Dive, Camera, Action!
Sharing a fun or amazing dive moment on video with friends and family lets them in on the secrets of why you love to dive. But sharing it with fellow diving enthusiasts in PADI’s Underwater Video Contest is even better – especially when your video can help you win a great prize from Ikelite or featured spot on PADI’s YouTube channel.
Go to PADI’s Facebook page before Monday 18 March to submit your best short video (2 minutes or less) in one of the following four categories:
Video Contest Categories
Diving & Lifestyle
Marine Life
Environment
Creative & Fun
The most popular entries in each category will win a PCm LED waterproof light from Ikelite, maker of top-notch underwater photography and videography supplies.
The most popular overall video will take home the grand prize Ikelite ULTRAcompact Digital Housing Package with camera. Ikelite’s ULTRAcompact systems are perfect for beginner and intermediate water sport enthusiasts or simply those looking for a small, simple system to shoot both stills and video. Create stunning photos and video in automatic modes with this pocket-sized package. Simply point, and shoot!
Submit your video online before Monday 18 March. The winner will be decided by popular vote by Sunday 31 March 2013.
New to shooting underwater video?
Use the tips below to create your own movie masterpiece.
* Make sure you have a clear view. While cleaning your camera lens is an obvious preparation step, cleaning the housing’s lens port is frequently forgotten. While still photos are more forgiving of this, focusing past any spots, smudges or imperfections, video can make them stand out when you move the camera or attempt a backlit shot.
* Stop the shake. A jogging, shaking video is enough to cause seasickness for some viewers. You can cut down on shaking in a few ways: by holding your camera in a manner that reduces jogging, steadying yourself after you’ve hit “record,” moving the camera slowly while panning, and using the camera’s image stabilization setting.
* Consider color. The spectacular colors you see during a dive don’t always translate perfectly on video. Using a reddish orange filter reduces the bluish tint that’s often seen in underwater videos.
These tips are just a fraction of what you’ll learn by taking the Underwater Videography course from a PADI Instructor. Sign up and you’ll discover all the techniques you need to shoot stunning underwater videos that perfectly capture your diving experiences.