Illuminating the Depths: GoPro Underwater Lighting Tips

GoPro cameras are renowned for capturing stunning visuals above water, but when it comes to shooting underwater, they struggle to reproduce the same vibrant colors and clarity. However, there’s a solution that can transform your underwater footage and bring out the true beauty of the aquatic world – underwater lighting.

Underwater video lights are essential companions for your GoPro, as they compensate for the camera’s limited dynamic range and white balance range. By introducing artificial light, you can enhance visibility and ensure that your footage is rich in detail, vibrant colors, and stunning clarity.

When choosing an underwater video light for your GoPro, the most crucial factor to consider is lumens. Lumens determine the light’s brightness and coverage. A basic light should have 1000-2000 lumens, a medium range light should have 3000-5000 lumens, and a high-end light should have 8000-12000 lumens. Remember, the more lumens, the better the visibility and coverage.

Another essential consideration is the beam angle. Wide beam lights are recommended for the GoPro’s wide-angle lens, as they provide broader coverage. Additionally, looking for lights with different modes, such as flood, spot, UV, and blue light, will enhance the versatility of your underwater shots.

With the right underwater lighting setup, you can illuminate the depths, capturing breathtaking footage that showcases the stunning underwater world in all its glory. So, equip your GoPro with the right underwater video light and unlock the full potential of your underwater videography.

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Choosing the Right Mounting System for GoPro Underwater Lighting

When it comes to illuminating the depths and capturing stunning underwater footage with your GoPro, choosing the right mounting system for your underwater lighting is essential. The mounting system plays a crucial role in positioning the lights properly and minimizing backscatter, ensuring optimal lighting conditions for your shots.

There are several options available for mounting lights to your GoPro underwater, each with its own advantages and considerations. Let’s explore these options in detail:

1. Direct Mounting with Ball Mount and Clamp System

The ball mount and clamp system offers a quick and easy method for mounting your GoPro directly to the light. This setup allows for easy adjustments and positioning of the light. However, it’s important to be cautious about the proximity of the light to the camera lens, as it can result in backscatter, hindering the clarity of your footage.

2. Adding an Additional Arm Segment and Clamp

An alternative approach is to create distance between the light and the GoPro by adding an additional arm segment and clamp. This method reduces the risk of backscatter and provides better control over the positioning of the light. By extending the arm, you can achieve a more favorable angle and distance between the light source and the camera lens.

3. Tray and Arm Set for Stability and Flexibility

The preferred method for mounting underwater lights to your GoPro is by using a tray and arm set. This setup provides enhanced stability and flexibility, allowing for precise positioning of the lights. A tray and arm set can significantly reduce vibrations and movement, resulting in clearer and smoother footage.

There are various tray systems available in the market, each offering different levels of compactness and adjustability. Some popular options include:

Tray System	Description
Single Flex Arm Tray	A single flex arm tray provides a compact and lightweight solution, allowing for easy maneuverability.
Dual Flex Arm Tray	A dual flex arm tray offers increased flexibility by providing two arms for mounting lights, allowing for versatile positioning options.
Dual Ball and Joint Tray	A dual ball and joint tray provides excellent adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the position of your lights for optimal lighting conditions.

By selecting the appropriate tray system for your needs, you can create a stable and adaptable platform for your GoPro underwater lighting setup, ensuring optimal performance and results.

Recommended Underwater Video Lights for GoPro

When it comes to choosing the best underwater video lights for your GoPro, there are several options available. These lights offer powerful illumination and are specifically designed to enhance the quality of your underwater footage. Here are some recommended underwater video lights for your GoPro:

1. Big Blue VL4200PB

The Big Blue VL4200PB is a popular choice among underwater videographers. It offers over 4000 lumens of power, ensuring bright and well-lit footage. With an affordable price tag, this light provides excellent value for money. The Big Blue VL4200PB is a reliable option that delivers stunning results.

2. Light and Motion Sola 2500 Flood

The Light and Motion Sola 2500 Flood is another excellent choice for GoPro users. With a beam angle of 60 degrees, it provides a wide coverage area, ensuring uniform lighting. The Sola 2500 Flood is known for its durability and reliability, making it a favorite among underwater videographers.

3. Big Blue Black Molly VB

If you’re looking for a light with a high lumens-to-dollar ratio, the Big Blue Black Molly VB is the perfect option. This value light delivers impressive brightness and performance, all at an affordable price. It’s a great choice for those who want quality lighting without breaking the bank.

4. Big Blue CB7200P

The Big Blue CB7200P is specifically designed to provide the best quality of light for underwater videography. It features a high CRI LED, which ensures accurate color reproduction and vibrant visuals. With its advanced technology and superior lighting performance, the CB7200P is a top choice for GoPro users.

5. Kraken Solar Flare Mini 15,000 and Light and Motion SOLA Video Pro 15,000 FC

For those seeking maximum power, the Kraken Solar Flare Mini 15,000 and Light and Motion SOLA Video Pro 15,000 FC are highly recommended. These lights offer beam angles of 120 and 110 degrees respectively, providing wide and even illumination. With their exceptional power output, these lights are perfect for capturing stunning underwater scenes.

These recommended underwater video lights for GoPro are specifically designed to enhance your underwater footage by providing optimal lighting conditions. Each light offers its unique set of features and advantages, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your specific needs and budget.

Underwater Video Light	Lumens	Beam Angle
Big Blue VL4200PB	Over 4000	–
Light and Motion Sola 2500 Flood	–	60 degrees
Big Blue Black Molly VB	–	–
Big Blue CB7200P	–	–
Kraken Solar Flare Mini 15,000	15000	120 degrees
Light and Motion SOLA Video Pro 15,000 FC	15000	110 degrees

Conclusion

Illuminating the depths and capturing stunning visuals with your GoPro underwater requires the right lighting setup. By choosing the right underwater video light with sufficient lumens and the appropriate beam angle, you can enhance the colors and clarity in your footage.

Mounting the lights using a tray and arm system provides stability and flexibility, allowing for better positioning and reducing backscatter.

With a wide range of recommended lights available, such as the Big Blue VL4200PB, Light and Motion Sola 2500 Flood, and Kraken Solar Flare Mini 15,000, you can find the perfect lighting solution for your GoPro to capture breathtaking underwater scenes.

So don’t let the lack of light limit your underwater videography – invest in quality lights and unlock the full potential of your GoPro.

FAQ

How do underwater video lights improve GoPro footage?

Underwater video lights provide artificial lighting, enhancing the colors and clarity of GoPro footage taken underwater. They compensate for the limited dynamic range and white balance range of the camera, resulting in stunning visuals.

What is the most important factor to consider when choosing an underwater video light for a GoPro?

The most important factor to consider is the number of lumens the light produces. The more lumens, the better visibility and coverage the light will provide. Recommended lumen ranges for underwater lights include 1000-2000 lumens for basic lights, 3000-5000 lumens for medium range lights, and 8000-12000 lumens for high-end lights.

What beam angle is recommended for the GoPro’s wide-angle lens?

Wide beam angle lights are recommended for the GoPro’s wide-angle lens to ensure even coverage and prevent hot spots. These lights provide a wider spread of light, allowing for better illumination in the frame.

What are the different light modes available for underwater video lights?

Underwater video lights offer various light modes, including flood, spot, UV, and blue light. These different modes provide versatility for different underwater shooting situations, allowing users to adjust the lighting to their specific needs.

What are the options for mounting lights to a GoPro underwater?

There are several options for mounting lights to a GoPro underwater. One method is to directly mount the GoPro to the light using a ball mount and clamp system. Another option is to create distance between the light and the GoPro by adding an additional arm segment and clamp. The preferred method is to use a tray and arm set, which provides stability and flexibility for better positioning of the light.

What are some recommended underwater video lights for GoPro?

Some recommended underwater video lights for GoPro include the Big Blue VL4200PB, which offers over 4000 lumens of power at an affordable price, and the Light and Motion Sola 2500 Flood, which has a beam angle of 60 degrees. For maximum power, the Kraken Solar Flare Mini 15,000 and Light and Motion SOLA Video Pro 15,000 FC are recommended, offering beam angles of 120 and 110 degrees respectively.