Sony LANC

[xSandman3]

I am getting ready to upgrade to a Sony HC1, and have never had a Sony with the LANC jack before. What exactly can I do with it, and is it inherently better than a manual setup such as an Ikelite housing? I have been using an Ikelite housing for about a year, and am pretty comfortable with all of the knobs and buttons, but would like a little input about an electronic setup.

Thanks!

 

[crpntr133]

Don't know what all the HC-1 will do through the LANC. It is going to depend upon the housing as well. I own a Ocean Images electronic housing, not a HC-1, and I can control power on/off record, zoom in/out. They can also add a button for photos.

I have never owned anything other than a electronic housing just for the fact that I don't have to take my hands off the unit.

One thing to think about is getting a "generic" housing. Ocean Images sells a Dolphin Pro housing and the HC-1 will fit in it. This will give you the option to use a different camera in it if you decide the HC-1 isn't for you. Or when you replace the camera when you flood it.

 

[friscuba]

Check out USVH.com and see what they have in the way of housings for your camera.

They've had Lanc operated controls for ages and apparently their extended controls setup will give you access to most, if not all, electronic features. Their electronic controls are embedded in epoxy in the handle so they can't go bad from flooding and the housing can't flood from any control button o-ring failures. Very versatile and hold up extremely well. I know a number of videographers who gave up on several brands of housings because of moisture issues and switched to this brand.

 

[ronrosa]

Mechanical vs. electronic, there are pluses and minuses on each side and plenty of fans for each. Some housings have both.

If I was upgrading to an HC1 or Au1, I would look at Ikelite, Ocean Images, USVH, Gates, Amphibico and L&M.

Do you have a specific budget or particular features you want ? For example, manual white balance, monitor, internal/external filter, etc..

 

[xSandman3]

Do you have a specific budget or particular features you want ? For example, manual white balance, monitor, internal/external filter, etc..

I have about $3,500 to play with, including the cost of the HC1. I want something that is simple to use, but will grow with me as my videography skills improve. I will look at some of the other housings listed here.

 

[ronrosa]

I have about $3,500 to play with, including the cost of the HC1. I want something that is simple to use, but will grow with me as my videography skills improve. I will look at some of the other housings listed here.

Given your budget I would look at Ikelite, USVH and Ocean Images.

Another option you should consider is the Sony A1. The A1 is basically an HC1 with a button assignable to manual white balance. The A1 costs about $500 more than the HC1, but if you get the Ikelite it will still be below your $3,500 budget. USVH can't manual white balance with the HC1 or A1. Ocean Images can manual white balance, but that option plus the A1 is over your budget.

 

[diversteve]

I have about $3,500 to play with, including the cost of the HC1. I want something that is simple to use, but will grow with me as my videography skills improve. I will look at some of the other housings listed here.

Amphibico HD EVO - $1995 through Mike @H2OPhotopros.
Sony HDR-HC1 - $1495 from Beach Camera online
Two HD/Mini DV tapes - $9.95 on eBay

Change left: .05

Any questions?

In all seriousness, I just went through the process of evaluating all the options to house my HC1, so I have a pretty good idea of the pro's/con's of each system. PM if you'd like me to summarize them.

 

[meekal]

hey Xsandman3.... glad to see the DVM90 has served you well enough to whet you're appetite all the way to the BIG BOYS! congrats!

 

[xSandman3]

hey Xsandman3.... glad to see the DVM90 has served you well enough to whet you're appetite all the way to the BIG BOYS! congrats!

Hey meekal....the JVC has been a lot of fun, now it's time for someone else to experience that fun and for me to move on to bigger and better things.

 

[xSandman3]

USVH can't manual white balance with the HC1 or A1. Ocean Images can manual white balance, but that option plus the A1 is over your budget.

The USVH website says that their housing will manual white balance with the extended controls, but I can't tell if the HC1 has MWB or not. The A1 is nice, but a little too pricey at this time.

Thanks for the info!