Guide to GoPro Filters for Underwater Video

Using Filters for Underwater Video with the GoPro Hero 3 and 3+

Text and Photos By Brent Durand

Underwater Video has been changing quickly with the HD recording capabilities of DSLR, mirrorless and some compact cameras. The GoPro Hero 3+ is also a serious player due to its small size, video quality, features for underwater & topside use, low price point, and growing range of accessories. I've also been noticing a growing number of photographers building amazing portfolios with nothing but GoPro cameras.

There are many different filters available for the GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 3+ that increase the camera’s versatility, allowing for more creative shots on land and underwater. Polar Pro makes an excellent range of glass filters for the Hero 3+ that we've used for the guide below. The filters snap onto the GoPro securely and easily, and the glass makes them very scratch resistant with higher optical properties than plastic. The new range of filters includes:

• Red Filter:  Used in blue water

• Magenta Filter:  Used in green water

• Macro Filter:  Used to shoot small subjects

• Polarizing Filter:  Used topside to control reflected light

• Neutral Density Filter:  Used topside to slow the shutter speed

GoPro cameras can be used underwater as a dedicated video system with high-end lighting or as a more compact unit to put on the end of a pole or on top of a larger camera housing. The guide below presents an overview of Polar Pro filters for the Hero 3+ and their best uses.

Red Filter

Red filters compensate for the lack of red light in underwater scenes (since red is the first color to be lost when descending in water). The Polar Pro red filter is designed to be used in tropical and blue water, optimized for use between 10 and 80 feet.

Best Use:  Ambient light (no video lights).  Blue water.

Magenta Filter

Magenta filters also compensate for the lack of red light but are optimized for green water between 10 and 80 feet. Not only do the filters bring color back into the scene, but they also help bring back the contrast needed for interesting video.

Best Use:  Ambient light (no video lights).  Green water.

Macro Filter

Polar Pro’s macro filter provides 2.2x magnification for capturing video & photos of small subjects from a close distance. The GoPro Hero 3+ has a minimum focus distance of 12 inches (you must be 12” or further from your subject for sharp images). This macro filter has a focus range of 2-18 inches, which allows you to move the camera closer to the small subject to fill the frame with more detail.

Best Use 1:  Shoot macro in combination with the Red filter (check out the Switchblade3+). No video lights are needed since the red filter brings the reds back into the scene.  Or flip up the red filter and use only the macro filter.  Or use just the red filter without the macro lens. The Switchblade is an ideal GoPro filter setup since you're prepared for anything.

Best Use 1:  With video lights, add the macro filter to capture small details – just make sure the light isn’t too strong, which will overexpose the scene.

Best Use 3:  Use it for macro shots topside!

Polarizing Filter

Polarizing filters are a must in any landscape photographer’s bag, so it’s natural that you should have one for using the Hero 3+ topside during dive trips. The filter reduces glare (on the water, leaves, rocks, etc) and brings a bit of saturation and contrast into bright scenes (like sky and clouds). When out on location, you can hold this filter up to your eye to preview its effect and determine whether you’ll use it.

Best Use: Topside photo and video on sunny days.

Neutral Density Filter

Neutral density (ND) filters are meant for topside use and are critical for certain video/photo situations. ND filters block light, making slower shutter speeds possible. The GoPro Hero 3+ uses a fast shutter speed by default, which freezes action very well. There are times, however, when some blur creates a sense of movement and enhances the action in the frame. The ND filter can be used to achieve this. Examples include moving pavement while driving and waves splashing against rocks.

ND filters are also very useful for timelapses, where slow shutter speeds (aka “dragging the shutter”) create slight blur, resulting in a smoother timelapse.

Best Use 1:  Video & photos with a static subject as well as a subject that needs to be blurred to show speed or the passage of time.

Best Use 2:  Smooth video, especially for GoPro timelapses or when mounted on vibrating surfaces.

The Polar Pro filters provide many creative options for your GoPro Hero 3+ (as well as the Hero 3 and Hero 2) underwater as well as topside. They will make all the difference in your underwater video and open creative possibilities for many unique shots.

For more info, check out the product details on our sister site Bluewater Photo:

Purchase GoPro Filters for Underwater Video

About the Author

Brent Durand is an avid California beach diver, photographer and writer dedicated to capturing unique underwater, ocean lifestyle and adventure images. Brent is editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. Make sure to follow UWPG on Facebook for updates on everything underwater-photography.

Further Reading

• Review of the GoPro Hero 3+ for Underwater Video

• 10 Tips for Shooting Underwater Video

• Creating Videos with GoPro Studio 2.0

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

Nauticam 180 Viewfinder

by Todd Winner

I have to admit over the past few years I have become increasingly jealous every time somebody showed up on a boat with one of those big expensive viewfinders on their housing. So when Dave Hinkel offered me an opportunity to try out the Nauticam 180 Viewfinder on the Nauticam Canon 7D housing, I jumped at the chance.

First Impression of the Nauticam viewfinder:

It's big and it's bright! The Nauticam 180 viewfinder gives you a much larger image of the camera's viewfinder giving you a greater advantage for critical focus and composition. The 180 viewfinder features a diopter adjustment knob that is large and easy to adjust even while wearing gloves underwater.

It does require a little practice to get used to the 180 viewfinder. I found that underwater, I had to be more precise and look directly inline thru the 180 viewfinder as oppose to still being able to focus thru the standard viewfinder at slight angles.

The LCD screen is still 100% visible even with the 180 viewfinder attached so you are still able to review your images and shoot video. Although if I was specifically doing video dives, I would leave it off just to give myself a more unrestrictive view of the LCD screen.

Installing the viewfinder:

Installing the 180 viewfinder couldn't be any simpler. The standard Nauticam viewfinder is easily removed by taking off the internal o-ring and sliding it out of the back of the housing. The 180 viewfinder has 2 pins to keep it from spinning and is held in place with an internal o-ring. Nauticam makes specially designed adapters so the viewfinder can also be used on Aquatica, Ikelite, Nexus and Sea & Sea Housings.

Now that I have had the opportunity to try one out, I'm hooked. The enhance viewfinders are an expensive accessory from any of the manufacterers, but if you can afford it, in my opinion it is worth the investment.

Further Reading

More Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews

Where to Purchase

Our sister site Bluewater Photo carries the Nauticam 180 viewfinder, thank you for helping to support the Underwater Photography Guide.