GoPro Filters and Color Correction
The wide range of GoPro accessories marketed to underwater video shooters can seem daunting at first. Should you use GoPro filters? Video lights? Both? And what about editing to change the color of your footage… that’s what the pros do, right?
This article will explain filters, video lights, color correction and when to use each technique for underwater GoPro video.
SECTIONS:
Do I Need a GoPro Filter Underwater?
Yes, a GoPro filter will deliver the best color accuracy when shooting underwater. Scuba divers can also use video lights for close subjects instead of a filter (and sometimes in addition to a filter depending on criteria I discuss below). Learn why in this article + video tutorial.
Featured Video
All About GoPro Filters Underwater
When do you use Filters, Lights, and Manual Color Correction?
Great color can help take your underwater video from good to great. As divers, we learn (and then see firsthand) how color is lost as we descend in the water column. The light also becomes less intense and the contrasts we see near the surface become more muted. To bring back the rich colors of the reef and marine life, divers often shine a light or torch, photographers pop strobe flashes, and videographers use GoPro filters, video lights and/or manual color correction.
We use all three of these options to bring the red and other colors back into the scene, delivering a more interesting, color-accurate image. Accurate color balance renders whites as neutral. In other word, the whites will look white. Some might argue that the dull blue or green ambient tint is most-realistic since that’s the underwater scene we see without artificial light or filters, but the majority of videographers prefer to use these tools to create more pop in the image.
So how does underwater color correction work? How do you choose between filters, lights and manual color correction when shooting GoPro video? Let’s break it down to the basics.
GoPro Filters
The most common GoPro filter is red in color, designed to be used in clear blue water. Red is the first color lost as we dive deeper into the water, and this filter adds red back into the scene as we descend past 15ft (5m). Magenta filters are generally used in green water.
The GoPro camera is always looking at the color in the scene and automatically determining the white balance it determines most accurate. When the red filter is applied, the GoPro sees red and selects a warmer white balance (which is measured by kelvin temperature). The result is more color and contrast in the scene.
When to Use GoPro Filters
GoPro filters are best used below about 15ft (5m). Place the filter over the dive housing port and you’re good to go. Easy!
In bright shallow water (above 15ft) you can often use a red filter if you’re shooting at a down angle, but I recommend using different compositions in order to film intriguing video. If you shoot horizontally or up into the water column using a red filter, especially aiming towards the sun, you may see a red tint in the scene. We want to avoid this red tint at all costs since it looks so unnatural.
One solution here is to use a shallow water filter, which has less red than a standard red dive filter. See my Best Filters guide below.
The Bottom Line: Use your GoPro filter at dive depths but be careful and experiment in the shallows to find the best combo that works for you.
SHOOTING TIP: Shoot with the sun at your back when using a GoPro filter. By doing this, more of the scene is lit by the sun, is brighter, and will deliver better color through the filter.
GoPro Video Lights
Video lights are the best choice for shooting any scene where you’re within about 5ft of the subject (fish, reef, sharks, scuba diver, etc.). This is one of the few pieces of gear where spending more money will buy better results, since the stronger the light (the more lumens), the more vibrant color you can produce while shining through more water.
Many divers also opt for two video lights when shooting GoPro underwater video since two lights provide more coverage of wide scenes (like a reef or manta ray).
When the lights are on, the GoPro will detect all the color, delivering an accurate white balance for the scene. The colors will POP and contrast and texture will be added naturally through light and shadow.
Ideally, you will mount your GoPro on a tray and handle system, which not only helps keep the GoPro steady, but provides a place to mount adjustable arms and clamps for the lights. This rig provides a comfortable and stable way to hold the camera, plus the flexibility to position the lights to create the best lighting effects for each scene.
Featured Video
3 Tips for GoPro Light Positioning Underwater
When to Use Underwater Video Lights
Video lights often excel over filters anytime you’re within a 5ft range of the subject. They will light the subject, making it bright with nice color and contrast.
Can you Use GoPro Filters and Video Lights at the Same Time?
Yes, you can use GoPro filters and video lights at the same time as long as you keep the following tips in mind.
In most filming situations, especially with new GoPro models and correct GoPro settings, you will see nice results when pairing filters with video lights. This is because the filter will add color and some contrast back into the scene, while the light provides a touch of brightness.
The exception here is when you’re very close to your subject (within 3ft / 1m) and using strong lights with 2,000 or more lumens. In this case you may find that the power of the strobes is sufficient to produce bright, clean colors and that the filter may actually make the scene more drab.
Be sure to experiment since there are many variables, including your lights, composition style, dive conditions, and shooting situations!
Have questions? Let’s schedule a Virtual Private Lesson.
Manual Color Correction with GoPro
Color correction refers to manually adjusting the white balance of the scene, whether in the camera itself or on the footage while editing on the computer, tablet or phone. The goal is to make the color white (or a neutral gray) look true to life with no blue or green tint.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TUTORIAL: Underwater Video Basics
Many serious videographers will rely on their camera’s manual white balance feature underwater, using a white slate or other object as a reference for the camera to adjust kelvin temperature until the slate looks like a true white.
GoPro cameras don’t have an automated process like these more advanced compact, mirrorless or DSLR cameras, so the best option is to get the color as accurate as possible through use of a filter or lights, or manually selecting the white balance in the GoPro settings, and then addressing subtle color correction during post processing.
The goal is to get the color as accurate as possible in-camera, since image quality deteriorates when making big adjustments during post processing.
Most video editing software includes an easy-to-use white balance adjustment tool, often a dropper icon, that automatically adjusts white balance when you click on an area of white or neutral gray in the scene. I use Adobe Premiere Pro, however iMovie and Windows Movie Maker are great free alternatives.
After you make this initial white balance adjustment, you can play with the software’s various color correction tools to make small changes until the white balance looks good to your eye.
Best GoPro Filters
There are quite a few choices when selecting the best GoPro filters for underwater video. Luckily, the underwater filters I recommend are compatible with the Protective Dive Housing and Dive Housing used with the HERO 11, 10, 9 , 8, 7, 6, and 5. This leaves the choice between Single GoPro Filters and Double GoPro Filter Kits.
Do you need a housing to use GoPro filters?
Yes, I recommend using a dive housing any time you’re thinking about using underwater filters. This is because the filters become more useful at depth, often at or below the depth rating of the GoPro camera without the housing.
I actually recommend using the housing for all ocean activities since it better protects the camera from a possible flood, keeps the microphone ports clean from debris, and creates a cheaper replacement if you scratch the lens of the housing instead of the camera itself (*if not subscribed to GoPro with “no questions asked” camera replacements).
Single GoPro Filter Kits
Single GoPro Filter kits are perfect for those that want a single filter. This could be a red filter for blue water, a shallow filter, deep filter, or others.
Most filter kits allow you to swap out the filter, so while you are limited to one filter on a dive, you can change them out based on dive conditions and dive profile. If you’re looking for versatility and/or being able to shoot large scenes and small subjects, then skip down to the double filters.
Backscatter FLIP10+ Single Filter Kit
Simple, easy flip-on / flip-off filter for underwater video. The included DIVE filter is the best all-around filter for scuba diving however you can use any Backscatter filter with the mount, making this a very versatile kit. This filter is compatible with the GoPro HERO11, HERO10, and 9-5 in the Protective Dive Housing or Super Suit.
This is my top recommendation for a single GoPro underwater filter!
$59 | Backscatter
PolarPro Dive Filter 3-Pack for HERO11, 10, and 9 Housing
Simple, affordable and best of all: 3 different filters. The PolarPro Dive Filter kit will have you ready for any dive conditions. The included filters are snorkel, red (for blue water), and magenta (for green water).
This DiveMaster filter kit is designed to fit the GoPro HERO 11, HERO 10 and HERO 9 Protective Dive Housing only.
$52 | Amazon
SOONSUN 3-Pack Dive Filters for HERO11, HERO10 and HERO9
Another affordable single filter option, this 3-pack comes with a red dive filter, snorkel filter and magenta for freshwater or green water. Designed to fit the GoPro HERO 11, HERO 10 and HERO 9 Protective Dive Housing only.
$20 | Amazon
Double GoPro Filter Kits
Double filter kits provide the versatility to alternate between two different filters during a dive by flipping them over or away from the lens. Flipping a filter on or of is much easier than popping a single filter on and off, plus you don’t need to worry about where to keep it when not using it.
In addition, all filters should be burped underwater (learn more in my Wet Lenses Video Tutorial). The hinges on double filters make it very easy to burp the filter after entering the water.
You can gear up with a shallow and deep filter, red and magenta filter, or even a red filter plus macro lens for subjects closer than GoPro’s 12″ minimum focus distance.
While it’s possible to use a colored filter and macro lens at the same time, you’ll get best results from using a dedicated video light with the macro lens instead of the filter.
Backscatter FLIP10+ Two Filter Kit
Set up your GoPro to handle all your dive conditions. This kit includes both DIVE and SHALLOW filters. Flip either of the two filters you choose on and off during the dive as needed. You can also swap out one of these filters for Backscatter’s Greenwater Filter.This filter set is compatible with the GoPro HERO11, HERO10, 9-5 in the Protective Dive Housing or Super Suit.
$99 | Backscatter
Backscatter FLIP10+ Pro with MacroMate
This kit includes the three filters above plus a +15 Macromate Mini. Your GoPro alone cannot focus closer than 12″, so can’t really shoot macro even with the Narrow Lens. The Macromate Mini allows you to shoot at a closer distance, and magnifies the scene, so you can capture those macro critters!
This is THE KIT if you’re a scuba diver and want to shoot a wide array of scenes. I highly recommend!
This filter set is compatible with the GoPro HERO11, HERO10, and 9-5 in the Protective Dive Housing or Super Suit.
$199 *Sale Now! | Backscatter
Best GoPro Video Lights
GoPro video lights bring the color back into your underwater footage – at least with subjects that are within 3 feet (1m). A single light is great for fish portraits and smaller subjects, but two lights is ideal for reefscapes, big animals and other large scenes.
Video lights are one of the few items where I recommend spending more. This is because a higher budget simply buys more lumens. The more powerful light will better light your scene, especially if further away.
Underwater GoPro Lights are also better to use with a macro filter than a red filter, because you’ll see much brighter and more vivid color, plus contrasts and shadows created by the angle of your light to the scene or subject.
Here are some great GoPro video lights at various price points. These will work great for all GoPros, including the HERO 11 Black, HERO10, HERO9, HERO8, and all previous models.
View ALL Lights I recommend: Best Underwater Video Lights of 2023
Light & Motion Sola Video 2000 S/F
The Sola Video 2000 delivers high quality light in a small package. The switch on top is very easy to operate, while colored LEDs tell you how much battery life is left. Toggle easily between Flood and Spot beams.
$380: Backscatter Photo | $338 Amazon
Kraken Sports Hydra 2500 V2
This 2500 lumen light is a great starting point for underwater video shooters either as a single light or double light system. The light features a wide flood beam for even lighting and powerful 2500 lumen beam.
The Hydra 2500 is also a nice investment for divers who are interested in still photography, as it’s a fantastic macro focus light.
$299 | Backscatter Photo | $325 w kit Mozaik Camera
Light & Motion Sola Video 3800 F
Bring on the power in this 3800 lumen video light. A dome provides even lighting with soft falloff for the meticulous video shooter. The control button is very easy to flip on and off. I use these lights with my GoPro and love them.
$499 | Backscatter Photo
$449 for FC Black Version | Mozaik Camera
*In my camera bag!
Backscatter Macro Wide 4300 (MW-4300)
The Backscatter Macro Wide 4300 is a powerful, versatile light. The wide 4300 lumen beam is perfect for wide-angle and macro shooting, while the narrow 1400 lumen macro mode beam is great as a primary dive light or night dive light. Additionally, the macro mode pairs well with the Backscatter Optical Snoot 1, for those who want to get creative – either with your GoPro, or if you intend to upgrade cameras and want to future-proof your investment.
$499 | Backscatter Photo | Mozaik Camera
*In my camera bag – My Primary Video Lights!
GoPro Filter & Light Kits
Below are some great filter and light kits. Keep in mind that you may only need a tray and handles with filters, or maybe you need that plus two video lights. Maybe you want no filters and a single video light.
If you have questions, you can contact me through the Camera Questions page.
Backscatter FLIP10+ GoPro Wide Angle Blue Water Package
This is the perfect kit to get started filming GoPro underwater video. The tray and handle system is machined from a single piece of aluminum (no extra parts to corrode). It’s small, lightweight, and very affordable. The FLIP9 two filter kit is also included. All you need to add is the GoPro, Dive Housing and optional video lights.
This kit is compatible with the GoPro HERO11 Black, HERO10 and models 5-9 in the Protective Dive Housing or Super Suit.
$179 | On Backscatter
Mozaik Camera Dual Sola 2500 Video Light Package
This GoPro tray and light kit is everything you need to start shooting great underwater video.
The kit includes a compact tray and handle system, flex arms for light positioning, two powerful 2500 Light & Motion Sola lights, and a GoPro mount.
$749 | Mozaik Camera
Backscatter Sola 2500 Dual Video Light Package
This GoPro light kit is compact, efficient and powerful. It includes Backscatter’s compact tray and handle system, GoPro mount, flex arms for light positioning, and two Light & Motion Sola 2500 lumen lights.
It’s everything you need and can be used with any GoPro or small action camera.
$669 | Backscatter Photo
Mozaik Dual Big Blue Black Molly V Light + Handle System
This compact kit features dual Black Molly V lights (2600 lumens each). The light bodies are small for the power and the boomerang style tray ensures the lights stay positioned behind the camera while also making it easy to flip filters on and off the GoPro.
$862 | Mozaik Camera
In Conclusion
GoPro filters and underwater video lights are the best tools for creating vibrant images with white balance as close to accurate as possible. To take your color preferences one step further, you can make subtle color corrections while editing the footage.
- Filters are best used in clear water with subjects that are farther than 5ft away.
- Underwater video lights are best used for close subjects and a tray/handle system.
I hope this article helps you pick out the perfect filter set for your underwater GoPro video.
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