Question Looking for best optical Quality for A1/A7SIII cameras for UW Videography

[Dex~]

Hello everyone,

I am currently in the process of setting up my underwater videography gear and would like to get some advice on the best optical quality that I can achieve using Sony A1/A7SIII cameras. I have done a lot of research and have found that using the 28-60 F4-5.6 with the WACP-1 and for macro, the Sony 90mm lens seems to be the best option.

I am planning to invest in the Nauticam housing, but I am unsure about the optics that I should get. There are a few options available, such as the 28-70 F3.5-5.6 OSS and 16-35 PZ F4. I am also unsure about whether I should go with the WACP-1 or WACP-C, as some people say that the optical quality is not significantly different to justify the price difference between them. So, I would like to get your opinion on what is the best combo I should use for wide-angle (mainly for videography).

for macro setup, everyone suggests the Sony 90mm lens, but I am wondering if there are any other better setups for macro.

Regarding lights, I've heard that Keldan lights are the best, but I'm not sure which model to go for. Additionally, I'm wondering if they're really worth the investment, as they do seem to be quite pricey compared to other dive light brands. Have any of you used Keldan lights before, and if so which model do you recommened? do you think they're worth paying 3x-4x more money for?


Lastly, I would like to ask for your opinion on whether there is a better setup that I should consider instead of the Sony A1. Is there another camera or setup that will provide me with better quality? I am looking for something within the price range of the A1 (my budget is 20-25k for the whole underwater setup excl. camera and lenses), so please don't suggest the RED V-raptor XXL with gates housings

I'd really appreciate any recommendations or insights you have, especially if you've had practical experience with the equipment you're recommending.

 

[Bob Meyer]

I don't know if I'm late to the party in responding to this. If not, here's my suggestion as I just went through this myself. If you're truly focused (pardon the pun) on videography, then I would consider the Sony FX3 with the 28-60 F4-5.6 lens and the Nauticam WWL-1B wide angle wet lens. With the latest firmware update, Sony has really moved the FX3 into a true Cinema Line camera (and you can still take stills when needed). It's less expensive than the A1 and smaller than both the A1 and A7SIII. Plus (as of this time) Sony hasn't released any updates for either. The FX3 shares the same sensor as the A7SIII and produces stellar video. And since its smaller than either, the Nauticam housing is also smaller and is more streamlined underwater (always a good thing). Not to mention less expensive.

The WWL-1B works great and with the bayonet adapter, you can also use the SMC/CMC macro lens. So now you have interchangeable wide angle and macro options. As far as video lights are concerned, while Keldan is definitely the industry standard and universally loved, they're also very expensive. I chose to buy the Kraken counterparts and while they are definitely heavier and larger than the Keldan, they're also about 1/3 the price for the same lumen output. I put together pretty much the same system as your considering for about $10k

 

[Tchau]

I don't know if I'm late to the party in responding to this. If not, here's my suggestion as I just went through this myself. If you're truly focused (pardon the pun) on videography, then I would consider the Sony FX3 with the 28-60 F4-5.6 lens and the Nauticam WWL-1B wide angle wet lens. With the latest firmware update, Sony has really moved the FX3 into a true Cinema Line camera (and you can still take stills when needed). It's less expensive than the A1 and smaller than both the A1 and A7SIII. Plus (as of this time) Sony hasn't released any updates for either. The FX3 shares the same sensor as the A7SIII and produces stellar video. And since its smaller than either, the Nauticam housing is also smaller and is more streamlined underwater (always a good thing). Not to mention less expensive.

The WWL-1B works great and with the bayonet adapter, you can also use the SMC/CMC macro lens. So now you have interchangeable wide angle and macro options. As far as video lights are concerned, while Keldan is definitely the industry standard and universally loved, they're also very expensive. I chose to buy the Kraken counterparts and while they are definitely heavier and larger than the Keldan, they're also about 1/3 the price for the same lumen output. I put together pretty much the same system as your considering for about $10k

Then why not the new EZ-V1 that has the same sensor, much improved auto focus (same as A7R5), focus breathing, etc plus it is smaller and cheaper. The Nauticam housing for this camera is also a bit cheaper.

 

[Bob Meyer]

Definitely an option - but the FX3 is much studier and has standard mounting options for landbased accessories - which comes in handy when filming topside. Also, (don't quote me) I believe the FX3 also has some additional features not found on the EZ-V1. And when you factor in the XLR microphone handle that comes with the FX3, the EZ-V1 is actually about the same price, and I feel that overall, the FX3 is a better camera. But just my opinion (and you know what they say about that) ;-)

 

[Tchau]

Definitely an option - but the FX3 is much studier and has standard mounting options for landbased accessories - which comes in handy when filming topside. Also, (don't quote me) I believe the FX3 also has some additional features not found on the EZ-V1. And when you factor in the XLR microphone handle that comes with the FX3, the EZ-V1 is actually about the same price, and I feel that overall, the FX3 is a better camera. But just my opinion (and you know what they say about that) ;-)

I think the main difference is the active cooling system.
I do not know all the specs but the EZ-V1 is basically an improved version of both A7S3/FX3. Product Showcase is also a nice feature that A7S3/FX3 do not have.

The only downside is the single SD card slot.

 

[Laval]

Definitely an option - but the FX3 is much studier and has standard mounting options for landbased accessories - which comes in handy when filming topside. Also, (don't quote me) I believe the FX3 also has some additional features not found on the EZ-V1. And when you factor in the XLR microphone handle that comes with the FX3, the EZ-V1 is actually about the same price, and I feel that overall, the FX3 is a better camera. But just my opinion (and you know what they say about that) ;-)

Hi Bob, I take it that you own Sony FX3, correct? Where do you publish your videos? I am thinking of buying FX3 and looking for a feedback on battery life, over-heating and the housing. Could you please share your experience?
Thank you,
Val

 

[Laval]

Definitely an option - but the FX3 is much studier and has standard mounting options for landbased accessories - which comes in handy when filming topside. Also, (don't quote me) I believe the FX3 also has some additional features not found on the EZ-V1. And when you factor in the XLR microphone handle that comes with the FX3, the EZ-V1 is actually about the same price, and I feel that overall, the FX3 is a better camera. But just my opinion (and you know what they say about that) ;-)

Hi Bob, I take it that you own Sony FX3, correct? Where do you publish your videos? I am thinking of buying FX3 and looking for a feedback on battery life, over-heating and the housing. Could you please share your experience?
Thank you,
Val

 

[dougorama]

I don't know if I'm late to the party in responding to this. If not, here's my suggestion as I just went through this myself. If you're truly focused (pardon the pun) on videography, then I would consider the Sony FX3 with the 28-60 F4-5.6 lens and the Nauticam WWL-1B wide angle wet lens. With the latest firmware update, Sony has really moved the FX3 into a true Cinema Line camera (and you can still take stills when needed). It's less expensive than the A1 and smaller than both the A1 and A7SIII. Plus (as of this time) Sony hasn't released any updates for either. The FX3 shares the same sensor as the A7SIII and produces stellar video. And since its smaller than either, the Nauticam housing is also smaller and is more streamlined underwater (always a good thing). Not to mention less expensive.

The WWL-1B works great and with the bayonet adapter, you can also use the SMC/CMC macro lens. So now you have interchangeable wide angle and macro options. As far as video lights are concerned, while Keldan is definitely the industry standard and universally loved, they're also very expensive. I chose to buy the Kraken counterparts and while they are definitely heavier and larger than the Keldan, they're also about 1/3 the price for the same lumen output. I put together pretty much the same system as your considering for about $10k

Concerning FX3 vs A7siii (and A1): In Ikelite housings the A7siii/A1 overheated very quickly when I tried shoot 120p in warmer water. Does your FX3 overheat?

 

[freshenzo]

I have the A7S3 with the 16-35 PZ in a Nauticam housing and I love it. Sony has since updated the A7S3 to give it the same features as the FX3. The FX3 might be a smaller form factor, but it really is tailored to video only, where as the A7S3 you can also use it for photography if you're into that as well. I have never had any issues with the A7S3 overheating, I primarily shoot in Hawai'i so the water temp is in the high 70s F.

 

[freshenzo]

Forgot to mention that I also use the Keldan 4X 10000 lumen video lights with my rig. No doubt they are great lights, but to be honest I'm not sure if they are really worth the extra money. I use Big Blue lights a lot with my dive shop and while they aren't as nice, I think for the money/features they are a good option.