UW video camera systems

[barracuda]

hi all !!

looking for advice on a mid range uw video camera system for use in surveys. need the same to be compact and light while delivering reasonably good quality for play back.

have seen Bonica and Top Dawg systems and need advice / suggestions from the video gurus out there. thanks in advance for the same.

venkat

 

[TMan2]

Venkat,

My first question would be do you have a camera already?

regards,

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

It sounds as though you are starting from scratch. That being said there are a few questions you need to ask yourself and answer for me that will allow me to better fit you with options:

1. What is your budget (ideal and realistic)

2. What do you want to use this for (web, store promo, personal, production)

3. Do you have any video experience? I highly suggest something with manual white balance capability.

4. Where do you do most of your diving? (this will determine needs of camera, and more importantly, lens requirements)

Thats a good start so I can better help you.

 

[MikeMeagher]

Not trying to beat my drum.. but its nice to "see" the results of a system before you buy. For what its worth, my videos were all taken with a little Sony HC7 in a Gates Housing, with the Fathom WP25 lens, Sunray 1000s lights. You can see examples of what this little rig can do here.
YouTube - wolfeeldiver's Channel

 

[splashjibe]

Any opinions regarding the Bonica Snapper 1080p HDDV? I noticed that the pixel format is 1440 horizontally rather than 1920 as would be expected for an HDTV format. For $600 US it looks like a good deal.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

My favorite system would be the Canon HF S10/S11, Gates Housing with Gp32 port. Here is a link to a sample video I shot with it. HF S10/HF S11 Video

 

[splashjibe]

Is that the system for $3,000? Too pricey for me right now.

 

[diversteve]

It's been discussed, both in another thread and in their forum: Bonica - ScubaBoard
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-videography/216576-new-bonica-hddv-camcorder.html

Are you cost limited to $600? If not for around $950 retail you might consider the Canon HF-200 with their WP-V1 housing.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

Have you checked out the Flip Ultra HD with Ikelite housing combo? Its the best package for the price point! Here is a link to my sample video that I shot with it. All available light, no editing.

Flip Ultra HD Video

 

[Becca_007]

The fact that you mentioned compact makes me wonder if you have considered point and shoot cameras. This would of course depend on how much video you need to take at once but could be a very cheap, compact, but HD route.