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Adding More Light
The color filter that I've used works best at shallower depth; <40 ft or so and for well-lit subjects, like coral reefs. For shooting into strong shadows (e.g. on a wall), enclosed areas
like caves, or caverns, or on deep dives, a filter will make no difference.
With a camera's little lens, the light loss from any of these situations can affect video quality. Removing the filter will
help, but you'll be back to the blue caste that's difficult to correct for, even with some of the better editing programs. If this is the case, it might be time
to upgrade to a lighting system.
As with all underwater gear, adding lights comes with pros and cons. Here's my take so far:
First, the pluses:
1. External lighting will add brilliant colors to your dive; both visually and in your images and videos.
2. Regardless of depth; the light will compensate for any color changes (within the light's range, of course).
3. A good underwater light may replace an add-on flash/ strobe for a still camera too.
Now the minuses:
1. The gear can be expensive; approaching - or even exceeding - the cost of the camera and underwater case.
2. While smaller than a full video camera set up, the lights and brackets are still bulky, meaning more stuff to carry, both on the surface and underwater.
3. There are another set of (different!) batteries to buy and charge
Choosing the gear
There are several manufacturers, and it's probably best to start with the one recommended for your particular camera. Also, some come with the adapter brackets, but others (e.g. my Sony) require
a separate investment in the bracket, too.
Sony's underwater light & attachment bracket
Sony, Sea and Sea and Fisheye make underwater video lights, using powerful halogen bulbs to get decent video up to 7 feet or so away from the subject. The Fisheye
has adjustable intensity. I got the Sony (as I have a Sony camera) and will get more experience with it on my next dive trips. I'll keep you posted with updates.
Happy shooting and feel free to email me with questions.
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