How to shoot cinematic underwater videos with your camera (Gopro, DJI Action)?

Compact action cameras are a great tool to capture your underwater adventures. But how do you make your video look not just like an amateur recording, but like a real cinematic film?

In this article, we will share several tips that will help you capture breathtaking underwater videos with your own action compact a camera assisted by an underwater photographer and videographer, PADI instructor Valters Preimanis, the former Photo Academy lecturer who has completed Professional photo school and Film directing studies.

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1. Film in flat profile (DLOG)

Most compact cameras have a "flat profile" available, which allows you to shoot video with less contrast, saturation, and hue. This gives you more flexibility in color correction and a wider dynamic range.

This image shows a green dominance, white balance and color correction is required, this can be corrected by starting the shot, shooting the "Grey Card" and "ColorPicker" by doing color post-processing in the video program.

2. Use the slow motion effect

Film at the highest possible frame rate (50 or 60 fps) and then slow down the video during the editing process. Slow motion will make your video more fluid and distinctly cinematic.

3. Change the field of view

Compact cameras usually have a very wide field of view, which creates a "fish-eye" effect. For a more cinematic look, change the field of view to medium or narrow.

4. Turn on stabilization

Modern cameras have built-in digital image stabilization to help you get smooth shots. Don't forget to turn it on!

5. Use red or magenta filters

If you are filming deeper than 3 meters, use a red filter to restore the colors lost due to water. Note that the red filter reduces the amount of light, so it is not recommended for shooting at great depth or in low light. Use magenda filters for green water!

6. Add wide-angle bars for a cinematic effect

Add widescreen bars (widescreen bars) to the video during the editing process to simulate the format of motion pictures.

7. Perform color correction

Color correction is essential to making your videos look professional. Adjust white balance, contrast, saturation and other color settings.

8. Add music and sound effects

Choose appropriate music and add natural sound effects to create atmosphere and make the video more realistic.

What is scuba diving?
What is scuba diving and filming?

Invitation

Visit the daivings.lv store for a wide range of action cameras and accessories, including the Divevolk Mobile Phone Underwater Frame, which will allow you to capture impressive underwater videos with your smartphone! Our experts will help you choose the right equipment and give you tips on underwater filming.

We look forward to seeing you at the daivings.lv store, here!

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