Hello from South Africa

[SmallWarren]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum world and, as a result, this is my virgin post. I am a Master Scuba Diver and have become absolutely hooked on the underwater video world over the past year.

I found this forum while looking for info on my new underwater setup. I have moved from a Sony XR500 in an Amphibico Evo 11 housing with a W/A port to a Sony CX550 in a Light & Motion Bluefin Pro fitted with 2 x Sola 1200 LED lights and a Fathom 90 W/A lens.

Broke my pelvis on New Years Eve (a story not to be told in a first post), so I don't think I will be testing the system just yet.

I chose the camera based on the fact that in the horrible case of a flooding, the flash memory will provide a better chance of footage recovery. I recently witnessed a french diver in the Maldives take the most amazing video of mantas off Banyan Tree, then drown his camera on the next dive and lose all that amazing footage. I am a LOT more careful with my equipment and strategy, but it really gave me a wake up call.

The other major change is moving to using lights, and I am really looking forward to testing it ASAP - obviously once I can walk again.

Look forward to chatting and sharing.

 

[sumDude]

Heya,

Sounds like a cool setup - look forward to some pics from Riy banks once you're up on your feet again.

Speedy recovery

 

[drbill]

Welcome... we look forward to seeing your footage here.

I just flooded my L&M/Backscatter Top Dawg housing yesterday. Fortunately the camcorder was just fine despite 1/8th cup or more of sea water inside. I mount my camcorders on a quick release which raises them about 1/2" above the plate and helps keep them safe (as long as one holds the housing level).

I recently bought a Sony CX550V because my HDV camcorder (HC-7) was in the shop for an unrelated repair and I had to have HD to get footage on a submersible expedition.

I had been told by aftermarket manufacturers and reviewers of the CX550V that it had LANC controls via the "new" 10-pin connector. Boy was I unhappy when Sony informed me that wasn't true... after I had already received the camcorder.

Now I'm looking at upgrading to the Stingray G2 housing for te new camcorder.

Will you be filming in areas with giant kelp (Macrocystis) forests. I'm looking for divers in South Africa, Tasmania ad Chile who would be willing to share footage for an educational cable TV episode of my show.

 

[ROXANNE]

You guys are just amazing!!!! Keep the footage coming. Just can't get enough of our beautiful waters and the creatures they hold.
Oh and welcome to the board!