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DSLR
Filters are an important tool for underwater photographers, whether a beginner or a pro. Filters can enhance colours and add contrast, making otherwise lacklustre images grab the attention. Digital cameras have made using filters both simple and effective. This has meant beginners can get more pleasing pictures very easily and that the scope for advanced photographers to make much more ambitious natural light images has greatly increased.
Three types of filtration are commonly used with digital stills cameras. One type is built into the camera itself, the other two are accessories that fit either in front of or behind the camera lens.
Built in filtration is found in some compact cameras and is often called an "underwater mode" or something similar. But it is worth checking as the term "underwater mode' is sometimes applied to other, much less useful. camera features. Built in filtration adds red to the image and reduces the blue cast. Because it is built in, you can turn it on and off at will. This is useful as in shallow water the reds can end up being overpowering and if you use flash with the filter in place you can get psychedelic results. Because an electronic filter isn't part of the lens system, there are no restrictions on using add on lenses as there can be with accessory filters.
Add on colour correction filters work by subtracting or filtering colours - they don't add colours, such as red, to underwater shots. Instead they remove the competing tones that create the blue or green cast. They absorb light as well as the colour and this means you must watch your shutter speeds don't decrease to the point that you cannot hold your camera steady or that your photo blurs from subject movement. Some filters are designed to be used with your cameras white balance set to Auto. This is a fuss free way to shoot and still get good colours. Others work best if you manually set your white balance. All D- SLR's and many compacts offer this feature. A white slate is a good investment for ensuring the best colour rendition. Our dive shop Mavericks carries a selection of slates that can be used for manual white balancing.
Add on filters offer important benefits, but may also require some compromising. Often the filter must be mounted inside your housing. This means you cannot take it off during your dive. On deep dives the filter contributes little and can be a disadvantage. If you made a multi level dive on a wall for example, the filter might only be your best choice for part of your dive. Some filters do mount externally and can be fitted and removed underwater as needed. But these often don't work if you have wet lenses - wide angle or close up lenses you can fit underwater - as the filter gets in the way. It is important to check how filters will work with your own system to find out what, if any, limitations might apply.
As always, just call for advice.
The two best known filters for underwater photography are provided by Magic Filters and UR Pro.
Magic Filters
Magic Filters were developed by Alex Mustard and Peter Rowlands. Alex and Peter are two of the most accomplished, widely published and respected underwater image makers in the business. Both are serial innovators. The Magic Filters have quickly established themselves as must have accessories for many of our clients. They are adaptable to almost any underwater camera system. The filters are manufactured from sheets of polyester and are best used dry inside your housing. Some filters are specifically designed to fit certain lenses, others are made to be trimmed to the size you need. Three versions are available - one for use with automatic white balance control in blue water, a popular choice with compact camera owners and, for those who are happy to white balance their cameras underwater, both blue water and green water versions.
Auto Magic Filters
Developed to meet the needs of the digital compact owner who prefers point and shoot simplicity, this filter will enhance colours and improve contrast to depths of around 15 metres. The polyester filter needs to be trimmed to size and then taped onto your camera or into the back of your housing. Auto Magic filters allow you to continue to use any of your wet lenses.
Magic Filter - Blue Water
Developed for use by photographers who can white balance manually, this filter will greatly reduce the blue cast and accentuate primary colours. Recommended for depths to around 15 metres. Manufactured from polyester. A choice of filters are offered. Some are lens specific and others are designed to be cut to size. Let us know which lens you want to use and we'll be able to advise you.
Magic Filter - Green Water
Created to amplify subject colour in green conditions, this Magic Filter is perfect for available light photography to depths of around 15 metres in Uk, Northern European and other green water locations such as much of South Africa. Designed to be used with cameras that can be manually white balanced. Magic Filters for green water use are available as dedicated models for many lenses or can be cut to size for others. Check with us for compatibility with your own lens choice.
Magic filters are sold either as single units or as triple packs. Polyester is fairly resilient, but when handled a lot do start to wear. Because there will be times filters are not appropriate, you will find yourself taking your Magic filters on and off routinely. Buying in packs of three helps ensure you should have a pristine Magic Filter ready to go when you need it most and as they are sold as value packs, it saves you considerably over buying individual filters.
Underwater Research Pro Filters
Underwater Research (UR PRO) are very well established manufacturers of underwater colour correction filters and provide filters to many housing providers for sale under their own label. UR Pro offer a selection of filter types for different shooting requirements. UR Pro filters are normally supplied in a filter ring for threading onto your camera or housing. They can be used inside your casing or on the outside which gives you the flexibility to add or remove your UR Pro filter as needed. UR Pro manufacture filters to fit most systems from ultra compact to massive and can also provide custom solutions. Check with us for suitability for your own camera. Ocean Optics usually supplies glass UR Pro filters as these are more rugged than acrylic ones and, we believe, provide better value in the longer term.
Shallow Blue Water
Developed for use between the surface and approximately 5 metres, this filter helps reduce overly strong blues and enhances primary colours for a more colourful and higher contrast image.
Standard Blue Water
This UR Pro filter yields best redults between approximately 5 metres and 20 metres, improving colurs and increasing contrast.
Green Water
A UR Pro filter for use in green conditions, typical of the Uk, much of
Europe and locations like South Africa. Helps enhance primary colours, reduce the green tinge and raise contrast levels. For use between approximately 5 and 20 metres.