JVC Picsio FM1 and Ikelite advice

[iztok]

I got FM1 + Ikelite housing + Ikelite arm and light combo as my video system. I never took videos before let alone under water.

I need some advice I guess.

1. How do you attach camera so you don't loose it if it accidentally let it go for one reason or another. Either under water or transferring to/from the boat. (The flexible arm on the light doesn't look too secure and I could foresee the flexible parts detaching by accident.)

2. When I took my first video it seems like a little shaking while diving and recording. Would having second light help with extra stability?

3. Any good source of casing I could get at reasonable price to store camera and light(s) and UW casing?

Thanks!

 

[diversteve]

1. How do you attach camera so you don't loose it if it accidentally let it go for one reason or another.

Most people use some sort of coil lanyard. Cetacea makes them. http://www.cetaceacorp.com/scuba/coil-lanyards/page-2/

Like this one or similar: CRLO3 reviews and discounts, Cetecea

 

[leabre]

I got FM1 + Ikelite housing + Ikelite arm and light combo as my video system. I never took videos before let alone under water.

Congrats! I went through a Flip and Picsio (you can see my vids at youtube.com/leabre) [BTW it's Shawn who took you to Vets way back when). The Picsio is a fine Camera (I liked it best in 720 mode @ 60 hz).

1. How do you attach camera so you don't loose it...

At first I used the little strap they provide, attached from the light arm brace to my wrist. Never had a problem. Beyond that, you can use a lanyard (but not a magna-clip or retractor as your system may be too heavy when walking on land for most retractors and a magna-clip).

2. When I took my first video it seems like a little shaking while diving and recording. Would having second light help with extra stability?

I learned this with my first video on the Flip (you can see the difference of shake between my 1st and all the subsequent videos, and especially the 5th that was using the FM1): the best way to hold it still (with the setup you have) is to hold it by the lower right corder in one hand, and perhaps mid-to-upper portion of the light arm in the other. By gripping near the light itself I was able to hold it much more stable. I eventually fabricated a custom two-handle tray that nearly eliminated my problems. Good for you that Ikelite makes a tray for two lights so you can get the beads but not a second light and use it as a second handle, your shots will be much more stable.

But this depends on your bouyancy, too (and surge). I tend to do okay in surge. The FM1 has rudimentary image stablization not much but in 720 mode, it's noticably better than in 1080 mode (and don't zoom but macro mode is fine).

To answer your question more directly, a second light would probably help some because it'll provide a wider distance to hold the rig and with my limited experience recording, it seemed to make a major difference for me.

3. Any good source of casing I could get at reasonable price to store camera and light(s) and UW casing?

I used a pelican (forgot the model -- 1510??)


Thanks,
Shawn

 

[iztok]

Thanks for the info.

I just edited two videos and posted on Youtube. Not much as I am still learning so I'll take any advice that makes sense. I used Corel Videostudio Pro X3.

YouTube - Maxwell's Reef, Taba, Egypt, July 24th 2010

YouTube - Zak's Table, Taba, Egypt, July 24th 2010