Updated: 5/14/2012 Underwater lens for GoPro Hero2 and GoPro Hero
Ok, so I am indeed an owner of a GoPro Hero2 camera. I do use it for everything from snowboarding to scuba diving. The other day I took the camera out into the water scuba diving for the first time. I came back home to review to footage only to find it kind of blurry. It’s not horrible, but, it’s definitely NOT top quality. I couldn’t believe how crystal clear this camera is not in water but once you get it in water it has that blurry effect.
After doing some searching around online I found out that the concave lens on the GoPro housing that gives it that fisheye effect is what actually causes the problem underwater. Here is what I found directly on GoPro’s website for the GoPro Hero2 under the FAQ section:
Can I use GoPro HD HERO2 for diving?
“Yes, the camera housing is rated waterproof down to 197’ ft (60m), and our head strap mount is a great way to wear the camera on your forehead, just above your diving mask. Please note that due to the curved lens of the HD HERO2 (and the original HD HERO) waterproof housing you will notice a slight loss of sharpness with underwater images. This is because the HD HERO2’s waterhousing glass lens is optimized for maximum field of view and sharpness above water while maintaining the smallest possible size. Stay tuned for new underwater-specific products that will provide maximum sharpness underwater.”
Now, after searching multiple forums I did read in a forum that GoPro is supposed to come out with a new underwater housing unit in mid March of 2012. How credible is that source? Who knows, it was on some random site. GoPro hasn’t made any official announcement yet.
UPDATE: GoPro Hero2 and GoPro Hero: GoPro Scuba Diving Housing is now out for $49.95!
Also, after doing some more searching, I did find a solution that many have used and has received really good reviews. There is a housing case made for this camera by eyeofmine.com. Click on this link to see more or buy the GoPro Hero2 underwater lens. (see image below) This lens works with the GoPro Hero AND the GoPro Hero2. The standard version for this housing is $79 and the professional version is $99. The difference between the standard and professional versions is that every professional flat lens housing is pressure tested at 200 feet (60 meters) for 1 hour and the standard is presure tested to 100 feet (30 meters).
Do a little search for some video’s on YouTube to see the difference between a regular lens underwater vs the flat lens. HUGE difference. I hope this helps clear up some things for some concerned GoPro users like I was after I first saw my footage. If or when GoPro does decide to put out an underwater case or lens, I will make sure I update this article to let you guys know.
