Compact and Underwater case suggestions for video

[Skating101]

Hey everyone im looking to get a compact camera and an underwater housing for for it for diving and wanna know your suggestions.

The camera needs to shoot HD (720p) and im more interested in the video aspect than the photography aspect. Maximum price is around US$450 total. Any suggestions?

Ive checked out footage from the Panasonic TZ7 and DMW-MCTZ7 and its looks cool though its a little outside the price range.

 

[gsk3]

Depending on your needs, in that price range, have you considered a Flip or the Kodak equivalent with the Ikelite housing and a wet mount wide-angle lens?

 

[Doubler]

Ditto gsk3. I have a Flip HD video in the Ikelite housing with the WA-20 lens. Works great. I also got the video tray pointed out in the housing documentation and added 2 Ikelite quick release handles after Ikelite told me they didn't make a dual handled tray for compact video. It is a real stable platform in this configuration and Ikelite should think outside the box and offer it as an option. Video is good and the Flip HD works great in Low Light. Software is provided that allows for pulling single shots from the video. You may want to look at the JVC and Sony versions also.

 

[primus]

Skating101, check TZ7 (with DMW-MCTZ7) videos:
YouTube - Giant Cuttlefish
YouTube - Coconut Octpus
YouTube - Wonderpus
YouTube - Paintop Cuttlefish
YouTube - Snorkelling with school of Manta Ray

on YouTube page YouTube - kitachan3

 

[Gombessa]

I also have the Flip Ultra HD with Ikelite housing and an Inon UWL-100 wide angle lens. While I do like the Flip, I feel that unless you're shooting in good vis and focus on non-macro close-ups, the wide angle lens is a necessity, since the Flip's lens is roughly 44mm above water (and probably closer to 60mm underwater); the wide-angle lens adds significantly to the cost of the setup.

I have some videos from the Flip posted at: YouTube - d5kenn's Channel

It may be a little dated, but I also created a spreadsheet that outlines the costs you can expect to pay for a budget 720p compact video: https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub...otejF2cVE&hl=en&single=true&gid=0&output=html

I think something like a Canon IS940 or 980 with OEM housing is probably the best budget solution, it gets you a full-fledged camera with optical zoom, image stabilization, macro capability and built-in 24 or 28mm capable lens that's fine at recreational depth.

 

[Skating101]

Thanks heaps for the posts fellas im considering this camera and underwater housing as its cost effective and the 28mm lens is wide enough without an WA adaptor:

Canon IXUS 110 IS (SD960IS) and Ikelite Underwater Housing
Anyone have any opinions on the following underwater camera setup:

Canon IXUS 110 IS (SD960IS)

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SD960IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD (Silver): Camera & Photo

Ikelite Underwater Camera Housing

Amazon.com: Ikelite Underwater Camera Housing for Canon Powershot SD-960 IS, Ixus 110 IS Digital Cameras: Sports & Outdoors

Also can anyone suggest a filter for the Ikelite housing that would suit shooting video in tropical waters?

 

[Gombessa]

Also can anyone suggest a filter for the Ikelite housing that would suit shooting video in tropical waters?

If you don't need an add-on lens (and as you mentioned, 28mm should be wide enough for general usage where you don't), you should be able to use the #6441.32 color filter as described on Ikelite's product page for the SD960.

Underwater Housing for Canon Digital Cameras

 

[Skating101]

Checked out that tropical filter and its awesome thanks mate