C300 / C500 Underwater

[John Ellerbrock]

Good day all,

This thread is dedicated to shooting the C300 / C500 cameras underwater. Techniques, cameras settings, grading advice, lens choices or whatever that will help us all improve -- feel free to share.

J-

[John Ellerbrock]

Hi again,

If you're wondering how to take the C300 / C500 underwater -- well, Gates has developed a housing that accommodates both, and will begin shipping 10/1.

Gates C300/C500 Underwater Video Housing :: Gates Underwater Products

A few key features of the C300/C500 housing worth noting:

* Access to all camera functions and lens controls (Focus, Zoom, Iris).
* Fully integrated Gemini RAW from Convergent Design.
* This is the smallest Digital Cinema housing on the market. Easy for travel. Yet no sacrifices made for performance or function.
* Trim weight system for perfect buoyancy and balance. Pro underwater cameramen know the importance of this feature.

Feel free to PM me for more info, or contact us here:

Contact Us :: Gates Underwater Products

J-

[David Heath]

It's worth saying that for underwater use the potential advantages of the C500 over C300 are far greater than on land. That is down to the possibility of using RAW capture and hence far greater flexibility in post over such as colour control than using any coded system. And underwater this is obviously a bigger deal than on land.

I understand that RAW recording needs a separate recorder - so the question has to be whether this can be accomodated within this housing?

[John Ellerbrock]

Originally Posted by David Heath

I understand that RAW recording needs a separate recorder - so the question has to be whether this can be accomodated within this housing?

Yes David, the Convergent Design Gemini RAW recorder is integrated into the housing.

Attached are three renderings showing the rear of the housing, then with the rear shell removed exposing the Gemini RAW, and the last showing how the Gemini RAW can swing away to allow battery / media change.

J-

[John Ellerbrock]

UPDATE

The Gates C300 and C500 Underwater Housings have been in the field for some time now, and customers are, well...delighted. Reports are simply astounding image quality and clarity from the C500 -- which happens to be the smallest cinema-grade underwater 4K system on the market.

When footage can be made available I'll post the links here.

Gates C300/C500 Underwater Video Housing :: Gates Underwater Products

J-