The underwater world is a realm of hidden wonders, a symphony of colors and movement inaccessible to most of us. But through the lens of 8K videography, these depths come alive in unparalleled detail. Renowned underwater cinematographer Pawel Achtel, having honed his craft over 35 years and thousands of dives, knows this better than anyone. His work, from documentaries to sequences in “Avatar: The Way of Water”, reveals the ocean’s beauty in stunning 8K clarity.
Samsung Newsroom spoke with Achtel about how both creating and experiencing this ultra-high-resolution underwater footage is changing the game – and how Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K TVs are central to that evolution.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Underwater 8K
Shooting beneath the waves is incredibly complex. Ocean currents, shifting light, and limited visibility add challenges, even with specialized lenses and equipment. “It takes everything lining up for truly breathtaking 8K footage,” Achtel explains, “but the result is an immersive window into an otherwise alien environment.”
This is where Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K becomes crucial for filmmakers. Its exceptional resolution and clarity allow Achtel to scrutinize footage, refining it to overcome underwater filming hurdles. “Seeing those minute details, the true textures of a reef or the scales on a fish, lets us push for an image that makes viewers feel like they’re right there with us,” he emphasizes.
The Cinematic Power of 8K
Achtel was impressed by the 2024 Neo QLED 8K’s features like 8K AI Upscaling Pro and AI Motion Enhancer Pro. “Samsung is pushing for unparalleled realism,” he observes. But beyond the technical specs, the power lies in the connection between creation and display. As 8K production gear advances, so must the tech bringing these stories to audiences.
The 8K Home Experience: As Good as Diving?
Underwater films often rely on slow, meditative shots to let viewers drink in unfamiliar sights. On Neo QLED 8K displays, this experience is elevated. “The color accuracy is remarkable,” Achtel notes, “those vibrant blues, the intricate patterns we seek out… they’re truly reproduced.”
And, crucially, even non-8K footage sees a massive boost on Neo QLED 8K. Advanced upscaling fills in the visual gaps, offering a surprisingly close approximation of native 8K. This, in turn, inspires filmmakers to reach even higher quality standards.
“It’s about the total experience, ” Achtel concludes. “Filmmakers have the tools to push boundaries, and audiences at home can see those results in glorious detail. That’s the potential of 8K, and Samsung is helping make it a reality.”
