Why Video

When new divers think of underwater imaging, they generally think of still photography instead of video. This is usually because their primary exposure (no pun intended) to underwater images are the still photos that they see in magazines.

They may also assume that video is more expensive. This is not true. Consider the cost of purchasing, developing, and mounting slide film. If an underwater photographer shoots 20 rolls of film on a dive trip, he’ll spend an additional $300. Experienced photographers typically keep only three images from each roll. That translates to a cost of $5 per usable image.

That $5/image, however, is the apparent cost. It does not take into account psychological and environment costs. For example:

Still photography is difficult to master
New divers often have a difficult time controlling their buoyancy while diving with a camera
New underwater still photographers are frequently frustrated by the poor results caused by the previous points

To improve their results, new underwater photographers who are not familiar with the fragility of the living reef, often become a hazard to it.

To keep their camera still, they frequently hold on to or settle onto coral
extension tubes and framers cost a fraction of what wide-angle lens cost, so new photographers purchase these items first. Unfortunately, these close up photo accessories require divers to even closer approaches to the living reef
Fins, gloved hands, knees, even scuba tanks become instruments of destruction, and the delicate beauty these new photographers are seeking to record is slaughtered wholesale

Extension tube set-ups require additional care, as they increase the possibility that amphibious cameras may flood – which is really expensive and frustrating.

It is important to point out, that while we do not tolerate clumsy people killing and maiming kitty cats and bunny rabbits – even if doing so is not intentional - we all too often seem indifferent when divers kill or maim the creatures of the living reef. We cannot and will not tolerate clumsy divers, with or without cameras, killing or maiming the reef.

Underwater video is not as expensive as many divers think. A relatively high quality camcorder and underwater housing can be obtained for under $2000. Furthermore:

Underwater video does not require complicated adjustments or lighting techniques. This makes results more predictable.
As movement is part of video’s attraction, the ability to remain motionless under water is not critical. This may help to reduce the videographer’s impact on the environment.
As mentioned above, the cost of a two hour videotape is about the cost of a single roll of film and processing. Unlike the film, videotape can be re-used.

Mastering still photography takes years; mastering underwater videography, a matter of hours. Our recommendation to new divers is : Master videography first. After your skills develop, progress to still photography.