DC800 Video Mode Question?

[MindMagick]

Greetings to all,

I plan on buying an underwater camera setup soon & I think I plan on going with the DC800 Maxx or the package with only one external flash.

Question: In the video mode, is there any way one can provide additional lighting other than a hand held dive light?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SeaLife Joe]

You have many options on adding light for Video mode. I personally have an extra SeaLife flash arm mounted with a Big Blue light. All I needed were a couple of adaptors from Ultra Light. The most important thing is to make sure that the beam width is wide enough and that you do not have a huge hot spot.

 

[DandyDon]

You have many options on adding light for Video mode. I personally have an extra SeaLife flash arm mounted with a Big Blue light. All I needed were a couple of adaptors from Ultra Light. The most important thing is to make sure that the beam width is wide enough and that you do not have a huge hot spot.

Sounds like a neat set up, but I'm not clear on what you mean exactly. Can you like us to the light and adapters used...??

I wonder about jury rigging a large light like this one with cable ties to the Ext Flash arm, lose enough to move the aim a bit...?

​

 

[SeaLife Joe]

I'll try to describe what I have done as best as possible;

First the Big Blue comes with a ball adapter that can replace the standard handle. Next, Ultralight sells parts that have a 1/4x20 screw mount (specifically a ball joint) that I screw into the top of the flash arm after removing the flash head. Then using an Ultralight Tension Joint I join the two ball adapters together giving more adjustability to the system and VIOLA, a nifty video light system.

I have tried to attach an image but not sure if this will work....I know ROOKIE!

 

[olyvtx]

dang Joe! Why doesn't Sealife sell accessories like that specifically for your products?? Sure beats the monster DIY I've done for my DC800 to get lighting.

 

[DandyDon]

I'll try to describe what I have done as best as possible;

First the Big Blue comes with a ball adapter that can replace the standard handle. Next, Ultralight sells parts that have a 1/4x20 screw mount (specifically a ball joint) that I screw into the top of the flash arm after removing the flash head. Then using an Ultralight Tension Joint I join the two ball adapters together giving more adjustability to the system and VIOLA, a nifty video light system.

I have tried to attach an image but not sure if this will work....I know ROOKIE!

Your pic loaded well, but I don't know what, where, whatever is Big Blue or Ultralight? Got links? The Url? That's the http code in your address bar for each part.

Wait, I think I found it: Underwater lights - BIG BLUE 1X5 LED AFO LIGHT at Divers Direct! Does that stay on? Looks like a flash?

Maybe your mean this one, for twice the money? Big Blue 500 L.E.D. Aluminum Torch and Video Light LT5016 with reviews at scuba.com

But ultralight??

Thanks!

dang Joe! Why doesn't Sealife sell accessories like that specifically for your products?? Sure beats the monster DIY I've done for my DC800 to get lighting.

We'd whine about the prices probly. Good for Joe to help us here.

 

[SeaLife Joe]

Sorry about all that.

Ultralight is at Ultralight Control Systems

And those are the Big Blue lights I was refering to. They are lights not flashes so they are on continuously. remember that it is important to find one that has a large enough spread and a small hotspot.

As for us to create all these parts, we prefer to let the experts in this field do that since lights can change quickly and it would be a full time job to stay on top of them. We prefer to keep building cameras for divers!

 

[TheBigPhillyFish]

Joe,

I have been trying to figure out this same problem for a week now. I have two other posts here and still havent figured out how to accomplish this.

I have the DC 800 Pro, I guess my first questions is. Do I need the flash if I have a video light. I was trying to figure out how to mount both my video light and the flash. But if I don't need the flash with a video light, then that makes it a lot easier.

Right now I have the UK Light Cannon, and I am not sure if that was the wisest choice. I know its HID which will give me the best possible colors. But this thing is heavy. I was thinking maybe I should get the BOSS Big Blue 500 lumen 15 watt LED light.

Now If I do need both flash and video light, is there a way to buy another base from your company. Then just add my Ultralight arms to the other base. By the way I live right across the river from your shop. I could even run over and pick up another base.

Please help, I would like to get this resolved so I can go diving in a week or two.

Thanks
Ed


EDIT: And what part did you get from Ultralight in the pic, and how do you take the flash base of the lockline?

 

[DandyDon]

Flashing during video would be disruptive. You've got 0-24 dives TheBigPhillyFish, and you want to learn to shoot underwater video...?

Learning to dive first is a good idea.

 

[TheBigPhillyFish]

Never updated the number of my dives that was 20 in my first week. I am well past that now. And I dont spear fish like the rest of my buddies, so I need something to do under there.