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Home: Inactive Forums: Underwater Video:
Need tips on underwater video cameras

lukeboychuk
New User

Nov 9, 2005, 1:39 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1255 views)
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Need tips on underwater video cameras	Can't Post

Hey guys I am just finishing up my Open water scuba instructor course, and now I need to find work somewhere in this world haha, but I made up my mind and I want to get into underwater videography/filmmaking. I've spend the last couple months writing up a business plan for a video/company. I have it all done and ready to go but the only thing is that I dont have a camera haha and experience, I have quite a bit of experience with cameras on land but not underwater, so I need to know what the best cameras are, I am planning to do this for a long time, so i dont want no crappy beginner camera haha, so ya any tips and suggestions would be awesome on different housings and the camera itself and anything else, websites or anything where I could maybe order some!!! well thanks guys for takin the time to read this and post ur opinion, its greatly appreciated, talk to u guys soon!!! Laugh

bubblevision
Novice

Nov 9, 2005, 7:57 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1248 views)
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Re: [lukeboychuk] Need tips on underwater video cameras [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,

If I were you I would choose a Sony camera. You will have the widest choice of reliable housings. If possible get a 3CCD camera, and if you really want to splash out then get an HC1 or AU1 high definition camera.

Your main choice on the housing is mechanical or electronic controls. Everyone has an opinion on this. Personally I like the reliability of mechanical controls. Stay with the following manufacturers:

Gates (best of the mechanical control housings)
Amphibico (best of the electronic control housings)
Ikelite (cheaper mechanical control housing but still good)
Ocean Images (electronic)
USVH (Under Sea Video Housings - electronic)

A bit of Googling will turn up discussion threads and dealers for this gear.

Good luck!

Nick
_________________________________________
Bubble Vision underwater video & marine life DVD, Phuket, Thailand
Sony VX2000, Gates housing, L&M Sunray lights
Sony Vegas

sjspeck
Novice

Nov 9, 2005, 11:30 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1242 views)
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Re: [lukeboychuk] Need tips on underwater video cameras [In reply to]	Can't Post

The best cameras on land are the best camera u/w. The only difference would be to consider those weighted heavier towards low-light sensitivity.

As far as housings here's a list of all pro-sumer and consumer grade manufacturers: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=96646
(maintained by yours truly..)

For commercial quality housings look at Amphibico's pro website for a starting point. I'd also do some poking around in the HDV forum here.

Here's a starting point for lights: http://www.aliensofthesea.com/hdtv/lights/ Also look at Nightrider and Nocturnal Lights.

I find it incomprehensible that you've "spent months writing a business plan" and don't already know all this....

(This post was edited by sjspeck on Nov 9, 2005, 11:39 AM)