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Underwater Camera Equipment recommended by Mermaids

Diving into underwater content creation? Trust a mermaid to know the best budget friendly gear to get your underwater camera rolling! I’m sharing with you exactly how I’ve been shooting my mermaid content over the last 7 years and how I’ve been able to grow my Instagram and Tiktok pages with underwater video. I shoot both recreational videos and paid advertising videos with each of the setups you’re about to see below.

Should you film with an Underwater Camera or use a Waterproof Phone Case?

There are two main approaches to filming underwater mermaid content: purchase a dedicated underwater camera or get a waterproof phone case and use your phone.

GoPro Hero 9

Underwater cameras like GoPro’s have come a long way in terms of image quality when shooting underwater and are totally worth it IMO. I just picked up the GoPro 9 and the videos are stunning!! 4k, 60fps, all the works! It is currently the only thing I use to shoot with underwater.

LifeProof Case

Or you can go the less expensive route and get a waterproof case for some filming equipment you already have- your cell phone! I’ve used Lifeproof for years and they’ve always done a good job of keeping my phone safe from the elements. I find that I need to replace my case almost every year, but I do take it on and off frequently which may add to the wear and tear. Of course, the image quality is dependent upon your phone. I do love the continuity of shooting underwater content on my phone, I just haven’t gotten around to getting a waterproof case for my newest iPhone yet.

The Rig I use for Solo Underwater Filming

Yep, it’s really that simple. 

Tripod

Whenever I don’t have a friend around to help film, I set up a tripod underwater- with a weight if needed. It’s not exactly a “waterproof” tripod, it’s just the cheapest regular tripod I could find on Amazon (so it wouldn’t break the bank if I needed to replace it!)  Mine has lasted me quite a few years already- in & out of water- and it’s still holding up great!

Tripod Mount

The mount, however, I have had to replace much more frequently due to the parts rusting into place. With dedicated cleaning and drying you may be able to make these last longer than me but sometimes I just bite the bullet and spend another $7 on a new one.

GoPro Accessories when filming underwater with a friend

Here are some of my favorite GoPro accessories if you have an extra hand on the shoot. 

GoPro Dome

The GoPro Dome creates beautiful over under shots that show above the water and below the surface at the same time. If the water is very still, I suppose you could set this up on a tripod as well but having a photographer would definitely make it easier to frame and capture the shot.

Dive Rig with Underwater Light Bundle

If you’ve ever tried to film one of your friends underwater using a GoPro selfie stick you’ll notice its kind of difficult to control and keep a fluid motion. The two-handed diving rig is designed to provide stable shooting underwater. Plus, there are two extra areas to mount dive lights if conditions call for it! This bundle comes with one light, but you can find a less expensive option with just the rig if you feel like you won’t need any extra lighting.