Introduction
The GoPro action camera is popular due to it compact size, high-definition capabilities and robust build. The GoPro camera is renowned for its ability to deliver high-quality footage in extreme conditions. With resolutions up to 5K and the capability to shoot in slow motion, the GoPro is perfect for capturing the vibrant and dynamic underwater environment. When paired with the right accessories, the GoPro can capture high-quality underwater images and videos.
To take underwater photos with a GoPro, you do need more than just the camera itself. An underwater housing is essential to protect the camera from water damage and withstand the pressure at various depths.
Using a tray provides stability and control, making it easier to handle the camera underwater. Flexible arms and clamps are used to position the camera and attach accessories like lights. A reliable light source is crucial for enhancing colours and definition, as natural light diminishes quickly underwater, especially at greater depths. Together, these components ensure you capture clear, vibrant, and well-lit underwater images.
The GoPro is a light hungry camera and requires powerful lights for best results.
As the red light get filtered out pretty quickly, you can use lights with or without additional arms and clamps. The advantage of using extra arms will increase the flexibility of how to position the lights. You can add filters and lenses….. The sky is the limit and your choice depends on budget and personal preference.
This article delves into each component, highlighting its features, benefits, and usability.
Whether you want to use your GoPro for recreational diving, scientific research, professional photography or videography Underwater Australasia has the solution.
HOUSINGS
GoPro Housing
The GoPro black protective housing and waterproof case for the HERO9 - 12 protects your GoPro from dirt and flying debris, and it is waterproof down to 60 meters (196 ft) for deep-water diving. Its front LCD screen remains accessible for viewing. The flat glass lens makes for sharp, high-quality images above and below the water.
A skeleton backdoor is included for improved audio capture and easy access to the camera’s touch screen out of the water.
This housing can be easily combined with the Backscatter FLIP Filter System, which is versatile with a range of filters that can be fumble free flipped in and out of use, depending on the depth you are diving and the colour of the water. The FLIP12 Pro set includes the +15 MacroMate Mini lens, allowing you to get within 7.5 cm of your subject so you can bring the tiny wonders you find to the big screen. If your favourite underwater subjects are about the size of a golf ball, the +15 MacroMate Mini is about to become your best friend.
OR, get a significant upgrade in image quality from your GoPro camera with the Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro (SWLP). This optical grade glass wide conversion lens will dramatically increase the sharpness of the footage from corner to corner, add extreme detail, and improve contrast. It will increase the angle of coverage to 140°, and by allowing the GoPro to focus much closer, you'll be able to limit the amount of water between you and your subjects while maintaining a wide field of view and getting more of your video lights on your subjects. The fumble-free bayonet design is easy to mount and remove. Included are the DIVE+ for SWLP or DEEP+ for SWLP slide-in filters for pro-level colour correction at any depth. Compatible with GoPro HERO 9-12.
Digipower Extended Power Module
The Digipower Extended Power module is a game-changer for underwater photographers who need extended battery life. This power module includes an integrated battery pack that significantly increases the GoPro’s operating time. It’s ideal for long dives where recharging isn’t an option. On its own, the housing is designed to be waterproof up to 10 meters (30 feet), providing reliable protection for the camera when surfing, snorkelling, kayaking or any other shallow water sports.
It basically is a 10 meter waterproof rechargeable battery that lets you capture up to 9 hours (6 hours in 4K quality) of continuous video footage without having to charge your GoPro HERO12 HERO11 HERO10 and HERO9 in the middle of your exciting adventures.
For more depth, this unit fits into the H10 Aluminium T-housing to enable deeper diving for longer.
Aluminium T-Housing
For those seeking maximum durability, the aluminium T-housing is the perfect choice. Constructed from high-grade aluminium, this housing offers exceptional protection against impacts and corrosion. It’s waterproof up to 250 meters (820 feet), making it suitable for deep-sea exploration. The T-housing’s robust design ensures that the GoPro remains safe and functional even in the harshest underwater environments.
This is why this housing is particularly favoured by professionals, including scientists, due to their robustness, depth rating, and precision engineering. The T-housing are being used in the field of Marine Biology, underwater Archaeology - to document and study submerged artefacts and structures - and environmental monitoring.
The T-HOUSING H10 POWER was designed for use with the new Digipower Re-Fuel battery pack and can exploit its performance thanks to a special design feature. While there is sufficient capacity for very long recordings when the battery pack is used normally, these are often not possible at high resolutions and frame rates due to the overheating of the camera with other housings.
The H10 POWER housing features a thermal bridge to the camera, turning the aluminium housing into a giant heatsink for it. As a result, the continuous recording time is usually only limited by the battery capacity and 5-6 hours of recording are possible.
The T-HOUSING Magnetic 67mm frame with +10 diopter macro lens for the GoPro Hero9 Hero10 Hero11 and Hero12 can be placed safely and quickly thanks to the magnets embedded in the front glass. This lens can be replaced by other lenses and filters with 67mm fine thread.
The Magnetic Immersion Filter set for the T-HOUSING (for Hero 9 10 11 and 12) consists of 3 different filter disks made of precision acrylic glass, which can be placed safely and quickly using the magnets embedded in the front glass. There are 2 red tones for different diving depths in blue waters and a disc in magenta for green waters.
The T-housing also has come out with an Adapter for INON lenses. These adapters enable the use of the Inon lenses UFL-G140 SD and UCL-G165 SD, as well as the Backscatter Sharp Wide Angle lens/AOI UWL-03 lens and AOI UCL-03, on the T-HOUSING H10 POWER (see below). There is also one of these adapters available for the standard T-housing.
Isotta Housing for GoPro*
Another housing for deeper dives is the Isotta GoPro Underwater Housing - rated to 200m. Isotta is an Italian company known for its premium underwater housings. Their products are popular among professional divers, underwater photographers, and scientists for their innovative design and reliability.
This housing offers easy access to all key/main camera controls, even with gloves. The back door has a large window for a clear camera display view and it is entirely detached from the front body; a rubber outline makes fitting the GoPro Hero Black cameras simple.
A removable rear hood provides an excellent view of the display in any condition. and allows you to capitalise on the full potential of the GoPro Hero series of cameras to capture amazing pictures underwater.
*also available for GoPro Hero5, Hero6 and Hero7 Black
AOI UH-GPX GoPro Underwater Housing & Monitor
Take your videos to another level with the AOI UH-GPX Underwater Housing and Monitor, compatible with Hero 9, 10, 11, and 12 Black.
Constructed from aluminium using state-of-the-art design and engineering, the housing provides unparalleled protection for GoPro cameras, ensuring they can withstand the harshest underwater environments. Featuring advanced optical elements, the AOI UH-GPX housing is equipped with multi-layer anti-reflective and hydrophobic coated glass, the housing maintains high-quality image and video capture even in challenging underwater conditions.
The housing has Quick Release systems built-in, enabling it to attach the AOI Ultra Wide Lens and AOI Ultra Close-up Lens (UWL-03 and UCL-03), significantly improving the optical capabilities of GoPros. This QRS also fits the INON SD lenses and the Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens.
Designed with user comfort and handling in mind, the housing offers intuitive controls and easy access to camera settings through the use of a built-in monitor. The use of orientable arms on the underwater housing offers unparalleled composition opportunities, making it a preferred choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.
A standout feature is the 5-inch Full HD display monitor built into the housing. This monitor provides various assistive functions such as focus peaking, digital zoom, RGB histogram, and more, which are crucial for precise underwater photography and videography.
It includes a built-in vacuum analysation and water detection system, ensuring the camera remains dry and functional at depths up to 60 meters (196 feet).
The combination of rugged construction, advanced optical features, and user-friendly design justifies its premium price.
LIGHTS and TRAYS
Lighting is crucial in underwater photography due to the rapid loss of natural light with depth. Choosing the right underwater light for your GoPro can significantly enhance your underwater footage by providing the necessary illumination to capture vibrant and detailed images and videos. Whether you need a compact light for close-ups or a powerful light for deep dives, there are numerous options available to suit your specific needs.
Because of their small aperture GoPro camera would be considered light hungry and the brighter the better. However, you would not want to weigh down your set-up with massive lights either.
The following light and tray combos have been put together to make life easier, available at Underwater Australasia.
First off the rank would be at a Sealife set-up. The Flex-Connect click system is modular and can be customised for any camera or (Sealife) light you might want to use. Top of arms and grips can be changes to accommodate ball joints, YS-mounts or GoPro mounts. The trays come in mini, single and dual with a standard screw.
SeaLife Sea Dragon Duo 5000 - GoPro® ready Photo/Video/Dive Light - SL989
The Sea Dragon Duo 5000 underwater lighting set packs 5000 lumens of brightness using the latest in COB LED technology. With the included Flex-Connect Dual Tray, Grips and dual Sea Dragon 2500 light heads, you'll increase camera stability and add serious brightness to your photos and videos.
Each Sea Dragon 2500 light features a wide, 120-degree beam angle. Two lights mean almost twice the coverage, providing enough light even for cameras with an ultra-wide field of view. Each light operates with only a single button, quickly adjust between 3 power levels, and is depth rated to 200 feet/60 meters. Adapter for GoPro® cameras with acorn nut included.
Sea Dragon 2000F Photo/Video Light - GoPro® ready - SL677
The Sea Dragon 2000F light features a COB LED array that offers a very favourable colour temperature and colour rendering for today’s sophisticated digital cameras that by design, require plenty of natural light in order to produce colourful still and video images. The Sea Dragon 2000F closely simulates natural sunlight.
The Sea Dragon 2000 has an impressive CRI of 80 with a colour temperature of 5000K making it ideal for underwater imaging use with all cameras, from SeaLife’s range of underwater cameras, to action cam’s up to more sophisticated mirrorless or DSLR cameras.
The Sea Dragon 2000F (The “F” stands for Flood beam) features a 120° topside beam angle, 90° underwater and features three power levels at 100%, 50% and 25% of the 2000 lumen output. The wide beam angle is ideal to pair with compact action cameras, as it ensures the entire area being recorded is flooded with light. Like all SeaLife Sea Dragon lights, the performance and lumen performance is true and tested.
ScubaLamp Tray and Lights
The Scubalamp TG20 tray is an essential accessory for underwater photographers using GoPro cameras. Crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminium, it offers the stability and control necessary for capturing clear and steady underwater shots. Its ergonomic design includes comfortable grips to reduce hand fatigue during extended dives.
Whether you are a recreational diver or a professional underwater photographer, the TG20 tray provides improved stability, control, and customisable setup options. Its compatibility with a wide range of action cameras further increases its appeal, making it easy to capture stunning underwater images.
Simply add a GoPro mount, and you’re ready to dive!
Video Light Package with Tray and Arms - 4000 Lumens - Scubalamp PV22 x 2
This Video Light Package with Tray and Arms includes our top-choice tray SUPE TG20 and high-quality clamps from UN Photographic - made in Japan. The tray's adjustable width makes it compatible with most camera housings. Contact us for customisation options—we are always happy to discuss your needs.
The PV22 lights are designed for primary video lighting in any underwater video, digital still, or DSLR system. They are excellent for video, macro, UV photography, and general underwater photography. The UV version allows for fluorescence photography underwater.
ScubaLamp V3K V3
For brighter lighting, we recommend the Scubalamp V3K V3. This high-performance underwater video light is perfect for capturing high-quality footage with GoPro cameras. Made from anodized aluminum, the V3K V3 is robust and resistant to corrosion, capable of withstanding harsh underwater conditions.
The V3K V3 offers up to 12,000 lumens of brightness, providing powerful illumination even in dark underwater environments. It features multiple brightness settings, allowing you to adapt to various underwater scenarios, from shallow waters to deep dives. With a wide beam angle of 120 degrees, it ensures even lighting across your scene, ideal for wide-angle shots.
Equipped with a high-capacity, rechargeable battery, the V3K V3 can last for extended periods, making it suitable for long diving sessions.
The TG20 tray is perfectly compatible with the mentioned lights, making it a versatile and valuable tool for underwater photography. Whether using the PV22 lights for general photography or the V3K V3 for brighter illumination, the TG20 tray enhances your underwater photography experience, ensuring you capture stunning images and videos with ease.
Hyperion GoPro Floaty Bobber with Lanyard and Screw
Although, technically speaking not a tray the Hyperion GoPro Floaty Bobber is a multi-purpose action camera handle grip with added features. It will assist in improving a steady hold when filming and adds buoyancy when left empty.
There is also a tripod mount built into the base, so that you can attach the action camera and floaty bobber to a tripod. Fill the handle with water, so it doesn’t float away.
TG15 V2 Tray
The ScubaLamp TG15 V2 is a fantastic compact, quality tray accessory made of light aluminium alloy. It can be used with any small camera or housing system that has a GoPro mount.
The ball mount provides the option to add a light. Its ergonomic design includes comfortable, textured grips that ensure a secure hold, even when wearing gloves, reducing hand fatigue during extended dives.
U.N Arms: Flexibility and Stability
U.N arms are an useful component of the underwater GoPro setup. Made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, U.N arms provide stability and durability in underwater conditions.
Different length arms are used to attach strobes and other accessories to your housing using arm clamps and adapters.
A good arm system generally consists of two arm segments and two or three clamps depending on the amount of flexibility you need to achieve.
At Underwater Australasia we are not a fan of the segmented flexible arms as they can be easily bend in a current or when the lights you are using are on the heavy side. There is no way to fix them like you can when using the rigid arms and clamp system.
LENSES
The GoPro Housing can be fitted with Wide Angle Lenses and Macro lenses when having a lens mount installed. Those mounts can take the different brands of lenses as well, but we have described them below within their brands.
INON SD Lenses
The INON SD lenses are used together with the INON SD Front Mask for the GoPro Protective Housing. This mount has three different options to mount your GoPro onto ANY tray and is super versatile.
Equipped with INON SD Mount bayonet system with an additional locking feature to support easy and speedy exchange. The following lenses are easy to attach and detach, allowing photographers to switch between wide-angle and macro perspectives quickly and are designed to enhance the GoPro’s imaging capabilities.
The INON UFL-G140 SD underwater semi-fisheye conversion lens provides a wide field of view, perfect for capturing expansive underwater scenes.
The INON UCL-G165 SD underwater close-up lens allows for detailed close-ups of small marine life, making it ideal for macro photography.
The INON UCL-G55 SD is a fisheye lens for immersive, wide-angle perspectives. This lens is specially designed for shooting tiny critters, enabling ultra-macro photography with GoPro cameras. The UCL-G55 SD provides ultra-high magnification - using a tripod is recommended to prevent handshake
Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro Package
The Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro Package is another excellent option for GoPro users. This package includes a wide-angle lens designed to provide sharp, high-contrast images. The lens corrects the colour distortion caused by water, ensuring vibrant and accurate colours. It also features a durable construction, making it suitable for the challenging underwater environment. The package includes additional accessories such as filters and lens covers, providing a comprehensive set-up.
Backscatter Flip12 Pro
The backscatter Flip packages are a great addition to your GoPro camera in a housing. As soon as you descent more than 3 meters, the red light is filtered out. The GoPro Camera 8 and above go okay for the first 6 meters. Opt for the 1 Filter kit for 6 - 12 meters, 2 filter kit if you want to go deeper than 12 meters or choose the Flip12 Pro package that comes with the two filters and the +15 MacroMate Mini Macro Lens
Change filters with an easy flick of your finger for a fumble free change and better colours.
| Magnetic Filters/Lens | INON SD lenses | Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens | AOI UWL-03 or UCL-03 | Flip12 | |
| GoPro Housing | *(+mask) | * | * | * | |
| DigiPower | |||||
| T-Housing (H10 or Standard) | * | *(+adapter) | *(+adapter) | *(+adapter) | |
| Isotta | * | ||||
| AOI UH-GPX | * | * | * |
