Sony XR520 or Canon GH200

[BenLou]

Hi guys,
Just wondering if anyone can make recomendations as to what would be the best option for newbie. I want to be able to make nice films above and below the water. The sony has the image stabilisation and I have read better at low light, therefore better when diving I guess?? But is it worth the extra cash?? I'd be going with the ikelite housing for the Sony or the Canon housing with the canon. Also is the WP-80 worth the cash to get a wide angle lens or will I not use this a lot starting out?? Any ideas or comments would be much appreciated! Thanks guys!

 

[BenLou]

Hi guys,

Anyone got any suggestions of a good HD camera and housing package for less than 2500??

 

[mobula]

I would recommend a Fathom port, WP-100 better than WP-80. At least a wideangle is a must, a good one is even better. More close = less water and particles bewteen you and the fish = better image quality. Low-light is important underwater, Sony has the 520 with harddisk and there is a new one with flash memory. I heard that there will be a Canon (or was ist Panasonic?) on the market soon with improved lowlight as well.
Less than 2500? Ikelite?

 

[diversteve]

You might want to consider dropping down to the XR500V, all you give up is 1/2 the recording time. The sensor and other specs. are identical. It still records 14h in FH or 29h in HQ - still Hi-Def.

That puts a couple of other housings within your budget, in addition to the Ikelite, there's a new one from Patima at $1299. Patima Smart 2 Video Housing for xr500/520 [pat.smart2] - $1,299.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

Here's a recent review: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-videography/296850-patima-smart-2-uw-housing-review.html

Google it - from several reputable dealers it's just under $1000 so you'll have $1500 for a housing, which almost gets you into the L&M Stingray at $1599 as another option.

If the Ikelite or the Patima give you manual white balance control, that's a strong consideration as I don't think the Stingray does. And you'd have to spend $400 more if you want a regular port.

Or if you want to stay with a mechanical housing, B&H is bundling the Equinox HD6 with the Canon HFS-10 for $1999. Equinox | HD6 Underwater Video Housing Kit with Canon VIXIA HF It's supposed to be a great camera, I don't know much about Equinox except what I've read here. Add $365 for the back-mounted monitor.

What is a Canon GH200? there's the HF20 and and HF200 that work with the WP-V1 housing. I'd be a little wary of the 130' limit and I just saw a youtube video about modifications to it to improve the balance, evidently it's not well balanced with an add-on wide angle lens. You want something that remains relatively stable in the water so you can concentrate on your subject, not fighting the housing.

my .02

 

[Equinox Housings]

Hi Ben,

Our packages will fall below the range that you are looking for whether it is the XR520 or you choose a different model and that would be with the rear mounted LCD. Let me know if I can help.

 

[BenLou]

Thanks guys,

With the Equinox housings, are all the controls accessible??

 

[BenLou]

Do I need to purchase the back monitor seperatley?? How much are they? If I dont purchase that can I see what I am filming???

 

[ronscuba]

What is the approximate size and weight of the Equinox housings ? How much ballast weight do they need to be neutral ? I believe they are all the same basic housing ?

I have a tiny Sanyo Xacti FH1 that shoots fantastic topside video, but can't find a housing for it.

 

[Equinox Housings]

With the XR 520 you would need to purchase the rear mounted LCD separately and we will mount it onto your rear plate and send it with your order. If you don't purchase it the XR 520 housing would be a point and shoot unit. I comes with on/off, record start/stop, zoom Wide/Telephoto, Photo Still and Memory. The HF S10 would not require a rear mounted Lcd although many of our customers choose to add it because it runs off its own battery supply and allows you to keep your camera Lcd door closed (saving camera battery).

 

[Equinox Housings]

Ron,

The HD 6 housing is 8-10 inches long, 9-10 inches tall and 12-16lbs out of water. We can definitely set you up with a housing for your Sanyo Xacti FH1. Let me know if you have any further questions.