1. Slow and steady movements.
Video is fantastic for capturing motion. However, too much motion will only make your viewers sick. When panning across a scene, move slowly and steadily from one subject to another. Allow the viewer time to see the detail.

2. Zoom with your fins, Not with your lens.
Water acts as a giant blue filter and quickly absorbs color and reduces sharpness. To minimize this effect, always get as close to your subject as possible (two - three feet). Only use telephoto zoom when shooting close-up and macro subjects.

3. Sun at your back.
Video has a hard time with high contrast scenes. Maximize detail and ensure a brilliant blue background by always shooting with the sun at your back.

4. Get close, then get closer.
For maximum impact, fill the frame with your subject. Get up close and personal. Most beginners try to shoot all of their subjects at three feet or further. Always try to get within two feet of your subject... and then get closer.

5. Know when to use lights OR a color correction filter.
Lights will always produce the best color, but are limited to close subjects. By getting close to your subject, you will increase the effect of your lights. Use a color correction filter on your camera lenses when you will be shooting subjects too distant to light. Never use lights and a filter at the same time.

6. Don't shoot too much.
Unlike shooting still photos, video is very simple and automatic. In fact it is so simple that most people shoot too much of it on a dive. Remember, your viewers will not share your enthusiasm if you bore them to death with an hour of swimming. Take time to reveal your subjects to your viewers and shoot steady shots from multiple angles. Keep things exciting by limiting each shot to a 10-20 second clip.

7. Make a 5 minute edited video.
A short, fast paced video will keep your viewers attention and have them begging for more. Keep it to 5 or 10 minutes and only show the best footage.

8. Take a class.
Many diving destinations have staff video pros that teach courses in underwater videography. Backscatter offers technique and editing classes throughout the year in Monterey, the Channel Islands, and abroad. Please inquire with your dealer or check out www.backscatter.com for a schedule.

Will my Camera fit in the Top Dawg housing?
The Top Dawg was designed for the Sony TR and TRV line therefore most TR and TRV's will fit in our housing. However, there are exceptions to every rule.Check the listing of compatible cameras . (Please note that this is not a complete list and includes mainly the newer cameras on the market) We have found that some newer Canon's will also work in our housing; these are also listed. If the video camera that you are looking for is not on the list make sure it has a LANC connection (AKA L-Control or digital I/O) and it is smaller than 9x5x5 or you can give us a call just to be safe.

The housing looks a lot like the Stingray housing by Light & Motion?
The Top Dawg housing is made by Light & Motion and yes it is similar to the Stingray housing. The Stingray housing is camera specific, so only one camera will function in that housing. The Top Dawg offers the ability to use multiple camera models in the housing. That means you can upgrade your camera without having to buy a new housing. Four main differences between the Top Dawg and Stingray: no flip down filter (you can place one on the camera inside the housing), no amphibious microphone (most people dub music into the final product), no interchangeable ports (you can place a wide angle on the camera inside the housing).

Can I record digital stills to the memory stick?
Housings that shipped after August 2001 have this NEW feature. Top Dawg housings with a push button on the front port can be upgraded please give us a call for pricing. Housings that do not have a push button on the front port will need to be upgraded completely for $250.00.

I have an older style Top Dawg (pre 2000) can I use the new Top Dawg monitor back?
Unfortunately no. The Stingray monitor back will work on the old style Top Dawg.

How do I know what cable to use if I want to use a monitor back?
Look in your instruction manual, if you have a mini AV jack you will need the black cable. If it is called an AV jack, it is the gray cable. Check the compatibility chart.

Why should I use a monitor back?
Looking through a traditional viewfinder means that your head is stuck at the back of the housing and only seeing what the camera is pointed at quite possibly missing a shot of a lifetime. If you had a monitor back you can hold it away from your face and not miss a shot.

What is the burn time of the Monitor Back?
The monitor back takes 4 AA batteries and it will last 2 hours. Please make sure you are using brand name batteries such as Duracell or Kodak.

I am getting black spots on my Monitor Back, is something wrong with it?
Usually occurs when batteries are low or your battery contacts need a cleaning. Make sure your batteries are fresh and a name brand battery such as Kodak or Duracell .

Do you make a magnifier for the camera viewfinder?
Since the rear plate is designed to accommodate hundreds of cameras, there is no optional magnifier available for the Top Dawg housing. You must either use the cameras stock viewfinder or purchase a monitor back.

I have an older style Top Dawg (pre 2000) will the new digital cameras function in the housing?
Probably not, we do offer an upgrade to the new style housing for $250.00. We use the cylinder and the rear door and everything else is replaced, just like a brand new housing.

Do you make an external filter or can the housing be modified for a flip down filter?
No, we only offer internal filters.

What do color correction filters do ?
They tone down the blue of the water and bring back the natural colors. We highly recommend using filters and stock a full selection.

How do I use a filter with this housing?
We offer filters that will fit on the camera, the camera is then placed in the housing. You will not be able to take it on/off during the dive. Do not use filters with lights, your video will be reddish pink. For best results use filters below 15 feet and above 60 feet. The exception to the rule is with cameras that have white balance control. You can tone down the combined filter and light color by setting the white balance to the indoor setting (light bulb icon).

How do I know if I should be using video lights or a filter?
If you are shooting macro you will probably want the vibrant colors to be seen, therefore you should use your video lights. If you are shooting wide angle, the video lights will only be useful up to 3-5 feet, after that the light gets absorbed by the water, degrading your image. Use a filter for best results with subjects further than 3-5 feet.

How do I know if I should be using a blue water filter or a green water filter?
Typically a blue water filter will work under most situations. If you are in really green water such as lake diving, a green water filter is recommended.

How do I know what size filter I need?
Look at your camera lens, the last number after the zero with a line through it is the millimeter size of the camera (typically they are 37mm), or look in your instruction manual or check out our chart .

What if I want to shoot wide angle?
The standard port is flat and depending on camera optics provides 60-70 degrees of coverage. Adding a wide angle increases coverage to about 90 degrees. You can use a Kenko .5X wide-angle conversion lens (37mm) on your camera and then place the camera in your housing. The lens is approx 1 1/2 inches; make sure you have enough room for it.

Can I use a filter and a wide-angle lens at the same time?
Yes, you can place the filter on the camera and then the wide-angle lens screws into the filter. Some find it better to remove the filter glass from the threaded ring and simply sandwich it between the wide-angle lens and camera.

What about macro photography?
Since the port is flat it allows you to zoom to full power giving excellent macro capabilities. Try using diopters to increase your macro power.

Can I change the bulb in the Top Dawg light?
Yes, it is a 20 watt bulb available from your dealer.

What is the burn time of the Top Dawg light?
30 min and it takes 1 hour to charge.

Does it have a microphone?
No, you will get audio underwater but not topside. Most people edit their video and add music to the final version.

Does the housing have a warranty?
Yes, the Top Dawg comes with a one year warranty against manufacturers defects. There is no warranty for the camera. Each housing is pressure tested to 150 fsw prior to release from the factory. You can insure your housing and camera with your insurance agent or check out DEPP www.equipmentprotection.com .

Is the housing buoyant or negative?
That all depends on the camera being used. If you have a large camera and it seems too heavy take off the 2lb weight tray on the bottom of the housing. Too light? Make sure that you have the 2lb weight tray on the housing.

Is it possible to use a tri-pod?
The weight tray is supplied with a tri-pod mount.

I have scratches on my front port, what should I do?
The front port is made of acrylic and can scratch easily. To avoid scratches purchase a Top Dawg Port cover from your dealer and use whenever the housing is not in the water. If you already have scratches, the water will fill them in and they should not be noticeable. If they are really deep scratches and are apparent in your footage you may want to have your front port replaced by the factory. The cost is $75.00 and takes approx 2-4 weeks.

How often should I have my Top Dawg Housing serviced?
Every 2 years by an authorized service center. The cost is $150.00 and takes approx 2-4 weeks.

Where is an authorized service center?
There are two authorized service center, both are listed on our service page . They are Backscatter U/W Video and Photo 32 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 831-645-1082 or Fisheye Productions UK Ltd. The New House Jubilee Lane, Milton Under Wynchwood Chipping Norton 0X7 6EP England Phone 44199382396 or fisheyeuk@aol.com .