Camera Suggestions

[mdw]

Ok so in some ways this is embarrassing but...

I'm a professional camera operator and I need to purchase a small camcorder for personal use along with a UW housing. I'm used to shooting on Arricams & Red Ones not little hand held cameras. I did have an HVX200 with an Equinox housing but its just too bulky for my upcoming trips. (I'm so bad I shot my 5 year olds preschool graduation on a Red).

So I need semi small, the best possible quality, must be HD, price under $8k would be nice for the package. I've been looking at the Sony SR-12 and Stingray housing which I feel fits my size requirement but I'm worried about access to controls and the picture quality.

Any suggestions?

~Marque

 

[Drewski]

Try posting this question on WetPixel (click here).

Some members frequent both forums, but more pros hang out there...

 

[PerroneFord]

Well,

If you're shooting Arris and Reds, you're not going to be very happy with any small cam. Since you're gong to try to stay under $8k, you might look into the HC9 or similar cam. It's too bad Scarlet isn't available. It would probably fit the bill.

Best of luck.

Ok so in some ways this is embarrassing but...

I'm a professional camera operator and I need to purchase a small camcorder for personal use along with a UW housing. I'm used to shooting on Arricams & Red Ones not little hand held cameras. I did have an HVX200 with an Equinox housing but its just too bulky for my upcoming trips. (I'm so bad I shot my 5 year olds preschool graduation on a Red).

So I need semi small, the best possible quality, must be HD, price under $8k would be nice for the package. I've been looking at the Sony SR-12 and Stingray housing which I feel fits my size requirement but I'm worried about access to controls and the picture quality.

Any suggestions?

~Marque

 

[diversteve]

The Stingray lacks MWB control if that's a concern.

The Gates/HC9 is a relatively small package that does MWB.

Gates is also working on a housing for the RED...

Or there's the L&M Bluefin/HC7/9 combo. Electronic controls with a mechanical WB option.

I shoot an Amphibico EVO, it easily fits into my airline approved roller bag. No MWB unless you buy an HVRA1U and add the optional mechanical control.

 

[mdw]

I know I can't expect it to be nearly as good. I know gates is working on a Red housing. ET already has one as do I. I don't expect MWB as most of the smaller cameras don't even have a MWB button, its usually burried in some crazy menu system.

Thanx,
Marque

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

I would definitely recommend going with the HC9 or the SR12. Although the manual white balance control is "hidden in the menus", its still relatively easy to access and as you know. Gates makes a housing for the HC9 only, and L&M has a Bluefin for both the HC9 and the SR12.