How to Shoot Cinematic Underwater Footage with Your Smartphone or GoPro

Underwater video grabs attention like nothing else. The movement of water, the play of light, and the surreal feel of life beneath the surface all combine to make powerful visuals. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a cinema-grade camera to shoot pro-level underwater footage. With today’s smartphones and action cameras, paired with the right housing like GDome, you can capture stunning cinematic underwater footage on a budget.

Here we’ll show you how to plan and shoot high-quality underwater video using gear you already own. Whether you’re a beginner filming your next snorkelling trip or a content creator trying to level up your social media, this guide is for you.

Why Underwater Footage is So Powerful for Storytelling

Water environments create a sense of mystery and drama. The fluidity of motion, floating subjects, and shifting light conditions can instantly make a shot feel cinematic. Viewers are naturally drawn to underwater visuals because they break the pattern of everyday life.

Underwater content has exploded on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. Videos that combine slow motion, wide angles, and vibrant blues tend to rack up views and shares. With more creators entering the space, standing out now depends on quality and technique.

Can You Really Get Cinematic Shots Without a Pro Camera?

Absolutely. Modern GoPros and flagship smartphones (like the iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung S25 Ultra) shoot in 4K, offer high frame rates, and include advanced stabilisation. These features give you the tools to create cinematic content without breaking the bank.

"Cinematic" underwater footage isn’t about owning a RED camera—it’s about composition, movement, and colour. Paired with a good underwater housing, your smartphone or GoPro becomes a powerful filmmaking tool.

Meet GDome – The Game-Changer for Mobile Underwater Shooters

GDome’s line of underwater housings is designed specifically for creators. Whether you're using a phone or an action cam, GDome makes it easy to shoot in the surf, at the pool, or while diving.

Their dome ports help correct underwater distortion and improve clarity. The hydrophobic dome design also reduces water droplets that ruin shots. Models like the GDome Mobile V2 Pro and GDome XL4 are built for ease of use and rugged conditions. Plus, they’re modular and support various mounts, filters, and accessories.

Prep Checklist Before You Get Wet

Before filming underwater, make sure you:

• Clean your dome with a soft cloth and fresh water

• Apply anti-fog inserts or silica gel inside the housing

• Set camera resolution to 4K at 60fps for smooth motion

• Lock white balance to avoid colour shifting

• Use a red filter for depths over 3m

• Check all O-rings and seals on your housing

This prep prevents leaks, fogging, and disappointing footage.

Underwater Composition for Cinematic Results

Think slow, smooth, and simple. Avoid jerky movements. Use wide shots to show space and depth. Get close to your subject to reduce haze.

Frame upward to capture light rays from the surface. Use foreground objects like bubbles or corals to add depth. Let fish or people swim across the frame instead of chasing them.

Mastering Movement: Slow Motion, Push-ins, and Tracking

Most phones and GoPros shoot at 120fps or even 240fps in lower resolutions. Use these settings for buttery slow motion.

Practice push-in shots (slowly swimming toward your subject), parallax pans (moving side to side), and tracking (following a moving subject). GDome’s dome shape helps with stability and reduces drag, making it easier to glide.

Tip: Try diving with fins for extra control while filming.

How to Get Crisp Colours Without Editing

The deeper you go, the more red light is lost. Your footage turns blue or green fast.

Use red filters or warm diffusers on your housing’s lens port. GDome’s modular port system lets you attach filters easily. In shallow water, sunlight is enough, just shoot with the sun behind you or overhead.

If you must edit later, apps like LumaFusion, DaVinci Resolve, or even VN Video Editor can help recover colour.

Lighting: Natural vs Artificial

Natural light is your best friend in shallow water. Shoot between 10 am and 2 pm for the clearest light.

For deeper dives or caves, consider lights like the Lume Cube 2.0 or SeaLife Sea Dragon. Mount them on flexible arms to avoid backscatter. Keep the lights angled sideways, not directly in front of the lens.

Audio Tips (Spoiler: Film B-roll Only!)

Underwater audio is usually unusable. Instead, record voice-overs separately using your phone or a lav mic. Sync them in post.

Add ambient sounds (like water movement or bubbles) during editing to make your video feel more immersive.

Quick Post-Production Tips to Elevate Your Footage

• Apply subtle colour grading to bring out contrast and warmth

• Use warp stabilisers for shaky clips

• Slow down footage to 50% or 25% speed for drama

• Use cinematic transitions (cross dissolves, fades)

• Add soft ambient music for mood

You don’t need a studio—free apps like CapCut, VN, and DaVinci Resolve offer powerful tools.

GDome Real-World Use Cases

Surf Session in Jeffrey’s Bay
Photographer Luke B. captured surf action with a GoPro HERO12 and GDome XL4. "It let me get barrel shots right in the pocket without risking my camera. Super stable even in rough swell."

Freedive in Nusa Penida
Travel vlogger Anika M. used the GDome Mobile V2 Pro with her iPhone 13. "I filmed everything on my phone, manta rays, coral gardens, it looked like something from NatGeo."

Mistakes to Avoid When Filming Underwater

• Forgetting to check the seal: always do a dry test

• Moving too fast: your footage will look frantic

• Leaving foggy inserts at home

• Shooting toward the sun: results in silhouettes

• Using autofocus, it can hunt constantly, and lock focus if possible

Budget Breakdown: What You Actually Need

Beginner Setup:

• iPhone or Android

• GDome Mobile V3 Pro

• Red filter

• Free editing app

Intermediate:

• GoPro HERO 11 / 12 or 13

• GDome XL4

• Anti-fog inserts

• Stabilising fins

Pro Feel:

• Lights (Lume Cube / Sea Dragon)

• Colour grading app (DaVinci)

• External mic for VO