Do you already have your camera system? What do you like about it and what would you recommend for others?

@robertoamarantecostapinto1156

4 жыл бұрын

Brent Durand i bought a system in september 2018 and I’m using since then. I have a canon 5D mark IV ( I alteady had this camera before and bought a house to it). My house is an Aquatica house for canon 5D IV with vacum system (I strongly recomend because it’s a peace of mind know that the house tight), A Ikelite TTL system (it has a control on the poit of your finger to control exposition including turn to manual. You don’t need to regulate each torch. In a single regulation you can adjust exposition. Simple and spectacular! In the water the most valuable thing is time). I have e 8 inch acrilic dome port e a”mini” macro port with two diopters (+5 and +10) with flip holder. My ports are for canon 17-40 f4 L and canon macro 100mm f2,8 L. What I like most in this system is the ergonomics, that becomes easy and fast to adjust exposition in the Ikelite DS 161 torch. This torch have a 500 lumens video light that is excelent as focus light ( as the system turns off in the exact moment the torch fires, it don’t interfere with exposition or iluminarion. It is also and excelent torch for night dives. You don’t need to carry nothing more than the Ikelite DS 161. That made me buy a system with electric cords, and I don’t regret. The system is excelent. I hope this may help.

@yordannydelvalle3301

2 жыл бұрын

I want to ask you something. You see I am doing an extracurricular project in mechanical engineering that it porpuse is to make a prototype that more or less resembles a mantaray. But inside that protype mantaray there is a camera encrusted inside. So what camera can you recomend that is best suited for this kind of stuff? I am looking one that look clear , detailed and somewhat colorful. Also, I do not know if there is an ability to add an extra like infrared vision or ultraviolet vision

@BrentDurand

2 жыл бұрын

@@yordannydelvalle3301 Hi Yordanny. There are a lot of directions you can go for this depending on your goals. I'm not familiar with the space and think you'll get the best info from research organizations that run ROVs similar to your manta ray. Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego comes to mind. Sorry I can't help more.

Hey Brent, great video! I look forward to watching more of your videos. I found you via the SeaLife brand. I'm busy getting into underwater photography. I enjoy keeping my setup as compact and minimal as possible, while still (trying) to get the best results. Have recently purchased the GoPro HERO 9 and the iPhone 12 Mini, so looking to see what videos and images I can create with this basic setup. I'm sure it won't take long before I decide that I'll need more advanced underwater gear. :) Best wishes from Cape Town.

@BrentDurand

3 жыл бұрын

Congrats Sean. Glad you found my YT channel! Both of those present some great options. While there's a lot you can shoot with the cameras/housings alone, you may eventually want to look at adding some video lights. Here's why: kzread.info/dash/bejne/rIaa0bx6mK3Fnps.html

Great Video! ! Thank you! Would like to see More Details, examples for camera and housings ecc

@BrentDurand

2 жыл бұрын

Hi René - Thanks for your feedback here. What are you looking for specifically? Maybe a list of housings available with various cameras? This information changes so quickly that I generally don't cover time-sensitive details, instead leaving that to the specialized underwater camera retailers who know this gear intimately.

You did not mention travel requirements. I would not mind bring my 70d, the case is too large and heavy for me for travel. I went with the rx100va for the tinyness aspects vs a big slr. There are always trade offs. thanks for the video!!!!

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

Very good point Marc. Everyone will have their own preferences and tradeoffs, from wanting a compact camera setup to traveling with several checked bags of gear. At the end there's no right or wrong as long as it works for that shooter 👊

Currently comfortable with photography topside, but new to underwater photography. I am currently building my underwater system hoping I can upgrade as I continue to learn. Last time I went diving I used an older canon t2i with tokina 10-17 concentrating on just ambient light photos. At the time I only had a meikon housing that did not allow for changing ports, or aperture or shutter speed, all I could change was my iso and set up the rest before putting the camera in the housing. This setup was limiting but great just to get a feel for using a DSLR underwater. I decided to get a used Sea and Sea RDX housing with RDX port base L for my little T2i to start to grow my system. I decided to put my $ into strobes and ports and upgrade to a newer full frame housing later after my training wheels come off using my t2i. I have a canon 6d ii so I thought I could either get the nauticam housing for my 6d ii when I am ready and utilize some of the same sea and sea ports with nauticam ring adapter, or just wait till the R5 comes out and purchase both new camera and housing. I have purchased sea and sea YS-D2J strobes and trying to decide which dome port to buy that could work for both systems and my tokina 10-17(without hood) and canon 17-40 mm. Any suggestions?

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Nicole - It sounds like you've thought this out really well, exactly how I would have suggested (go easy on camera, housing, focusing on lighting and accessories that will carry over). There certainly price differences in your housing choices, but the other big note is that if you pick up a 6D II housing you'll have a tougher time selling it down the road. If you can splurge for the R5 and housing, you'll be able to sell it no problem down the road. The 17-40 is awesome - I had one for a long time. But, you'll need a 6" or larger dome port for it, likely an 8". The fisheye will fit in all domes, so you'll want to select dome based on the 17-40. Dome extensions will be different. Hope that helps a bit!

@nicolepeterson2323

4 жыл бұрын

@@BrentDurand Thanks, your input is appreciated. I will weigh those factors into my housing decision. Buy smarter, better investment in the long run. I had also considered getting 5d iv but it did not make sence to me since the R5 will be coming out soon. If I am going to invest all that $$$ into camera and housing I will want it to be the newer tech that will be hold its value for a longer amount of time, and the resale value will help to finance future upgrades. Thanks.

@robertoamarantecostapinto1156

4 жыл бұрын

Nicole Peterson althoght 5D IV houses are very expensive, you can buy the camera a lot cheaper nowadays. Maybe it signs a new one around the corner, but the 5D IV will continue to be excellent (I’m thinking to buy a second one for backup). Just another thing to think about. Congratulations!

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

@@robertoamarantecostapinto1156 A very good point. If you do invest in an expensive system with the intent to keep it a long time, then buying a cheap backup body is a great idea (second hand or grey market).

Hey Brent your video was really helpful I wanted to ask you, i already have a Gopro Hero8 should i continue using that and buy strobes for it or go for a canon G7x mark iii (which is better)... i am just 30 dives old

@BrentDurand

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Vasu - Thanks for the kind words. I always recommend spending more time diving and mastering buoyancy, as that will improve your photography more than any fancy camera. If I were you, I would practice for a while with the GoPro until you understand exactly WHY the G7X III is better and how you would use it differently. This helps save money! I hope this helps

Hi Brent, stoked I found your channel. Long time diver, newb u/w photographer. I'll be using my gopro 10 with housing and tray (still trying to decide on tray). I have watched several of your videos, but still can't figure out my lighting. It feels like a silly question, but can you put a strobe on one arm and video light on the other? I would like to eventually focus on macro, but as a newb, I want to photo and video whatever I can, so it seems obvious to have both on one rig? And if not, it sounds like a video light is the best first investment? I'll be doing most of my diving for a while in the red sea. Thanks so much, learning a lot being absorbed in your channel!

@BrentDurand

10 ай бұрын

Hi Aquafoxx - In short, you can't use a strobe on a GoPro since there's no flash (or electric signal output) on the GoPro to trigger the strobe. So one or two videos lights is your best solution. I've listed a few of my favorite trays in the buyer's guide of this article: tutorials.brentdurand.com/how-to-keep-your-gopro-steady-underwater/ Hope that helps!

Hi Thanks for all your hard work It help my a lot Can you please help my to find the right housing for my camera Until now I photographed with my Sony a6400 withe the kit len in a sea frog housing But now I bought the Sony a7iv and try to find the right housing company for that without breaking the bank I look at the ikelite and on the aquatic housing that right now on sell I could not find if though housing are good ? Do you have any experience with them ? Thank you Alon

@BrentDurand

Жыл бұрын

Hi Alon, The Sony a7IV is a great camera. Congratulations. Both Ikelite and Aquatic make excellent housings. Ikelite is more affordable than Aquatica, however the ergonomics of Aquatica will help in many photo situations where you want fast settings changes or to change settings without moving your right hand from the handle position. I recommend seeing if you can put your hands on the housings if possible (maybe you have a local retailer or maybe other local divers have other housings from these brands). The image quality will be the same, so the rest is personal preference and priorities. I hope this helps.

Brent, I utilize a Canon EOS R6 for wildlife photography topside. I have considered going with a Nauticam housing and utilizing the same camera for 4K video underwater. I am hesitant due to the overheating issues, and honestly just better options for 4K video. Can you offer any insight into this option? Would the water help insulate the air in the housing to keep the camera cool? Should I just bite the bullet and go with a different camera for the best professional quality video and photos underwater? If so what would be the absolute best option in your opinion?

@BrentDurand

Жыл бұрын

Hi Brandon - It really depends what you're shooting and how you shoot: shorter clips of the action or leaving the camera recording waiting for the action. If you're battling overheating topside then you might encounter the same issues underwater. I'd suggest contacting Backscatter Photo for their opinion, discussing what you plan to film underwater and how you plan to film it, as I don't have relevant u/w experience with the R5/R6. Backscatter -> backscatter.com?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX1+5HP8BlhLkagWnVwymT4hAXsf4ct8uMAM= Hope this helps!

Brent - I’m building a new rig for my compact system. This is a 2-strobe system and for the first time am adding floats because it all a bit heavy. My Q: I’m looking for options to carry my wide angle and macro wet lenses. My old system fit a caddy on an ultralite arm, but now that I’m using floats I need the space. Or do I? Any suggestions for safely carrying wet lenses? Thanks.

@BrentDurand

Жыл бұрын

Hi - Your best bet is using a dual flip adapter that screws onto your lens port like the ones in this link: tutorials.brentdurand.com/best-macro-diopters/#flipadapters It will make the front of your system heavy but it's the only option besides sticking the lens in your BCD pocket. Hope that helps

Hi. I have just ordered a Canon eos m50 mark ii. I am a dive pro looking for a side hustle of underwater photography. I don't have any knowledge when it comes to lenses. Could you advise on a good all round lence. Primarily I will be shooting students and holiday divers. Many thanks Steve

@BrentDurand

Жыл бұрын

Hi Steven, this sounds like an exciting transition. You will likely want either rectilinear wide-angle or a fisheye lens for divers, but that said, I do not have a specific recommendation. Some of the decisions depends on your housing and available ports or water contact optics (wet dome lenses). All since all these choices relate, you'll want to carefully make all these gear decisions at once. I recommend talking to your local underwater camera retailer so that you can talk through each step. Sorry I don't have a simple "this is it" answer!

@Diverholics

Жыл бұрын

@@BrentDurand hi Brent. Thanks for replying. Unfortunately i don't have that type of shop in the UK. I will research a little more and hopefully get sorted. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work 👌

Can you advise me on choosing a focal length lens?

@BrentDurand

2 жыл бұрын

Hi - Focal length will really depend on what camera you're looking for and what subjects/scenes you plan to shoot. You could choose a traditional macro lens and wide-angle lens setup or get a single zoom lens with a flat port and use water contact optics. Read my Ultimate Guide to Underwater Photography to learn more: tutorials.brentdurand.com/learn/

Great Channel !!! My friend 😊

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sire!

Hi Brent Im about to upgrade my camera, but im so confused about which to get. I live in Denmark, and i proberly do 99% of my diving here, which is close to 100% macro shooting, and of those 100%, 95% is photography and 5% video. But that 1% diving i do on our vacations etc. In the red sea, i really want that 4k 60 fps the gh5 are delivering, because on our vacations its proberly the other way around with wideangle video in focus. Panasonic g9 are more photography based, but it also got the 4k 60 fps, but video feature wise its lacking features compared to the gh5. Quality wise on the video Vs photography on the two systems, which one would you get ? Or perhaps you can suggest another system, which you think will suit me better ?

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Stefan - this is a very personal decision. I would probably focus on the best macro rig for the majority of your diving and then just work with the video from that system... or even just use a GoPro HERO8 while on vacation. I haven't seen many underwater reviews of the g9, so I would also take a look at the Sony cameras using a 1.6x crop sensor instead of the micro 4/3 in Panasonic as they're at a similar price point. Hope this helps!

@TheBronzorN

4 жыл бұрын

@@BrentDurand ive looked at the a6600 aswell, would proberly go for it, if it had 4k 60 fps. I havent seen any underwater videos from the g9 aswell, only topside. Gopro or similar is not and option for me, i want the dof as this is what makes all the difference for fish portrait footage etc. Gopro imo is only usefull for reef scapes or similar. Anyway thanks for answering, i still have a few months to decide what to get, so hopefully i made up my mind by then 👌 Happy bubbles 🤿

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheBronzorN Sounds like you've got the research well under control, so I'm sure you'll be happy with the decision. Have fun! 👊

@TheBronzorN

4 жыл бұрын

@@BrentDurand i sure hope so, well whatever i decide, im sure it will be better than my Canon g9x i use now, which i like, but it have its limits 🤿

Hi Brent! Spot on with all your dilemmas. I'm a experienced top side canon 1dx (mk1) shooter. Got several L lensens. I'm also a experienced freediver. But my uw photo /video is limmited to gopro hero4....... Would like to combine these two fantastic hobbies. But where to Go.....? Would prefareably use my 16-35 f2.8 mk II lens. And my 1x that i am very familiar with. But then there is buget....... The 1dx is discontinued so geting a housing is a bit of a challenge. (Puting a lot of money into a "old" system) So should I upgrade camera housing..... Do a lot of sport photo top side. So that leave me to a mk iii.......🤯 and $7000 pourer.....+ addional $8000 in uw gear. Should I Go for a 5dmkiv? Wait for 5r? Settle for a 5d3 or 1dxii? FreeDive primarly in Norway. Visibility often poor. Cold water, always neoprene gloves. Planing to use ambient light only. Considering to leave my canon top side 😢 And perhaps try out Sony rx100 vii with nauticam pro package housing. It is a smaler rig. Buget for this option would be aprox $3000. But the big question....Will I be disapointed......?🙈 (image quality, low light preformance +++) Shoot primarly stil, but increasing video. Help 🤯🙈 Great KZread feed, and IG btw Brent! Best regards Espen (norwegian freediver, ig naturephotodude)

@Naturephotodude

4 жыл бұрын

The cheapest option is perhaps just upgrade to hero8.....

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

@@Naturephotodude Very true, especially leaning towards video

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words Espen. It's a dilemma indeed. I guess it really comes down to 1) how much you're freediving, and 2) how committed you are to the hobby, which helps justify more money (if you're really committed). Nice thing is you know photography and you already dive, so that really helps. If you invest in an older housing and port (e.g. 1Dx) you'll likely not be able to sell it again. If you wait for the 5r you'll be able to use it a few years and then sell it, helping offset the "investment". Maybe do that and get a HERO8 in the meantime. OR scour the internet for an amazing deal on a complete used system - even a 70D, or 7D Mk II, etc. You might be able to find that at a great price and just use that until you're ready to move on. But again, an old system is hard to sell, and likely only as a camera + housing combo for someone on a tight budget. Hope that rambling helps a bit!

I’m very confused with the strobes part, I need a electrical chord as I don’t have integrated flash in the camera, but I can’t figure which one is the right one for the housing and the flashes.

@BrentDurand

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Jordi - I can't really say without knowing all the gear. You might be able to add a TTL or optical trigger to the system in order to convert the electrical signal from the camera into a flash burst that can be used by fiber optic cables. If not, then sync cords are still excellent - they're very reliable but do require some extra maintenance.

@robertoamarantecostapinto1156

4 жыл бұрын

Brent Durand very good answer! I’m new to your KZread chanel and its awesome! Congratulations! I have a flash system that uses a electrical cord althought optic cords are very popular nowadays, I chose electrical because of bether TTL (don’t need to relay on another gear or pop up camera flash). The adicional maintenance is easy. Another two or three little o-rings to care. I shoot TTL most of the time, adjusting illumination off the sides making one side flash more distant than the other. As the position of the flashs need to be adjusted all the time, there is no extra effort doing that. But if I need to adjust flash intensity also, another task to do underwater. That’s working for me, but in my oppinion, there is no right or wrong. That’s a matter of “taste”. Thank’s for your excelent work in your videos!

Want carmarea

Can you advise me on choosing a focal length lens?

@BrentDurand

4 ай бұрын

This really depends on what camera you're looking at (especially sensor size), what subjects you would like to shoot, and then if these are larger scenes/subjects, if you'd like to invest in water contact wide angle conversion lense(s) or traditional lens and dome port. So there is no single answer. I hope this helps a bit!