First try with my Sony DCR-VX2000...

[Drewski]

Hi All:

Linked below is my first "test" video shot in a fresh water lake, day and evening, between 10 and 40 FT deep with no video lights used. I'm using a Sony VX2000 in a Gates housing with the Fathom SWP25 port that I'll be adding an external monitor to shortly.

This was the first time I've ever done underwater video. My plan is to dive in this lake over the winter (cheap) and get used to using the camera and system before I take it offshore. My "mission" for this first session was to get the "feel" of the handling, along with playing with the white balance. The video covers about 6 dives over the weekend and includes footage from bright sunlight to almost dark.

I actually learned quite a lot from just playing with the camera. The difference in using MWB was amazing. The Gates control for setting the MWB is also a little tricky and took some getting used to. The video switches between automatic and manual white balancing. In some cases, I couldn't re-balance which is why some of the video is the way it is (control, not camera issue).

I'm also having some difficulty with understanding how to focus using the Fathom SWP port. I thought you were supposed to automatically focus on something close, switch to manual and then everything in the distance would be in focus? For some reason this doesn't seem quite right. Most of the video in the link is automatically focused.

My next test session will concentrate on exposure settings, followed by shutter controls. Suggestions would be appreciated and respected!

Thanks...

Andy

Lake Rawlings White Balance Test

 

[JeffG]

I'm also having some difficulty with understanding how to focus using the Fathom SWP port. I thought you were supposed to automatically focus on something close, switch to manual and then everything in the distance would be in focus? For some reason this doesn't seem quite right. Most of the video in the link is automatically focused.

For my VX1000, to set it up for focus (on land) I zoom in and auto focus on something a couple of feet away. I then turn the camera to manual focus and then zoom out (till the camera can't zoom no more).

I have seen some video where the cameraman was on a scooter and the camera was in autofocus mode. I almost got seasick as the camera would focus in/out on some particles in the water.

 

[ronscuba]

Yeah, access to MWB is a MUST for me. Electronic controls vs. manual, housing materials, lighting, lenses, etc..., the 1st thing I look for in a housing/camcorder rig is MWB.

 

[marshallkarp]

Very interesting contrasting before and after. Thanks

 

[ScubaBob92651]

Hi All:
I'm also having some difficulty with understanding how to focus using the Fathom SWP port. I thought you were supposed to automatically focus on something close, switch to manual and then everything in the distance would be in focus? For some reason this doesn't seem quite right. Most of the video in the link is automatically focused.
Lake Rawlings White Balance Test

I think the method you are referring to is to:
1) Switch to Auto Focus
2) Zoom in to your subject
3) Lock focus (switch to manual focus)
4) Zoom back out

Great technique, especially when there is a lot of distance and/or objects (particulate etc) in the water column.

 

[ScubaBob92651]

Very interesting contrasting before and after. Thanks

Indeed! And I believe the VX2000 is a very color accurate camera. Manual balance is a MUST!