SM - 13 February 2008 11:36 PM
I am new to UW videography and would greatly appreciate getting some recommendations from the experts on this board. I would prefer to go with HD, since that’s where things are heading anyway and the footage may be used for broadcast.
Having said that, I’m not interested in anything too large or elaborate since most of my footage will be at “recreational” depths in the Caribbean with the usual subjects—- people, critters, coral and rock formations.
Most of the video cameras that are considered broadcast worthy would be dismissed by broadcasters, and least the common thought runs that way. The small HD cameras use HDV or other codec that is not true HD (if you talk to people who are broadcasters/real tech heads). That being said, good footage is good footage so if you have something special in subject matter, a broadcaster will take it. At recreational depths with good light many of the Sony’s such as the HC3 that I have or the newer models will take nice footage. I have put HC3 footage taken in good conditions on an HD TV and it looks very good. There are some newer smaller cameras that I recall have 3-CMOS sensors which should give better results. In theory the newer cameras also should have improvements even if not 3-CMOS. The main brands I would look at are Sonys and Canons (HV10, HV20) JVC had some models that looked good but I have seen mixed reviews.
Anyway I wrote up some things on my Sony here HC3 Gates Housing and some more info here Port. Gives some idea of the footage I took when I first got the rig and starting to get used to it. Overall it is light/portable and I am happy I bought it. No regrets other than the fact that electronics change so quickly that by the time the credit card bill comes in, the next great thing is then out 
But CES and PMA have just passed so many of the new things are out for the time being. Like I mentioned in the article I would love to get a housing for my FX-1 or one of the other cameras I am currently considering. But these are more for above water work where I am not diving and traveling without dive gear and my still rig.
SM - 13 February 2008 11:36 PM
As for housing, I’m leaning toward electronic (hoping to err on the side of “user friendly") but I realize there are many other factors to consider.
SM - 13 February 2008 11:36 PM
So the question is. If you were just starting out, based on the equipment currently available, what HD camera(s) and housing(s) would you recommend?
Thanks!
I prefer mechanical myself just because in my mind a bit less to go wrong. In the event of a flood, though the camera is shot, the housing can be rinsed out and good to go. One of the bigger advantages of electronics is the push buttons/quick access to more functions. For instance I can definately see the appeal of being able to switch White Balance or Focus more quickly than a mechanical housing. That being said, I really like the Gates. They are built like a tank and I have nothing but good things to say about the people at Gates. Plus the ports are very nice.
Ikelite also makes housings that are less expensive and lots of people use them. Light and Motion is another brand.
I guess what it comes down to, to start, is what were you thinking of as a budget as a start and what you want to travel with size/weight wise. You also probably want to consider a set of lights of some sort for night dives, ledges, etc.
