Suggestions for using a GoPro 2 w/ Dive Housing on a snorkeling trip...

[off-roader]

I'll be going on a trip to Alaska where I'll have an opportunity to do some snorkeling! That said, I want to be sure to document the event and began my search for a way to get relatively good shots without spending too much money since I don't have a need to shoot underwater very often.

I looked at everything from buying an underwater point and shoot to buying or renting a housing for one of my cameras (Nikon D300 dslr, Sony NEX-5N, Canon SX230 P&S) and just using one of my GoPros.

In the end I decided that for the money, simply buying the GoPro underwater housing (one with the flat optics) would be the best option. But having said that, I haven't shot underwater before and am looking for suggestions on the best way forward on that?

I'll be snorkeling not diving so I won't be much deeper than 10-15'. I read that up to 10' doesn't require a red filter and frankly I don't mind shooting using natural light but am not sure what else I should know.

Any feedback from experienced underwater shooters on technique or additional gear is greatly appreciated.

TIA!!

 

[Honu]

taught diving for 15 years all of which I had a camera in hand also did a lot of video

thing is snorkeling is limited for angles meaning you are going to be shooting down a lot
really at the surface enough light will get to your subject I would not worry to much about it just have fun document what you see but having a small light along to help the video out and see into cracks and stuff might be nice

really best thing I would say head over here
http://wetpixel.com/forums/
see what you can dig up on the cheap ? never looked into that stuff much but sure there are some cheap enough setups for a light and go pro together so you dont have to much gear but one unit ! you can point and video what you see rather than two independent things considering how small go pros are and correct on the flat port

things to note is when you get a lot of scatter or particles in the water that pick up what your camera sees ? having the light a bit further away from the camera is better ? but again simple is best I think in your case

post up what you discover and when you get back


never dove alaska but dove a lot all through the Puget Sound area but still kinda a warm water guy

 

[DJGoo]

The thing about GoPro is that they (excluding the Hero3) aren't the happiest when it comes to darker lighting situations. It will pick up a lot of dim light as long as the brightest thing in frame isn't front and center, and it DOES get a bit gritty at dark. You're best bet to anticipate what you'll see is to do a Youtube search for videos similar to what you'll be taking (I have videos taken at night but they aren't underwater). All in all you should be very pleased with the outcome. I always have with my Hero2.

 

[off-roader]

Thanks guys. I'll check it out on Google and Youtube to see what others are doing. I've already found that I may want to make a simple camera support from PVC tubing for the trip which can hold both the Camera and a couple of snorkel capable flashlights.