Do I really need a Red filter?

btolley said:

I'm going to the Cook Islands in September, and for underwater pictures I am taking my RX100M2 in The Sony underwater housing, I will only be snorkeling, so down maybe maximum 10-15', probably mostly <10'

I shoot only RAW. Is it worth getting a red filter. I would hate to come back and end up wishing I got a red filter, but given the depth and shooting RAW, if I can get as good a shot without, I won't go to the expense.

Thanks,

Brett

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RussellP said:

You will be fine with what you are using without a filter. The water in the cooks is usually pretty clear and its generally quite a sandy bottom so fairly bright. Don't expect acres of coral gardens but there is good fish and some nice coral outcrops. At least last time I went there was

This might help for the best spot. If you get a chance to go to Aitutaki, even just for a day trip, the lagoon there is great.

http://www.snorkelrarotonga.com

Enjoy the trip.

cheers

russell

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kelpdiver said:

for RAW stills, filters do little for you besides steal away some of the light.

Video is why you might consider it, though for snorkel depths the correct tint would be different. Backscatter sells depth specific filters for a gopro mount - the shallow one might be helpful for snorkels. Personally I would not bother - it might improve some while hurting others.

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Island Golfer said:

It really depends on how bright the day is; how reflective the sandy bottom is; but mostly, how deep you are. When you are very shallow, say from being on the surface of the water down to 9 feet, the white balance in your camera will most likely be sufficient to correct the blue-green that the red filter is designed to correct; and a red filter will probably do nothing more for you. Below that depth, loss of color becomes more noticeable; and the auto white balance of your camera won't help correct this much. Water absorbs light as we descend deeper, starting with the red spectrum. And, don't forget that some of this unwanted color can be edited out in post processing (especially if you shoot in RAW). It doesn't sound like you would have much need of a red filter for the trip you are planning.

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