ACHiPo

Another option if you want to DIY is Divinycell, which you can get in sheets: https://www.amazon.com/Divinycell-Foam-Core-Plain-Density/dp/B0CLSF9PG9/ref=sr_1_2?crid=JY47IS3E3HKB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.b_JwoVsc8pqY8WO7MD4kCYHUfHofjvgIpfGABfyOVHvGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.hxRbQIWOVRjcgI_4TK3xtFpaW5RcxFWf9OddIVgo_LI&dib_tag=se&keywords=divinycell+h80&qid=1767376994&sprefix=divinycell+h80%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2 You can either make your own belt, or otherwise cut it to shape and attach it where it's out of the way.

I just ordered a set of these: UltramaxdiveHELIUM Variable Buoyancy Arm SystemInnovative design HELIUM VBA (Variable Buoyancy Arm) System from ULTRAMAX allows you to create your BuoyFloat Arm’s lifting force from 0.5 lb (227g)~1.0 lb (453 g) using modular segments design to fitMy instructor has a set and seems to like them for travel as they break down (he also uses Ultralight style arms and Stixx floats). They have the added benefit of being a waterproof stash for keys, etc. They are about the same price as arms+floats, but seem to be less than the Nauticam carbon fiber float arms (they supposedly don't leak, or at least are less likely to fail than the Aliexpress variety).

I just came across Sea and Sea's 1200 lumen video light. Not cheap, but not outrageous at $385. It has 5400k color temp and 90 CRI. The Weefine Smartfocus 4000 is more powerful on paper--not sure how accurate any of these numbers are? Backscatter.comSea & Sea LX-1200SW FS Underwater Video LightSea & Sea LX-1200SW FS Underwater Video Light: No looseness in both wide and spot light "single light source/center light distribution" for a clean and beautiful image.

Welcome!

I have not found anything in the warm color temp, and CRI numbers seem to be nonexistent. Edit: Keldan quotes CRI, but they are very expensive. The Backscatter HF-1 is not cheap, nor does it have warm color temp, but it has a lot of light available so you could add diffusers/filters to warm the light at the expense of lower output. Bluewater has a 3000 lumen video light with a nice looking diffuse beam at 6500k for $250. I don’t see a CRI listed. If you put a diffuser on it the color temp should drop below 6K. Not experience yet—I have one ordered. I’m just getting into lighting underwater, but have been told color temperature is less important as long as you set the white balance. Maybe others more knowledgeable will comment.

Why did the GoPro have focus issues? I’m diving Monday with a GoPro and Wide Sharp wet lens for the first time.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

Can’t believe you splashed with orcas. Incredible, and more than a tad scary! Those things make great whites look relatively harmless!

Ben, This is stunning video! Thank you for sharing! Evan

Nauticam claims the MFO3 turns a 90 mm into a ~60mm. Does that mean it would turn a 60mm into ~45mm?

Welcome Jens.

I’m heading to Coco View for the first time in April. It will be my first time diving in the Caribbean since ~1980 in Key Largo (if that’s considered the Caribbean? ). Looking forward to just hanging out and getting my fill of diving!

Yeah, but M43 lenses are a bargain!😉

Davide, Great lens—it is on my wish list for above water photography. I’d be surprised if there is a port/housing that would accommodate it, but I’m interested in finding out as well. Good luck!

No info on DJI but GoPro is decent. I moved from a Hero 7 to a Hero 13 last year. This year I added a wet lens and HF1 lights, but I haven’t used the new rig yet.

Welcome! I’m pretty new here (and to underwater photography) myself.

Welcome. Fellow new member here.

Back Blaze seems to be a favorite of photographers. I’ve used Carbonite for years (well paid for it—never had to use it). It used to only cover one system, but now can cover a system plus a drive with no size limits. It’s about the same cost as Back Blaze. It seems like a big HDD as a local back up would make sense regardless as 24TB for ~$500 is pretty reasonable. The question is whether to insert a RAID/NAS as well? Definitely plan to use one portable SSD when traveling. Not sure about the second.

Thanks all. I already pulled the trigger on the 14” M4 Pro with 48 GB and 500 GB SSD. Also two SamsungT7 4TB SSDs. It should do the job. I actually got a few hundred off by going through Apple directly as part of the M5 launch. Now to figure out my back up strategy…

Bill, Thanks. I figured as much, but my buddy did stress that the M4 Pro was significantly faster than the M4 for LRC work. I assume the M5 Pro will be a similar step up. I just checked configs on the Apple site, and all the MacBook 14s max out memory at 32GB, so I think I'll wait a bit anyway. I'd like to get 48GB memory. Evan

What recommendations do you have for mobile editing hardware? I’ve avoided learning Lightroom and Photoshop, but it’s clear I need to jump in. I use my iPad for personal travel, but PC and Laptop for work. I’m retiring soon and contemplating moving to all Apple for synergies between iphone, ipad, laptop, and desktop. A friend recommended nano-texture MacBook Pro 14” with M4 Pro, 48 GB unified memory, 1TB SSD. Now that the M5 is out, but no mention of M5Pro, do I get the M5 or wait for the M5Pro? Thanks, Evan

Thanks Humu! The lights are big and heavy. I hope I’ll be happy with them. They are very awkward above water, but seem to work great with my macro bench set up. Yes I have floats. They are not Stixi, but similar non-compressible fishing-float foam from Amazon that were a lot less expensive. Looking forward to getting wet to figure out buoyancy and trim.

Nice review. Thanks!