Gopro diving light

Types of GoPro diving lights

Gopro diving light is a waterproof light source for use with GoPro cameras when underwater. Not all GoPro lights are diving lights. Only those rated IP68 or with an IP rating of at least 67 are diving lights. GoPro diving lights help illuminate the dark or poorly lit areas underwater to take clear and detailed photos or videos. GoPro diving lights are brighter than regular lights, but their lumen output varies. Usually, divers prefer more lumens in a diving light than others, as they can illuminate a wider area.

GoPro diving lights come in different types. They include:

• Video lights:

  Video lights are commonly used for underwater video recordings. These lights have a wide beam to light up a larger area underwater with the GoPro camera mounted on the diving mask or dive housing. Video lights can produce thousands of lumens, which video divers prefer to have in their lighting kits.

• Focus lights:

  When taking macro underwater photos or videos, focus lights are essential for highlighting the main subject. Using tricky underwater conditions and shallow depths, focusing lights produce a narrow beam that helps the camera lock autofocus on a small subject. Focus lights are not as bright as video lights since they don't illuminate a large area.

• Strobes:

  Quick flashlights or strobes are excellent for taking still underwater pictures with a GoPro. They produce a short and bright flash that lights the main subject and helps freeze the frame. The strobe's intensity is usually more than the GoPro light's, but there is no continuous light to track the composition and focus.

• Mountable lights:

  These diving lights can be directly attached to the GoPro camera or its mounts. Therefore, considering the type of GoPro and mount compatibility, mountable diving lights can be used for hands-free lighting. They are more compact and lighter than other diving lights, but their brightness is limited compared to the larger ones.

• Laptop lights:

  Battery-powered diving lights are often preferred when divers cannot access charging stations. Even though they require separate charging from the GoPro camera, these lights give more freedom because they run on disposable or rechargeable batteries.

Functions and features of gopro diving light

Here are some important functions of GoPro diving lights that every buyer should know:

• Improved Visibility

  Gopro lights will help provide better visibility underwater so that divers can see their surrounding structures, possible hazards, or marine life. These lights remove the possibility of getting lost or hitting harmful objects while trying to find the way or exploring new terrain.

• Enhanced Photography

  GoPro lights allow for the capture of clearer and higher-quality images in low-light conditions. The lights illuminate the subject, reduce backscatter from particles in the water, and allow for better color accuracy and detail in underwater photography. The presence of good underwater photography lighting will help achieve well-exposed and stunning images.

• Video Lighting

  As stated earlier, most GoPro cameras are used for shooting videos, especially in underwater environments. With a good diving light, divers will be able to capture smooth, steady, and well-lit videos, even in the darkest spots of the ocean.

• Exploration and Navigation

  When using a fully lit Global Positioning Rig (GOPR), divers will be able to explore deeper and penetrate further into caves or wrecks. GoPro lights enable divers to see underwater topography, which helps in understanding the environment and discovering new dive sites.

• Increased Safety

  GoPro light serves as a signal to boats and other divers, and this is especially important for night dives or in low-visibility conditions.

Here are some features of GoPro diving lights:

• Brightness Levels

  Different diving lights have different brightness levels, which gives users the chance to choose the one that best suits their needs. The brightness value of these lights are usually in lumen.

• Beam Pattern

  The beam pattern helps improve the light's visibility underwater. Wide beams are suitable for spotting marine life, while a focused beam helps with underwater navigation.

• Rechargeable Batteries

  Diving lights are designed with a rechargeable battery feature, which helps prevent the frequent changes of battery underwater. These lights are compatible with various battery chemistries, like lithium-ion or NiMH, and they usually have a runtime of one to three hours, depending on usage.

• Mounting Options

  The mounting option varies and may include handheld, clipped to the camera, or mounted on the divers' gear. Some lights have swivel or pivot mounts that allow adjust angles for optimal lighting.

• Waterproof

  True diving lights are waterproof by default. Before choosing a light, it's important to consider the maximum depth rating. Some lights can withstand depths of over 100 meters (328 feet).

Usage scenarios of GoPro diving lights

• Underwater Photography and Videography:

  Without the aid of a dive light to a GoPro camera, it's difficult to capture high-quality images or films at depths below 18 feet (5.5 m) due to the diminished natural light caused by water.

  As the water deepens, the natural light fades, making it hard to take good photos or videos without a diving light to boost the Camera's illumination and help to capture the stunning underwater world in crisp detail.

• Cave Diving:

  Caves are often lightless, so a strong diving light is essential for exploring them safely. A powerful light lets divers see the cave's features and shows the way to exit safely.

• Technical and Commercial Diving:

  In these more advanced or work-related dives, divers go to greater depths or darker places. Their lights help with these dives by allowing them to complete tasks and checks. A reliable light is mandatory for these dives. They require professional-grade lights, often with multiple beams and longer runtimes, that members must be trained to use.

• Recreational Night Diving:

  Night dives are real adventures. Without a light, divers wouldn't be able to see anything or even find where to dive. These lights also allow divers to enjoy the beautiful sights of bioluminescent creatures who only come out at night.

• Search and Rescue Operations:

  In situations where missing people must be located under the water, professionals with diving lights can search areas hard to reach using only a light. These lights help to find people in low visibility.

• Diving in Low Visibility Water:

  Sometimes lakes or rivers are unclear, making it hard to see. A good diving light lets divers see where they are going and what they need to do, even in these conditions.

• Environmental Monitoring:

  Scuba divers with diving lights can check water plants and wildlife in dark or deep places to watch for changes. This helps to keep our water safe. These divers use their lights to check these important jobs even in the darkest water.

• Underwater Scientific Research:

  Penn State notes scientific studies often require diving lights to carry out experiments or take samples from areas with less light or at greater depths. A good light lets scientists do their work while gathering data to learn more about the ocean. Lights are necessary for scientific studies to gather data from deeper or darker locations.

How to choose gopro diving light

When choosing a dive light, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the light meets the needs of the diver and the specific diving conditions. Here is a breakdown of some key factors to consider when choosing a diving light:

Multiple uses: It's critical to take into account how the diving light might be utilized beyond just diving. If the diving light will be utilized for other activities, such as camping, hiking, emergency situations, or travel, divers should consider its versatility. A diving light that is waterproof, impact-resistant, and compact is ideal for multiple uses.

• Beam Angle: The beam angle of a diving light determines how narrow or wide the beam of light is. A narrow beam (spot) diving light has a beam angle of less than 10 degrees, which provides a focused and intense beam of light that can reach long distances. A narrow beam diving light is ideal for highlighting specific features underwater, such as marine life or wreckage. A medium beam (flood) diving light has a beam angle of 10-30 degrees, which produces a balanced beam of light that is suitable for general illumination. A narrow beam and wide beam diving light have a beam angle of more than 30 degrees, which creates a broad and intense beam of light that illuminates a large area. A wide beam diving light is useful for areas where maximum visibility is required.
• Battery Type: There are many options for battery types for diving lights, including disposable alkaline batteries, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and NiMH batteries that can be recharged. Each type of battery has its advantages and disadvantages. Divers should consider the pros and cons of each battery type and how it may affect the light's performance, cost, and convenience.
• Light Output: The lumens output of the diving light determines how bright the light is. Divers should consider the lumens output of the diving light and choose one that provides sufficient brightness for the intended use. For example, a light with 200-300 lumens is suitable for snorkeling or bay diving. A light with 600-900 lumens is ideal for open water or cave diving, while a light with more than 1000 lumens is preferred for deep or night diving.
• Mounting Options: The mounting options of the diving light impact how the light is held or used underwater. A handheld diving light is easy to use and maneuver underwater, while a mounted diving light provides hands-free lighting. A per strobe or signal light is primarily used for emergency signaling, and a lighted handle allows for better grip and control of the light.
• Size and Weight: The weight and size of the diving light affect how comfortable it is to hold or carry. A compact and lightweight diving light is more convenient to pack and use, while a larger light may provide more power and run-time.
• Warm White or Neutral White Light: The color temperature of the diving light affects the quality of the light. A warm white light (3000K to 3500K) has a yellowish tint, which can enhance the colors of marine life but may reduce visibility. A neutral white light (4000K to 5000K) provides a natural and balanced light that is suitable for underwater photography and diving. A cool white light (5000K to 6000K) appears bluish, which can distort the colors of the underwater environment.
• Cost: Divers should consider their budget and choose a diving light that offers good value for money. It's important to remember that the cheapest option is not always the best.

GoPro diving light Q&A

Q1: What is the best intensity for a GoPro diving light?

A1: GoPro lights with 500 to 1,000 lumens are usually excellent for shallow dives. For deeper water (over 60 meters), lights with 2,000 lumens or more are better since more light is needed to cut through the darkness.

Q2: Can a normal waterproof flashlight be used with a GoPro?

A2: It is better to use a diving light made for cameras because they have features like adjustable beams and diffusion that regular flashlights do not have. Camera lights also attach securely to prevent light from pointing in the wrong direction.

Q3: What beam angles are best for GoPro diving lights?

A3: A diving light with a narrow beam of 10-20 degrees is good for focusing on details, while a wide beam of 60 degrees or more shows a large area. A light with an adjustable beam shape works best because it can change to fit different underwater scenes.

Q4: Should filters be used on GoPro diving lights?

A4: In shallow water, a clear light works, but at greater depths, a red or blue light helps counteract the loss of those colors. With the filter, the camera will capture more natural-looking shots. Some lights have colored lenses that can be changed.