be very harsh on the edges? What is the price tag on them?
@@ReefPatrol I bought 2 of the hydra 5000's with remote for $950 back in 2015. It might seem like a lot for 2 lights and a remote, but back then it was WAY less than any other option with this kind of output, functionality and quality. I don't have enough experience to compare something like beam edge with pro video lights. I can say that when pointed at a wall, the light is very uniform from the middle until about 10-15% of the edge and then slightly taper off (softer). way better (and brighter) than the Sola 3800's I had before them in this regard (actually, these lights are way better than the sola 3800's (and lower in price at the time) in ever aspect and by far better than any other lights I've used). These lights have worked very well for me and provide new opportunities with the ultraviolet option (so cool down there with the ultraviolet) plus they're very easy to travel with. I'm not a pro, but I am sure that if a pro was to use my current setup they can do absolute wonders with it, which means I still have a ton to learn and look forward to ;o) As mentioned, for anyone getting into this hobby or looking to up their game, the Kraken lights are definitely worth looking into.
@@zoubtube amazing insight thanks. Next episode will be on lights as it seems :) so perhaps check it out too :)
@@zoubtube and by the way on my channel there are few coral fluorecense videos and a old tutorial too on how to film it ;) maybe i ll do a new version for the btm channel if thats of intrest to some ;)
@@ReefPatrol thanks for the heads up. I just subscribed to the channel. Anything that helps with underwater photography/videography is of interest. from camera settings for different situation (Lakes/reefs, shallow/deep) based of the camera types (full frame, apsc, 1 inch (I Currently have a RX 100va setup) etc, to post work. I've followed tony northrup for photography/lightroom/photoshop and Chinfat for premiere pro tutorials (by far the best tutorials out there, incredible depth and very well organized) literally since they started their channels and they have helped me tremendously (not to say I'm any good, though I'm definitely better at editing :o)). but all of it is above water. I'm really hoping that this channel ties all of this together as as a complete underwater photography/videography channel that I can grow with over time. thanks again for the efforts and looking forward to more videos. P.S. I'll make sure to plug your channel on the channels I mentioned above, its only fair and I know for a fact that their are others in the same boat as me.
Thank you so much for your videos. They are absolutely beautiful. Even the instructionals are beautiful! I am so glad I found this channel and will follow it very closely. I would love for the Q&A to continue as well as possible workshops. Thank you so much, your team is fantastic!
Yeah! Cant wait for this one. Always looking to improve my underwater filming.
whopp whopp... online soon!
Thanks Vanessa for your super cool answer!! Can't wait to have Flo's feedback on the E2!
very welcome! :)
Hello Vanessa! I'm Dayne Garcia, an aspiring UW photographer/cinematographer from the Philippines. Yes to Behind the Mask future workshops! Ahhhh!
cool! Use the Hashtag :) so we can find it and collect...
#BTMVideoWorkshop!!!
Really look forward to your videos. Defo my favourite channel. I'd love to see a behind the scenes video of you guys filming underwater. Kind of like the end part of Blue Planet (some filming you filming).
check out the older videos: ua-cam.com/video/QbL8nGJWk3U/v-deo.html
Check out the Behind the Scenes Shark Dronie: ua-cam.com/video/lRqdneJwE68/v-deo.html there are several Parts :)
ua-cam.com/video/cB36x30pj1Y/v-deo.html
Hi, would LOVE for you guys to color grade our community footage in a future series!!! Sort of a Peter Mckinnon Editing YOUR Photos! series. Please set this up!!!
sure we will do that! Use the Hashtag :)
I forgot I had asked that question, was very surprised to hear my name. I ended up getting a great deal on a setup with strobes and video lights from someone that decided they didn't like diving with a camera.
Thankyou for your answer anyway 😊
well perfect for you :) glad to hear!!! post the results once you have something to show :)
@@ReefPatrol it will be a while before having something proud enough to show, I'm a beginner diver.
I did have another question you may have answered already and I missed it.
Do you still use red filters with strobes or video lights?
@@dylanslater83 you can use redfilters with them yes, just to a proper white balance :) but you can leave the filter away, you defently dont need it for light and strobes, but it doesnt harm.
@@ReefPatrol okay thankyou, I'm using a sony rx100 4 at the moment and their reputation for white balance is definitely true so I guess it will do a lot more good than harm.
I’m definitely interested in a future workshop!
cool!!! :) thanks for the feedback!
I am a professional photographer/videographer on dry land. However, I would much rather be diving. How do I find paying underwater work?
Can u say ur thoughts about mirrorless vs camcorder for underwater filming?
Thanks for your videos. A couple of questions. Is a translucent cap a good way for a white balance? When using a white balance card, if better to use the 18% gray side for white balancing?
Thanks!
#BTMcolorgrademyfootage
Dear Vanessa, I have a late question: I have a canon 5D and a Nauticam. Do you know a external monitor that I can use? Thank you. My name is Bernardo Ribeiro an I’m from Lisbon.
#BTMunderwaterfilmingtips First of all - thank you a lot for all the tips & tricks around getting better shots and clips! Thats great work!
Iam really interested in the pan and tilt tripod head you are using in some of your clips.
Can you please tell me which brand it is? Or do you have any recommendations for a robust, small and compact not shaking tripod head which is not too heavy?
I know it sounds like I want everything in one piece.. but there must be better products out there.. but I dont find it.
At the moment Iam filming Macro with Panasonic GH4 + Olympus 60mm Macro + 10 Diopter in an Ikelite housing, using a DIY tripod that looks similar to your system.
I tried different "land" tripod heads, but of course its just a question of time until they are corroded.. than i tried the ULCS Video head and modified it in high because it was too shaky... but Iam still not happy with it. There are some other brands out there, but they are too high, or seem too fragile or are too heavy so I cant take it on a flight. Eg. Aquatica tripod head or INON.
I want to be as close to the bottom as possible... Iam also thinking about mounting the tripod vice versa on the top of the housing - do you have experience with that?
I even started designing my own video-head on a quadpod, but I dont have the time to continue... unfortunately!
So you see I spend a lot of time thinking about it :)
Can you please help me?
Thanks a lot!
Alex
Hello
I have 2 Led lights focus and they have Some blue and red Leds. Do you think is good idea use blue leds in the deep and red leds in blue waters? with white light togheter
Hello dear
Strobe underwater
Every time the picture becomes white
What I make wrong
Has anyone tried a variable red filter like the INON M67 Underwater Variable Red Filter or STC Aqua-Red Underwater Fader? These variable filters are expensive ($150-200) but the ability to adjust the red intensity at depth during a freediving session, with the turn of the filter, would be incredibly useful. I'm primarily interested in this setup for videography, using my A6000/A6500 with cheap housing (Salted line, 67mm thread) under 25 meters (80ft) and ambient light. I primarily use my setup in the surf right now, but I intend to start freediving again and eventually a nice trip in the future. Thank you.
look really interesting, but they of course will only work with flat ports. and manly you use flat port for more macro stuff and for that you usually use video lights, and there you dont really need redfilters. but if you use the flat port als a more allaround port with a zoom lens, perhaps it's a good thing. Not sure about the quality. we would need to test them out to say more.
@@ReefPatrol Thank you. I have been using the 16-50 kit (apc sensor) to start with, which is why the flat port didn't bother me. I thought the dome port was for wider lenses.