Need Video Camera advice

[IceBergSlim]

I need to spend some money before Jan 1st and was hoping to buy a video camera, lights and housing. Searching the threads but did not see a simple answer. I plan on using it in dark and cold water. I would prefer something simple. I will just be using it for fun.

I know that's not a lot of information but I was hoping someone would have a solution.

Thanks

 

[JamesD]

I think a major missing question is... what kind of budget, how many thousands of dollars do you have to spend on this?

 

[IceBergSlim]

I want to keep it simple. Say under $3k?

 

[bluesbro1982]

If you live in the NYC area, go over to B&H Photo/Video and ask one of the guys there. Just about every serious photographer and videographer uses them for gear purchases and information.

A better question would be to ask this board what type / kind of housing to buy after you already have a good camera that fits in your budget. Budget $1k for the housing and go to B&H and ask for their video cams in the 2K range.

 

[Mafiaman]

I would go: $1000.00 on a cam/ HiDef
:$1000.00 housing
:$1000.00 on lights

 

[marshallkarp]

I bought my Equinox ProPak 6 housing last month from B&H and everything was fine. Arrived on time and I liked the price, too.

 

[Mike Veitch]

Top Dawg housing with Sony HC3 and some lights should keep you happy. you then have a housing that can be used with other cameras

 

[HiDefPics]

B&H is great for electronics, I've been using them for years. Not sure about the housing though. I know they have gotten into selling housings, but I've always felt it's better to buy from a dealer you know & trust. Better yet, somebody you can go diving with who can help when you have questions.

 

[ronrosa]

I live in NYC and shop at B&H. Great for camera/camcorder gear, but they know nothing about underwater video. You can ask them questions, but don't expect expert advice.

$3k is a nice budget. How about a Sony HC3, Ikelite housing and Ikelite NIMH lights ? Light battery mounts right under the housing. Price should fall right around your budget.

 

[marshallkarp]

I live in NYC and shop at B&H. Great for camera/camcorder gear, but they know nothing about underwater video. You can ask them questions, but don't expect expert advice.

$3k is a nice budget. How about a Sony HC3, Ikelite housing and Ikelite NIMH lights ? Light battery mounts right under the housing. Price should fall right around your budget.

Yes, I talked to two Customer Service Reps at Equinox, then ordered the housing from B&H. So, I never talked to anyone at B&H, just placed the order as I knew what I wanted.