Split Dome Port Instructions and Tips For Over Under Photography

    1. HOW TO SET UP YOUR SPLIT DOME
    2. DEPTH RATING
    3. CLEANING
    4. STORAGE AND PROTECTION
    5. CHOOSE A SUNNY DAY
    6. AVOIDING REFLECTION: DO NOT POINT THE DOME INTO THE SUN
    7. AVOIDING THE FOG
    8. CHOOSE CLEAR WATER
    9. BEST GOPRO CAMERA MODE FOR DOME PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
    10. HOW TO GET RID OF WATER DROPS
    11. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOME PORT INSTRUCTIONS

 We have put together these dome port instructions to help you use your Split dome port correctly. We have also added some essential over under photography tips that you must follow if you want your half half photos to stand out. For an in depth guide on how to shoot half half photos like a pro check our Over under photography guide.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SPLIT DOME PORT for HERO5/6 DOMES

  1. Unscrew the ON/OFF screws to lift the clamp and remove the GoPro housing from the dome.
  2. Put your GoPro camera into the housing and close it. For the housing that comes with the dome there is NO NEED to remove the lens cap before inserting the camera.
  3. Attach the grip to the housing.
  4. Insert the housing into the dome and make sure it sits right. Always make sure there is no dirt, sand, hair or other debris along the rubber gasket that could compromise the integrity of the waterproof dome. You do not have to push the housing all the way into the dome by hand, the clamp will do that when you tighten it.
  5. Close the clamp over the housing and tighten the clamping screws until there is no space left between the screws and the dome.
  6. Both GoPro Hero5/6 camera buttons are accessible and work as on your regular housing.

EXTRA TIP FOR HERO5/6 CAMERAS

Hero5/6 Split dome port is designed so that the housing/dome seal also fits the original GoPro Super Suit housing. This means that you can also use the Super Suit housing, but you will have to attach the rubber spacers to the dome as shown in the picture below, so that the thinner Super Suit housing is secured into the dome:

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SPLIT DOME PORT for HERO3/4 DOMES

  1. Unscrew the ON/OFF screws to lift the clamp and remove the GoPro housing from the dome.
  2. Put your GoPro camera into the housing and close it. The housing seems similar to regular GoPro housing but it is not completely the same. It is designed specially to fit into the SPLIT Dome, so your regular housing can not be used or water will get into the dome.
  3. Attach the grip to the housing so that the bolt is on the left when your camera is facing away from you. This gives you better access to camera power button.
  4. Insert the housing into the dome and make sure it sits right. Always make sure there is no dirt, sand, hair or other debris along the rubber gasket that could compromise the integrity of the waterproof dome.
  5. Close the clamp over the housing and tighten the clamping screws until there is no space left between the screws and the dome.
  6. Use the  power_button_symbol button on the dome to turn your GoPro ON/OFF or change modes.
  7. Remaining two buttons on your GoPro camera work as on your regular housing.


DEPTH RATING
SPLIT Dome is capable of withstanding depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters), but your GoPro camera is safe in its own housing that has the same depth rating as your regular housing (131 feet/40 meters).

CLEANING
Always rinse the dome with fresh water after seawater use.

If for some reason you need to clean the dome from the inside, you will need a size 8 allen key to remove all 10 screws that hold the dome in place. Make sure the SPLIT dome port is clean before removing the dome. Always use cleaning agent that does not harm acrylic materials. Once your dome is cleaned re-attach it to the backplate and make sure there is no dirt, sand, hair or other debris along the rubber gasket that could compromise the integrity of the waterproof dome. Also make sure that the gasket is in place – it should be inside the narrow recess in the backplate. Tighten the screws until you get resistance, don’t over tighten them.

STORAGE AND PROTECTION
SPLIT dome is made out of high-grade Acrylic material which is better than glass when it comes to handling scratches – water will fill the scratch and it won’t be visible on the photo. Glass on the other hand is more scratch resistant and better when it comes to water drops but scratches show in photos and are difficult to fix. In any case, we suggest you protect your dome from impact, scratches and dust. Get our SPLIT neoprene dome cover and put it on when you are not using the dome.

Do not expose you SPLIT dome to direct sunlight and heat for long periods of time.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Using the dome port together with a GoPro camera is really simple as GoPro with its wide-angle lens and almost infinite depth of field is a perfect match for the dome port. So basically using the dome is just point and shoot. But there are a few tricks and tips to make your photos better and bring out the most out of your SPLIT dome port.

CHOOSE A SUNNY DAY
If you are making half-half photos where half the photo is above and half under the water then sun and lots of light will greatly improve your shots. The underwater half of the photo will always be darker as the light is quickly lost under the water so lots of light from the sky will help you make better photos. Some pro photographers even use underwater flash to add some light to the bottom half of the photo.

AVOIDING REFLECTION: DO NOT POINT THE DOME INTO THE SUN
Sun (or any other light source) can together with the right background turn all domes into mirrors. The dome on Split dome port is designed to minimize reflection but still there are a few rules you should follow to avoid this from happening.

So what to do to avoid reflection?

The mirror effect usually happens when you are pointing the dome towards the sun, even more if the underwater part of the photo is dark. Try to keep the sun behind your back and do a few test shots to find the right angle. Keeping the sun behind you is also a general rule for good photography because it improves the colors in the photo.

Taking photos directly into the sun is possible. But you will need to play around to find the right angle. Also try to put your Split dome deeper (or higher) in the water. Play around to get the perfect shot!

AVOIDING THE FOG
Domes and regular GoPro housings can fog on the inside ruining your shots. Fogging occurs when you have moisture inside the housing and/or large differences in temperatures (warm air/cold water). If you are somewhere in the tropics or anywhere where you suspect that the fogging might occur it is best to assemble the dome somewhere dry (inside the car, in your hotel room). If there is air conditioning available turn it on as the AC takes the moisture out of the air.

But there are times and places when you can not get to a dry place. In this case you can use GoPro Anti-Fog camera lens inserts and they will suck the moisture out of the dome and the housing. To put the Anti-Fog insert into the dome you need to tape it to the backplate, you can do this without removing the dome through the hole for the GoPro housing. The insert will not be visible in the photo, if you are not using something really oversized.  There are also alternatives to these inserts – people use chamois leather pieces, silica gel bags from shoe boxes, or even tissue paper.

CHOOSE CLEAR WATER
Clear water will be lighter and you will have better, more natural colors. Mountain lakes and rivers, tropical seas, swimming pools… are usual places with really clear transparent water. Bottom also has an effect on the brightness and amount of light in the water.  Bright sand, pool tiles, pebbles are better than dark algae, mud, and volcanic rocks.

BEST GOPRO CAMERA MODE FOR DOME PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
For quick movement, action sports like surfing… when there is only a small time difference between making a half half photo and dunking your dome completely or losing the person you are shooting out of the frame we suggest you use the burst mode. 30 photos in 3 seconds works well, if the action is really fast try 30 photos in 2 or in 1 second, but in this case it is harder to catch the right moment to press the shutter button.

For slower action, for fooling around in water, snorkeling, etc… we also like to use the timelapse mode, either one photo every 0.5 second or 1 photo every second. Timelapse mode is also cool because once you start it you don’t have to press the shutter button anymore, your hands are free so you can swim and you won’t miss anything because your camera is always shooting. But it does give you lots of photos to delete afterwards.

The resolution setting should always be max which is 12MP / Wide.

When it comes to video the rules are similar –  for high-speed activities set your camera to at least 50 FPS (frames per second), even if this reduces the available resolution. When the action is slower than you can boost the resolution and cut the frame rates. So for high-speed action choose something like 1080p/50 FPS or 1080 SuperView/50 FPS and for slower activities something like 2.7K/25FPS (off course if you need higher resolution, if you don’t you can just stick to 1080/50). If you want to make slow motion video go even higher with the frame rates (720p/120FPS).

If you are dunking the dome into the water while you are on dry land like from a pier or something similar your photos will be upside down as the grip will be pointing up. Go through your GoPro camera settings and set your camera orientation to down or even better auto – so you don’t have to worry about this.

HOW TO GET RID OF WATER DROPS
Dome is like a huge lens and the half that is not in the water can gather some water droplets that will show in the shot. Since the dome surface is large the drops cover only a small part of the photo so this problem is not as big as with the regular GoPro housing where one droplet can ruin the entire photo. But still, we prefer no drops:). There are several ways to avoid them:

First being the most obvious – if possible, keep the top half of the dome dry. This works in a pool or in fact anywhere where you have calm water and/or a dry cloth nearby. But if you are in the water yourself, like when shooting surfing, this won’t work.

If you dunk your dome completely and then take the shot right away there will be a film of water over the dome and no water drops.

There are special solutions (RainX, Aquapel…),  that make the treated surfaces hydrophobic and force water to form beads and run off. But most of them can NOT be used with acrylic domes as they can damage the plastic. So make sure you use one that is plastic friendly.

A very nature friendly and popular way to get rid of the water drops is also licking the dome. If you let the spit dry for a while (1-2 minutes) it works even better. And it really works, we have tested it.

Another homemade solution is to rub potato over the dome. The starch mixes with water and creates a sheet that prevents droplets from forming.

A longer lasting method is using a wax. There are special waxes for this or people even use car waxes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use it as underwater housing at depths below 30ft?

SPLIT Dome is capable of withstanding depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters), but your GoPro camera is safe in its own housing that has the same depth rating as your regular housing (131 feet/40 meters).

After a while during use in ocean, the dome starts to fog up inside, ruining photos and videos. Any tips on how to avoid this problem?

Domes and regular GoPro housings can fog on the inside ruining your shots. Fogging occurs when you have moisture inside the housing and/or large differences in temperatures (warm air/cold water). If you are somewhere in the tropics or anywhere where you suspect that the fogging might occur it is best to assemble the dome somewhere dry (inside the car, in your hotel room). If there is air conditioning available turn it on as the AC takes the moisture out of the air.

If that is not possible use GoPro Anti-Fog inserts and they will suck the moisture out of the dome and the housing. To put the Anti-Fog insert into the dome you need to tape it to the backplate, you can do this without removing the dome through the hole for the GoPro housing. The insert will not be visible in the photo, if you are not using something really over sized. There are also alternatives to these inserts – people use chamois leather pieces, silica gel bags from shoe boxes, or even tissue paper.

After attaching the hero5 to the dome port, how do i turn on/off the hero5? Can I turn my GoPro on and off while it’s attached to the dome?

All the GoPro Hero5 buttons are usable once the camera is inside the dome so you can use your Hero5 in the same way as you would without the dome. The only difference is that you can not control the Hero5 with the touch screen because the camera is in the housing. But you can still see the LCD so taking photos/making video is easier. All the GoPro buttons are also usable with other dome/hero version.

Are you able to use the with a different selfie stick with the dome, possibly a longer one?

Split dome port has a standard GoPro mount system so you can attach it to any grip, pole or selfie stick that has this mount (almost all sticks on the market use this mount). But you must be aware that to take photos of yourself using your dome, the selfie stick would have to be bendable, like the GoPro 3-Way Camera Mount. Since the dome is quite large it is impossible to turn it towards yourself if you are using a straight pole as the pole can not bend around the dome backplate. This goes for all the domes out there. So if you want to get a dome selfie stick, look for one that has a folding arm. Folding stick also helps you keep the stick out of the shot.

Can a red filter be used with the dome? Or color lens?

Most of GoPro Hero filters are designed so that they attach to the camera housing lens. Domes are designed so that the seal between the housing (lens) and the dome is waterproof and attaching anything to the housing/lens would ruin this seal and probably make it impossible to insert the camera into the dome. The only filter that would not interfere with the dome is one that would come as a sticker that you could tape to the lens/housing.

Can dome be mounted to a selfie stick ?

Yes, it can be mounted on any stick, pole, grip that uses the GoPro mount.

Can I connect this dome to any tripod beside GoPro?

The grip that comes with the dome has a tripod mount at the end. So you can remove this mount from the grip and use it to attach the dome to tripods or anything else that uses the tripod sized screw.

Can I use the dome on gopro session?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

 

Can I use the dome with a stabilizer?

If the stabilizer uses standard GoPro mount and if the stabilizer is waterproof you can use it with the dome.

Can I use the Gopro Hero 4 Silver housing with this dome?

Dome will fit Hero4 Silver camera but do NOT use the touch screen housing since it is not waterproof. Also with the Hero3/4 dome version you must use the camera housing that comes with the dome, NOT the original housing.

Can I use this submerged underwater?

Sure, SPLIT Dome is capable of withstanding depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters), but your GoPro camera is safe in its own housing that has the same depth rating as your regular housing (131 feet/40 meters).

Can I use this with the original GoPro housing?

With Split dome Hero3/4 version you must use the housing that comes with the dome. With Hero5/6 version of the dome you can use the original GoPro Supersuit housing, but you must attach the rubber spacers to the backdoor of the dome so that the Supersuit is pushed into the dome. Spacers are a part of the Split dome Hero5/6 package.

Can I use touch screen on my hero 5 while it is in the dome housing?

The touchscreen is visible so it helps you take photos and videos but you can not use the touch function because the camera must be put inside the housing.

Can the handle be used alone without the dome to hold the gopro outside the water?

Yes, the Split carbon grip can be used without the dome and it will keep your GoPro camera floating on the surface of the sea if you drop it into the water.

Can the Split dome be used in GoPro 3?

Yes, Split dome port is compatible with GoPro Hero3. Just make sure you choose the Hero3/4 version of the dome.

Can this be used with a GoPro chest mount?

We did not test this but I would say yes since the mounts are compatible.

Can this dome work with the yi 4k camera?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Can this hold nikon coolpix aw130?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Can this work with hero 6 black?

Yes, just make sure you pick the Hero5/6 version of the Split dome port.

Can this work with the Hero + ? (Hero plus)

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Can you use rain x on this dome?

No, Rain X and acrylic domes do not go together.

Can you use your original go pro housing?

Yes if you have GoPro Hero5 or Hero6, no if you have GoPro Hero3/3+/4 (here it is recommended to use the housing that comes with the dome).

Could I use this for other activities besides diving? I would like to use it for jogging at night.

Split dome port is meant for water use, it would make no sense to use it outside the water. Besides diving it works great for swimming, surfing, pool parties, stand up padding, kayak, fishing, rafting… any water activity.

Do you have to remove Hero 5 lens cover to use?

You do NOT have to remove the lens cover if you use the housing that comes together with the Split dome for Hero5/6.

Does it come with the clip to mount the camera to the light?

Dome has a standard GoPro mount, so you can attach anything that uses this mount.

Does it fit Olympus tg4 housing ?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Does it work for the gopro the first one?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Does it work with another action camera instead GoPro?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Does it work with Hero 3+ Black?

Yes, it does. Just make sure you get the Split dome Hero3/4 version.

Does it work with the gopro hero 5 black into the super suit case by gopro (über protection + dive housing for hero6 black/hero5 black)?

Yes. But you must attach the rubber spacers to the back door of the dome before using it with GoPro supersuit. Spacers are in the Split dome package.

Does it work with the Hero 5 Black?

Yes, it does.

Does the hand grip float?

Yes, the Split carbon grip floats.

Does the handle come with a 1/4 in screw at the bottom for tripods?

Yes. You can remove the bottom that holds the wrist band and put the handle on the tripod.

Does this dome float? And if not, can you put the floaty back door on?

The Split dome port floats. The carbon grip also floats. There is no need to use the floaty back door.

Does this dome port allow access to top, side, and power buttons?

Split dome port gives you access to ALL GoPro camera buttons.

Does this dome work with the gopro hero 4 black?

Yes it does.

Does this dome work with the gopro hero 5 black?

Yes it does.

Does this fit a GoPro hero 6

Yes it does.

Does this fit the GoPro Hero 5 Session?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Does this work with gopro 4 silver?

Yes, just make sure you pick the Hero3/4 version.

How deep can this dome go underwater?

SPLIT Dome is capable of withstanding depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters), but your GoPro camera is safe in its own housing that has the same depth rating as your regular housing (131 feet/40 meters).

How do you take photos using this dome port as there is no trigger?

All the GoPro buttons are accessible so just push the button and take photos. We usually use the timelapse mode so we only press the button once and then just point the dome where we want.

How does a gopro dome work?

Split dome pushes the water away from the camera, this improves the underwater photo quality. Also, with the big dome lens it becomes possible to take over under photos and videos, where half of the scene is underwater and the other half is above it.

How is the quality of taking photos while scuba diving since I will not be able to use a red filter?

You can use a red filter if you can find one that you can use as a sticker and tape it to the lens so it does not alter the edges of the lens and interferes with the housing/dome seal.

If it leaks does it leak in the camera housing or in the dome?

All the domes are tested before they leave the factory. Also, the camera is put in its own housing so even if the dome would leak, the camera is separate from the dome.

Is it compatible with Yi 4K?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Is it easy to take off the dome (while leaving it in the housing) if I want some non dome shots?

Yes, you just need to untighten the two screws, open the backdoor and remove the housing that holds the camera and your GoPro is ready to be used without the dome. Just make sure that you dry the housing completely before re-inserting it into the dome, otherwise the dome can fog up quickly (depending on the weather and temperatures off course).

Is it possible to use other cameras with the dome? Like Yi Technology 4K+ Action Camera, TomTom Bandit, YI 4K Action Camera, Olfi one.five,GoPro Hero5 Session, Sony FDR-X3000R, SJCAM SJ7 Star, SONY RX0, OLYMPUS TG TRACKER, GARMIN VIRB ULTRA 30, VEHO MUVI K2 PRO, NIKON KEYMISSION 360, POLAROID CUBE+ and other cameras? Will they fit inside the Split dome?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black. It does not work with older versions and it does not work with Hero Sessions model. Also it is not possible to use it with cameras from other manufacturers. With domes the fit and seal is essential for using the dome so all domes must be custom made for certain camera models. There are no “universal” domes that would fit many different cameras.

Is the dome suitable for SJ4000?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

Is the housing directly attached to the dome to prevent water from leaking in the dome?

Yes, there is a rubber seal between the housing at the dome and the back door of the dome pushes the housing into the seal.

Is this product compatible with the gopro hero 3 (not the hero 3+?)

Yes, just make sure you pick the Hero3/4 version.

Is this product compatible with the gopro hero+ lcd model?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

May I leave it alone while keeping gopro on to shoot pics or it would not work and you have to hold it at water level for that?

Depends on what you want to achieve. To take over under photos you must keep the dome in position so that the bottom half of the dome is underwater and the upper part is above it. If you can set the dome in such position you can leave it so and let it shoot.

Please confirm this version works for gopro black camera with video screen attached?

Split dome port LCD version works with Hero3/3+/4 Go Pro cameras that have additional LCD bacpac. UPDATE: LCD version is no longer available.

What is a gopro dome?

A gopro dome is a special accessory for your GoPro camera that improves underwater photos and videos and makes it possible to take over under (half half, 50-50) photos.

What is a purpose of 2 rubber seals in the package with Dome Port?

With Hero5/6 version of the dome you can use the original GoPro Supersuit housing, but you must attach the two rubber spacers to the backdoor of the dome so that the Supersuit is pushed into the dome. These two spacers are a part of the Split dome Hero5/6 package.

What is max depth for scuba diving? What is the maximum operating depth for this dome?

SPLIT Dome is capable of withstanding depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters), but your GoPro camera is safe in its own housing that has the same depth rating as your regular housing (131 feet/40 meters).

Where to buy gopro dome?

You can buy it here on https://splitgadgets.com

Will this work in shore break?

Yes, but I would imagine it would be very hard to take over under photos in a shorebreak. Also, be careful not to scratch the dome with sand.

Will this work on GoPro Hero 4 Silver?

Yes.

Will this work with a Hero 2?

No. Split dome port works with the following GoPro camera models: GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero4, Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black.

If you have any other questions, let us know.