Our complete guide to the film underwater

The GoPro cameras, configured in many ways to capture ephemeral moments under water, have become incredibly popular in divers in recent years. The cameras on pole, poles selfie, fixing for homes, handles, domes, diving arm, masks supports, fixing of the Harpon rifle and all types of accessories allow divers to capture what they see underwater and share their videos on the Internet.

Now let’s see the basic functions of the Gopro hero cameras and how to film magnificent submarine videos.

Note: I saw this article for Black Hero5 but it is always valid for all models of model 3 and superior.

How to start turning underwater?

Prepare the camera

You can practically film with your GoPro immediately out of its box. The first thing to do is loading the battery. To do this, enter it in the camera and connect it to a USB socket thanks to the cable supplied. You can also buy a Double Gopro 5 charger (The Gopro Hero 3/4 here: Double Gopro Hero 3/4 Charger).

An observation on batteries: if you make underwater diving and you like to film many videos, wait to change battery between each immersion. If you immerse yourself for example three times a day, it would certainly be good to invest in three batteries (and a double charger to quickly load several batteries at a time).

The camera is completely loaded when the red load button is turned off. Introduce the camera in his case, paying close attention to the fact that there are no hair, plush, powder, sand or other debris on the white seal in the back of the case or on the notch in which it is positioned on the case. If this joint is dirty, the case will take water and drown the camera! If you have a Hero5, which is already waterproof up to 10 m, you will have to turn (left) and remove the goal Avant To put the camera in the super follows.

Start shooting videos underwater

Turn on the camera by pressing the side button for two seconds, then release it (or the one on the front of the camera for Hero4 and Hero3/3+) and start the registration by pressing the button at the top. To stop the video, press the same button. Small red led lights will flash in the front and rear part of the case when turning.

For the shot, it is not complicated, you just have to orient the camera in the right direction. If you have an integrated LCD screen (Hero5 Black, Hero4 Silver) or a BacPac Touch Gopro LCD screen, you can see the scene on the screen. Of course, the composition is largely facilitated, especially when they fil you smaller subjects. Please note that the more you use the screen, the more the battery is downloaded. By default, the GoPro screen goes out after a minute, whether you are turning or not. If you bother you (no longer be able to use the screen when you save a video), you can adjust the times in the camera settings.

Which video resolution to use?

By default, Gopro Hero5 is set to a resolution of 1080p, for 60 fps and a large visual field. If it is the first time you use the camera, you should know that it is an excellent HD / image resolution ratio per second and that you can film in peace. More experienced users can play with video settings. They can choose 30 fps to harmonize with other video recordings or even faster images per second to slow down videos to the modification and then get clearer inactive scenes. They will also be able to try higher resolutions (for example 4K), which allow you to show the video for this resolution or enlarge/cut the registration.

What you need to remember is that the more your resolution and your number of images per second are high, the more constraints for your computer during assembly. Make sure not to record the entire 4K trip to realize that your laptop is not powerful enough to support this format.

When to use my red or Magenta filters?

The filters are used in underwater videos to bring red light to the image, which offers more color and contrast. The red filters bring the red color into blue water, while the magenta filters correspond to green waters.

When to use a video light and how to solve it?

Video light can also be used to provide more color and contrast with underwater recordings. These lights (some are very powerful) can only light up to a few meters. It is therefore better to use them on a great subject near the camera (a coral reef, a bench of drinks, a shark, a coral, etc.).

To mount a video light, you must first buy a tray base and manage your case. The light is fixed directly to the end of the handle or with the extension of the arm and tightening calipers.

You can also use the lamp to counter the shadow areas when you take motion photos, as in the photo of the lion underlying.

See other fixing devices by Gopro Sottomarini.

How to create a time-laps For a diving video?

I often hear people ask how to make a video time-laps with their GoPro. If this software update will probably not be much time to appear, it is not yet possible today. It is very easy to take images for a time-laps With your GoPro but you need to create it during assembly.

The most common way to do so is to record a series of images with the intervals meter (on Hero5, this is the fourth mode with a symbol that represents a camera and a watch). Your Gopro Hero5 has several parameters of intervals accessible from the Settings menu and everyone will be useful for several Purfaces of time Depending on the intensity of the action. For example, you can use a 0.5 second interval to make a time frame Fill a suitcase and a interval of 5 or 10 seconds for a sunset with moving clouds.

During the assembly, it is possible to import this series of photos to make it a video, a possible simplified activity in the Gopro Studio software.

Small advice for filming

• If you don’t use a tray with handles, make sure your phalanx does not appear in the image! Yes, I speak from experience.
• Everyone loves macro, but your Hero5 GoPro will produce a clear image only if it is at a minimum distance of 30 cm from the subject. To approach, take a look at the Polar Macro Red Pro filter.
• Try to keep the camera as immobile as possible. A lively movement, tremors or vibrations in your video will give sea pain even the strongest sailors. If you make a panoramic, make sure your movement is slow and fluid.

Do you want other suggestions? Read our 3 tips to make videos of the Gopro submarines.

At that time?

All photographers and videographers develop their style over time. This is the reason why underwater make the best underwater photos during the use of various accessories. Bluewater’s photo has created a list of these GoPro accessories to make underwater videos to help you improve.

Above all, be careful by immersing and having fun!

Conclusion

In conclusion, GoPro cameras have completely transformed the way divers record and share their underwater journeys. What once required bulky equipment and specialized training can now be achieved with a compact, durable, and highly adaptable device that fits in the palm of your hand. The ability to attach a GoPro to a wide variety of accessories—whether on a selfie pole, dome port, diving arm, or even a mask mount—means that divers are no longer limited in the way they capture their experiences. Every angle, every detail, and every magical moment beneath the waves can be preserved with clarity and shared instantly with a global audience.

The growing popularity of these cameras among divers is not simply due to convenience but also to the quality of the results. GoPro’s stabilization features, high-resolution video, and waterproof design allow for professional-level content creation without requiring professional-level gear. This accessibility empowers both beginners and experienced divers to tell their stories through striking visuals, whether it’s the vibrant colors of coral reefs, the graceful movement of marine life, or the thrill of an adventurous dive.

Moreover, GoPro cameras serve a deeper purpose beyond entertainment. They help foster a connection between people and the ocean by making underwater beauty visible to those who may never experience it firsthand. By sharing videos online, divers can raise awareness about marine conservation, inspire curiosity about aquatic ecosystems, and encourage respect for the fragile environments that exist below the surface.

Ultimately, GoPro has redefined underwater storytelling. It is not just about filming; it is about experiencing, remembering, and sharing the wonder of the deep sea. With the right setup and a little creativity, anyone can turn their dives into captivating stories that both preserve personal memories and contribute to a broader appreciation of our planet’s oceans.