SLR vs HD camcorder

[PerroneFord]

I guess I was thinking the 5DmkII, which some users I know typically use ISO 3200 for dark videos and claim no objectionable noise. That said It would't surprise me if the better cameras like the EX1, or newer, are comparable. Anyway, I think thats out of the OP's stated budget.

I've shot two films on the 5D, and I wouldn't use it above ISO 800. I don't use the 7D or T2i beyond ISO400.

 

[kroorda]

Nearly all video camera housing come with a red filter which is an absolute necessity if/when you are not using video lights. One thing to remember when using an SLR with video is that your video is going to be ALL blue under about 15'. You will then have to do some serious color correction when you edit the video. The only way around this is to jerry-rig some type of red filter to put on your lens port (of a video/SLR) when you are shooting video, OR, you will need to have BOTH strobes and video lights attached to your housing.

Honestly, the only time that video is interesting (and true) from a video/SLR is when you are your viewers don't care about the color of things - such as video of a bait ball, dolphins playing under water, or shots of a shipwreck.

If you want to get an SLR that also does video, that's fine. But, save the video taking for out-of-the water.

 

[kkfok]

What about MWB? Can 5DmkII manual WB well under 15 metres?

 

[M_Bipartitus]

While I haven't used the 5d mk II, dSLRs have very flexible custom white balance settings.

 

[ronscuba]

The 7d and 5d are very flexible with WB. In addition to the normal MWB and various indoor/outdoor settings, they allow you to set a WB color temperature in increments from 2500k to 10000k.

 

[kkfok]

Thanks. I am actually looking at Sony SLT-A55, just not sure about its MWB ability underwater and the price of housing by Seatool.

 

[orm]

Nearly all video camera housing come with a red filter which is an absolute necessity if/when you are not using video lights.

One thing to remember when using an SLR with video is that your video is going to be ALL blue under about 15'. You will then have to do some serious color correction when you edit the video. The only way around this is to jerry-rig some type of red filter to put on your lens port (of a video/SLR) when you are shooting video, OR, you will need to have BOTH strobes and video lights attached to your housing.

Honestly, the only time that video is interesting (and true) from a video/SLR is when you are your viewers don't care about the color of things - such as video of a bait ball, dolphins playing under water, or shots of a shipwreck.

If you want to get an SLR that also does video, that's fine. But, save the video taking for out-of-the water.

Hmm, I'm not sure about a couple of points here. I'm not speaking from experience with the DSLR as I haven't got it wet yet I'm still in the US.

What I do know is that we shoot video up to 40ft without a red filter. We just use the cam's WB. The filter is a bit harsh and can take out a stop or two of light and the WB does a great job.

Now the WB range is the same on a DSLR (my 5D) as is on most vid cams - well it only goes to 2500k were most good vid cams go down to 1000k.

I can only proof this in the real world.... luckily I'm back in Mex next week so will post some footage in the Ocean.

 

[Tienuts]

Nearly all video camera housing come with a red filter which is an absolute necessity if/when you are not using video lights. One thing to remember when using an SLR with video is that your video is going to be ALL blue under about 15'. You will then have to do some serious color correction when you edit the video. The only way around this is to jerry-rig some type of red filter to put on your lens port (of a video/SLR) when you are shooting video, OR, you will need to have BOTH strobes and video lights attached to your housing.

Honestly, the only time that video is interesting (and true) from a video/SLR is when you are your viewers don't care about the color of things - such as video of a bait ball, dolphins playing under water, or shots of a shipwreck.

If you want to get an SLR that also does video, that's fine. But, save the video taking for out-of-the water.

Do you have any clue what you are talking about? What are you basing these statements off of?

Here's a perfect example - this video was shot in 70 feet of water with a Canon 7d - no lights and no filter, just a proper white balance done at depth.

YouTube - Fun with the Magnus 950

 

[MaxBottomtime]

[youtubehq]qwZ5ou-ADHI[/youtubehq]
You can get very good quality video with the Canon 7D, however the worst part of most underwater videos is camera movement. It's much easier to hold a large video housing still than a smaller DSLR housing.

 

[orm]

Wow... nice movie.

Loved it. The future of underwater film is very exciting, I love coming across films like this, thanks for sharing!