What to do with your cam in strong currents?

[NitroxCrazy]

Hi

Would like to know what you would do with your camera when taking pictures with strong currents (drift or suspended) during a dive.

Was in Maldives recently and would have liked to take some pictures of the sharks and Mantas swimming in the strong currents. But unfortunately, because of my slow camera focusing as well as difficulty in handling and protecting my camera (a large P&S with a single strobe) while spended on a reef hook or just drift diving, I had problems taking pictures. Also if i did take any, pictures turned out rather unclear.

For this trip, I was lucky to take along the smaller cam and yet faced with this problems. What happens if you have a larger set up (video cam or even DSLR or 2 strobes).

Thank you for your feedback and advise in advance

 

[diver-hloc]

Good question !!

Same here..... I'm using a Canon PowerShot A610 with a single Inon Z240 strobe. Was thinking about getting another strobe. Never really thought of this problem before , as my set up isn't really so 'big'..... but would like to know how divers with , example....

Question -
1) A metal DSLR casing with 2 big strobe, is it hard to move around underwater ??
2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??
3) How do you all even manage to fit everything (diver gears, camera gears, clothing...etc) under 20kg for the flight overseas....

question 3 is the killer here..... hahaha, my diver gears alone is around 18kg

 

[lovells19]

Fold the arms and hug it.. I rather drown with it

 

[cat64fish]

1) A metal DSLR casing with 2 big strobe, is it hard to move around underwater ??

Yes .... That's why my arm power very power ... just joking!! .. But handling a metal dslr dual strobe set up is not a walk in the park.

2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??

Shackle your camera to the BCD, have a shackle on a line ready on the boat .. etc.

3) How do you all even manage to fit everything (diver gears, camera gears, clothing...etc) under 20kg for the flight overseas....

I travel with 30kg ... for "good airlines like SIA or SilkAir, usually not a problem. But for budget or internal airlines ... well ... work on your begging skills, or creative packing techniques

Cheers, Jeff

 

[cat64fish]

1) A metal DSLR casing with 2 big strobe, is it hard to move around underwater ??

Yes .... That's why my arm power very power ... just joking!! .. But handling a metal dslr dual strobe set up is not a walk in the park. Good buoyancy control and awareness of where you are in the current flow is a must .. so practice your diving skills

2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??

Shackle your camera to the BCD, have a shackle on a line ready on the boat .. etc.

3) How do you all even manage to fit everything (diver gears, camera gears, clothing...etc) under 20kg for the flight overseas....

I travel with 30kg ... for "good" airlines like SIA or SilkAir, usually not a problem. But for budget or internal airlines ... well ... work on your begging skills, or creative packing techniques



Cheers, Jeff

 

[lovells19]

1) A metal DSLR casing with 2 big strobe, is it hard to move around underwater ??

Polycarbonate or metal, its all the same.. u never see divelogic so fit


2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??

Have a Secure line or two, secure everything underwater, EVERYTHING

3) How do you all even manage to fit everything (diver gears, camera gears, clothing...etc) under 20kg for the flight overseas....

swallow them now it explains my tummy.. usually all my dive gear, toiletries, clothes gets check in, everything else hand carry in a bag that don't look too heavy

 

[Dylan]

If I am going to the site the 1st time with strong currents, I say, let me camera rest on the boat while I check out the site. See the conditions and check with the guides if it is always like this or do I have the faintest chance during slack tide to bring my rig down. Otherwise, I just go for a roller coaster ride without my camera. If I see a whaleshark, manta or school of whatever, so be it, no photo no proof but at least I am not suffering in the currents to take the shot or worrying that I might be too tasked loaded underwater.

I always secure my rig to my BCD D-ring. Both ends have back-up clips too.

Flights, all my 3 cameras, lenses, housings, laptop, strobes are all hand carried. I do not like the feeling of signing a waiver to indicate that should the airline loses my check-in with my gears in there, they will not be held responsible. That is a load of crap.

Like Cat64fish said, unless you travel budget airlines then start to beg to bring them onboard. While carriers like SIA, they do not stop me from bring up 3 hand-carries. Note though that this does not work if your going to the States or returning from there.

 

[bighead]

I read on articles on Wetpixels and some of them are using a strap attached to both their strobes and hung over their neck, in that case, if you need both hands, you can always let go and ur rig will still be there .....

or a sausage is always ur good buddy ....

 

[diver-hloc]

Hahaha..... so, to summarize.... when having a Big U/W Camera setup....

U need -

1) Strong Arm
2) Strong Back
3) Very strong Wallet or Bank account.....

Jokes aside..... can't really believe that cat64fish carrys around 30kg everytime he/she goes on a dive trip...... Its like going for a exploration instead of a holiday.....

Well, thxs for the info. Wish one day I too could own a U/W DSLR setup..... but will be happy if I could afford another Inon strobe before my trip next year.

 

[lovells19]

my average lugguage is abt 30+ kg excluding myself

 

[diver-hloc]

my average lugguage is abt 30+ kg excluding myself

Yup.... same same here. My dive gears are 18kg..... my camera stuff at least another 10kg (1 DSLR + 3-4 lense + tripod.... PnS camera + U/W casing + strobe + arm&trays + AA batteries (x20)..... etc). Not even including my clothings..!!

Was thinking of going back to Phuket, for Similan LOB. But thinking how much gears I'm bringing..... kills all my mood, including my bank account. Tiger Airways give only 15kg for their flights.

Mmm.... maybe change my 3kg steel backplate for an 1kg aluminum backplate...... hahaha, save 2kg !!

 

[sipadaner]

Good question !!


2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??

I was mindful to tie the cam strap to a hook on my BCD. Then when under water - I have the strap on my hand.

Ideally I would have a pouch on my BCD webbing so that I can slot the cam inside.

On the boat- the first thing I did was to put the cam+housing into a bag which is out of the way - strapped to a pillar of the boat.

The last thing u want is for someone to drop their air tank on it or to step on it or for it to be accidentally knocked into the sea. Which- is bye bye - if that was the last dive u made for the trip.

I would get a rubber lense cap for the uw housing if they made one.

 

[diver-hloc]

I was mindful to tie the cam strap to a hook on my BCD. Then when under water - I have the strap on my hand.

Ideally I would have a pouch on my BCD webbing so that I can slot the cam inside.

On the boat- the first thing I did was to put the cam+housing into a bag which is out of the way - strapped to a pillar of the boat.

The last thing u want is for someone to drop their air tank on it or to step on it or for it to be accidentally knocked into the sea. Which- is bye bye - if that was the last dive u made for the trip.

I would get a rubber lense cap for the uw housing if they made one.

Err.... this would work for a small compact camera.

My Canon PowerShot A610 is sitting on a tray with a strobe + arms. Maybe with another strobe later..... the layard thing will work, but your camera + strobe is still in the danger of 'smashing' into some coral or rock.

Hahaha..... thats why there are times that I wonder if I had got to much gears to carry

 

[divelogic]

Good question !!

Same here..... I'm using a Canon PowerShot A610 with a single Inon Z240 strobe. Was thinking about getting another strobe. Never really thought of this problem before , as my set up isn't really so 'big'..... but would like to know how divers with , example....

Question -
1) A metal DSLR casing with 2 big strobe, is it hard to move around underwater ??
2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??
3) How do you all even manage to fit everything (diver gears, camera gears, clothing...etc) under 20kg for the flight overseas....

question 3 is the killer here..... hahaha, my diver gears alone is around 18kg

Fwah!... first time people say I'm FIT!!! thanks lovells19!! hahaha

ok, 1st question.. metal housings or not, they are really not that heavy u/w... in fact my set up actually floats when I'm using my dome port!... (it is hell to carry it on land though... trust me!!)
it is of cos a liitle more troublesome u/w, but seriously, you would get used to it. I usually 'tug' it on my chest and just fold my arms. In damn strong currents, I sometimes hold it by my side (its NOT the best thing to do... but it works for me!!) The truth is you really need to control yr buoyancy well!... you NEED to dive well before you can shoot WELL.. there's really no other way!...
As for me, I'd bring my gear in regardless of currents!! (once again, its NOT the best thing to do... its just me!)... no pain no gain my friend

2nd question, just secure yr came to yr BC AT ALL TIMES!!.. I sometimes dive with 2 DSLR with 4 strobes!.. I just hook both to by BC... it works, and I can still be 'hands free if need be.

3 rd question.... opp for the 'up size' package.. its much cheaper dan to play for excess baggage at check ins...( more so for budget airlines.)
DON"t check in wat you can carry!.... carry onboard what you can.. even if it means a 20kg bag!..just make it look light and smile as you skip along...
if you have to check it in... look for strangers who are checking in with small bags and ask if you can do a 'group check in'... saving a few kg is better dan nothing!
lastly... if all else fails... put on your BEST 'lost puppy look'... practise in fornt of a mirror first!!... I flew to Bora Bora with more than 45kg of equipment without paying for excess... so it CAN be done!!
Good luck!.... and may the force be with you!

 

[jelimon]

Hi

Would like to know what you would do with your camera when taking pictures with strong currents (drift or suspended) during a dive.

Was in Maldives recently and would have liked to take some pictures of the sharks and Mantas swimming in the strong currents. But unfortunately, because of my slow camera focusing as well as difficulty in handling and protecting my camera (a large P&S with a single strobe) while spended on a reef hook or just drift diving, I had problems taking pictures. Also if i did take any, pictures turned out rather unclear.

For this trip, I was lucky to take along the smaller cam and yet faced with this problems. What happens if you have a larger set up (video cam or even DSLR or 2 strobes).

Thank you for your feedback and advise in advance

hit 3 knot currents coming from 4 different directions while diving in gili tepekong with my A640 + 1 small D2000S. held it tight to my chest with the wrist strap around my wrist (where else?) while drifting. Finally found a rock to hang on to and use the heavy ikelite housing to anchor myself down since there's no way I could be taking pictures as well. At least the housing works well as a substitute for a forgotten reef hook.

 

[NitroxCrazy]

Thanks all for your advise and passing on the knowledge.

I do strap the cam to my BC so it becomes almost part of my chest or stomach. However I am still very concern about it hitting the corals leading to the possibility of flooding it. Thus one of my hand would always remain on the cam (mostly likelihood) to protect it. Still cant think of ways to take good photos in the midst of drifting or in strong currents.

Dylan - Your advise of leaving the cam out on the dive is good. Noted! I just cant put myself to it when during the dive I miss out on the opportunity of taking pics on the "feature of the dive".

Diver-hloc - my dive gears is already 15kg (excluding cloths). I now pack lesser cloths (do some laundry there) and hand carry my cam set up and reg. On a budget airline, i hand carry my reg and BC.

 

[Luv4nature]

See some tips on this thread:
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=205518

One should adopt the right approach and mind set from the start. Having been carrying some sort of camera rigs in almost every dive, ranging from a "relatively easy-to-handle" housed SLR macro setup, to the most bulky set up of Nikonos RS, wide angle lens with long arm and twin strobes. Point from me is that when one is serious about diving with camera, he/ she should quickly acquire the necessary skill and behaviour on handling of photo equipment underwater. I.e. integrate handling of photo equipment as part of your diving, and not the other way round. This should also include provision to quickly ditch equipment in very rare dead-or-alive situation to save own life or the life of others.

With this philosophy, I practice the following:

-use only landyard to secure photo rig to my wrist (normally to the housing), with landyard not fully tighten

-both hands are holding onto the equipment most of the time, have to learn to dive without stroking of arm to be a proficient uw photogrpaher.

-in severe current condition, fold the strobe arms, move lanyard slightly upward on your arm (beyond elbow if required), and hold the storbe arm with your palm. Bring the rig close to your chest. This way the rig will not be banging around (secured at 2 points), you lower your drag, also, your other hand is free up

-if the camera holding hand is also required, let go of the rig and the camera is held only by the handyard

-last resort, simply loosen the lanyard and let go of the camera rig

I am of the opinion that securing the rig to BC or sling over neck is a dangerous thing to do in terms of entangling potential, and the readiness to ditch.

These are just my 2 cents.

 

[lovells19]

agree with Luv4nature, being proficient as a diver first, then start carrying heavy rigs, all of us here didn't get here overnight.

don't hang it around your neck, it suicidal, anyway you'll look ridiculous.

I fasten my Cam to my BC, with a Clip+telephone cord, can un-clip and take photo, clip back and hang the cam when needed.

Always carry a Scissor/shears when diving, with or without camera.

usually i just drift with the current, finning minimum.. times when i need to swim again the current i'll close up the arms and hug the rig to my chest, streamline myself and start finding shelters In Sever condition, clip your cam, and get your SMB ready

 

[antacid]

hit 3 knot currents coming from 4 different directions while diving in gili tepekong with my A640 + 1 small D2000S. held it tight to my chest with the wrist strap around my wrist (where else?) while drifting. Finally found a rock to hang on to and use the heavy ikelite housing to anchor myself down since there's no way I could be taking pictures as well. At least the housing works well as a substitute for a forgotten reef hook.

wow, 3kts? your reg must have been free-flowing like mad! i wouldnt want to be in that situation..haha

anyways, i go with a DSLR housing with with a 1.2m long spectra 5mm rope, which doubles up as a carry handle on land. it's clipped onto my D-ring, and extends enough to bring it up for shooting, and even self-portraits with a WA lens. it allows me to drop the camera, and deploy a SMB during my safety stop.

in all honesty, if you have to worry about the camera hitting coral and stuff, then you probly should leave the camera on the boat. buoyancy control is very important, as well as situational awareness. i guess many people forget about the environment when they have a camera in their hands and suffer from CLITS (Camera LCD Induced Tunnel-vision Syndrome)

((=

 

[etoy56]

Good question !!

Question -
1) A metal DSLR casing with 2 big strobe, is it hard to move around underwater ??
2) How do you guys/gals keep your gears from dropping into the bottom of the sea if you need to let go of your camera when in danger ??
3) How do you all even manage to fit everything (diver gears, camera gears, clothing...etc) under 20kg for the flight overseas....

question 3 is the killer here..... hahaha, my diver gears alone is around 18kg

I use a Nikon D200 and my wife uses a Fuji FinePix S2Pro DSLR Digital camera and Minolta Dynax 9Xi with Seacam Housing.

1)
Make your rig more buoyant!
It is not hard to move around underwater with 2 big strobes, especially if you put a floating system around the strobe arm to get neutral buoyancy

The Floatingsystem was slide into the strobe arm

The 2 Digital SLR in Seacam Housing without floatingsystem

I add more flotingsystem on the strobe arm for a bigger lens

In strong current dive location I use an extra long fins (apnoe fins).
Don't use apnoe fins if you cannot good buoyancy, otherwise you will damage the corals

2)
Use a floating system around the strobe arm with a little bit positive buoyancy! Dont add too much of the floating system around the strobe arm otherwise you cannot go down with your camera. In case you are in danger during a dive, let your camera go and with the positive buoyancy, your camera will go slowly to the surface. Test the positive buoyancy before the dive, the use of different port and lens will give you a negative or to much positive buoyancy for your camera

With a little bit positive buoyancy of your camera housing, keep in mind to secure your camera housing to your BCD D-ring all the time.

In the future I will try the new Ultralight New Buoyancy arm for my Seacam Strobe.
The new arms are made from 2" diameter tubing in five different lengths allowing you to customize the amount of buoyancy you need for your particular housing and strobes.

3)
Overseas flight :
My wife and our 2 children (16 & 13 year old) dive with me. With Qatar airline from Vienna we can take only 80 Kg luggage for 4 people + 7Kg (and not more) handbag for each of us.


Our UWP gear was packed in 2 Pelican bags and the weight was 35 Kg and they were not
handluggage.

Every morning I took one of my Pelican bag to cleaned and cheked the O-Ring of the Seacam Housing.

-2 Seacam Housings,
-3 Seacam Strobes and
-a lot of accessories (4 Dome ports, 3 pairs of strobe arms, 4 different cable systems with Nikonos-Nikonos TTL Sync Cord, Ikelite-Nikonos TTL Sync Cord, S6-S6 TTL Sync Cord and S6-Nikonos TTL Sync Cord),
-2 Hartenberger Flashlight for night dives (very heavy),
-4 different LED Flashlight
-2 Ikelite Housings for the Canon Powershot G7 as a backup camera
-30 rechargeable battries

Our dive gear for 4 people weighed around 35 Kg.

In the handbag I put the 3 Nikon DSLR cameras with 6 lenses, 2 Canon Powershot G7 and 2 sonny Digicams, 1 Lenovo X60s TabletPC with a 2nd. battery and 2 external harddrives.

Obviously we could not manage to pack everything we needed into the allowed 20 kgs, so we had to pay for excess weight. Therefor we will fly Singapore Airlines again next year as we did the last 18 years. It is more expensive than Qatar Airline but as divers we are allowed to take 30 kg per person.

etoy (Subagio Rasidi Kusrini)