I think it comes down to the reserve price. The SWP25 port is $2700 retail so if what he infers is true, his reserve s/b less than that. According to the listing it was never flooded. And you're looking at $600 to $2700 more for a port that will work.
It won't be the smallest housing since the PDX-10 is built on the TRV-950 chassis. Similar in size to an HDR-FX7 if you have those in stores in your area now - but a little shorter and thicker. btw, the mic and the XLR contoller are removed before it goes in the housing.
It's bigger than an HC series camera/housing combo. But possibly still able to be carried on. B&H has the housing at 11x11x6 and I think the handles come off.
It's also only for that camera - or the TRV-950 since all the levers, buttons etc. are setup for that. So if the camera fails (or gets wet) you're likely selling the housing for whatever you can get.
One last question, how do the brand new top of the line digital cameras that also record mpeg4 or comparable video compare.
Compared to what? The best HC series MiniDV, single CMOS HDV or the FX7/V1U?
It's also not HiDef. But it does do broadcast quality using Sony's proprietary DVCam format. Reviewed
here. It's basically a pro version of the TRV-950 - with mostly improvements on the sound side, the imaging is exactly the same.
I saw that auction before you posted it, my first reaction was that would've been something I'd have considered - two or three years ago. But I think the recent availability of HD/HDV cameras relegates it to a prosumer has-been.
My
personal opinion - you're better off with an FX7 or even an HDR-HC7. The resolution will be superior. 3CCD is going to fade away, the newer cameras are 3CMOS(lower power consumption)
Not that you'll get an FX7 for what he's probably selling both for.
But you can house an HC7 in the $2000-2500 range including the camera. And it'll be much smaller to travel with. If it's for you, your friends, burning a few DVD's, even HD-DVD's, I'd go with the newer technology.
