GEAR LIST: Our GoPro Setup for Scuba Diving
Looking for the best GoPro setup for scuba diving? This is the camera and accessories that work best for us.
Imagine: a whale shark makes an appearance; a lengthy shark swims by; or a manta ray soars over your head. Whatever your dream scenario may be, you’re for sure going to want to capture it on video.
Now imagine: that moment happens. But your GoPro was pointed another direction, the video turns out shaky, or the field of view is filled with your bubbles. The epic moment you’ve been waiting for for years happened, but your GoPro setup just wasn’t right.
So how can you always be ready when the situation arises? How can your GoPro always be properly equipped? After all, reliving these moments are partly why we scuba dive. Or maybe you just want to brag to your friends.
Either way.
GoPro and Scuba Diving
GoPro’s are a tricky thing in scuba diving. With so many accessories, attachments, mounts, and other gizmos and gadgets to choose from, where do you even start? What works best for your underwater adventures?
Choosing Your GoPro Setup: Things to Consider
The first and foremost question you need to ask yourself is: “What’s my dive objective?”
If you’re there to take photos, video, and create memories – than do just that. Don’t try to spearfish or catch lobster AND film. That’s mixing up a recipe for disaster (I’ve certainly made this mistake many times before).
In other words, focus solely on your GoPro! This will lead to better video and most importantly, safer diving!
How are you going to hold your GoPro?
In other words, how are you going to mount your GoPro?
One hand? Two hands? No hands? All are possible. But not all are created equal.
What depth are you going to?
As you increase your depth, you’ll decrease the color. This will determine a couple things: lighting, housing, filters, and possibly mount.
How many dives do you want to film?
Pack properly for the entirety of the dive trip. This may mean you’re packing extra batteries, more memory cards, chargers, etc.
GoPro Setup for Scuba Diving
We’ve been tinkering with our GoPro setup for years. Different cameras, different handles, different filters, and different housings. It’s been a long road and we’re still not sure if we’ve reached the end of it.
New accessories are coming out on the daily; new cameras annually; and new techniques seemingly on the hour. It’s inevitable: we’ll always be adjusting trying to figure out what works best.
Although, right now we’ve nailed down a good method and a good setup and want to share our methods with you.
Camera: GoPro Hero9
Jumping from the GoPro Hero4 to the Hero9 was quite the leap for me – and a much needed one.
The Hero9 has 5k capabilities with the front screen designed for some epic underwater selfies. The video is crystal clear making for some epic edits.
If you decide to upgrade your GoPro for scuba diving, we couldn’t recommend the Hero9 enough!
GoPro Hero9
Handle: Dual Bar Stabilizer
This goes back to asking yourself how you’re going to mount/hold your GoPro. For the best videos possible, we prefer a two handed system.
The dual hand stabilizer provides some steady footage and wide field of view. You know exactly what you’re pointing at and many models are made to add accessories like LED lights.
The only downside is how bulky it is. It’s not the easiest thing to lug around if you plan on doing something else during your dive. But again, what’s your dive objective? If it’s to take footage, than only take footage!
Dual Hand Stabilizer for GoPro
Waterproof Casing and Red Filters
The most important piece of GoPro equipment for scuba diving is the housing. This casing is what allows your GoPro to dive down to depths exceeding the factory rating (usually about 30 feet).
We recommend purchasing underwater housing with a rating of at least 200 feet (60 meters). Additionally, each company makes their own set of red filters. Make sure the filters match the brand of housing.
Underwater Housing for GoPro Hero9
LED Light
This light is a unique way to brighten up your shots underwater. The dimmed setting provides just enough exposure to add some color down below.
It’s also an easy attachment, just pop it onto your handle and clip the GoPro on top of it. Easy-peasy!
LED Light
Other GoPro Accessories We Use While Scuba Diving
Carrying Case
Waterproof carrying case to protect batteries, chargers, and cords from the elements.
Floaty Handle
Perfect for shallow dives or snorkeling. Focus on stabilization and slow movements with your arm and your videos can turn out nicely with this single handed mount.
Extendable Stick
Allows you to get closer to marine life without spooking it. Just be sure to keep a short and steady arm – small movements of your hand make big movements at the camera level.
GoPro Mask
We recommend a mounted mask for freediving and snorkeling, but not scuba diving.
Extra Battery and Charger (Hero9)
Again, if you have a long day of diving ahead of you, be sure to pack enough battery power!
Tripod
Every so often we’ll tie a weight to a tripod and set it up down below to capture some video of us doing something. Tripods for GoPro are versatile!
READ MORE: 7+ GoPro Accessories for Scuba Diving
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Read More About GoPro and Scuba Diving
We hope you enjoyed our post on our GoPro Setup for Scuba Diving. Hopefully you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:
What GoPro equipment do you use while scuba diving? We’re always evolving our setup so we’d love your suggestions!
