Drew Wong

Aliases: drew, TheRealDrew, Scubadru
Role: Underwater videographer, Wetpixel associate editor and senior moderator
First appearance: 2002 (forums, November 7)
Location: Singapore / Asia-Pacific
Affiliation: Wetpixel (moderator 2005, senior moderator/associate editor)
Forum posts: 10,071 across 636 threads started
Articles authored: 90 (2005—2019)

Biography

Drew Wong is an underwater videographer and one of Wetpixel’s most prolific contributors, serving as the site’s primary authority on underwater video from the standard-definition era through HD, ViDSLR, cinema cameras, and mirrorless systems. Eric Cheng referred to him as Wetpixel’s “video guru” in a 2007 article about the sardine run ([1]). Based in Singapore, Wong was active on the Wetpixel forums from November 2002 through 2022, with peak activity between 2005 and 2018.

Wong is a self-described “Warm Water Wimp” who wears 5mm suits in 20—25C water and has less than 9.5% body fat, as he disclosed in his 2007 Radiator wetsuit review ([2]). He is approximately 5’11” and has shoe size 11. His first dive show was ADEX Singapore in approximately 1994 --- seventeen years before he began formally covering ADEX for Wetpixel ([3]). Beyond underwater imaging, he organized liveaboard trips to unexplored areas of the Indonesian archipelago, working with Conservation International scientists Mark Erdmann and Gerald Allen to plan expeditions to places like Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih ([4]).

With 10,071 forum posts, 90 authored articles, and 19 comments, Wong had an activity score of 12,917 in the Wetpixel community --- one of the highest of any contributor. His coverage spanned video gear reviews, trade show reports, conservation advocacy, camera announcements, technique guides, and community columns.

Contributions

Wong wrote 5 guest articles for Wetpixel covering ADEX show reports (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) and a carbon fiber arms column, published through Adam Hanlon’s editor account.

Video Housing Reviews

Wong wrote the most comprehensive and technically detailed video housing reviews on Wetpixel. His reviews were distinctive for including manufacturer rebuttals in italics, giving readers both the reviewer’s findings and the manufacturer’s perspective:

The “ViDSLR” Coinage

In May 2009, Wong coined the term “ViDSLR” --- Video + DSLR --- in his article on the Panasonic DMC-GH1, writing: “it is a feature packed camera that beats the competitors for HD video in DSLR, ViDSLR if you will” ([12]). The term became his signature shorthand for hybrid cameras during the DSLR Video Revolution and appeared in his subsequent articles, including the Canon 5D Mark II housing shootout (“HD ViDSLR hybrid cameras”), the Seacam Prelude 60D review (“ViDSLRs”), and his promotion of the Can-Do Short Film Competition (“Canon ViDSLR”) ([13]).

DEMA and Trade Show Coverage

Wong served as Wetpixel’s video products correspondent at multiple trade shows:

ADEX Coverage (2007—2019)

Wong was Wetpixel’s primary ADEX reporter for over a decade, co-hosting the annual Sam’s Tours/Wetpixel/ScubaCam party with David Cheung of ScubaCam Singapore. His ADEX coverage constitutes one of the most complete records of Asian underwater imaging industry trends:

Sardine Run Expeditions (2006—2011)

Wong organized and led annual “Wetpixel Ocean Safari” sardine run trips to South Africa’s Eastern Cape, field-testing video gear along the way. Eric Cheng participated in the 2006 trip:

Didier Noirot Interview

In 2007, Wong conducted a multi-page interview with Didier Noirot, legendary underwater cinematographer who worked with Jacques Cousteau from 1988 until Cousteau’s death in 1997, and later with the BBC. The interview was conducted across two locations: San Diego and South Africa (during the sardine run) ([33]).

Cinema Camera Coverage

Wong closely tracked the development of cinema cameras for underwater use:

Video Technique and Gear Guides

Conservation Advocacy

Wong was a passionate conservation advocate, using his Wetpixel platform to drive action on marine conservation issues, particularly in Southeast Asia:

Book Reviews

Camera and Lens Announcements

Wong covered major camera announcements with a videographer’s perspective:

Intellectual Property Advocacy

Wong covered copyright and licensing issues relevant to underwater photographers and videographers:

Cultural Contributions

Wong brought cultural elements to Wetpixel, posting annual Lunar New Year greetings from 2009 through 2014, often themed to the year’s zodiac animal ([75], [76], [77]).

Key Relationships

Timeline

Forum Activity

Wong was one of Wetpixel’s most active forum contributors with 10,071 posts across 636 threads started. His primary forums were Video Gear and Technique, Photography Gear and Technique, and General Chat. His top threads by reply count:

References


Sources

  1. Wetpixel article, Jun 20, 2007: Sardine Run Updates From The Field
  2. Wetpixel article, Aug 19, 2007: Radiator Wetsuit Review
  3. Wetpixel article, May 3, 2011: Adex 2011 Report
  4. Wetpixel article, Oct 27, 2011: Diving Indonesias Birds Head Seascape A Book Review
  5. Wetpixel article, Aug 12, 2007: Amphibico Endeavor And Sony Hvr V1u Review
  6. Wetpixel article, Dec 27, 2007: Gates Fx7 V1 Housing Review
  7. Wetpixel article, Sep 6, 2008: Mangrove Mvd L 2 Review
  8. Wetpixel article, Jun 12, 2010: Canon 5d Mark Ii Housing Shootout
  9. Wetpixel article, Oct 16, 2011: Seacam Prelude 60d Review
  10. Wetpixel article, Oct 31, 2011: Nauticam Na 60d Field Test
  11. Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2012: Seacam Sea Flash 150 Digital Review
  12. Wetpixel article, May 21, 2009: Panasonic Dmc Gh1 Continues The Vidslr Revolution
  13. Wetpixel article, Dec 17, 2009: Can Do Short Film Competition With Canon Vidslr
  14. Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Dema 2005 Sony Hdv Camera Report
  15. Wetpixel article, Nov 3, 2006: Dema 2006 Video Product Preview
  16. source entity_index (article)
  17. Wetpixel article, Nov 19, 2006: Dvexpo West 2006 Official Wetpixel Coverage3
  18. Wetpixel article, Jan 9, 2007: Ces Brings New Hd Camcorders
  19. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2010: Canon Reveals 9 New Vixia Hf Camcorders At Ces
  20. Wetpixel article, May 15, 2007: 2007 Asian Dive Exposition Adex In Bangkok
  21. Wetpixel article, May 3, 2011: Adex 2011 Report
  22. Wetpixel article, Apr 18, 2012: Adex Singapore 2012 Report
  23. Wetpixel article, Apr 26, 2013: Adex 2013 Imaging Equipment Report
  24. Wetpixel article, Apr 21, 2016: Report Adex Show 2016
  25. Wetpixel article, Apr 15, 2017: Report Imaging Products At Adex 2017
  26. Wetpixel article, Apr 16, 2018: Show Report Adex 2018 By Drew Wong
  27. Wetpixel article, Apr 24, 2019: Show Report Adex 2019 By Drew Wong
  28. Wetpixel article, Jun 20, 2007: Sardine Run Updates From The Field
  29. Wetpixel article, Aug 1, 2006: Looking For Images Sardine Run Photo Gallery 2006
  30. Wetpixel article, Aug 12, 2007: Amphibico Endeavor And Sony Hvr V1u Review
  31. Wetpixel article, Jul 31, 2010: Wetpixel Ocean Safari Sardine Run 2010 Report Now Online
  32. Wetpixel article, Oct 16, 2011: Seacam Prelude 60d Review
  33. Wetpixel article, Aug 11, 2007: Interview Underwater Cinematographer Didier Noirot
  34. Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2010: Epic Prototype Camera Demo Report From Singapore
  35. Forum thread: Red Scarlet X
  36. Wetpixel article, Nov 4, 2011: Red Announces Scarlet X
  37. Wetpixel article, Nov 4, 2011: Canon Announces New Cinema Eos Line Including Eos C300 Camera
  38. Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2010: Sony Announces Pmw F3k S35mm Sensor Cinealta Camera
  39. Wetpixel article, Aug 29, 2007: Guide To Diopters For Shooting Macro Video
  40. Wetpixel article, Aug 26, 2006: Which Video Housing Brand Do You Use
  41. Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank5
  42. Wetpixel article, Aug 19, 2007: Radiator Wetsuit Review
  43. source entity_index (forum)
  44. Forum thread: Video From The Canon 5dmkii
  45. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2009: Protest Shark Finning In Sipadan Mabul
  46. Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2011: Support The California Assembly Bill 376 To Ban Shark Fin Sale In Ca
  47. Wetpixel article, Mar 9, 2012: Please Vote To Ban Shark Fishing In Sabah Malaysia
  48. Wetpixel article, Apr 21, 2012: Komodo National Park Needs Your Help To Increase Patrols
  49. Wetpixel article, Sep 26, 2012: Large Scale Shark Finning In Manta Ecuador
  50. Wetpixel article, Oct 31, 2006: Ocean Realm Society Spearheads Anti Shark Product Campaign
  51. Wetpixel article, Aug 15, 2007: Join The Petition Against Shark Fishing Competition
  52. Wetpixel article, Oct 22, 2006: Iceland Breaks 21 Year Old Commercial Whaling Ban1
  53. Wetpixel article, Dec 11, 2010: Eu Citizens Help Sharks By Writing In To The European Commission
  54. Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2010: Mantas Of Hanifaru Protection From Tourists
  55. Wetpixel article, Nov 16, 2013: Save The Unique Aru In Indonesia From Becoming Plantation Lands
  56. Wetpixel article, Nov 12, 2013: Relief Plea For The Philippines
  57. Wetpixel article, Mar 17, 2011: Donate To Help The Japanese Earthquake Tsunami Victims Through The American
  58. Wetpixel article, Dec 13, 2008: Noaa Coral Reef Watch Releases Coral Bleaching Outlook
  59. Wetpixel article, Oct 27, 2011: Diving Indonesias Birds Head Seascape A Book Review
  60. Wetpixel article, Sep 1, 2009: Canon Announces Eos 7d
  61. Wetpixel article, Jul 30, 2009: Nikon Announces D300s And D30002
  62. Wetpixel article, May 27, 2009: Canon 5d Mark Ii Gets Manual Exposure Controls In Firmware Update1
  63. Wetpixel article, Sep 8, 2006: Sony Releases Hdr Fx7 And Hvr V1e Camcorders
  64. source entity_index (article)
  65. Wetpixel article, Feb 16, 2007: Amphibico Dive Buddy Evo Hd Se7 Now Shipping
  66. Wetpixel article, Sep 12, 2007: Sony Releases Specifications For Pmw Ex1 Xdcam Ex Camcorder
  67. Wetpixel article, Sep 18, 2008: Ikonoskop A Cam Dii The New Raw Hd Video Camera
  68. Wetpixel article, Jan 17, 2011: Jvc Announces Gz Td1 Full Hd 3d Consumer Camcorder
  69. Wetpixel article, Jan 17, 2011: Sony Announces Hdr T10 3d Hd Camcorder
  70. Wetpixel article, Oct 15, 2010: Canon Ef 8 15mm F4l Lens Sample Videos Features Underwater Clips
  71. Wetpixel article, Aug 31, 2012: Sony Announces The Hdr As10 And As15 Action Camcorders
  72. Wetpixel article, Nov 28, 2012: 360 Degrees Field Of View Video From Custom Gopro Housing
  73. Wetpixel article, Mar 18, 2010: Intellect Property Obama Feedback
  74. Wetpixel article, Jul 15, 2009: How Much Is Your Film Worth
  75. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2009: Happy Lunar New Year
  76. Wetpixel article, Jan 22, 2012: Wetpixel Wishes You A Very Happy Lunar Dragon New Year
  77. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2014: Happy Lunar New Year Of The Sea Horse
  78. Wetpixel article, Jan 15, 2008: Wetpixel Expeditions In 2008 And 2009
  79. Wetpixel article, May 3, 2011: Adex 2011 Report
  80. Wetpixel article, Aug 19, 2007: Radiator Wetsuit Review
  81. Wetpixel article, Sep 14, 2005: Wetpixel Expands Moderating Team
  82. Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Dema 2005 Sony Hdv Camera Report
  83. Wetpixel article, Jun 20, 2007: Sardine Run Updates From The Field
  84. Wetpixel article, Aug 26, 2006: Which Video Housing Brand Do You Use
  85. Wetpixel article, Nov 3, 2006: Dema 2006 Video Product Preview
  86. Wetpixel article, Nov 19, 2006: Dvexpo West 2006 Official Wetpixel Coverage3
  87. Wetpixel article, May 15, 2007: 2007 Asian Dive Exposition Adex In Bangkok
  88. Wetpixel article, Jun 20, 2007: Sardine Run Updates From The Field
  89. Wetpixel article, Aug 11, 2007: Interview Underwater Cinematographer Didier Noirot
  90. Wetpixel article, Aug 12, 2007: Amphibico Endeavor And Sony Hvr V1u Review
  91. Wetpixel article, Aug 19, 2007: Radiator Wetsuit Review
  92. Wetpixel article, Aug 29, 2007: Guide To Diopters For Shooting Macro Video
  93. Wetpixel article, Dec 27, 2007: Gates Fx7 V1 Housing Review
  94. Wetpixel article, Sep 6, 2008: Mangrove Mvd L 2 Review
  95. Wetpixel article, May 21, 2009: Panasonic Dmc Gh1 Continues The Vidslr Revolution
  96. Wetpixel article, Jun 12, 2010: Canon 5d Mark Ii Housing Shootout
  97. Wetpixel article, Jul 31, 2010: Wetpixel Ocean Safari Sardine Run 2010 Report Now Online
  98. Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2010: Epic Prototype Camera Demo Report From Singapore
  99. Wetpixel article, May 3, 2011: Adex 2011 Report
  100. Wetpixel article, Oct 16, 2011: Seacam Prelude 60d Review
  101. Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank5
  102. Wetpixel article, Nov 4, 2011: Canon Announces New Cinema Eos Line Including Eos C300 Camera
  103. Wetpixel article, Nov 4, 2011: Red Announces Scarlet X
  104. Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2012: Seacam Sea Flash 150 Digital Review
  105. Wetpixel article, Apr 18, 2012: Adex Singapore 2012 Report
  106. Wetpixel article, Apr 26, 2013: Adex 2013 Imaging Equipment Report
  107. Wetpixel article, Apr 21, 2016: Report Adex Show 2016
  108. Wetpixel article, Apr 15, 2017: Report Imaging Products At Adex 2017
  109. Wetpixel article, Apr 16, 2018: Show Report Adex 2018 By Drew Wong
  110. Wetpixel article, Apr 24, 2019: Show Report Adex 2019 By Drew Wong
  111. Forum thread: Give Your Feedback On Buyerssellers
  112. Forum thread: Newbie Must Read What New System Did You Just Buy
  113. Forum thread: Wetpixel Ocean Safari Begins Monday
  114. Forum thread: Red Scarlet X
  115. Forum thread: Video From The Canon 5dmkii
  116. Wetpixel expands moderating team (2005) (article)
  117. DEMA 2005 Sony HDV Camera Report (article)
  118. DVExpo West 2006 official Wetpixel coverage (article)
  119. DEMA 2006 video products preview (article)
  120. Sardine run updates from the field (2007) (article)
  121. Interview: Didier Noirot (2007) (article)
  122. Amphibico Endeavor + Sony V1U review (2007) (article)
  123. Radiator wetsuit review (2007) (article)
  124. Guide to diopters for macro video (2007) (article)
  125. Gates FX7/V1 housing review (2007) (article)
  126. Mangrove MVD L-2 review (2008) (article)
  127. ViDSLR — Panasonic GH1 (2009) (article)
  128. Protest shark finning in Sipadan/Mabul (2009) (article)
  129. Canon 5D Mark II housing shootout (2010) (article)
  130. RED Epic prototype demo from Singapore (2010) (article)
  131. Wetpixel Ocean Safari sardine run 2010 (article)
  132. ADEX 2011 Report (article)
  133. Seacam Prelude 60D review (2011) (article)
  134. Nauticam NA-60D field test (2011) (article)
  135. The Wetpixel Rinse Tank #5 (2011) (article)
  136. Canon Cinema EOS C300 announcement (2011) (article)
  137. Red Scarlet-X announcement (2011) (article)
  138. CA AB376 shark fin ban (2011) (article)
  139. Seacam SeaFlash 150 Digital review (2012) (article)
  140. ADEX 2012 Report (article)
  141. Komodo National Park patrols (2012) (article)
  142. Shark finning in Manta Ecuador (2012) (article)
  143. ADEX 2013 show report (article)
  144. Diving Indonesia’s Bird’s Head Seascape book review (2011) (article)
  145. Save Aru petition (2013) (article)
  146. Typhoon Haiyan relief plea (2013) (article)
  147. ADEX 2016 Report (article)
  148. ADEX 2017 Report (article)
  149. ADEX 2018 Report (article)
  150. ADEX 2019 show report (article)
  151. Red Scarlet-X forum thread (173 replies) (forum)
  152. Canon 5DMkII video forum thread (167 replies) (forum)