Before the invention of this little camera it used to be really difficult and expensive to capture amazing underwater moments for casual scuba divers or snorkelers.
But since GoPro came out, underwater photography and videography has become accessible to every scuba diver and snorkeler, not only because of its waterproof capabilities (HERO 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 go down to 10m / 33ft without a housing) but also because this camera is affordable, easy to use and rich of accessories.
This will help anyone capture incredible underwater memories and share them online.
A frame shot with GoPro HERO 6 by Andrea Magri in the clear waters of Indonesia while snorkeling
All of this makes GoPro the perfect camera for filming your underwater experiences. In fact, I’m so glad that I took my HERO 6 to my first dive in Bali, where I completed a PADI diving course. On the last day the instructor took us to a Japanese wreck. And that was one of the best experiences of my life so far! After that my friends and I couldn’t stop watching my underwater videos…
And thankfully my diving instructor was also an underwater photographer and a long term GoPro user! So I learned a ton of tips and tricks which I’m going to share with you today, along with some useful GoPro accessories that will help you capture awesome underwater photos and videos.
First up, what’s the best GoPro for underwater use?
This is a recurrent question that I get from those who are thinking of buying a GoPro for their underwater adventures.
While you don’t need the latest GoPro HERO model to capture some great content underwater, I suggest to get at least a HERO 5 or above since they have a waterproof body (unlike HERO 2, 3, 4) and they are also updated with other features like Electronic Stabilization (EIS), Super Slow Motion, etc. which may turn out useful in wild environments like underwater.
So here’s a table that compares different GoPro HERO models against GoPro features relevant to underwater use:
| GoPro Model | Waterproof | Stabilization / Slow Motion | Image Quality Underwater | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HERO 8 | 10 m/33 ft | Hypersmooth 2.0 / 240fps | Great | Check Price >> |
| HERO 7 (B/S/W) | 10 m/33 ft | Hypersmooth / 240fps | Great | Check Price >> |
| HERO 6 (Black) | 10 m/33 ft | EIS / 240fps | Great | Check Price |
| HERO 5 (Black/Session) | 10 m/33 ft | EIS / 120fps | Good | Check Price |
| HERO 4 (Black/Silver) | Needs housing | No EIS / 120fps | OK | Check Price |
| HERO 3, 3+ (All) | Needs housing | No EIS / 60fps | Acceptable | Check Price |
So which GoPro should you buy?
Well, if budget is not an issue then definitely opt for GoPro HERO 8. Its amazing Hypersmooth 2.0 will eliminate any sudden movement that you may make underwater due to strong currents or waves.
If you are on a budget then I would opt for a HERO7 Black, which in my opinion, it’s the best deal in terms of image quality/price. Otherwise you can always find previous GoPro models on Amazon, like HERO 5 Black and HERO6 Black, but either second hand or renewed.
What gear do you need to use your GoPro underwater?
When it comes to GoPro underwater photography or videography gear is almost essential. Over the years many third party companies hugely contributed in the development of GoPro underwater accessories, making variations of filters, deep water housings, handles, etc. available to GoPro users.
Suggested GoPro Accessories for Snorkeling:
- Waterproof housing (only for HERO 4 and below)
Assuming that snorkeling is done at a maximum depth of 10 m/33 ft and you use a GoPro HERO 5 or above, you don’t need any extra waterproof housing since the GoPro has a waterproof body. For HERO 4 and older you must get a waterproof housing for your camera.
Here are the best top 3 GoPro waterproof housings on available for GoPro 4 and below:
Table could not be displayed.
- Floating Stick/Pole/Grip (Very useful! Prevents from sinking)
The floating grip is the most useful accessory to take with your GoPro when filming underwater. It will prevent the camera to sink in case you loose it. And trust me, it happens! The GoPro stick also allows a better overall control of the camera underwater. These are the 3 top rated GoPro grips available on Amazon:
- Dome Port Housing
If you want to create cool split photos of above and below the water line then a Dome Port Lens is what you need. Here are a few for GoPro:
Suggested GoPro Accessories for Scuba Diving:
- Waterproof Housing
All GoPro camera models require a waterproof housing for scuba diving. Try to avoid cheap solutions. A good housing will protect your camera from any damage and water leak. Here are a few listed for you:
- Red Filter Diving Lens
Red or Magenta filters are used for underwater video to bring back the reds into the picture, which are lost as you dive deeper. Red filters provide more contrast and color in deep water, while magenta filters are used for green water.
So the kind of filter is well dependant from depth. That’s why I recommend to use a multi filter pack, so that divers can easily change filters as they change depth. Here are a few diving filters:
- Diving Camera Rig
For more stable footage and better control I suggest trying one of these GoPro camera rigs:
- Waterproof LED Lights
Video lights are well recommended if you dive in dark spots or at night time, but also in deep waters where the wavelengths of sun light are lost and absorbed in the depths of the water. Depending on the power of the light (lumen), diving lights can light up a distance of about 3-6 feet away, bringing back those colors that were lost without an external light.
Here are a few LED underwater models for GoPro:
- Large micro SD
Don’t underestimate your GoPro memory card space! You don’t wanna end up preparing all your diving gear, going for a dive, and then discovering that your SD card is full ?
Since we can’t (still) change sd cards underwater, ensure that you stock your GoPro with an empty and large SD card before any activity. Here are a few sd card models that work well with GoPro cameras:
- Batteries
Since we can’t swap batteries while scuba diving, it’s a good practice to remember to fully charge the battery before any dive since it won’t last much longer than a session.
Also having multiple charged batteries available on the surface will help you enjoy the dive and be free of worries between each dive.
Pro Tip: Before going for a dive ensure that both bluetooth and WiFi are disabled. This will help you save battery. Check this tutorial for tips on how to extend battery life.
Here are a few batteries suggested for GoPro in case you need an extra back-up:
How to shoot underwater with your GoPro
A frame shot with GoPro HERO 6 by Andrea Magri in the clear waters of Indonesia while snorkeling
Here’s a check list of the main steps for shooting underwater:
1. Preparing the Gear
Ensure that you have at least some basic accessories that will protect your GoPro in underwater environments. Double check your GoPro model in the table above and see if you need a waterproof case or not. Remember the floating grip, it’ll prevent the camera from sinking.
2. Charging Batteries
Don’t risk that your battery goes dead during the best experience of your life. So I’d ensure that the battery is fully charged before any dive. Usually a full charge won’t last much longer than a diving session.
3. Emptying SD Card
Same as for batteries…check that your SD card is empty or there’s enough space before any diving session.
4. Adjusting the Camera Settings (before diving!)
Check the full recommended camera settings for underwater (below). And remember that if you are going to shoot videos in dark places, avoid the use of electronic stabilization or hypersmooth, and reduce the frame rate to 30fps to allow the camera to capture more light in the dark.
5. Filming
We finally get to the best part: filming underwater. I’ve listed a few tips here below that will help you achieve better videos underwater. “Make it good use” 🙂
- Keep Camera Steady: Use a hand grip or camera rig to avoid vibrations and shaky video, especially if you switched the Stabilization off (in low light).
- Keep the sun behind you: to get a high contrast image, full of colors, avoid filming against the sun.
- Use lights if dark: Small underwater LED lights are perfect to brighten up an underwater scene.
- Record long sequences: Avoid too many takes (new recordings) and focus on the dive first, while enjoying filming.
A frame shot with GoPro HERO 6 by a diving instructor in Tulamben, Bali – Indonesia.
Video: Recommended GoPro Settings for Underwater
- FOV : Wide
- Frame Rate: 30fps / 60fps
- Resolution : 4k / 1080p
- ISO: Protune-> ISO min. 100 / ISO max. 400
- Sharpness: Medium
- Color: “Flat” if you intend to color grade, otherwise “GoPro”
- White Balance: Auto
- Stabilization: ON if well lid / OFF if dark
- Turn Screensaver and Auto Off to Never
Photo: Recommended GoPro Settings for Underwater
- Photo: RAW
- FOV: Wide
- Color: “Flat” if you intend to color grade, otherwise “GoPro”
- ISO: Protune-> ISO min. 100 / ISO max. 800)
- Sharpness: Medium
How to Edit Underwater GoPro Videos
Editing underwater videos is not much different from editing other kind of action videos in terms of software and skills. The only thing you should bear in mind is that usually scuba diving videos are loooong.
If you are only looking to create a video to show to your family and friends, try to keep it short: 3-4 minutes should be enough.
Your unedited files will probably be huge if you filmed long diving sequences, so try to include only the best part and cut out the rest.
Mobile Editing: If you want to quickly make a video out of your experience, without fancy filters, and effects, then you can achieve basic edits with these free Apps:
- Quik (GoPro)
- Splice
- Adobe Premiere Clip
- iMovie (iOS)
Editing GoPro Videos on PC/Mac: If you are looking to make higher quality GoPro edits, then you need a professional video editor like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X (Mac). These editors are not difficult to learn, especially Final Cut Pro if you have a Mac.
Editing your GoPro videos on a proper computer gives you freedom. The editing quality will be higher as you are not limited to simple cuts and trims (like on mobile) and you can also use video effects like the GoPro LUTs filters and the Pro Editing Bundle to make your video editing more cinematic.
If you want to learn more how to edit a video please check this editing tutorial >>
Try our Cinematic Color Filters (LUTs) – Underwater Pack
We have released a fresh brand new Color Grading LUT pack optimized for GoPro and Drone.
Check it out here: GoPro Underwater LUT filters >>
This pack includes 100 LUTs in various formats (3D, .CUBE, .look, .XML) to cover most video and photo editing programs. Once installed, you can easily apply (and customize!) these color presets with a single click in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Sony Vegas, Filmora Wondershare and more!…
Check it out here: GoPro Underwater LUT filters >>
FAQ’s
- How long can a GoPro be underwater?
There’s no timing limits for a GoPro to remain underwater. As long as the battery lasts you can keep your GoPro underwater.
- Is GoPro 6/7/8 waterproof without lens cover/case?
Yes. GoPro HERO 5/6/7/8 have a waterproof body up to 10 m/33 ft. Below that depth it needs a scuba diving housing.
- How deep can a GoPro go underwater?
A GoPro can go as deep as the body or its housing can support. GoPro HERO 5/6/7/8 support 10 m/33 ft without housing. Most GoPro diving housings support 60 m/197 ft.
Related Articles:
- GoPro Settings Explained: Definitive Guide [ Expanded for 2021 + Cheat sheet ]
- GoPro Protune: Everything You Need to Know to Master Your Advanced Settings
- GoPro Time Lapse: Creating Stunning Time Lapse Shots
- GoPro Low Light Tips: Learn How to Improve Your Low Light Footage
- GoPro Editing: Step by Step Beginner Guide + Best Free Editing Software
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