Hydro State — Underwater Cinematography

South Africa Sardine Run

Explore the iconic South African coast from underwater and air.

Professional Underwater Camera Operators

Motion State cinematographer Sam Nuttmann specializes in underwater camera operating and cinematography, using the latest underwater cameras, housings, lighting, and techniques to get the most professional shots possible underwater. Whether you are looking to document marine wildlife or film narrative scenes in a pool, we can bring all your underwater filming dreams to life.

Scuba Diving Certification

SSI Rebreather Diver (Mares Horizon SCR)
PADI Divemaster
PADI Tec 40
PADI Sidemount
PADI Rescue Diver
PADI Drysuit Diver
CPR / First-Aid
Max Depth: 40 meters (130 feet)
Max Decompression: 10 minutes

Freediving Certification

PADI Advanced Freediver
CPR / First-Aid
Depth: 24 meters (80 feet)
Static breath hold: 5 minutes

Canon R5C

The Canon EOS R5C is the latest in Canon's full-frame cinema camera lineup, offering up to 8K RAW resolution at 60 fps or 4K at up to 120 fps. Its sensor offers dual base ISO technology (800/3200), allowing you to shoot at ISO 3200 without any noise. The camera's Dual Pixel autofocus system uses 1053 autofocus points across the entire frame, making focus tracking with fast moving animals accurate and easy. Its compact size and incredible features make this camera the new standard in underwater cinematography.

Atomos Ninja V+ Monitor / Recorder

The Atomos Ninja V is an exceptional monitor, featuring a bright 1000 nit 10-bit HDR 5.2" screen that can display over 10 stops of dynamic range with compatible cameras. In addition to being an extremely capable monitor, the Ninja V is also a recorder. When used with compatible cameras over HDMI 2.0, the Ninja V can record 4K at 60p in 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes or DNxHR formats to Atomos AtomX SSD mini solid state drives. The Ninja V+ will allow for up to 4K 120p and 8K 30p ProRes RAW recording. With a 1TB SSDmini drive, the Ninja V can record up to 150 minutes of 4K video.