Opinions on Bonica Snapper DV

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Dive-aholic

Dive-aholic

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Bonica Snapper DV

I know it's not on the market yet, but it caught my eye. It's retailing in most places for $630. I'd like to get an underwater video camera but right now can't afford the high dollar ones. I considered the Top Dawg housing but don't like not being able to see the screen to see what I'm recording.

So what's the opinion of those of you who are already doing UW video? Is this a decent starter camera? Is it worth it, or should I just save up and get a $2000-3000 unit?

BTW, I've done some video with a digital P&S, but am tired of the 3 minute limit on videos. Most of the video I do and plan on continuing with is while cave diving. This means I already have lighting, although maybe not the best, but it works. I also occasionally do some video on wrecks and reefs.

Thanks for any advice.
 
I bought one from a local dive shop. Since I'm in central Illinois and we have a foot and a half of snow on the ground, I have not had a chance to get it wet yet. It came in a Pelican type case with all the accessories. I bought a bunch of 1 gig SD cards at staples and I've played around with it a bit. I plan to take it to Coz in May and will post a review after I have a chance to use it.
 
I decided to check out the camera. I ordered it and the housing. Plugged in the camera to charge the battery. Left it charging overnight as recommended. Played around with it for about 1/2 an hour and put it down. A couple days later I picked it up to play around with it some more but the battery was drained. I recharged it overnight. The next day I unplugged it, but didn't get to play with it for another day or 2. By the time I got to it, the battery was about 1/3 charged. I hadn't turned it on since its last charge. I called B&H and arranged to exchange the camera. New camera was delivered and to make a long story short, the same thing happened. The 2nd camera is now making its way back to NY with the housing for a full refund. My suggestion is to not buy this camera because the battery won't hold a charge long enough to even get you in the water.
 
I've had mine for several months and have played around with it in anticipation of the dive season. I have shot a couple of 45 minute discs on a single battery. It came with a generic NP-60 battery (which I believe is a knock-off of the ones that come with Fuji cameras). I have picked up a couple of batteries and a charger on E-bay to get around the problem of having to charge the battery through the camera. I know that won't help much while your in the middle of a dive, but at least you don't have the down time between dives.

Duke
 
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