Hello,
I'm new to the forum and have searched online, but couldn't find the answers to my questions.
I am a swimming coach for a team based in Phoenix, Arizona USA. I want to use my Samsung SC-D27 Mini-DV digital camcorder to film my swimmers above and below the water. My plan is to swim beside them while taping their stroke technique from under the water. This will allow my swimmers to identify and correct flaws in their own technique.
I own a Samsung SC-D27 Mini-DV camcorder with dimensions 2.30 inches (width) x 3.54 inches (height) x 6.14 inches (depth). The camera weighs 1.10 pounds. Is there an affordable underwater housing suitable for my purposes? Here are the candidates thus far:
Ewa-Marine (http://www.ewa-marine.com/english/index.htm) N/A
I've read criticisms about Ewa-Marine housings being nothing more than "expensive plastic bags." However, they do seem to offer housings that are universal and inexpensive. Besides, I don't imagine submerging more than 5 feet below the surface for my purposes. Unfortunately, I've already contacted them and they told me they had no housing that would fit my particular camcorder model.
AquaCam (http://www.aquatix.com/aquacam.htm) $459
This looks like a decent solution. My Samsung camcorder does not have a LANC jack, so I would have to settle for manual controls. However, it would be nice to see what I'm shooting to make sure my swimmers are in frame. I don't see how it's possible with this design. I've also read posts warning others about the build quality of this housing.
Epic Cam (http://www.epiccam.com/store/agora.cgi) $269
They have a housing that fits my camcorder. It is the Epic Sport. It has pause/record control to save on battery and tape. But I can't figure out how I will be able to tell if my swimmers are in frame. They seem like a solid company however, and I've read about a few satisfied customers.
ScubaCam (http://scubacam.web1000.com/home.html) $249
This also looks like a decent solution. There is a color LCD monitor to allow you to see what the camera is shooting. But, it's not availabe yet, it's "coming soon." But I have not heard about this company on any forum I've surfed.
Atmo-Seal (http://www.atmoseal-eng.com/aquavaul.htm) $419
This is slightly more expensive. There is an optional LCD monitor available for $239. It also has start/pause control, which will help save battery and tape. Again, I have not heard about this company on any forum I've surfed.
Does anybody have any suggestions? Does anybody have any experience with the companies and housings above (particular the last 2)?
Thanks,
John
I'm new to the forum and have searched online, but couldn't find the answers to my questions.
I am a swimming coach for a team based in Phoenix, Arizona USA. I want to use my Samsung SC-D27 Mini-DV digital camcorder to film my swimmers above and below the water. My plan is to swim beside them while taping their stroke technique from under the water. This will allow my swimmers to identify and correct flaws in their own technique.
I own a Samsung SC-D27 Mini-DV camcorder with dimensions 2.30 inches (width) x 3.54 inches (height) x 6.14 inches (depth). The camera weighs 1.10 pounds. Is there an affordable underwater housing suitable for my purposes? Here are the candidates thus far:
Ewa-Marine (http://www.ewa-marine.com/english/index.htm) N/A
I've read criticisms about Ewa-Marine housings being nothing more than "expensive plastic bags." However, they do seem to offer housings that are universal and inexpensive. Besides, I don't imagine submerging more than 5 feet below the surface for my purposes. Unfortunately, I've already contacted them and they told me they had no housing that would fit my particular camcorder model.
AquaCam (http://www.aquatix.com/aquacam.htm) $459
This looks like a decent solution. My Samsung camcorder does not have a LANC jack, so I would have to settle for manual controls. However, it would be nice to see what I'm shooting to make sure my swimmers are in frame. I don't see how it's possible with this design. I've also read posts warning others about the build quality of this housing.
Epic Cam (http://www.epiccam.com/store/agora.cgi) $269
They have a housing that fits my camcorder. It is the Epic Sport. It has pause/record control to save on battery and tape. But I can't figure out how I will be able to tell if my swimmers are in frame. They seem like a solid company however, and I've read about a few satisfied customers.
ScubaCam (http://scubacam.web1000.com/home.html) $249
This also looks like a decent solution. There is a color LCD monitor to allow you to see what the camera is shooting. But, it's not availabe yet, it's "coming soon." But I have not heard about this company on any forum I've surfed.
Atmo-Seal (http://www.atmoseal-eng.com/aquavaul.htm) $419
This is slightly more expensive. There is an optional LCD monitor available for $239. It also has start/pause control, which will help save battery and tape. Again, I have not heard about this company on any forum I've surfed.
Does anybody have any suggestions? Does anybody have any experience with the companies and housings above (particular the last 2)?
Thanks,
John
