Underwater video color correction
Underwater video color correction restores the reds and contrast that water removes from a clip, so the footage looks the way the dive felt. It follows the same idea as photo correction, but light changes during a clip and video files hold less color data, so how you shoot matters more.
Why video is harder than photos
- The light moves. As you swim, the depth, the distance to the subject and the angle to the sun change, so the color shifts within one clip.
- No strobes. Video needs constant light. Without video lights, only filters and editing can bring color back.
- Less data. Many cameras record 8-bit video with heavy compression. Pushing red too far shows banding and noise, especially in open blue water.
Shoot for easier correction
- Use a flat profile and 10-bit if your camera has it. See GoPro settings for underwater color.
- Keep clips short and at one depth, so one correction fits the whole clip.
- Get close and keep the sun behind you.
- Pick the right filter or none. Red in blue water, magenta in green, nothing with lights. See red filter vs editing.
Ways to correct the color
| Method | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop editor (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) | White balance picker, curves and LUTs, clip by clip | Edited films and maximum control |
| LUT packs | One color lookup table per clip, usually on a computer | A consistent style once footage is balanced |
| Phone app | Analyzes the footage and corrects it automatically, with looks on top | Clips from today's dive, ready to share |
A LUT alone rarely fixes raw underwater footage, because it applies the same change no matter how blue or green the clip is. Balance the clip first, then add a look.
Underwater video in VividSea
On iPhone, VividSea grades GoPro, Insta360, DJI and phone clips:
- Open a clip. VividSea analyzes a frame and applies the same Auto color correction it uses for photos to the whole clip.
- Add a look and set its strength, and fine-tune temperature and tint.
- Save to Photos. The clip keeps its capture date and location.
Video grading is part of VividSea Pro ($6.99 a month or $19.99 a year with a 3-day free trial, or $49.99 once). On Android, VividSea edits photos only for now. For a single photo, try the free browser tool.
Get VividSea for iPhone Get it on Google Play
Common questions
Can you color correct underwater video on a phone?
Yes. On iPhone, VividSea grades video clips with the same Auto color it uses for photos, plus looks, strength, temperature and tint, and saves the result to Photos. Video grading is part of VividSea Pro. On Android, VividSea edits photos only for now.
Why is underwater video harder to correct than photos?
The light changes while you film: depth, distance and direction shift during a clip, and you can't use a strobe. Most action cameras also record 8-bit video, which leaves less room for strong corrections than a photo.
What is the best free way to fix underwater video color?
Desktop editors such as DaVinci Resolve have free versions with white balance, curves and LUT support, but each clip needs manual work. A phone app is quicker when you want a whole dive done the same day.
Keep reading
Fix an underwater photo online
Correct a blue or green dive photo in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
GuideUnderwater color correction
Why water takes the reds, how deep each color reaches and how to fix it.
GuideWhy underwater photos look green or blue
Blue water, green water and what each cast needs.
GuideRed filter vs editing
When a red or magenta filter helps, and when to fix color afterwards.
GuideGoPro settings for underwater color
Protune, white balance, ISO and the settings that leave room to edit.
CompareVividSea vs Dive+
An honest comparison of two underwater color apps.