I need some help

[marshallkarp]

And, since robint mentioned Ikelite, you can get all kinds of Ikelite information from the latest podcast at Underwater Videographer.

If you want to find out more about Amphibico, I will be interviewing Joe Bendahan with Amphibico tomorrow, but that podcast probably won't be up for a couple of weeks.

I have a couple of interviews up-coming, but Mark, you gave me a good idea and I will look into talking with someone at USVH.

 

[Rig Magician]

Steve, Thanks for all the help and info. I am seriously looking at the Amphibico housings now. The one thing I like about them is I can order it and get it sent out right away. On the USVH they are still showing a 6-8 week delivery. Hopefully I will have one before I go to Bonaire in July. I also plan to use it for trade offs with the dive shop. I will video the Classes for him to eaither give to them or sell to them and we will also show it in the shop and on the web site. I will also use it for our dive club to post video from the rigs in the Gulf on our web site.
Marshall,
When I get of the Rig I will try to check out thoses pod cast. Our system is to slow here. We are on a sat system and I work half way around the world in Malaysia.
And to all who helped thank you.

 

[Rig Magician]

Well I just ordered my camcorder. I got a Sony HDR-HC5 for 574 delivered. Now I just have to see what the budget will allow for the housing. I really want the Amphibico, But I may have to settle for the L&M stinger ray II, or the top dawg. Not sure yet. I am leaning more to the L&M if I have to chose the last 2. I need to do more research on it first.
Would the L&M be a better choise than the Top Dawg.
Thanks,
Mark

 

[diversteve]

Stingray II or the new Stingray HD?

Buying the SRII used somewhere?

L&M makes the TopDawg for Backscatter. (and others)
LMK if you want me to highlight the differences.

 

[Rig Magician]

I am looking at the Stingray HD. It is new, I found it online for 1799$. I rather the stingray than the top dawg because of the lens and the flip filter. ant other differences?

 

[diversteve]

I am looking at the Stingray HD. I rather the stingray than the top dawg because of the lens and the flip filter.

If it was being sold when I bought my EVO, I'd have seriously considered it also.

any other differences?

Those are the two main differences, plus the SRHD can change ports. Minor other differences: 300' vs. 200' depth rating, and the SRHD has a moisture alarm.

It also has a Microphone but afaik you won't be able to use it with the HC5 since it has the Active Interface Shoe and not a mic jack - correct? The issue is detailed here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/un...25823-careful-compatibility-light-motion.html - unless someone sells a AIS -> Mic converter. You'd have the same problem with the EVO afaik.

 

[paulpost]

I am looking at the Stingray HD. It is new, I found it online for 1799$. I rather the stingray than the top dawg because of the lens and the flip filter. ant other differences?

Make sure that the stingray HD really comes with a WA lens.
From what I know for $1799 it comes with a flat port and for $600 you can get the WA lens. That was the reason I went with Amphibico EVO HD from B&H.
I hope this will help.
Paul

 

[diversteve]

Make sure that the stingray HD really comes with a WA lens.
From what I know for $1799 it comes with a flat port

With all due respect:

The Light & Motion Stingray HD system offers three different lens options for increased flexibility. All Light & Motion lenses are designed to be optically pure—each designed to improve your shooting and turn out high-quality that you'll want to share.

Standard on every Light & Motion housing is the all-glass Zoom Macro Lens. The Zoom Macro Lens allows for a 65° viewing angle at full wide while still providing a macro ability for smaller subjects.

Optics - Stingray HD / Sony HC7 Underwater Video Housing, Underwater Camera Housing, Light & Motion, Light and Motion

The new TopDawg II still has the flat port...probably a big part of the price difference between them.

 

[paulpost]

Hi Steve, I personally called L&M and asked if the standard port is wide angle and I was told that is not, but maybe they have changed from a plain piece of glass that looks like a lens and give you a field of 65 degrees to a 0.55 WA lens that gives you a 80 degrees field of view. Again this is what I was told so the best is to call and make sure that you get what you expect to.

 

[diversteve]

Paul,

Hi Steve, I personally called L&M and asked if the standard port is wide angle and I was told that is not, but maybe they have changed from a plain piece of glass that looks like a lens and give you a field of 65 degrees to a 0.55 WA lens that gives you a 80 degrees field of view. Again this is what I was told so the best is to call and make sure that you get what you expect to.

Maybe it's a matter of marketing semantics - not yours or mine but theirs.

When I think of a flat port, what comes to mind is a flat piece of glass. Like this:

Not a port with lens elements that provides some magnification like this:

Whether it's wide-angle is unclear. Does this refer to the camera's lens, housing port or both:

The Zoom Macro Lens allows for a 65° viewing angle at full wide

I do see your reference to the 80' Super Wide Angle Lens further down on the page.

What do you consider the .55 port on our EVO's?

67° coverage underwater

I get fairly wide-angle results with it...