JohnKendall(Offline)

Hi All,

I'm hoping to pick the brains of some of you more experienced underwater videographers. What do you do about white balancing? Do you actually set it up, and white balance on a white/grey slate under water, or white balance for daylight and then use filters, or ........?

Thanks
J

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limeyx(Offline)

It's a question I have too. My housing does not let me even have direct access to white balance (Light & Motion Mako housing), but I have read that the camera re-calibrates WB when it boots. So in theory if I shut it off and back on underwater, I ought to be able to recalibrate WB.

I haven't really played with it yet though (which might be why I have so much green footage)

Brando(Offline)

Hi John,
I use something that is white (a decal on my team mate's tank) to balance white u/w. I've also used the grey of Makes a world of difference.
I have used the white balance while recording....if you'd like I'll see if I can find some footage and post it so you can see what a difference it makes.

best,
brandon

limeyx(Offline)

I'd like to see the footage. very interesting to see difference.

QBU(Offline)

Using a white slate u/w is most common and recommended. Of course only if your housing gives you the capability to do it. If not then it's an entirely different ball game.

If you are keen to the dive site's water color and light levels, it can be done prior to submergence. When I had a housing without the ability to WB u/w, I would use a gel (a transparent colored sheet) in between the camera lens and a white object. I would select the color of gel that best matched the color of the water and light level. Biggest problem with this manner, is having access to a few colored transparencies.

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Brando(Offline)

Here's a link to a small vid clip that shows the WB adjustment being done while recording. I didn't use a white card or anything else for that matter (which might have done an even better job of taking care of the green water). I just tapped the WB button and let it adjust accordingly. But I think you'll get a good idea of what the WB can help with.
http://www.scubaguys.com/WB%20Example.wmv

breals(Offline)

This is basically what I do, I don't bother with the white slate, however lately, I've been thinking that I might try it out.