DSLR, Mirrorless, or dedicated video camera.

[gearbow]

I am a little confused on what I should go with for my next video rig after the GoPro. I recently purchased a NEX-7 as it was a small form factor and I have heard it does excellent video.

Now after looking at a good underwater set up with that Camera I am looking at least 4 grand for a good wide angle lens and port, plus a aluminum housing. That is not counting adding a macro option or strobes.

I am starting to hear a lot about the short comings of the Sony NEX-7. I.e. It's supposed poor low light performance (high ISO noise) and lack of ability to properly manual white balance underwater.

If I am going to spend 4k plus I had better have a dam decent camera for underwater video and easy to shoot to boot.

What about a dedicated video camera? I do not take much for photos but I do like the idea that if I have a camera body I can do both if I chose, but I have a preference for video.

If it is going to cost me 5-6 k for full NEX-7 set up what a extra couple Thousand to get a Canon 5D Mark III or maybe a smokin good video camera. What do you guys think? Are my worries about the NEX-7 warranted? If I back out of the NEX-7 now I will only be out a few hundred dollars max as I bought it used and sure to be able to sell it or keep for my multi rotor video platform I am planning.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

5-6k for that NEX-7 set-up? Wow. That's why I wont leave my GoPro. I would like to upgrade to a better compact video setup with zoom but damn, that's a tough pill to swallow.

 

[LowVizWiz]

I really like the new Canon 70D, if I had to do it all over again I'd go with that set up instead of the rebel T4i. (The 70D wasn't available at the time) and I'm not really a fan of camcorders for underwater video. Unless you have extra money you want to part with the 5D does not provide enough bang for the buck when it comes to video over the 70D.

Another camera that peaks my interest for underwater video is the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera.

 

[Interceptor121]

You can build a decent rig for $3,000 or less if you look at Sony RX100II or Panasonic LX7

All systems where you have ports go quickly in the $5,000+

 

[EL Pistoffo]

You can build a decent rig for $3,000 or less if you look at Sony RX100II or Panasonic LX7

All systems where you have ports go quickly in the $5,000+

Would those camera attach to an SRP tray? The Sony and an Ikelite housing could be had for $1100. The LX7 with Ikelite housing $850. Both would be do-able upgrades to my GoPro assuming I can stick with my SRP tray and lights.

 

[Interceptor121]

All housings for those cameras have two tripod screws so no. You should sell the tray with the gopro as nobody else would buy something like it

 

[Oceanshutter]

I would recommend going used, and getting something that will give you better video. Lots of people are getting rid of 5dII housings and cameras or 7d's and housings....the have excellent quality. You can check out my video's those were all shot on a 5dII
Dustin

 

[ronscuba]

Since you already have the NEX-7, it would be a shame to get something else unless you are sure it won't work for you.

$4k for a housing, lens and port sounds like a lot for the NEX 7. I thought the Sony E lenses were supposed to be relatively affordable.

What kind of diving and subjects do you plan on videoing ? A top of the line wide angle lens with fish eye port might not be necessary depending on what you video.

Manual white balance underwater can be tricky. Using a filter plus MWB might be the solution.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

All housings for those cameras have two tripod screws so no. You should sell the tray with the gopro as nobody else would buy something like it

Thanks for crushing my dreams. :depressed:

On a serious note, a tray for the Sony doesn't cost much anyways and I could still use my lights. Is an additional wide angle lens necessary for it? I don't really need super wide angle like the GoPro.

 

[Interceptor121]

Thanks for crushing my dreams. :depressed:

On a serious note, a tray for the Sony doesn't cost much anyways and I could still use my lights. Is an additional wide angle lens necessary for it? I don't really need super wide angle like the GoPro.

What I meant is that you are better off selling that tray together with the gopro as they go well together or at least there are buyers

The Sony has a 28mm lens without any add on is a bit narrow. If you go for a Panasonic LX7 you can cover a lot of ground with a wetmate. Some people like Ron even shoot with nothing. But not on a 28mm