4 Tips for Using a GoPro : SCUBA & Pool

It was high time for an upgraded water camera in our household. Enter the GoPro. Ultra small (like James Bond style) and serious panorama. Here's what we've learned about using the GoPro thus far.

First of all, you should know that the GoPro Hero3 is unlike any point-and-shoot camera you've probably used. So much so that we had to scour the internet for help guides and pointers. It wasn't until we actually put the camera to use that we learned first hand about it's pros and cons.

E has been diving in some of the most amazing places in the world. I'm too claustrophobic to strap 20+ lbs of gear to myself and sink to the bottom of an ocean. I prefer to lounge poolside and view the wonders of the ocean from his photographs.

Unfortunately, his old dry-land Sony in a mega-huge waterproof case (think early cell phone huge), just wasn't hacking it anymore. I kept hearing great things about the GoPro camera.

Here are a few helpful things we thought we'd pass on to the rest of you underwater photogs!

Our Top 5 Tips for Using the GoPro // SCUBA & Pool

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1 // Objects DO NOT Appear Closer Than They Seem

The GoPro has a seriously wide angle lens, the widest I've seen. Meaning you can get some amazing panoramic images. Because of this, it doesn't have a typical zoom function. The fewer settings to mess with underwater, the better. However, this means that even when you think you've stuck the camera really close to that moray eel, it won't appear that way.

Our suggestion: If you want real good up close shots, get a telescopic pole mount for it. Our handheld wrist job didn't quite cut it and you really don't want to get bit by one of the many nasties hiding out in the coral.

2 // Red Filter is a MUST

For SCUBA. Not necessary for pool shots though. Here are some shots from E's dive using the red filter, and not using the red filter. Huge difference in the vibrancy of the colors. The quality of the images is crisp either way. While we're on the subject, you can reduce droplets on the lens by not taking the filter off an on underwater.

No red filter on the left.

For the pool a red filter isn't needed and even makes the images, well, red!

Our suggestion: It's worth the extra $20-40 for the red filter if you are using it for SCUBA. Otherwise, don't bother.

3 // Video is King

The problem with action photos is that you have to be quick to capture the moment. Especially if you're trying to catch a moving fish or in E's case, shark. The GoPro has a multi-image setting but we found that taking video to later freeze frame the individual shots is much better.

Our suggestion: Use video software like iMovie or GoPro Editing Suite to capture you're best stills.

4 // Quick Button

The most irritating thing about the GoPro in E's opinion, was the necessity to scroll through most of the menu options to switch from one mode to another. Ex: you have to hit the menu button several times to switch from camera to video mode.

Our suggestion: Your best bet is to decide which mode you'll be using the most and customize it as the first menu option (a feature on the GoPro). Then memorize how many button clicks needed to get to the other modes for those times when you don't want to glance down at the screen.

I really hope this was helpful for any of you who might be considering the GoPro, or have it, but needed some advice on how to use it.

I'm still learning my way through it and practicing my photography daily. If you have any additional tips let me know.