Welcome to Issue #44 of Inside Scuba

Welcome to Issue #44 of Inside Scuba! In this edition, we tackle a common question that sparks both curiosity and concern: "Is Scuba Diving Safe?" We dive deep into the data and a diver's perspective to demystify the sport, providing insights that might surprise non-divers and reassure seasoned enthusiasts. Beyond safety, we bring you crucial dive news, masterclasses in underwater photography autofocus, and essential tips for perfecting your camera rig's buoyancy. We hope you enjoy this issue, and if you do, please consider sharing it with friends who might also appreciate a fresh look at the underwater world.

What’s happening in this edition?

• Is Scuba Diving Safe? A Diver’s Perspective
• Dive News
• Mastering Underwater Autofocus with Alex Mustard and Matthew Sullivan
• Tired of Fighting Your Rig? How to Achieve Perfect Camera Buoyancy and Trim
• Video Highlight
• Summary

Is Scuba Diving Safe? A Diver’s Perspective

I meet a lot of people through my work, and when casual conversations turn to hobbies, I of course tell them I am a diver. I can see the look on some people's faces; they almost shiver with fear—fear of something they have never tried or likely never will. To anyone who has never strapped on a tank and stepped off the back of a boat, scuba diving can look like a hazardous gamble.

Non-divers always ask me the same two things: “What about sharks?” and “What’s the worst thing you have ever seen?” People often fear what they don't know, and diving is certainly perceived by non-divers as a dangerous sport, but is that true?

These perceptions are understandable. Breathing underwater defies everyday experience, and most people know little about the training and preparation that keep divers safe. Media reports naturally highlight the rare tragedies rather than the thousands of ordinary dives that finish with nothing more exciting than a warm shower and a logbook entry. As a result, many people who have never donned a mask think diving is far more dangerous than it really is.

The Reality Revealed by Data

When you look at the facts, a very different picture emerges. Decades of research and careful record keeping show that recreational scuba diving, when done within the limits of proper training and equipment, is a low-risk activity. In the United States and Canada, for example, researchers examined a ten-year period between 2006 and 2015 and found roughly 306 million recreational dives but only 563 deaths. That works out to about 0.18 fatalities per 100,000 dives. Measured a different way, the rate is about 1.8 deaths per 100,000 active divers per year.

Other studies and insurance data sets from organizations such as the Divers Alert Network (DAN) arrive at similar numbers. Injuries that require emergency treatment occur more often—about fourteen thousand a year in the U.S.—but the majority are minor ear problems, mild barotrauma, or simple cuts and scrapes rather than life-threatening incidents.

Read more…

In each issue of our newsletter, we will curate some top dive news from around the world. Links to each of the original articles are available.

Mastering Underwater Autofocus

By Alex Mustard and Matthew Sullivan

In a recent episode of The Underwater Photography Show. We answered a fantastic question from @gregthomas6400, a diver who is new to underwater photography. Greg asked about our autofocus techniques, specifically whether we use AFS, AFC, or 3D tracking, and how much of his topside wildlife photography skills apply to shooting underwater. This is a simple question, but one that lacks a simple answer.

The truth is, there isn't one right way to do autofocus. In fact, if you're overthinking autofocus at the moment of shooting, you're probably wasting your time and missing the photo. Autofocus was designed to make your life as a photographer easier, freeing you up to think about the creative aspects of your shot—like composition, lighting, and what you’re trying to say with the image. The right autofocus for you is simply the one that works.

Let's start by breaking down the underlying technology and then we can share our personal approaches.

In a recent episode of The Underwater Photography Show. We answered a fantastic question from @gregthomas6400, a diver who is new to underwater photography. Greg asked about our autofocus techniques, specifically whether we use AFS, AFC, or 3D tracking, and how much of his topside wildlife photography skills apply to shooting underwater. This is a simple question, but one that lacks a simple answer.

The truth is, there isn't one right way to do autofocus. In fact, if you're overthinking autofocus at the moment of shooting, you're probably wasting your time and missing the photo. Autofocus was designed to make your life as a photographer easier, freeing you up to think about the creative aspects of your shot—like composition, lighting, and what you’re trying to say with the image. The right autofocus for you is simply the one that works.

Let's start by breaking down the underlying technology and then we can share our personal approaches.

The Complicated World of Autofocus Technology

First and foremost, autofocus is not a single, universal system. The way different cameras achieve focus varies wildly, which is a major reason why there is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone.

• Contrast Detection: Compact cameras typically use a system called contrast detection autofocus. This method works by analyzing the contrast in the image. The camera will move the lens back and forth until it finds the point of highest contrast, which it determines is the sharpest focus. This can be very accurate, but it's also quite slow because the camera doesn't know which direction to move the lens to get into focus.

• Phase Detection: Most SLR cameras and the top-end mirrorless cameras use phase detection autofocus. This system is much faster because it uses a separate sensor or sensors on the main imaging sensor to measure the light from two different points, which allows the camera to instantly calculate the direction and distance the lens needs to move to achieve perfect focus.

It's also important to remember that all these systems are electronic and rely on the brainpower and energy of the camera's processor. This is why two cameras that seem to have similar autofocus systems might perform very differently—one could have a much more powerful processor behind it, allowing it to run a lot faster.

Read more…

Tired of Fighting Your Rig? How to Achieve Perfect Camera Buoyancy and Trim

As underwater photographers, we're all too familiar with the heavy burden of our gear on land. But once we're in the water, the goal shifts. We want our camera rig to be either neutrally buoyant or slightly negative. Your personal preference will dictate this, but many photographers prefer neutral buoyancy for wide-angle shots and a slightly negative rig for macro.

To achieve this ideal buoyancy, we add float arms, buoyancy rings, and other devices. But how can you figure out exactly how much buoyancy you need for a given configuration without repeatedly getting in the water, testing your setup, and making adjustments? The answer is a simple and effective trick that you can do at home using a water tank and a luggage scale.

The Buoyancy Test

For this test, you'll need a container large enough to submerge your gear, such as a large trash can (wheelie bin), a deep bathtub, or a swimming pool if you have access to one. You'll also need a luggage scale. A metric scale is often easier since many manufacturers list buoyancy in grams, but an imperial one will work—you'll just need to convert the measurements.

Read more…

The diving community is mourning the loss of a true visionary. Michael Menduno, editor of InDEPTH Magazine and the respected individual who coined the term "Technical Diving," passed away this past Thursday after a recent stroke. Known affectionately as "M2" by many, Michael was a pioneer whose profound contributions earned him deep respect throughout the diving world. In his honor, we are sharing a video of him speaking with Divers Alert Network just six months ago, where he discussed the latest developments in technical diving.

Summary

That wraps up another deep dive into the world of scuba with Inside Scuba #44. We hope this issue has provided clarity on dive safety, kept you informed with the latest news, and inspired your underwater photography endeavors. Your feedback and engagement are always welcome, so feel free to share your thoughts on these topics. Until next time, stay safe, keep exploring, and we look forward to bringing you more insights in our next issue!

Andy & Byron