GoPro v. Sony

[fish_defender]

I've been thinking about getting a Sony FX30 for a long time, but money is tight. I thought it might take my footage to the next level, but recently I had a documentary director ask to use some of my GoPro shots. I'm starting to think the GoPro has some advantages, for instance, 'fly-through' shots with soft coral in the foreground.

But it seems to me that the GoPro is weak at depth. Anything below 50', even with good light, I have difficulty pulling out any color other than blue in the grading process. Would the Sony FX30 be any better for that? Perhaps a different model? I'm looking for a cinema camera. Thanks.

 

[GiraffeMarineSalvage]

If you can find a used Paralenz (company sadly went out of business...) I would personally put that in the running..

 

[MB NZ]

I'm not familiar with the FX30, but don't doubt that it will provide better quality video than a GoPro. However, once you add the cost of a housing and lens, that is going to be an expensive upgrade. All cameras struggle in low light, but some more than others. GoPro cameras are not great in this respect. If you're serious about underwater video, dedicated video lights are a must. Maybe get the lights first and see how the GoPro performs, then make a decision on whether to upgrade the camera.

GoPro with video lights and WA lens.

 

[sea_ledford]

An FX30 set up for underwater shooting is going to be about $12-15K all in. Completely different thing than a GoPro. Both have their place, but it's a bit like asking if you should get a spare air or a rebreather.

Good lights would be a great addition to your GoPro and would still be needed for a housed system. Big blue and Kraken both make viable options for video lights. If money is not a concern, keldan is the gold standard.

 

[GiraffeMarineSalvage]

An FX30 set up for underwater shooting is going to be about $12-15K all in. Completely different thing than a GoPro. Both have their place, but it's a bit like asking if you should get a spare air or a rebreather.

Good lights would be a great addition to your GoPro and would still be needed for a housed system. Big blue and Kraken both make viable options for video lights. If money is not a concern, keldan is the gold standard.

I didn't realize the FX30 was that much when I replied... In my opinion if fish_defender's gopro shots are of the desired quality except for at depth then getting good lights is all that is needed; if looking to spend a lot more money than just lights (which almost certainly would let you get some really good videos, even if nowhere near "best" currently possible...) I would recommend skipping past the FX30 and strongly considering the Canon EOS R5 mk 2 (based upon great shots I've been able to take above water with it, but budget-wise I haven't bucked up for the required housing and professional level lights to dive with it so I can't personally speak as to which housing would be best for it...).
Also there are a substantially diminishing returns unless intending to have shots displayed on large screens/printed/zoomed into simply because technology is now much better than the human eye (and the "best" cam is the one you have at the time you want to take a shot, as opposed to the one you left at home because happened to be taking a dive in which you happened to not want to deal with all the underwater drag and other aspects of a professional underwater camera setup that make it the primary focus of the dive...).

 

[grantmac]

You can also look for an older setup like a GH4 or similar which offers a lot more than the GoPro but you can frequently find used on a quality housing for $2k or so.