Underwater Housings for Video/ Fliming

For filmmakers and videographers, capturing the wonders of the underwater world is an exhilarating challenge. Whether you’re documenting marine life, shooting underwater scenes for a movie, or simply capturing the beauty of a coral reef, having the right equipment is crucial. One essential tool in your arsenal is underwater housing for your camera.

What is Underwater Housing?

Underwater housing is a protective casing designed to safeguard your camera from water damage while allowing you to operate it underwater. These housings are typically made from durable materials such as polycarbonate or aluminum and are sealed tightly to prevent water from entering.

Key Features to Look For:

1. Waterproofing: The primary function of underwater housing is to keep your camera dry underwater. Look for housings with excellent waterproofing capabilities, rated for depths that match your diving needs.
2. Compatibility: Ensure that the housing is compatible with your camera model. Most manufacturers offer housings tailored to specific camera models to ensure a perfect fit.
3. Controls and Access: A good housing should provide easy access to all essential camera controls, allowing you to adjust settings such as focus, aperture, and shutter speed effortlessly underwater.
4. Buoyancy: Some housings come with buoyancy control, allowing you to adjust the housing’s weight underwater to achieve neutral buoyancy. This feature is particularly useful for stabilizing your shots and reducing strain during long dives.
5. Port System: The port is the transparent cover that protects your camera lens while maintaining optical clarity. Look for housings with interchangeable port systems to accommodate different lenses and achieve optimal image quality underwater.
6. Durability: Underwater environments can be harsh, so durability is paramount. Choose a housing constructed from rugged materials that can withstand the pressures and elements of underwater shooting.
7. Additional Features: Some housings come with added features like ergonomic grips, moisture alarms, and external lighting mounts, enhancing usability and versatility underwater.

Benefits of Using Underwater Housing:

1. Protection: The primary benefit of underwater housing is its ability to protect your valuable camera equipment from water damage, allowing you to shoot confidently in aquatic environments.
2. Optimal Image Quality: By using specialized ports and maintaining a waterproof seal, underwater housing ensures that your camera captures clear, distortion-free images underwater, preserving the integrity of your footage.
3. Creative Freedom: With the right housing, you can explore creative angles and perspectives underwater, capturing unique shots that would be impossible to achieve with conventional waterproof cameras.
4. Professional Results: For filmmakers and videographers, underwater housing provides the means to achieve professional-grade footage with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, maintaining high-quality standards even in challenging conditions.

Tips for Using Underwater Housing:

1. Practice on Land: Familiarize yourself with the housing’s controls and functionality on land before taking it underwater. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident while shooting in the water.
2. Maintain Seals: Regularly inspect and clean the housing’s seals to ensure a watertight fit. Lubricate O-rings as needed and replace them if they show signs of wear to prevent leaks.
3. Test Buoyancy: Experiment with different buoyancy settings to achieve neutral buoyancy underwater. This will help you stabilize your shots and conserve energy during dives.
4. Use Proper Lighting: Underwater environments can be dark and murky, so invest in quality underwater lighting to illuminate your subjects and enhance the clarity of your footage.
5. Stay Safe: Always dive within your skill level and follow proper diving protocols to ensure your safety and the safety of your equipment.