How to Film Water Activities Like a Pro
How to Film in the Water Like a Professional: A Comprehensive Guide
Filming in the water offers stunning, immersive perspectives that can transform any video project. Whether you're capturing surfers riding waves, swimmers gliding underwater, or tranquil river scenes, shooting in aquatic environments brings unique challenges. This guide covers everything you need to know to film in the water professionally — from technical camera choices to essential safety measures.
Choosing the Right Autofocus Method for Water Scenes
Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your footage, especially in dynamic water environments. Water reflects and refracts light in unexpected ways, which can confuse autofocus systems. Here’s how to optimize focus:
Continuous Autofocus (AF-C): Ideal for moving subjects like swimmers or surfers. It tracks motion and adjusts focus on the fly. Ensure your camera has reliable AF-C with good subject tracking.
Single Autofocus (AF-S): Best for static or slow-moving scenes where you can pre-focus and lock the focus point.
Manual Focus: Sometimes, especially underwater, autofocus can struggle. Use manual focus for precise control, particularly when shooting close-ups or in low light conditions.
Focus Peaking & Magnification: Use these features if available on your camera to assist with manual focusing underwater or through a housing.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Your Gear
Filming in water requires respect for the environment and personal safety:
Know Your Limits: Never enter water conditions beyond your swimming or snorkeling ability. Strong currents, cold temperatures,
Wear appropriate safety gear: Most of the time you won’t need a helmet or impact vest but when you’re at risk of getting hit by surfers or boats or really big waves (15ft +) or hitting an underwater reef, it’s wise to wear at least a helmet that protects your head.
When shooting in water or wet environments, choosing the right camera is critical to achieving professional results without risking costly damage. Waterproof housings or specially designed underwater cameras can offer protection, but your camera’s capabilities play a significant role in the overall quality of the footage.
For high-end commercial shooting, cameras like the Canon EOS R5C provide excellent performance, combining high-resolution stills and immersive 8K video quality. Its robust build and advanced autofocus system make it adaptable for challenging conditions, including water shoots when paired with proper external protection.
If you want to dive deeper into the features and benefits of the R5C for complex shoots, especially in environments like underwater or rain-soaked settings, check out my detailed blog post on the Canon EOS R5C. Understanding the technical specifications will help you make an informed decision on your next waterproof camera setup.