PADI Photography & Videography Underwater 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended minimum shutter speed when hand-holding an underwater video camera to minimize motion blur?
- 1/15 second
- 1/30 second
- 1/60 second or faster (Correct answer)
- 1/500 second
Correct answer: 1/60 second or faster
At least 1/60 second shutter speed is recommended for video to reduce motion blur from camera movement and subject motion during filming.
Question 2: An underwater videographer wants smooth, cinematic footage of a shark circling. Which filming technique is most appropriate?
- Pan quickly to track the shark keeping it centered at all times
- Use slow, steady movements and allow the shark to swim through the frame (Correct answer)
- Zoom in and out dynamically to create exciting visual interest
- Hold the camera completely still and let the shark pass by
Correct answer: Use slow, steady movements and allow the shark to swim through the frame
Slow, deliberate camera movements combined with letting subjects swim through the frame creates professional, smooth underwater videography.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a red filter in underwater photography?
- Protects the lens from UV damage in shallow tropical water
- Compensates for red wavelength absorption in blue water at depth (Correct answer)
- Reduces glare from the water surface when shooting upward
- Increases contrast between fish and coral backgrounds
Correct answer: Compensates for red wavelength absorption in blue water at depth
Red filters add back the red wavelengths absorbed by water, restoring more natural color balance when shooting in blue water without artificial lighting.
Question 4: Which type of underwater housing port is best suited for wide-angle fisheye lenses?
- Flat port
- Dome port (Correct answer)
- Macro port
- Bayonet port
Correct answer: Dome port
Dome ports correct the refraction issues that affect wide-angle lenses underwater, preserving corner sharpness and maintaining the field of view.
Question 5: A diver notices their underwater housing O-ring has a small nick in it before a dive. What should they do?
- Apply extra silicone grease to fill the nick and proceed with the dive
- Replace the O-ring before entering the water (Correct answer)
- Dive to a shallower depth than planned to reduce pressure on the seal
- Tape over the nick with waterproof electrical tape
Correct answer: Replace the O-ring before entering the water
A damaged O-ring cannot reliably seal the housing and must be replaced before diving to prevent water flooding and destroying camera equipment.
Question 6: What camera setting is most important for capturing a fast-moving fish in sharp focus?
- Low ISO setting to reduce noise
- Fast shutter speed to freeze motion (Correct answer)
- Small aperture for maximum depth of field
- Low color temperature white balance
Correct answer: Fast shutter speed to freeze motion
A fast shutter speed (1/250s or faster) freezes the motion of fast-moving subjects, preventing motion blur in the final image.
Question 7: When reviewing underwater video, a diver notices footage has a greenish tint rather than blue. What does this indicate about the filming environment?
- The video was recorded at great depth where only green light remains
- The water had high particulate matter or algae content typical of coastal or freshwater environments (Correct answer)
- The camera's sensor was malfunctioning due to water pressure
- The videographer was filming with the sun directly overhead
Correct answer: The water had high particulate matter or algae content typical of coastal or freshwater environments
Green-tinted water indicates high particle matter, algae, or phytoplankton content, common in coastal, temperate, or freshwater environments where green wavelengths dominate.
PADI Photography & Videography Underwater 3
What is the recommended minimum shutter speed when hand-holding an underwater video camera to minimize motion blur?