Underwater recording

Recording underwater is different from recording on land because it is affected by the clarity and depth of the water and the light conditions. The following are hints for good recording underwater.

Color characteristic underwater

Water absorbs light, especially red light, so that objects in deep water or in the distance are seen as bluish. The color of objects is affected by the clarity of the water.

To record the subject with nearly actual color, use the color filter.

Color filter

Best time for recording

The best recording time is about from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. When the sun is its highest, optimum results can be obtained.

Subject size underwater

Since the refractive index underwater is higher than that in air, an object appears 1/4 more closer, and therefore larger. This phenomenon affects the lens on the video camera recorder as well as the human eye. Using a wide-conversion lens (not supplied) is recommended.

Camera work on slow and stable motion

When recording, keep your body stable.

An unstable shot will be magnified on the TV screen. Move the video camera recorder as slowly as possible. As most of the object underwater move, you can record a good programme without moving the video camera recorder.

Underwater video light

In deep water or under rocks where direct sunlight does not reach, recording with an underwater video light is recommended.

To record at night, use a powerful underwater video light.

Underwater video light

HVL-ML20(not supplied)

Attachable to the left and right shoes

20-EN