Best housing for Sony HDR-HC7

[dunkerly]

I know you all have opinions, so what is yours concerning the best dive housing for a Sony HDR-HC7?

 

[diversteve]

The L&M Bluefin. Electronic controls, access to MWB via the side buttons and I've heard it comes with a Monitor Back now.

Second choice would be the Gates since it has an MWB optional add-on. It might have a better port selection also, I'm not certain.

Less expensive I'd look at the Ocean Images HC series. Same features just less depth rating.

Or Ikelite, but their Image reversing circuitry (corrects panning in the mirror) disables the touch screen somehow. (or inverts it and makes it hard to use to MWB)

 

[Marinevisions]

The L&M Bluefin. Electronic controls, access to MWB via the side buttons and I've heard it comes with a Monitor Back now.

The Bluefins with the monitor backs are actually set to start shipping from Light and Motion in the next week or so.

Second choice would be the Gates since it has an MWB optional add-on. It might have a better port selection also, I'm not certain.

The Gates HC7 has several options for ports. The Fathom ports are simply phenomenal and the new version of the SWP25 should be shipping within the next month.

Less expensive I'd look at the Ocean Images HC series. Same features just less depth rating.

Or Ikelite, but their Image reversing circuitry (corrects panning in the mirror) disables the touch screen somehow. (or inverts it and makes it hard to use to MWB)

I have personally never used the Ocean Images housing, but if you are on a budget, the Ikelite might be a decent choice for you.

 

[Tienuts]

SeaTools - it's very small, great depth rating. Check it out here:

Underwater Video System

 

[dunkerly]

Best... well yeah, that could be refined a little. I have been shooting with housing that permits only thru the eyepiece viewing. Want to get away from that. The mirror trick is... ok. I'm leaning towards an LCD monitor for a better view of my shots. Cost is a concern, as is weight, since airlines now limit us to two 50 lb bags. The housing needs to be pretty rugged since the airline monkeys toss things around too.
Thanks for your response. A shopping I will go.

 

[ronscuba]

The HC7 is pretty small as are most of the housings. I recommend carrying both with you on the plane. And if you do this, a Pelican type case is not needed. A regular backpack or wheeled carry on will suffice. Use tee-shirts, shorts, bathing suits etc. for padding.

 

[diversteve]

Best... well yeah, that could be refined a little. I have been shooting with housing that permits only thru the eyepiece viewing. Want to get away from that. The mirror trick is... ok. I'm leaning towards an LCD monitor for a better view of my shots. Cost is a concern, as is weight, since airlines now limit us to two 50 lb bags. The housing needs to be pretty rugged since the airline monkeys toss things around too.
Thanks for your response. A shopping I will go.

The Gates and the O/I allow you to open the camera's LCD inside the housing. Both will be less than the Bluefin unless you buy the better Gates port - which might be more than the Gates housing..LOL

 

[marshallkarp]

I am having my Equinox ProPak 6 refit from my old Sony DCR-TRV33 to my new Hdr-hc7.

 

[DocWong]

SeaTools - it's very small, great depth rating. Check it out here:

Underwater Video System

I'd get the SeaTool IF it had manual white balance. That was the deal breaker for me.

 

[Tienuts]

It does. You can set the wheel next to the lens to adjust white balance, and then control it from the external knob.