Need Video Camera Purchase Help

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Big A:
PerroneFord,

I read the reviews and liked what I read. If I may ask what would have been your choice?
Click to expand...

Honestly, I don't care for any of the cameras in that price range. However, if I were to buy something, it would most likely be a Sony even though I don't care for them all that much.

AVCHD, can be a strong positive, but most camera manufacturers only implement it in a very low quality way. Really a shame. I also prefer the cameras that shoot to compact flash or SD cards. No moving parts to fail at the wrong time. Easy to carry a bunch in a pelican case too.

The cameras that REALLY interest me at the moment are:

1. The new Panasonic DVX replacement. This is an AVCHD camera with all the right stuff

2. The new Sony EX camera. I've seen some footage from it in the hands of a pro and it's amazing!

3. Red/Scarlet. If only I had the money!


Other than that, I'll probably continue sitting on my hands. The idea of picking up a used DVX100 has some appeal though. That might be an option for me. You probably want to go HD/HDV though, so that wouldn't work out for you.
 
PerroneFord,

I looked at the camera models you had listed and those were a bit more than I care to send, nice stuff though.
 
Yes, that is why I asked you at the outset what your budget was. And those cameras are also a bit more than *I* care to spend too! At least for the moment.
 
Here my main points I considered before purchasing my latest UW Video...

- System that uses MiniDV or similar usually does not task the processor for compressing and produces better image quality
- The highly recommended cameras I came across were Sony HC3 (not the 5 not 7 ) and the voted best consumer camera of 2007 Canon HV20
-The transparent advantage.....I had so many issues with the Gates ....you can hardly see if you are touching the controls of the camera with the manual controls of the housing, ask my dive buddy when I tried to to a White Balance at 100' (he hold the white mark). I almost flooded my housing with alarm....my boat rides are rough I need to see inside the housing for leaks.
-Price range bottom line....I picked up the new Canon HV20 for $600 6ave and housing from Adorama for $900. a HD system for $1,500
-Accessories, I needed the option of a wide-angle which it is modest on the Ikelite but reasonable on the field of view and price. Also, reusable with most of their housings...additionally I will be able to use my Halcyon HID video lights with the adapter for TLC/ULCS.
-Low light check dpreview.com also Cnet the HV20 beats everyone...

On-Land
-The film feature is awesome 24p

Hope this helps.
Ed
 
Thanks Ed. The HV20 has received a lot of praise. I'm anxious to see some UW footage. Curious about your wide angle comment. Did you get a dome port and internal W/A lens ? If so, which one ?
 
Hi,

Thanks....I had two options for Wide-angle the Ikelite port/internal lens, or the W20 67mm screw lens. I did not like the port because there was not a lot of gain on the field of view (degrees-wise) and it can not be removed underwater. Also, I have no experience with the internal lens Raynox HD-5050 ...I do have a Century Optics which I like, but Ikelite did not guaranteed to work with their dome port. I'm still to take my first video...if I can convince my dive buddy, we might go to Cape Ann, MA this weekend.

I will share my video as soon as it is taken.

ronscuba:
Thanks Ed. The HV20 has received a lot of praise. I'm anxious to see some UW footage. Curious about your wide angle comment. Did you get a dome port and internal W/A lens ? If so, which one ?
Click to expand...
 
I just recently used a VERY low priced Bonica High Def UW Camera
We just started carrying them and its a great intro budget Video camera that takes pretty damn good pics/video

WE just took a trip to the Mall of AMerica and dove with the sharks
Here is some sample footage with the camera. I didnt use the light, this is just from the camera and the skin housing, not the full UW housing...Please note that You Tube is not HD and neither is your computer...it looks ALOT better on a HD TV or such

This was also my first time doing UW video and first time with this camera...

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.=


Link to camera specs
Bonica Precision


You guys have some footage with your camera? I would love to see some differences and how good things can be :D
 
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https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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