This a quick overview of how I built a cheap underwater housing unit to protect my Canon 60D when shooting video underwater.
www.chadsorianophotoblog.com A 1080p video shot with the Canon Rebel T4i/650D paired with the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens at 29.97fps. Edited with Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 and used a modified Canon E-1 Movie Plugin to transcode AppleProRes422. I also used the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS lens for extreme macro closeups in the video. For support, I used the Benro 3580 tripod legs with a Manfrotto 701 HDV video head. For audio capture, I used a Senneheiser MKE400 shotgun microphone. To control incoming light to maintain the proper aperture, shutter and ISO, I used a FADER ND Mark II Variable ND filter. www.chadsorianophotoblog.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5
lilolale as
February 7, 2013 at 12:25 pm
very nice and smart idea man ! BUT i think there is gonna be too much air in there will you be able to control it underwater ?
MahmayiFurniture
February 7, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Hey, are you familiar with “photo SFX art” (just do a Google search for it…)? On their website you can watch a great free video explaining the way to take better photos. It made it possible for Joe to make pictures that leave you with a wow-effect while you look at them. It may help you out also.
cesar franco
February 7, 2013 at 1:03 pm
cool but how do you do to control de camera functions when you are under water ??:(
Jolanda Iridea
February 7, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Good afternoon! Have you tested photo sfxart tricks (search on google)? My buddy Bellinda made some awesome pics with their video lessons.
87LugosiBela
February 7, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Hey Man, Thank You Sooooo Much For This. It Really Work For Me. Cheers.
meanman1992
February 7, 2013 at 3:07 pm
good idea, not the greatest build quality though
Andy Hoffman
February 7, 2013 at 4:01 pm
You should take your design and build from scratch new ones that are not quite so DIY and sell them for far cheaper than the fudging expensive housing units. I would buy one.
Tommy Harrington
February 7, 2013 at 4:27 pm
buy a GoPro?….
mazinbuds
February 7, 2013 at 4:43 pm
amazing mann….Although not very practical. but really awesome efforts, very smart.
tntnyny
February 7, 2013 at 5:37 pm
This is AMAZING!
catmauter
February 7, 2013 at 6:34 pm
I am a broke film student. This looks amazing. How long did it take? Im trying to film a project on Friday underwater.
Asad Malik
February 7, 2013 at 6:50 pm
I’m gonna do this for photography (not video), and I can drill a small hole and slide in shutter release cable and seal off with silicon (or paste used in this video), but cable release will have to live there forever.
Thanks for the video, good job.
TheSoviish
February 7, 2013 at 7:49 pm
im must say, that actually is very effective
StellarLenseProd
February 7, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Just a quick update, the plexiglass is NOT easy to cut with a razor blade. I practically had to saw at it with a razor blade and snap the pieces off. I’m sure there’s an easier way to cut it. Might be worth researching before you start
blondegaijin
February 7, 2013 at 8:58 pm
You rock..! Never go away…! I’ll do this FO’ SHO..!
Hi from (tidepool capital) Monterey California.
Adriana Gomez
February 7, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Amazing!
Chad Soriano
February 7, 2013 at 10:24 pm
The Canon Ef 40mm f.2.8 pancake lens is an excellent addition to the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM kit lens.
Shiva Shankar KC
February 7, 2013 at 11:15 pm
Hi Chad,
I have EF 18-135mm STM lens. Do you suggest to get 40mm pancake also?
Thanks
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 12:06 am
The T4i and T3i have the same exact video quality. The difference lies in the video features such as the longer record time (29 min vs. 12 minutes) on the T4i. The T4i lacks the digital zoom in 1080p video like the T3i, also.
nelsono415
February 8, 2013 at 12:25 am
I’m new to this, but is the t4i and t3i the exact same when it comes to video quality?
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 12:43 am
I would go with the EF 40mm f/2.8 for the convenience of the smaller form factor but more expensive price. The EF 50mm f/1.8 for the ultimate bokeh value but it is definitely larger in size.
poonmcnugget
February 8, 2013 at 1:27 am
40mm or 50mm 1.8?
David Escalante
February 8, 2013 at 2:13 am
Would be nice if in each take there was a note showing which lens you used at that moment.
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 2:18 am
First piece of advice is to buy a reasonably priced tripod with video head for stable shooting. Second, shoot video like still pictures and let the subject do the action especially with the limitations of DSLR video capture. Third, practice, practice and more practice makes perfect. Good Luck!
Ethernalist
February 8, 2013 at 2:33 am
I just purchase this combo the t4i and EF 40mm, I’m a beginner, do you have any tips on learning how to take amazing video like in this sample? I know right of jump I’m not going to be able to take this good of a video but would like to know if you have any tips of short cuts that you can recommend to a beginner like me. Thank you!
z0nt21
February 8, 2013 at 3:25 am
To clarify: I was talking about the number of AF points available to the camera – the 7D has 19, 650D only 9; if they’re a physical cross-line sensor on the CMOS, then I guess it wouldn’t be possible to simply patch in, say, 12 autofocus points and rearrange them in a new pattern.
Oh, well, might as well wait for 70D with a touchscreen and all the new bells and whistles of 650D, which I really like.
z0nt21
February 8, 2013 at 3:30 am
Very nice macro shots you have here. One particular thing bothers me with regards to 650D’s AF system: it often gets confused even with STM lenses.
Question: would it be possible to patch in, say, 7D’s AF system via a firmware later on? The 650D does have a faster, albeit one, processor, and this appears to be a software problem – perhaps even intentional, so it doesn’t compete with the 7D till Mk II is released.
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 3:30 am
When focus is critical like subjects coming towards the camera at a fast rate, I definitely shoot manual with a magnifying loupe such as the Z finder. I gave up on the disappointing Servo AF of the T4i. I like the still camera upgrades of the T4i over the video upgrades. If you primarily shoot video, I would save money with the T3i paired with good glass and the z finder.
gerbilho
February 8, 2013 at 4:00 am
I saw a vdeo where you use the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x with the T4i. When you use the viewfinder the touchscreen becomes useless, isn’t that right? Wouldn’t the T2i or T3i be a better option if you want to use a viewfinder like the zacuto?
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 4:38 am
The T4i is a great still photo camera. It is comparable to the 60D. I am very disappointed in the AF during video recording and control the focus manually like I usually do.The 60D is tempting because of the similar price point but that October 2010 Canon body should be replaced very soon. I would use the T4i until the 70D comes out. Of course, the new 70D will be at least $1100. On Monday, July 23, 2012, Canon is announcing a new mirrorless camera as well. I would wait before making a decision.
Eddie Johnson
February 8, 2013 at 4:47 am
Are you still happy with the T4i? I’m kinda a disapponited in it. I’m having problems with focusing even in picture mode. I was thinking of sending it back for the 60D. Do you think any firmware updates will help with the auto-focusing? Thank you.
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 4:52 am
You are very welcome. As soon as I get my hands on one, I will check out the 18-135 STM lens.
Eddie Johnson
February 8, 2013 at 5:46 am
Thanks for your help. Will you be reviewing the 18-135 STM lens when it comes out?
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 6:30 am
I modify the E-1 plugin for Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 by altering the .plist file using a .plist editor like Textwrangler. I discuss this method in detail in the link in the above description. I do not own FCPX so I can’t tell you otherwise. I hope the link above helps a little. Good Luck!
Eddie Johnson
February 8, 2013 at 6:35 am
How do you use Canon E-1 Movie Plugin with the T4i? Does it work with FCPX? I’m very new to this and I really like the way your videos looks.
ryujisan
February 8, 2013 at 7:23 am
All right thanks!..
Getawaymoments
February 8, 2013 at 7:59 am
I see you getting very very close to my turf, stick to kids and water features.
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 8:23 am
On Amazon and B&H PhotoVideo, the pancake lens retails for $199 USD.
Chad Soriano
February 8, 2013 at 8:57 am
You can’t see me sweat in the greenhouse, though.
Getawaymoments
February 8, 2013 at 9:19 am
I see what you did there.
pkilla617
February 8, 2013 at 10:05 am
Nice video!!