Feedback on portable and simpler video setups

[bluechub]

Hello,

I am looking at some entry level video setup and I have restricted the choice to three systems (see below), also for budget reasons. I read many posts on this forum, however I did not find much on some of these and any perspective would be greatly appreciates:

1) Bonica Snapper 1080
2) JVC Picsio
3) Sealife DC1400

I would be getting blue water filter and light (if available) with any of these systems

Of the three the Sealife looks first a camera and second a video rig, the other two the opposite. Image quality is the most important thing (relative to this class of cameras), AF performance is also important.
I also know that many on the forum are having great results with the GoPro Hero2, however I am kind on the fence on that. I believe it is a fixed focal/fixed focus length, it gives a great view but it can be repetitive on the long time, also no LCD screen on back (unless paid extra for it) ... or am I missing the point?

Thanks for any perspective, samples etc.

 

[Dauntless]

Fixed focus is fine, don't have it here but look for a post I did earlier with a comparison of JVC Picsio + Ikelite Housing + Blue water filter to GoPro HD with Blurfix + URPro cyan filter. The JVC Picsio has a small screen but you end up just pointing the camera anyway without looking at screen that much. You will need to make a grip or a tray for the JVC Picsio, it seems a little shaky, think it is the vertical form factor.

One more option would be a Nikon S8100 + Ikelite housing. I have all but stopped using the blue water filter when I learned to manual white balance. It has AF and manual white balance. The shortcoming is the battery so you don't want to turn on and let run or take a bunch of flash pictures. Huge CMOS and almost raw setting (only 4:1 compression) PLUS it does 1080 P 60 fps video! You can pick up Nikon S8100s cheap as they have been upgraded to another model but the new model just has more optical zoom, you don't need it UW.

Look up "websterwb" channel on Youtube to see some comparisons. or WebsterVid

 

[bluechub]

Dauntless,

Thanks. So far I tried my old Panasonic TZ4 with dedicated housing, but the results were just so so, primarily due to the lack of correct color balancing (no way to put a CY filter). Also AF underwater is not stellar, and only 30fps.
GoPro is definitely appealing, I am just not used anymore to not seeing the footage (or picture) until you download ... I guess I got spoiled too much by digital. The videos on your link look really good, especially the "reef ball" one. Good color and sharpness. Did you use the filter and the Blurfix (or similar solution)?

 

[bluechub]

I looked at your side by side GoPro vs Picsio on Youtube. I would say both look very nice, it seems to me that the GoPro is a tad sharper, although it may also be due to the angle of light not exactly from the same direction on the turtle. Did you further WB in post?

Thx

 

[Dauntless]

GoPro HD SRP Blur Fix vs. JVC Picsio Ikelite Housing - YouTube

No additional white balance, might be the wider angle. Both look good. I did use a URPro cyan filter with the Blur fix. Neither camera, JVC Picsio or GoPro will manual white balance. You might look at Intova as it will white balance I am told. The video is 720p but unless you have a very beefy computer, that may be all you can handle. I made a DIY PVC frame for the GoPro that kinda functions a rougn view finder and works as you see. My favorite is the Nikon S8100, the others are back up.

Check out the GoPro Frame

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...rpro-cyan-filter-first-time-videographer.html

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

Many moderately cheap still cameras has features such as (for photo and video mode):

Super Macro
Wide angle lens
Underwater mode with dynamic white balance
Manual white balance
Image Stabilization
Contrast enhancement that allows dark regions to show up
Focus tracking

All are pretty important in getting a good final image.

Also, without zoom lens, you will miss out on much of those shots of reef marine life that you cannot get too close to.

 

[bluechub]

That is my main concern. I have seen very good (for the package) footage done with the GoPro, but it is primarily "underwater landscape". I believe there are a couple of settings that allow to "zoom" to a narrower FOV, I don't know if it is really optical or digital. The lack of out-of-the-box rear screen is another factor, if adding the back visor, it brings the cost up (and it seems a lot of small pieces put together for such a small camera).
Also Dauntless above, if I read correctly, defines the Nikon S8100 as the primary, with the Picsio and GoPro as a backup.
I was really hoping on getting feedback on the Bonica Snapper 1080, it gets very close to many of these requirements, and also because the light provided in one of the packages seems a nice light with a decent output (1,200 lumens).

Perhaps an advanced compact maybe the solution, although I am more interested in video performance at this time (also because it is a much bigger investment to equip to bring my 7D underwater )

 

[diversteve]

There's a couple of review on the Snapper in the Bonica forum - Bonica

Although if I had a 7D I know what I'd do :cool2:. I've seen some u/w footage from a 5DMkII - it almost made me want to give up my videocamera/housing.

Another quick option - B&H has the Canon WP-V2 housing closeout priced at $150 right now - till tomorrow. Canon WP-V2 Case 4433B002 B&H Photo Video

If you could find a Canon HF M31, HF M30 or HF M300 reasonably - that might be an option for under $750. My buddy shoots an HF M200 in a WP-V1 with good results. There's not a lot of camera control with the housing, just the basics. The camera does have an u/w mode - at least the 20/200 series do.

 

[ronscuba]

That is my main concern. I have seen very good (for the package) footage done with the GoPro, but it is primarily "underwater landscape". ..............

Because the GoPro is fixed wide angle of 120 degrees or more. 90 degrees is still pretty wide for UW shooting. I am a big fan of the GoPro, especially if you shoot a lot of wide angle like wrecks, landscape, people.

Getting your camera as close as possible is always best. However, most marine animal life will not let you get too close. They will swim away and you end up with fish butt or chase footage. The 120 degree + lens that works so well for W/A doesn't work that great for most UW marine life.

Depending on your budget, the GoPro might be cheap enough that you use it for W/A and a different system for medium and close up shots. Lights, filters, trays might be interchangeable between your systems. Heck, the GoPro is so small you probably could mount it onto the tray handle or on top of another housing.

 

[flareside]

If you could find a Canon HF M31, HF M30 or HF M300 reasonably - that might be an option for under $750. ...

As all the models that fit have long since been retired, about the only way to get them is with a refurb off ebay. And with ebay prices in the sub $250 range, you could get a setup started for around $400.