How do you set up a GoPro Hero 12 for underwater filming?

The answer awaits you in this article!

Here, you’ll discover the ideal underwater settings for capturing stunning photos and videos with your GoPro Hero 12.

Also, you’ll find recommendations for the best accessories to enhance your underwater adventures.

To begin with, watch my tutorial on GoPro Hero 12 underwater settings:

 

GoPro HERO 12 Underwater Settings for Photos & Videos


To capture stunning underwater photos and videos with your GoPro HERO 12, it’s crucial to optimize your settings for the unique conditions beneath the surface.

Quick Settings for Snorkeling & Diving

Here are the settings that will work well for most of the snorkeling videos:

  • Resolution / FPS: 1080p or higher, 60fps
  • FOV: Wide
  • Shutter: Auto
  • EV Comp: -0.5
  • WB: Auto
  • ISO Min/Max: 100 / 400
  • Sharpness: Medium or High
  • Color: Natural, but you can enhance it with GoPro LUTs in post production
  • 10-Bit: Off
  • Hindsight, WLAN, GPS, Bluetooth, and other unnecessary features: Off
  • Quick Capture: Highly recommended

Keep on reading to learn why do I recommend these settings.

Color

Start by selecting the appropriate mode for your desired outcome, such as photo or video mode. For vibrant underwater colors, set your white balance to “Auto” or use the “Natural” option. I absolutely recommend using GoPro Luts in postproduction, it will make your colors vibrant and reduce this unwanted green un your clips.

hero 12 underwater filiming settings

Resolution

Adjust your resolution and frame rate based on the content you want to capture; higher resolutions provide more detail. When shooting photos, consider using the RAW format for better post-processing flexibility. For videos, choose a frame rate that suits your style—higher frame rates work well for fast-paced action, while lower rates create a cinematic effect.

underwater photos and videos with hero 12

ISO

To enhance visibility in various underwater depths, experiment with your ISO settings. Lower ISO values (e.g., 100-400) are ideal for well-lit conditions, while higher values (e.g., 800-1600) may be necessary for lower-light environments.

Protune

Enable ProTune for advanced control over settings like color, ISO, and exposure compensation. Adjust the sharpness and color profile to achieve the desired look. Utilize the spot meter to maintain proper exposure on your subject, especially in challenging lighting situations.

gopro hero 12 protune

Anti-fog inserts

Lastly, don’t forget to use anti-fog inserts and ensure your underwater housing is sealed tight to prevent leaks. With these optimized settings and proper equipment, your GoPro HERO 12 will deliver breathtaking underwater photos and videos. Consider using other underwater accessories mentioned below.

FiTSTILL Anti-Fog Inserts

FiTSTILL 24PCS Anti Fog Inserts Reusable Moisture Absorbing Strips Humidity Removing Defogger for Go Pro Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8/7/(2018)/6/5/4/3+/3 Session Max Action Camera Underwater Dive Housings
  • 【NO MORE FOG】Using our anti-fog inserts will help prevent excess moisture forming...
  • 【REUSABLE】These inserts can be used multiple times before they need to be thrown...
  • 【HIGH QUALITY ABSORPTIVE MATERIAL】Made with high quality moisture absorbing...

Do you want more tips?

Here are some tricks that will help to make your underwater videos bright and juicy.

 

Underwater Accessories


Here are some Underwater Accessories for your GoPro Hero 12 that can make your overall experience all the more fun. 

Waterproof Housing

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro Protective Housing (HERO13 Black/HERO12 Black/HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • Protects your GoPro from mud, dirt and debris during extreme activities
  • Front LCD screen remains accessible for viewing
  • Waterproof down to 196ft (60m) perfect for deep-water diving

The GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5 boast waterproof capabilities up to 33ft, perfect for immediate snorkeling adventures. Beyond this depth, investing in a high-quality housing case becomes essential.

For Scuba Diving (Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, Hero 9)

The GoPro Protective Housing stands out as the ultimate choice for securing your Hero 12 camera underwater. Though slightly pricier, it proves its worth by accommodating depths of up to 60m/196ft. With a skeleton backdoor for improved audio capture and touchscreen accessibility, this housing ensures top-notch image quality. Engage in extreme underwater activities with confidence, capturing every moment carefree with your GoPro.

More waterproof cases for GoPro Hero 12 >>>

Floating Stick/Pole/Grip

SOONSUN 4in1 Floating Selfie Stick Tripod for GoPro Hero 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Session Max, AKASO, SJCAM Action Camera - As Waterproof Extension Monopod Pole Floating Handle Grip Tripod Stand
  • Versatile: It can be used as a floating selfie stick tripod, a floating handle grip,...
  • Easy to Use: Unfold the foldout legs to form a stable tripod stand; fold them and...
  • Telescopic Design: This waterproof selfie stick tripod is made of aluminum alloy,...

A floating Stick/Pole/Grip proves to be a highly useful accessory for your GoPro underwater, offering better camera control and preventing accidental sinking.

The official GoPro Handler Floating Hand Grip ensures your GoPro stays afloat, allowing worry-free shooting in and around the water. Its bright orange cap makes it easy to spot if dropped in the water, and its non-slip construction provides a secure grip.

Red Filter Diving Lens

SPECIAL SALE
SOONSUN 4-Pack Dive Filter for GoPro Hero 13 12 11 10 9 8 Black Official Waterproof Housing - Red, Light Red, Magenta, 5X Close-up Macro Filters Color Correction for Underwater Photography and Video
  • Compatibility: These dive filter set is compatible with official GoPro waterproof...
  • Dive Filters: The dive filters offer color correction and helps capture vibrant...
  • 5x Close-up Macro Filter: The 5x close-up macro filter is used to magnify scenery,...

Red Filters become crucial as you delve deeper into the sea, correcting color loss in low-light conditions. Offering three types, these filters bring back vibrant colors lost in deeper waters. Otherwise, use GoPro Luts in post production.

  • PolarPro Dive Filter 3-Pack (GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10 & 9 Black)

Compatible with GoPro Hero 9 & 10 Black models, this pack includes Red, Magenta, and Snorkel filters suitable for different depths. While lacking anti-fog inserts, it excels in delivering optimal color correction.

Waterproof LED Lights

Suptig Diving Light High Power Dimmable Waterproof LED Video Light Fill Night Light Diving Underwater Light Waterproof 147ft for Gopro Hero 13/Hero 12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5/5S/4/3+ More Action Cam
  • Widely used: Perfect compatibility with Gopro Hero 13/Hero 12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1...
  • GREAT DIVING LIGHTS Take amazing POV underwater video with this Suptig light for...
  • WIDE-ANGLE 500Lumen Max. (5500K-6000K) by 36 LEDs.This is THE underwater light to buy...

Waterproof LED lights prove invaluable for night-time or deep-water diving, illuminating dark spots where sunlight wavelengths are lost.

Compatible with all GoPro cameras, the Suptig Waterproof LED Light can descend to 45m/147ft underwater. Offering three modes – Normal (HI), Power-saving (LOW), and Flash (SOS) – this wide-angle 500 Lumen LED light ensures clear visibility in challenging underwater conditions.

Large microSD Card

SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB + Adapter & RescuePRO Deluxe (for Smartphones, Action Cameras or Drones, A2, Class 10, V30, U3, 200 MB/s Transfer)
  • The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC is ideal for all Android smartphones and tablets,...
  • The microSD card ensures better app performance and faster charging thanks to the...
  • With a read speed of 200 MB/s and a write speed of 140 MB/s, you can transfer your...

A large microSD memory card is essential for extended underwater filming, preventing unexpected interruptions due to a full memory card.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSD Card, available in various storage sizes, including 256GB, 500GB, 512GB, and 1TB, ensures ample space for your underwater adventures.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you to understand better underwater filming with GoPro Hero 12 🙂

 

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