Best Camera for underwater video? at DVinfo.net

Cameron Stainton · January 12th, 2004, 11:31 PM

I am prepared to purchase a new camcorder for underwater video documentaries. I have discovered that the Sony VX 2100, Canon XL1s/GL2, and JVC HD10 all have 3rd party (underwater)video housings readily available. Cost is not a factor... I just want the best product I can get my hands on. Reliability is a factor as I will be filming in remote locations. Can anyone please steer me in the right direction?
Sincerely,
Cameron

Rob Lohman · January 13th, 2004, 09:09 AM

I moved your thread to the general forum since it is about
multiple camera's.

Don't forget to look at how to operate all of the controls on the
camera. Make sure the underwater housing has all you need.
Sometimes it might be handy if the housing has room to add
filters or a wideangle adapter etc. as well.

Rick Bravo · January 13th, 2004, 08:30 PM

Cameron,

We have had a great deal of success with housings from Gates Underwater Products. http://www.gateshousings.com/

We currently own three, two for the now discontinued Panasonic AG-EZ30 and one for the SONY TRV-950.

They are all heavy duty, deepwater housings and are all milled from a solid block of aluminum.

The housings balance out beautifully underwater without the need to add additional weights.

All the controls are mechanical which minimize the potential problems associated with the mixing of electronics and water.

The housing for the TRV-950 has a remote color monitor and all the housings are equipped with NightRider underwater lights. All the housings also have a standard, macro and wide-angle port.

If you are looking to go with electronic controls I would strongly recommend any housing by Amphibico. http://www.amphibico.com/

If cost is not a factor then these are probably the way to go...not cheap, but you get what you pay for!

Good luck, RB.

Cameron Stainton · January 14th, 2004, 12:25 AM

Thanks...I just ordered a gates today with niterider & external view screen.
Cam

Shawn Mielke · January 14th, 2004, 04:21 PM

Divers also speak highly of the PDX10, for size, and for 16:9, of course. (And for cost.)
The Sonys seem to have garnered a reputation as being most resistant to condensation, or it's effects, rather.....

Cameron Stainton · January 14th, 2004, 09:36 PM

Thanks for the info. everyone. Looking forward to shooting with new camera & Housing!
Cameron

January 12th, 2004, 11:31 PM	#1
Cameron Stainton New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Carbondale, CO Posts: 22	Best Camera for underwater video? I am prepared to purchase a new camcorder for underwater video documentaries. I have discovered that the Sony VX 2100, Canon XL1s/GL2, and JVC HD10 all have 3rd party (underwater)video housings readily available. Cost is not a factor... I just want the best product I can get my hands on. Reliability is a factor as I will be filming in remote locations. Can anyone please steer me in the right direction? Sincerely, Cameron

January 13th, 2004, 09:09 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I moved your thread to the general forum since it is about multiple camera's. Don't forget to look at how to operate all of the controls on the camera. Make sure the underwater housing has all you need. Sometimes it might be handy if the housing has room to add filters or a wideangle adapter etc. as well. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

January 13th, 2004, 08:30 PM	#3
Rick Bravo Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 574	Lots of housing for the money! Cameron, We have had a great deal of success with housings from Gates Underwater Products. http://www.gateshousings.com/ We currently own three, two for the now discontinued Panasonic AG-EZ30 and one for the SONY TRV-950. They are all heavy duty, deepwater housings and are all milled from a solid block of aluminum. The housings balance out beautifully underwater without the need to add additional weights. All the controls are mechanical which minimize the potential problems associated with the mixing of electronics and water. The housing for the TRV-950 has a remote color monitor and all the housings are equipped with NightRider underwater lights. All the housings also have a standard, macro and wide-angle port. If you are looking to go with electronic controls I would strongly recommend any housing by Amphibico. http://www.amphibico.com/ If cost is not a factor then these are probably the way to go...not cheap, but you get what you pay for! Good luck, RB. __________________ "The future ain't what it used to be." Yogi Berra. www.rbravo.com

January 14th, 2004, 04:21 PM	#5
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	Divers also speak highly of the PDX10, for size, and for 16:9, of course. (And for cost.) The Sonys seem to have garnered a reputation as being most resistant to condensation, or it's effects, rather..... __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

January 14th, 2004, 12:25 AM	#4
Cameron Stainton New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Carbondale, CO Posts: 22	Thanks...I just ordered a gates today with niterider & external view screen. Cam

January 14th, 2004, 09:36 PM	#6
Cameron Stainton New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Carbondale, CO Posts: 22	Thanks for the info. everyone. Looking forward to shooting with new camera & Housing! Cameron