Which housing for vx2100

[shekes]

Thanks a lot! The vx2100 lets you invert the LCD screen and flip it back against the cam, but I can't imagine that it'd be of much use when you have to point the camcorder forward.

I'm trying to find some info on the Epic, but there is absolutely nothing online. Their website doesn't say a thing about controls or anything else.

 

[Empty V]

The equinox housing for my camera and yours are pretty much the same with different control knobs.

2 Reasons why I went with equinox. 1) ability to customize and 2) one of the only housings available for my camera which is pathetic because it is THE most used camera in it's category and has been for the past 4 years or so.

My housing came with a normal 4" dome port for the front and a 1" thick acrylic back port with a 2.5" monitor mounted in it. Wet N Rugged Sports who made this housing has been great with helping me get the parts I need to customize the housing. Once it's completed I'll start a thread showing what I did to put a 5" LCD in the back which will look sooooo much better than the 2.5" one. I was able to make a trade with wet n rugged so I could get the wide angle port for the housing. ChinaDan really helped me a lot by showing me what he did to his same housing.

Billy

 

[diversteve]

I'm trying to find some info on the Epic, but there is absolutely nothing online. Their website doesn't say a thing about controls or anything else.

The only control they offer is pause/record. It's in the FAQ:

How does it work? We have designed Epic Camera Housings with a patent pending mechanical pause/record button. The button is fully adjustable to fit your camera. The button is activated by a flexible rubber end cap. By simply pressing on the end cap you will activate your cameras pause/record button.

What controls do I have access to?
Epic Camera housings were created for use in extreme/action sports. Do to the nature of these sports we learned through research and testing the only control the videographer needs over his/her camera is the pause/record function. We have found that in action sports it is important to be aware of your surroundings and still capture the shot. However some of our customers are using waterproof cell phone bags to attach the video camera remote to the side of the housing. This gives them access to most features on the camera.

Epic has the same problem as Ikelite, not enough room to open the LCD:

How can I see what I'm filming?
When you are in the water we recommend using the “point and shoot” method that we discuss in the instruction manual. It takes some practice and so a lot of customers have found that they can extend the LCD screen out, flip it 180 degrees, and than close it back into the video camera (LCD screen is now facing out.) This gives them the ability to see what is being filmed through the side of the housing. You can still use the “point and shoot” method and occasionally look over the side of the housing to make sure you are getting the shot.

 

[shekes]

Thanks guys!

Pause/record button only is no good for the vx2100. If recording is paused for a few minutes the cam goes to sleep and no amount of pause/record-button-pressing will wake it. The VCR/OFF/CAM lever needs to be reset. So no Epic for me.

I am still unsure...

 

[Empty V]

Thanks guys!

Pause/record button only is no good for the vx2100. If recording is paused for a few minutes the cam goes to sleep and no amount of pause/record-button-pressing will wake it. The VCR/OFF/CAM lever needs to be reset. So no Epic for me.

I am still unsure...

Okay so that's out of the question. Here's a solution if it hasn't been mentioned before Bluefin VX2100 Underwater Video Housing, Underwater Camera Housing, Light & Motion, Light and Motion

EDIT: I just looked at the price and DAMN! Call Wet N Rugged Sports and ask them if they have a housing for your cam.

Billy

 

[diversteve]

Okay so that's out of the question. Here's a solution if it hasn't been mentioned before Bluefin VX2100 Underwater Video Housing, Underwater Camera Housing, Light & Motion, Light and Motion

EDIT: I just looked at the price and DAMN! Call Wet N Rugged Sports and ask them if they have a housing for your cam.

Billy

They do: Equinox Video Housing by WNRS - The Pro 8 underwater video housing for the Sony VX2100/PD170

 

[marksm]

I love the picture quality on the VX2100. It is going to be a heavy beast out of the water but well balanced in the water. The heaviness of it may serve you well when snorkeling as it will help cut down on camera induced motion sickness to the viewers. It's low light capability is awesome. Great for dawn and dusk shooting. You will find the viewfinder in any housing difficult to see at the surface because of light pollution. Just remember that if you are face down in the water with the housing pointed down.

The manual white balancing of your vx2100 will suit you well. Look for a used housing. But hurry. Support for those cameras will be waning as the manufacturers building new housings for it will stop if they have not already.

There have been some good points made for going to the HDV format and some of the size packages can't be beat for portability. HDV isn't all roses when it comes to low light performance, computer horsepower required for editing, and many small packages don't offer manual white balancing. Is standard definition footage a dead end? Yes, that day is surely coming. I just don't think it is there yet for you not to enjoy that great camera for a few more years if you can get a decent price on a good housing. If the camera gets flooded from a poor housing, your decision will be made for you.