Remember that amazing snorkeling trip last summer? I wish I’d had better underwater footage! That’s why I’m diving deep into the question: Can the GoPro Hero Session go underwater? This comprehensive guide will explore the Hero Session’s waterproofing capabilities, limitations, and how to best protect your camera for underwater adventures. You’ll gain the knowledge to confidently capture stunning underwater videos and photos, regardless of your experience level.
GoPro Hero Session Water Resistance
The GoPro Hero Session, while a compact and powerful action camera, doesn’t boast automatic waterproof capabilities like some newer GoPro models. Understanding its water resistance and the necessary precautions is crucial for preserving your investment and obtaining high-quality underwater footage. This section details the limitations and ways to ensure your GoPro Hero Session stays dry and operational beneath the waves.
Housing Requirements for Underwater Use
- The GoPro Hero Session requires a waterproof housing to function underwater. This housing creates a sealed environment protecting the camera’s sensitive internal components from water damage. Without it, even shallow submersion can lead to irreparable damage.
- The official GoPro waterproof housing is designed to withstand depths up to 131 feet (40 meters). Using a third-party housing may have different depth ratings, so always check the manufacturer’s specifications before using it.
- Before each underwater use, carefully inspect the housing for any cracks, scratches, or damage that could compromise its watertight seal. A damaged housing can easily lead to water ingress and ruin your GoPro.
Understanding Water Resistance Ratings
Waterproof ratings can be confusing. Different standards exist, like IPX ratings and waterproof depth ratings. We’ll clarify these terms to ensure you make informed decisions when choosing accessories for your GoPro Hero Session underwater use. The GoPro Hero Session itself is not waterproof; its waterproof capabilities rely entirely on the housing.
- IPX Rating: This is an international standard classifying the degree of protection provided against the ingress of solid objects and water. A higher IPX rating indicates greater protection. However, it doesn’t specify depth limits. The GoPro Hero Session’s housing likely meets a high IPX rating when properly sealed.
- Depth Rating: This rating specifies the maximum depth a device can be safely submerged to without suffering damage. GoPro housings usually provide clear depth ratings, highlighting the importance of staying within this limit. Exceeding the depth rating can lead to camera failure.
- Pressure: Water pressure increases dramatically with depth. Exceeding the rated depth puts immense pressure on the housing, potentially causing cracks or leaks, ultimately damaging your GoPro Hero Session.
Preparing Your GoPro Hero Session for Underwater Use
Proper preparation is key to successful underwater filming with your GoPro Hero Session. This involves more than just slapping on the housing; careful setup and maintenance are vital. This section provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your camera before you dive in.
Inspecting the Housing and Seals
- Before every dive, thoroughly inspect the housing for any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, scratches, or any imperfections in the seals. Even a tiny crack can let water in, ruining your camera.
- Pay close attention to the o-ring seals. Make sure they are clean, lubricated (with a silicone-based lubricant), and properly seated within their grooves. Dry or damaged o-rings are common causes of leaks.
- Carefully close the housing and check for any resistance. A smooth, secure closure indicates a proper seal. If you encounter any difficulty closing the housing, investigate the cause before proceeding.
Testing the Housing for Leaks
- Before submerging your GoPro in water, perform a leak test. Fill a bowl or sink with water and submerge the closed housing, ensuring it’s fully immersed for at least a few minutes. Inspect carefully for any signs of bubbles.
- If you notice any bubbles, immediately take the housing out of the water and investigate the source of the leak. Carefully inspect the o-rings and seals, address any damage or imperfections before trying the test again. A leak means your GoPro is at risk of water damage.
Camera Settings for Underwater Filming
- Adjust the white balance setting. Underwater, the color spectrum is significantly altered. Most GoPros offer a setting specifically for underwater conditions to correct the color cast. Using the wrong setting can result in dull or unrealistic colors in your footage.
- Consider using a red filter. Water absorbs red light more quickly than other colors. A red filter compensates for this loss and helps restore the natural colors in your underwater footage. Experiment with different filters to find what suits your environment best.
- Increase the sharpness or contrast. Underwater visibility can be impacted by particles and light scattering. Increasing the sharpness and contrast can help improve the clarity and detail in your videos and photos.
GoPro Hero Session Underwater Photography and Videography
Once you’ve mastered the preparation, the real fun begins! This section provides tips for capturing stunning underwater visuals, along with troubleshooting common issues. Proper techniques and settings can significantly enhance your results.
Tips for Better Underwater Shots
- Get closer to your subject. Water absorbs light, reducing visibility. Get as close as possible to your subject to ensure sharp, clear images. This also helps minimize the effects of water clarity issues.
- Use a wide aperture. A wide aperture (low f-number) allows more light to enter the camera’s lens, improving image quality in low-light conditions, common underwater. Experiment to find the optimal setting for your situation.
- Shoot in RAW format. RAW format captures more image data, giving you more flexibility during post-processing to correct for underwater color shifts and improve image quality. The greater dynamic range of RAW files is especially advantageous in challenging underwater lighting situations.
Troubleshooting Common Underwater Issues
- Blurry Footage: This is often caused by shaky camera movement or inadequate lighting. Consider using a tripod or other stabilizing device, and experiment with higher ISO settings or additional lighting (underwater lights are available).
- Poor Color: This can result from incorrect white balance settings or lack of light penetration. Always adjust white balance for underwater use, and use a red filter to correct color casts caused by water absorption of red wavelengths.
- Low Visibility: Water clarity varies greatly with location and depth. Choose clear water locations for best results and consider shooting closer to your subject to minimize the effects of reduced visibility.
Myths and Misconceptions about GoPro Hero Session Underwater Use
Many myths surround underwater photography and videography with action cameras. We’ll debunk some of these to clear up any confusion and ensure you have a safe and effective experience.
Myth 1: Any Waterproof Case Will Work
False. Only housings specifically designed and rated for the GoPro Hero Session should be used. Using an incompatible case can lead to water damage, even if it claims to be waterproof. Always check for compatibility and depth ratings.
Myth 2: The Housing is Indestructible
False. While durable, the housing can still be damaged by drops, impacts, or extreme pressure. Handle it carefully, and always respect the rated depth. Excessive force or impacts can compromise its integrity and lead to leaks.
Myth 3: You Don’t Need to Test the Housing
False. Always perform a leak test before every use, even if the housing appears to be in perfect condition. This prevents potential water damage and protects your expensive GoPro Hero Session.
FAQ
Can I use the GoPro Hero Session underwater without a housing?
No. The GoPro Hero Session is not waterproof without its designated waterproof housing. Attempting underwater use without a housing will almost certainly result in irreparable water damage to the camera.
How deep can I go with the GoPro Hero Session and its housing?
The official GoPro waterproof housing for the Hero Session is rated for depths up to 131 feet (40 meters). Always adhere to this depth limit to prevent damage to your camera and housing.
What kind of lubricant should I use on the o-rings?
Use a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for o-rings. Other lubricants can damage the o-rings and compromise the watertight seal of the housing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
What if I see bubbles coming from the housing underwater?
If you notice bubbles, immediately bring the housing to the surface. This indicates a leak in the housing, and your camera is at risk. Thoroughly inspect the seals and o-rings, and address any damage before further use.
Can I use the GoPro Hero Session for surfing or other high-impact water sports?
While the housing protects against water, it might not withstand strong impacts during high-impact water sports. Consider extra protection or a more robust housing designed for extreme conditions. Always prioritize camera safety.
What settings should I use for underwater filming?
Adjust white balance to the underwater setting, and experiment with a red filter to compensate for water’s absorption of red light. Increase sharpness and contrast if needed, and shoot in RAW format for more post-production flexibility.
How do I clean my GoPro Hero Session housing after underwater use?
Rinse the housing thoroughly with fresh water after each use to remove any salt, sand, or other debris. Allow it to dry completely before storing it to prevent corrosion and ensure the seals stay in good condition.
Final Thoughts
Capturing breathtaking underwater footage with your GoPro Hero Session is achievable with proper preparation and understanding of its limitations. Remember, the key is using the correct waterproof housing, meticulously inspecting seals, and following safe diving practices. By applying the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can confidently explore the underwater world and create stunning videos and photos that will last a lifetime. So grab your GoPro, housing, and dive in!