Advanced Underwater Video Camera Recommendations

[fishstix]

I've been shooting underwater video with a GoPro and want to advance to more sophisticated gear. Can anyone recommend a camera/housing/lens kit that shoots 4K and is close to neutrally buoyant without having to add cumbersome floats?

 

[ScubaInChicago]

If you're on a budget you could look into a full frame camera like the 5d mark ii or mark iii and add Magic Lantern software to shoot in RAW video to really fine tune your edits.

If you're interested, I actually have an Aquatica setup I'm parting ways with soon.

 

[ScubaInChicago]

RAW Video vs 4K

 

[mattia_v]

A 5DII with housing (other than not being 4K and really being quite old now) is going to be very pricey and really quite huge.

What level of control do you want from your camera? There are GoPros that do 4K, and Panasonic is a strong option for 4K cameras (video, compact, and interchangeable lens). What kind of budget did you have in mind?

 

[ScubaInChicago]

A 5DII with housing (other than not being 4K and really being quite old now) is going to be very pricey and really quite huge.

What level of control do you want from your camera? There are GoPros that do 4K, and Panasonic is a strong option for 4K cameras (video, compact, and interchangeable lens). What kind of budget did you have in mind?

Reread my post, I mentioned the 5D mk iii which has just been updated with the mk iv a couple of weeks ago. Magic Lantern will allow 4k recording. The 5d mkii is a barging for what it offers. Name another DSLR that has been used for filming an entire episode of network television.

 

[ScubaInChicago]

IMDb: Movies Filmed with Canon and Nikon DSLR Cameras - a list by montanafilmmaker

 

[fishstix]

My main complaint about shooting with a GoPro is that it's not neutrally buoyant and the footage ends up being pretty shaky. When I see professional underwater camera operators they have large but weightless (in the water) rigs that enable them to get smooth shots.

I shoot professionally on dry land with mirrorless APS-C sized sensor cameras- specifically the Sony A6000 and the Sony VG30. These are interchangeable lens cameras with all the usual features that DSLRs have. So I'm basically looking for something at that level of control/ability.

One thing I don't understand about shooting with DLSR type cameras in a housing is how the pinochio-type zoom lenses work inside a housing. Isn't there a problem with vignetting at wide angles and/or a problem with the housing obstructing the movement of the lens at longer focal lengths?

 

[mattia_v]

I know the 5DII is great - I owned 2 for a while. But the system was too big for my wishes and needs (= 1 bag backpack travel), so I went mirrorless and never looked back. My point was that a 5D setup is an enormous step up in size and weight from a GoPro.

I'm not a big video shooter, but most underwater stuff seems to be shot at a single focal length, or at least minimal zooming. Why not look for a housing for one of your existing cameras? Or consider a Sony RX100 mk IV, housing and wet lenses. Bouyancy will depend on choice of housing and glass and any arms for video lights (for example)

 

[fishstix]

I've seen the term before, but what exactly is a "wet lens?"

 

[mattia_v]

It's a lens that you attach underwater, to the outside of the housing. Inon is perhaps the most well known manufacturer.

Google interceptor121, he's a poster here who shoots a fair bit of video using RX100 series cameras, the Panny LX100 and micro four thirds, with a variety of wet lenses.