Introduction
Getting bright and real underwater videos with your GoPro can be hard because colors fade when light goes into the water. Luckily, flip filters are a good way to make your underwater videos and photos look better. In this guide, we’ll look at what flip filters are, how they work, and the advantages they provide for fixing colors in GoPro videos.
What are GoPro Color Correction Filters?
Flip filters are specialized filters to be attached to your GoPro’s housing or lens. They are designed in a way that you can easily flip them on and off. These filters correct the color balance in your video, mainly when shooting in blue or green water. They filter out some kinds of light so you can get better colors underwater.
Types of Flip Filters
Clear Filters:
Clear filters don’t affect color correction but can be used to protect your lens from scratches or damage. They can also enhance clarity in certain lighting conditions.
Red Flip Filters:
Red filters are ideal for use in blue water conditions, typically found in deeper ocean dives. They enhance the reds and oranges that are absorbed by water, restoring the natural colors of your subject.
Magenta Flip Filters:
Magenta filters are best suited for green water environments, such as lakes and rivers. They counteract the green tones and help bring back the reds and blues, resulting in more balanced footage.
Benefits of using Flip Filters
- Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to other color correction methods, such as post-editing in software, flip filters provide an immediate solution without the need for extensive editing.
- Improved Color Accuracy: Flip filters help restore lost colors, resulting in more natural-looking footage. This is especially important for capturing the vibrant colors of marine life and coral reefs.
- Ease of Use: With the flip mechanism, you can quickly switch between filtered and unfiltered modes without having to remove the filter completely. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing conditions easily.
- Enhanced Visuals: By correcting color imbalances, flip filters can significantly enhance the overall visual appeal of your videos and photos, making them more captivating and professional-looking.
How to Use Flip Filters with Your GoPro
- Choose the Right Filter: Select a red or magenta filter based on your diving environment. If you’re unsure, consider the water conditions—blue water for red filters and green water for magenta filters.
- Attach the Filter: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, securely attach the flip filter to your GoPro housing. Ensure it’s aligned properly for optimal performance.
- Test Your Shots: Before diving, take some test shots with and without the filter to see how it affects the color. This will help you understand the filter’s impact on your footage.
- Flip as Needed: While underwater, you can flip the filter up or down as conditions change. If you find that the colors are looking off, simply adjust the filter without needing to pause your filming.
- Review Footage: After your dive, review your footage to see the differences made by the flip filter. Compare shots taken with and without the filter to appreciate its impact.
Conclusion
GoPro color correction flip filters are a great way to bring out the true colors in your underwater photos and videos. With the right filter, you can capture the vibrant hues of marine life and underwater landscapes more accurately, giving your footage a lifelike quality. Understanding how and when to use these filters can make a noticeable difference, helping you create stunning visuals that reflect the beauty of your dives. Add a flip filter to your GoPro and see how it transforms your underwater captures!
