HV20...Top Dawg questions?

[reefrat]

Hi all
I've been looking at another digital camera system but might give video a go instead?!

I'm thinking maybe the new Canon HV20 (or maybe a Sony HC3)- both of which apparently have good low-light capabilities. Most of my diving is clear tropical stuff at the moment so hoping to get by without lights for a while.

A housing- I don't really want to spend more than about $1500 and am looking at the Ikelite or Top Dawg.
Ikelite housings I'm familiar with but the Top Dawg?

Q. Has anyone used the Top Dawg housing with the wide angle lens attachment?
I'm wondering if it works well with the flat acrylic port.

If the w/a lens is not real good the Canon HV20 should fit in the mini Top Dawg housing without it, which would be better for travel.

Alternatively theres the Ikelite housing with their 20mm w/a external lens!

Any thoughts from the guru's?

 

[drbill]

The HC3 will work in the Top Dawg II per Backscatter. If the Canon HV20 has a LANC connector (I thought they dropped this connector on the HV10 and HV20, but I may be mistaken), it will probably work in the Top Dawg, but check Backscatter's web site for the compatibility list.

I've used two Top Dawgs with a wide variety of Sony camcorders and am purchasing an HC7 to use in mine.

By the way.... I love the Top Dawgs. Only housing I've needed. So versatile and easy to use. The new PCB's also access functions like still images and (soon) white balance on the newer Sony cams.

 

[wilbkr1]

The new PCB's also access functions like still images and (soon) white balance on the newer Sony cams.

@ Dr.Bill - Can you shed a bit more lite on PCB,s please. Thank you. I love my HC3 and TopDawg II Housing. Going back for another Pool Dive this weekend. I am still editing my first go round in the pool. The quality was OMG Awesome.
!

 

[drbill]

The best thing to do is check directly with Backscatter. That's my source for any information and I haven't talked with them in a month or so.

 

[wilbkr1]

@ DR Bill - This is the responce I got when asking about WB and Top Dawg II

Top Dawg II does not offer white balance options.
You would have to get into one of our HD housings that has more
features. Our Bluefin FX1 & HC3 housings both have white balance features. With
the increase in features on the housing, it will also drive up the cost on the housing.

Were you saying theat TopDawg will be able to do WB and more? Maybe I don't understand what PCB is. Please explain. Thank you

Stay Wet
William

 

[drbill]

PCB simply refers to the Prnted Circuit Boards used to interface between the external magnetic control swtches and the LANC connector in the housing.

There are different versions of the PCB's which are capable of different functions with different cameras. As I understand it, the current version allows the taking of still images with the newer Sony cameras. There is a future version that will also allow manual white balance but that pCB version is not implemented yet.

 

[skydvdan]

I'm still trying to figure out what camera/housing combo to go with. I want the HV20 but can't seem to find a descent housing for it. My alternative seems to be the HC5 or HC7 and the topdog housing. The package deal seems pretty good. My question is if I order it without the lcd how hard will it be to see into the housing to frame my subjects with the cameras lcd?

 

[drbill]

I'm still trying to figure out what camera/housing combo to go with. I want the HV20 but can't seem to find a descent housing for it. My alternative seems to be the HC5 or HC7 and the topdog housing. The package deal seems pretty good. My question is if I order it without the lcd how hard will it be to see into the housing to frame my subjects with the cameras lcd?

One of the problems with finding a camera you like is that it may not have an off-the-shelf housing available for it. One of the things I love about my Top Dawg is that it has housed all five of my Sony camcorders without modification.

I've only tried the HC3 in a Top Dawg without a monitor back, not the HC5 or HC7. Very difficult to frame subjects through the rear port since the viewfinder is too far forward. However, I've rigged up a small LCD to run off my HC7 when it arrives. May eventually get a monitor back, but I'll wait until I see how this works.

 

[skydvdan]

So if I went with the Sony then you'd suggest getting the TopDawg with the monitor back? Also, what all can you control with the Topdawg and where are the controls. I can't seem to find a pdf with a better description of the controls. The nice thing about getting the topdawg would be that I could use my current cam (PC-120) in it as well.

 

[drbill]

I'd suggest the Top Dawg as a reasonably priced way to house the Sony camcorders. It is NOT top-of-the-line, it does not access everything the upper end housings do. It is NOT a $3,500 housing. However, it does a good job with the essentials IMHO.

Current magnetic controls on the housing include REC/OFF and WIDE/TELE (ZOOM) on the right side of the housing and MANUAL FOCUS and AUTO FOCUS/WHITE BALANCE on the left.