Just got the Phenom housing

[Mike Veitch]

Didn't arrive till about 9pm and i was already well into the beers so won't be trying it out in the morning...

However, i did open the box (the case and housing a whopping 56 pounds!)

It is in there, will check it out in the afternoon and do a leak test etc...

Oooo new toys and big credit card bills...

Can't wait to test and give a run down

M

 

[shadowr69]

ouch....and the fun that will be traveling with it!!! lugging it around and such...

cool deal though....

 

[bubblevision]

So how's it going Mike? The Phenom is the only alternative on my list after the Gates.

Nick

 

[Mike Veitch]

I really like it. What is surprising is how well it performs in the water. The balance is fantastic and is so easy to push around. Also, the window on the top is a lot more useful than i thought it was going to be. I thought it was just a gimmick at first but nope, it is a great viewfinder, what is nice is you can use both that and the viewfinder at the back.

And now that i have gone amphibico from my gates the WB is a dream and the record on/off is very very smooth. Haven't used my Gates in a few weeks now...

 

[vastt]

Hi! Now i hesitate what housing is better:Gate with manual buttons or Amphibico Phenom for Sony Z1,V1 and FX1 with it electronic buttons!? Second my question is,What camcorders from these Sony are better for diving Z1,V1 and FX1? I have mind with light problem,shortage on light.In my opinion HVR V1 is blind camcorder underwater! Would you give me some opinion? Thank you!

 

[BeckyKagan]

Hi! Now i hesitate what housing is better:Gate with manual buttons or Amphibico Phenom for Sony Z1,V1 and FX1 with it electronic buttons!? Second my question is,What camcorders from these Sony are better for diving Z1,V1 and FX1? I have mind with light problem,shortage on light.In my opinion HVR V1 is blind camcorder underwater! Would you give me some opinion? Thank you!

I have 2 sony Z1U's in the Amphibico housings. I have used gates and like them, but prefer the Amphibico controls over the manual ones on the gates. I like having WB, focus, zoom at my fingertips even lights if you use amphibico's lighting system. That being said if you plan on doing any deep diving 250-400ft the buttons on the amphibico have a tendency to push in and stick, there are ways around it but a Gates is nice for deeper stuff.

The Z1 is a better camera than the Fx...they are almost the same, maybe 25 differences the big one being Z1 has XLR audio inputs which is extremely nice if you do any land shooting and interviews ect. If you just want a great camera for underwater to put in a housing the FX is great. I've never used the V1.

Good luck, they are all fantastic cameras. Oh one more thing. JC and the guys at Amphibico have extremely good customer service. I was on a shoot a few weeks ago and discovered my HD monitor cable was broken, they got it to me next day from Canada. Fantastic!

 

[vastt]

Thank you for comprehensive answer! Last week i hesitate what kind housing to choice but after your massage i,m feel convinced.On first time Amphibico Phenom like me,but have to did listen on some professionals opinions.I,m cameraman and would like to expand my knowledges into the water.Thank again!