DiverKKC:
Can anyone here recommend a reasonably priced camcorder/housing/(+ or-)lights setup for someone just starting out?
Reasonable and underwater video don't generally appear in the same sentence...
It would be nice to have the option to upgrade as I gain experience.
Since you're considering this, you don't want to get locked into a platform that won't allow for future expansion. Resale value on used u/w video gear is poor.
On the camera side, I recommend any of the HDV models unless the budget just can't go that high. Footage shot on a miniDV system, while very good, doesn't scale well on a 50" HDTV. There's also a question of format. Most u/w videographers shoot on MiniDV tape - including those shooting HDV.
Otoh - Sony, Canon and JVC all recently introduced HDD models. Same optics bigger storage capacity. But they use AVCHD compression, a new format just starting to be supported by some of the editing software companies. My feeling is that everything will be HDD or solid state media in the next few years as it trickles down. I wouldn't consider a DVD camcorder, you trade quality for length and editing is a hassle since the DVD is finalized for use.
Since you might upgrade in the future consider an electronically controlled housing vs. a mechanical one.
A mechanical housing locks you into the camera it's built for and
maybe others in the same series, but they need to have the same controls in the same locations. Manufacturers seem to release new models every couple of years that are smaller and purposely have the controls in a different location. You can send in a mechanical housing and have it reworked but this can cost $2-400 depending on the changes.
An electronic housing gives you more upgrade options since you just "plug it in". But this locks you into Sony cameras as they are the only manufacturer who currently provides the required LANC control jack.
Most housing mfr's only make housings for Sony, JVC or Canon cameras anyway.
Housings to consider:
Electronic:
under $1000
Ocean Images Dolphin
TopDawg II
under $2000
USVH MiniDV
Ocean Images HC series (specific to the HDR-HC models)
under $3000
Amphibico
Light & Motion
Mechanical
around $1000
Ikelite
under/around $2000
Equinox
Aquavideo
over $2200
Gates
links to all these mfr's are
here.
Also, what functions should I specifically look for? There are so options for a first setup, it's a little overwhelming.
You're basically going to want zoom/wide angle, power on/off/standby, focus lock possibly white balance - some will post that this is mandatory but that's not been my experience. Any other controls are probably nice to have in the price range you're considering. Manual focus, iris control and other functions seem to be available in housings that cost $3500 and up. An exception is models that provide touch control for the LCD screen. O/I does this for white balance, Ikelite also on their HC models.
Most housings will also allow you to change camera modes so you can take digital stills or switch to playback u/w. The newer HDV cameras have 3-4MP sensors so still photo quality is good(not great). I've used the playback feature on my housing to make sure that I captured the footage I thought I had.
Also consider expandability and flexibility. Every housing has it's good and bad points, here are my comments:
The OI Dolphin has an add-on monitor. Either internal or top mounted.
USVH includes an add-on internal monitor in their base price.
The TopDawg has a limited view through the back port so they sell a replacement back that contains a monitor.
The Amphibico has a monitor only back which is nice until it fails. I have an early Amphibico with a back viewport, it also has the capability to add one of two external top monitors. Including an HD model that's more than the housing.
On the mechanical side, there are no add-on monitor options for Ikelite. And their viewports are limited as PF mentioned. An option they have for some of their better housings is a stick on side mirror. Which allows you to open and invert the LCD screen so it can be viewed. However panning is now backward so they add circuitry to fix that. But only in certain HDV models that they sell.
Not sure what Equinox sells currently, I don't think I've ever seen one with an external monitor.
Gates has several external top mount monitors. I think their HC-series housing also is wide enough to open and view the monitor from the back.
Another consideration for filming is removable ports. O/I has a $200 upgrade for this, I think Ikelite has wet lenses you add on (not sure on this). Amphibico, L&M and Gates all have interchangeable ports but you pay for the privilege.
I would be shooting in all kinds of environments, but am specifically looking for a setup for next year's Bonaire trip.
I shot in Bonaire two years ago. If it's sunny (usually) the light is good to 80-90' or more in some areas. A great deal of the life is in the 40'-60' range.
So lights aren't necessary, all that is required is a red filter which compensates for the loss of red at depth. You use the filter from about 15' to below 80'. At least on Bonaire. Below that it's best to remove it as lack of light and not color is now the problem. Most housings have an external one. At least make sure it's removable u/w.
hth or at least doesn't confuse things further,
