How to Use GoPro Hero 7 Underwater: Getting Started
GoPros perform impressively well underwater, making them a go-to camera for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. If you recently bought a GoPro and want to know how to use GoPro Hero 7 underwater, you are in the right place. If you need a general primer first, check out our guide on how a GoPro works.
GoPros are widely popular for adventure trips and sports activities. They are lightweight and compact, fitting easily into any backpack without taking up much space.
When shooting underwater, preparation is everything. The underwater world is beautiful, but it comes with some exciting unpredictability that you need to plan for.
Recommended Steps for How to Use GoPro Hero 7 Underwater
1. Dial In the Right Camera Settings
You cannot jump into a GoPro underwater shoot with the standard default settings. Adjusting your GoPro settings for the specific type of video you plan to capture is always the smart move.
If you are shooting a POV (point of view) video underwater, set the camera to 1080 SuperView at 80fps for the best results.
For still photos, the TimeLapse feature is a strong option. When using TimeLapse, select the highest resolution available to get the sharpest possible shots beneath the surface.
Interested in this area? We go deeper in our GoPro underwater cameras guide.
2. Use a Selfie Stick or Camera Rig
Shooting underwater presents its own set of challenges, so staying prepared matters. A selfie stick or camera rig helps stabilize your GoPro during the shoot, and that stability makes a real difference in your footage quality.
This tip does not apply when the GoPro is mounted on your head or chest. That said, shooting with a selfie stick works particularly well if you want to capture marine life from a safe distance without scaring the animals away.
3. Keep Your Distance from the Subject
Stay about 12 inches away from your subject during the shoot. Keeping this distance helps prevent the video from turning out blurry. The one exception is when you are using a Macro lens, which is specifically designed for close-up work.
Since you will be shooting underwater without a flash, position yourself so the sun is at your back. This gives you the best natural light on your subject, something that is simply not possible when shooting into the sun.
4. Clean the Lens and the Gasket
Dust, dirt, or even fingerprints on the GoPro lens can cause serious problems during an underwater shoot. Water can magnify that grime, and your video quality will suffer because of it.
Always clean the lens (both the camera lens and the housing lens) before heading into the water. While you are at it, clean the rubber gasket as well.
For the complete picture, our action camera for motovlogging guide fills in the gaps.
Any dust or dirt left on the rubber gasket can cause leakage inside the GoPro housing during your dive, which could damage the camera.
5. Use a Floaty Grip or Casing
GoPros sink fast, and losing your camera underwater is a real risk you should plan for. Using a floaty grip or a buoyant casing is a smart precaution that can save you a lot of frustration.
You can also attach a wrist strap that keeps the GoPro tethered to your hand. While this will not solve every scenario, it can at least prevent the camera from sinking to the bottom of the sea or ocean if it slips from your grip.
6. Lock the Screen
Do not forget to lock the touchscreen before you enter the water with your GoPro. While using the touchscreen underwater is impractical, water can interfere with the display in unexpected ways.
Even though the GoPro touchscreen can still respond with water droplets on it, you will not get the same smooth and reliable operation you are used to on dry land.
Water splashes can also register as touch inputs, which might change your camera settings mid-shoot without you realizing it. Locking the screen before going under is always the safest approach.
The Bottom Line for How to Use GoPro Hero 7 Underwater
There are plenty of reasons to take a GoPro underwater. You might be swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or enjoying another water sport entirely. The GoPro Hero 7 is built for it, but going in prepared is what separates great underwater footage from disappointing clips.