Pro sony setup

[elilang]

I am looking to buy a underwater video setup and had a few questions about brands and equipment. I have shot several land based movies and am planning on making the leap into the underwater film world. Im looking at a few different professional Sony camera and wonder if anyone has feedback on them. Any information if appreciated.

I am thinking about either:

Sony PMW-EX3 XDCAM
or
Sony HVR Z7U

for an underwater housing i am thinking about

ikelite
Equinox Pro 8 or 10
Or?

For a professional quality video do i need lights if most of my shooting is above 80' ?

Thanks,
Eli

 

[diversteve]

Does Ikelite even make a housing for the PMW-EX3 or HVR-V7U? I don't think so. SONY UNDERWATER HOUSINGS

Other option - Amphibico's professional line. XD Amphibicam X3 | Amphibico Professional

Gates also houses the PMW-EX1/EX1R Gates Housings | Gates Underwater Housings-Underwater Video Housings from Gates Underwater Products for Sony EX1, FX7 And the FX7/V1U.

For a professional quality video do i need lights if most of my shooting is above 80' ?
Definitely...

 

[elilang]

It all costs so much money... I am in a remote part of mozambique working as a dive instructor and am seeing some amazing amazing behavior (1000 fish tuna boils, shark cleaning stations with dozens of sharks being cleaned and laying prone while doing so, sharks hunting mullet in estuaries, hunting groups of pelagics... it is too good not to capture but I want to do it right. Im coming back for 3 months and want to shoot all i can. i want to put a video togeather but i need some advice/help. any ideas?

 

[sharksdelight]

This is an occupation that does cost money. You can't get away from that. However, you might want to consider purchasing some good used gear. I help shooters buy used and new gear all the time for less than they would normally spend and, if you know your equipment and the people you are dealing with, you can do very well for yourself financially. Obviously, you need a good cam, housing and video lights. Also a glass port like one of Fathoms.
Steve

 

[Misa]

Elilang, you might want to search how 5D Mark II performs underwater, too. If 5D Mark III will be released next year in my oppinion will beat most of the PRO cameras on the market in their price range. So, search for the movies and read what others have to say about this camera. I dont know if it matters but 5d mark III will have video autofocus and 30p. 5d mark II has 30p but no af.