Top Dawg II + Sony HDR-SR11

[JeanYves]

Hi,

I am considering investing in a Top Dowg II + Sony HDR-SR11 configuration. Has anybody ever shoot with this?
That would be my first underwater video experience, I have been taking stills for quite a few years and I'm ready for a change.
I do not consider buying the lights as I plan on using the video cameras mostly in my warm water dives. I will opt for a red filter though. Would that be enough to get good colors even at 60ft or do I really need lights?

I read also that with this config, Manual WB is not possible (as I understand that WB is performed using the camera touch screen). Would that be an issue in high viz, clear water dives? Can it be corrected in post-production?

Last, the camera is reported to have poor battery performance. Would a replacement 4-5h battery fit into the housing?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,

JY,
Irvine, CA

 

[diversteve]

Hi,

I am considering investing in a Top Dowg II + Sony HDR-SR11 configuration. Has anybody ever shoot with this?

Not me, I shoot an EVO/HC1. But I'm familiar with the Top Dawg's.

I do not consider buying the lights as I plan on using the video cameras mostly in my warm water dives. I will opt for a red filter though. Would that be enough to get good colors even at 60ft or do I really need lights?

I don't have lights and I'm very pleased with the results I get through the red filter. Works well in the Caribbean or Mexico. You might try it without first as a good set of lights can double the price of your gear. However in SoCal, I would think you'd likely need them.

I read also that with this config, Manual WB is not possible (as I understand that WB is performed using the camera touch screen). Can it be corrected in post-production?

Yes, just about all of the sub-$100 NLE's have at least some color correction. The better programs do more.

Last, the camera is reported to have poor battery performance. Would a replacement 4-5h battery fit into the housing?

It's likely but I would check with Backscatter to be sure. There may be an issue with the electronics/battery pack of the monitor intruding into that space. But it should work, since the same housing also accepts bigger cameras than the SR11.

 

[BDSC]

Hi,

I am considering investing in a Top Dowg II + Sony HDR-SR11 configuration. Has anybody ever shoot with this?
That would be my first underwater video experience, I have been taking stills for quite a few years and I'm ready for a change.
I do not consider buying the lights as I plan on using the video cameras mostly in my warm water dives. I will opt for a red filter though. Would that be enough to get good colors even at 60ft or do I really need lights?

I read also that with this config, Manual WB is not possible (as I understand that WB is performed using the camera touch screen). Would that be an issue in high viz, clear water dives? Can it be corrected in post-production?

Last, the camera is reported to have poor battery performance. Would a replacement 4-5h battery fit into the housing?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,

JY,
Irvine, CA

Hello JY!

I have a Top Dawg system and really like it. Pretty much all of the diving I do is the warm clear waters of the Caribbean. I was in Cayman Brac back in May and this was my first trip with my set-up. I bought it used and got a really good deal on the camera, housing, lights etc. I found for the diving like you are talking about, lights aren't really all that necessary. I did use them one time on a wreck dive because it was deeper and we ventured into the wreck. All in all I shot about 4 hours worth of video for the week and made a really nice 30 minute dvd after I did all the editing. I was surprised at how well it turned out as were all my friends.

If there is any draw back to this housing. it's the fact that you have to decide to put the red filter on before the camera goes in. At least that's how mine is set-up. Don't know if a newer model is different. If I had been buying one new and hadn't found the deal I did with what I have, I probably would have opted for the Light and Motion Stingray housing. I know it has the flip down filter on it. I just think that would come in handy if you were shooting close to the surface or were in really shallow water.

I saw this for sale on another site and thought about buying it but just couldn't justify it with what I already have. I'm going to put a link in if you want to check it out. It's a really good deal and I have interest in it at all. I just think it would serve you a little better unless you're getting a great deal on a used system from someone else. May have been sold by now but you can check it out anyway.

BDSC

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