Need a REAL Underwater Video Camera - GoPro Hero2 Failed!

[UaVaj]

camera type: digital video 720p @30fps (1080p be nice - not necessary)
location: southeast florida and florida keys
visibility: 30' to 80' vis
depth: down to 140' depth

problem. as depth increases (beyond 20' or so) and lighting decreases. GoPro Hero2 (w/ GoPro Brand Flat Lens) video starts becoming grainy. perhap the actual lens is too small (not capturing enough light) or the sensor is too cheap or both.

need to buy a camera that take "excellent" underwater video. does not have to be professional quality, however underwater video MUST be crisp and clear (just like above water video).

please post real 1st hand experiences/recommendation. which camera and hopefully with a youtube video example? thanks.

 

[Scuba_Noob]

Maybe what you need is a video light. There are numerous cameras that work well in low light, but eventually as it gets darker, all cameras have a limit to the minimum amount of light where they can function well. One more thing, do you have that add-on that focuses the lens underwater? Without it, your videos would look somewhat blurry.

I've seen a lot of amazing, professional videos with GoPros, and I don't think you should give up on it just yet.

 

[Interceptor121]

A go pro is not a super high quality device your expectations are a bit high
I didnt want to go around with a massive housing so i bought a Sanyo xacti 1080p60 on eBay and an ex display housing
I have a wife angle lens with a filter and just a small led for macro on a locline
The result are great considering that I spent less than a camera rig but maybe more than a go pro
I would not say professional standard but quite good look on the you tube channel
As far as using a compact camera as video I find the control not easy to use in water on the canon s series however the quality of the video is very good
Food for thought

 

[Hickdive]

Here's an article on using the gopro with zero natural light:

Equipment and Technology

 

[bvanant]

Take a look at some of the videos on our website. All were shot with a Sony CX550 in a L&M Bluefin housing with L&M Sola lights; but I think you can probably get some good GOPRO footage by adding some video light; even a single SOLA 800
Bill

 

[flareside]

If you need a real camera then spend some real money. What do you expect for $300. You are not going to get great video with a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor in dark places. On the bright side, an upcoming firmware upgrade should solve the graininess.

 

[charlesml3]

Flareside pretty well covered it. Yes, you can get some VERY good footage but it's going to get expensive in a hurry. One of my regular dive buddies has a terrific Canon Vixia HD camera in a Gates housing with two Light & Motion video lights. The footage from this setup is startlingly good. But she has close to $6000 in the setup. She edits with Adobe Premiere Pro and burns movies to Blu-Ray to keep it HD all the way through. The clarity and color is as good as any I've ever seen.

You can get the quality, but it comes with a heavy price tag.

-Charles

 

[Shasta_man]

Yup, whatever camera you want to get, then add $2500 (at least) for housing. Lights are another grand and more. Then a case to carry it and you get to bring it with you on the plane....

 

[UaVaj]

thanks for the reality check. looks like I DO have to coin up (which i will). underwater is definitely a different game.

as for artificial lighting. that is out of the question. i am not interested in taking closeup. most of my targets will be 20'+ away. must rely on natural lighting.

i need a camera that is designed to produce clear crisp video in low lighting. (a compact camera will be a bonus)



please do keep those 1st hand experiences/recommendation coming. which camera and hopefully with a youtube video example? thanks.

 

[Quero]

---

---

A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Moved to Videography forum.

---