Footage captured using Panasonic GH5 camera equipment
The author, an avid underwater videographer, has been experimenting with the snoot technique to isolate macro subjects in their video "Exploring the Salish Sea 2018". This innovative approach, combined with the Panasonic GH5's impressive features, has proven to be a powerful tool for capturing stunning underwater footage.
The GH5 offers significant benefits for underwater video shooting, especially in terms of resolution, frame rate, and image stabilization. The camera supports high-quality 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second (fps), delivering sharp, detailed footage ideal for underwater scenes where clarity is important. It can also shoot slow-motion video with high frame rates (up to 180 fps in lower resolution), which is useful for capturing underwater motion smoothly or highlighting fast sea life movements.
One of the standout features of the GH5 is its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is highly effective underwater where hand-holding or movement is common due to currents and diver motion. This stabilization helps keep footage steady without requiring large, complex rigs.
The author collects video clips from dives during the winter months in Puget Sound and appreciates the ability to shoot at 4k60p on the Panasonic GH5. To aid in focus and exposure, the author has enabled focus peaking, exposure peaking, and a histogram on the SmallHD 501 monitor, which is mounted on a ball mount with extended clamp, allowing for easy movement to frame subjects perfectly.
For general purpose shots, the author uses the M.Zuiko ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ and Nauticam port, while for wide-angle shots, the M.Zuiko ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO and Nauticam port are employed. The author also uses a M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for macro shots.
The author organises clips into logical groups by keywords, making it easy to search for specific clips such as stubby squid. The editor shows all favourited clips to create the initial rough cut. The author upgraded to a Panasonic GH5 camera and Nauticam housing about a year and a half ago and has used the camera on approximately 250 dives in Puget Sound and elsewhere around the globe.
Final Cut Pro is used to import clips into the iMac and build a library of scenes. Keywording clips for organization is possible with Final Cut Pro, which also allows for smooth transitions between clips. The SmallHD monitor, on a ball mount with extended clamp, allows the author to move it for the perfect angle to frame subjects.
The author's setup also includes additional equipment such as the SmallHD 501 monitor in a Nauticam housing, xit404 tripod legs, Sola 3800s, Sola 500, ScubaLamp MS30.V3, and DJI Mavic Pro. The snoot technique helps to highlight colorful creatures in the mucky background of Puget Sound, making for captivating underwater footage.
In conclusion, the Panasonic GH5 is a powerful tool for underwater videographers seeking high-resolution, flexible frame rate options, and effective stabilization to counteract underwater movement. Its flat picture profile is also advantageous for color grading underwater footage, where color shifts (especially the loss of reds) need correction in post-production. The GH5 is compatible with various underwater housings from third-party manufacturers, enabling safe and effective use at depth, making it suitable for professional underwater video work.
- The snoot technique, used by the author in the video "Exploring the Salish Sea 2018", is effective in isolating macro subjects underwater.
- One of the Panasonic GH5's impressive features is its capacity to record high-quality 4K video up to 60 frames per second, ideal for underwater scenes.
- To aid in focus and exposure when using the Panasonic GH5, the author has enabled focus peaking, exposure peaking, and a histogram on a SmallHD 501 monitor.
- For capturing stunning macro shots underwater, the author uses a M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens.
- The Panasonic GH5's in-body image stabilization is highly effective underwater, reducing the need for large, complex rigs.
- The author's underwater video kit includes additional gadgets such as the SmallHD 501 monitor, Sola 3800s, DJI Mavic Pro, and various dive lights.
- The Panasonic GH5 is suitable for professional underwater video work due to its flat picture profile, which is advantageous for correcting color shifts in post-production.
