Quick Considerations for Choosing Gear [beginner]
Published 07/06/2024 #howtoChoosing the right gear for underwater photography can be overwhelming, especially with the vast range of equipment available. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “gear accumulation syndrome,” where you believe that more equipment will automatically result in better photos. However, understanding the essentials and making informed choices can simplify the process and help you capture beautiful underwater images without unnecessary gear.
If after reading this article you are still at a loss regarding what to get for yourself, don't worry! We are here to help you navigate the complexity and challenges of underwater photography.
Cameras and Lenses: « Start simple, upgrade later »
In absolute, DSLRs and mirrorless (full frame to μ4:3) camera bodies offer superior quality and resolution, allowing you to print your photos on the side of a massive gothic church.
You can also start with a good compact camera. These are less intimidating for beginners and still capable of producing excellent images. Many pictures we publish on our website are shot with one.
Smartphone or action camera are very small, all-in-one, and easy to carry but do not always offer the control you need to compose and later edit your pictures and films... especially after being sealed in a housing.
Similarly, instead of purchasing multiple lenses, you can start with a versatile wide-angle lens or a macro lens, depending on your interests. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing expansive scenes and large marine life, while macro lenses excel at photographing small subjects and intricate details. Did it ever occur to you that, unlike on land (which divers call "topside"), you cannot change lens when underwater?
Underwater Housings
Underwater housing: the protective case that seals your camera, keeping it dry and safe from harm while diving. It's essential for underwater photography because it allows you to use your camera at depths where it would otherwise be ruined by water (like a submarine). However, using underwater housing adds bulk and complexity, which can make it harder to manoeuvre and control your buoyancy, potentially leading to more challenging diving conditions and increased risk of damaging your equipment or disturbing marine life.
The most important aspect of an underwater camera setup is the housing and how it fits neatly around your camera. Ensure that the housing you choose is designed for your specific camera model and allows full access to all controls.
Look for housings made from robust materials capable of withstanding the pressure at depth (depth rating). Typically, modern housing are made of polycarbonate or aluminium (or other metal/alloy). Even if you don’t plan to dive deep, a higher depth rating generally means better durability over the years. In our experience, underwater camera housings can cost from 1x to 3x the cost of the camera. Indeed, more advanced cameras have more features and buttons. The more buttons have to be drilled in the case, the more the possible failure points. This requires manufacturers to further R&D and testing and leads to higher prices.
Polycarbonate: lightweight, may degrade over time, $-$$
Aluminium: heavier, more durable and usually higher depth rating, $$$
Smartphone housings are the new trend for their affordability and compacity. But they come with their set of sacrifices. To name just a few common downsides:
forced to use the housing maker's photo app,
an additional risk to your primary communication device if you need to call emergencies after a diving accident,
Lighting
Strobes (flash) or underwater continuous lighting (videolight or torchlight) are crucial for bringing out the true colours and details in your photos. While dual light sources can provide better lighting coverage, they also add complexity and failure points and increase your task load underwater.
If you are not yet comfortable diving with large sensitive equipment, you can start with one light before considering additional strobes... or no light at all! An entire branch of underwater photography is done in natural lighting, under the sun.
Strobes (flash) deliver a powerful burst of light upon trigger
Videolights continuously shower the scene with constant light
Accessories
The world of underwater photography offers endless customization options. Here is a quick overview of other accessories out there for your consideration. There's enough to make your head spin!
Arms
Clamps
Trays
Floaters
Lens ports
Converters
Scuba Equipment
Your scuba gear should be comfortable and well-fitted to avoid any distractions while photographing. An ill-fitting mask with narrow vision, or an uncomfortable wetsuit can ruin a dive and impact your ability to take good photos. Try before you buy.
Also remember your Open Water course and keep your scuba setup streamlined to reduce drag and make it easier to manoeuvre underwater. Avoid attaching unnecessary gear that can snag or cause entanglement.
Travel Considerations
As you can imagine, all we have discussed above will lead to increased weight and bulk that you will need to lug around on your trips. Based on your research and pre-dive planning, try to pack smart and travel only with the necessary equipment. Hard shell Pelican cases are tough and rugged but may not be enough to protect sensitive photography equipment against unfortunate mishandling of your luggage (loss, damage). Check airline restrictions and local regulations regarding diving and photography equipment to save you from bad surprises.
More Gear Doesn't Mean Better Photos
Focus on Skills: good photography is more about skill than gear. Focus on improving your technique, understanding lighting, and mastering composition before accumulating more equipment.
Quality Over Quantity: high-quality, well-chosen gear that you are comfortable using will always outperform a setup full of equipment hooked to your BCD like a Christmas tree. Invest in a few good pieces of equipment and learn to use them well.
Simplicity is Key: a simple setup allows you to focus more on your subjects.
Complexity in Handling: managing more gear can be overwhelming, especially for beginners, and may result in missed shots or even damage to your equipment if something goes wrong.
Increased Drag and Buoyancy Issues: for each piece of gear you attach to your underwater camera rig, more drag is created. This makes it harder to swim and manoeuvre, causing you to use more energy and air. Additionally, more equipment can affect your buoyancy, making it difficult to maintain a stable position for shooting.
Risk of Entanglement: excessive gear increases the risk of entanglement with marine life, corals, and underwater structures. This not only poses a safety hazard but also risks damaging the delicate underwater environment you’re there to photograph.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: More gear requires more maintenance and increases the chances of something going wrong. Keeping your setup simple minimizes potential issues and allows you to focus more on your photography.
We believe that choosing the right gear for underwater photography doesn’t have to be a complex or expensive endeavour. By focusing on essential items and understanding their functions, you can avoid the pitfalls of gear accumulation syndrome. Remember, the key to great underwater photography lies in your skills and creativity, not the amount of gear you own. With Bubbles & Lenses, develop your photography and diving skills with confidence and enjoy capturing the beauty of the underwater world.