Newbie video considerations,

A M J

Hello divers

I am looking around for some UW video gear. I have no experience with video filming above or below the surface. I have been searching the net and different forums but I think it is really difficult to sort all the information. So there fore I am seeking advice on what gear to get.

The budget is approx 4000 EUR = 5200 USD = 2700 GBP for the gear but without lights. I have both 21 W HID and 100 W halogen lights and I am thinking that I can make a decent video light out of them some way.

The gear must be rated so I can use it to a max depth of 100 MSW.
It will be used to filming wrecks primarily in Scandinavian waters where it tends to be dark. It would be nice if I could edit the (digital?) film on my PC and upload on the net.
As mentioned I have no experience with video filming but I am willing to work hard and spend time to learn to make some decent footage. But I assume that it is some “easy to use” gear a newbie like me need.

I have found this Gates housing with a Sony cam to a prize of £ 2270.
Cameras Underwater: Gates HC3 underwater housing
On this forum people are usually talking good about Gates and HDR and I think it looks well manufactured. But I am not sure if this is the thing? Used gear could also be an option.

So if you have any suggestions about anything or can see that I have missed some considerations please do not hesitate to post your opinion.

Thanx
Anders

Genesis

Housings are to a large degree a matter of preference and feel. A 100m rating is going to eliminate a lot of them right up front, as many are only rated to 200-250fsw.

That deep you are going to be reliant on artificial lighting. Shallower (100ish') natural lighting can be used, BUT you almost NEED manual white balance controls to get a decent picture, and that's becoming harder and harder to find. Sony has done a real job on their cams in the last few years, putting the WB on the menus and then making them inaccesible from the LANC port.

I would strongly urge you to use a housing that has a built-in display (and does not rely on the camera's display screen) as that will be much easier to frame and shoot with.

HID lights are not ideal for a whole host of reasons (color balance being the big one) but unless you're willing to buy HMI technology, you are kinda stuck there. Be aware that you need a LOT of light to get a good image - far more than you need to see competently. This is often underestimated and its a real issue because powerful lighting is both expensive AND comes with a requirement to carry big batteries around to power it.

I have a USVH housing and like it a lot, but it is not rated to 100m......

__________________
"A venturesome minority will always be eager to get off on their own, and no obstacles should be placed in their path; let them take risks for Godsake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches - that is the right and privilege of any free American."
http://www.denninger.net
http://www.diversunion.org/liability.htm - Fix the Diving Cert racket

Barrie Law

Hi Anders,

There was a short discussion recently along similar lines that may be worth a look.

Here;

http://www.rebreatherworld.com/photo...o-housing.html


Regards

__________________
Barrie Law
Rebreather World Store
Supplying the Rebreather World

Tel:US +19548403892 Fax:US+19543333792
Tel:EU+442071930496 Fax:EU+442077606344
Mobile+353876880628 Skype:barrielaw
Email: barrie@rebreatherworldstore.com

Dugongberbulu

Anders,

I would highly recommend you take a look at: Wetpixel :: Underwater Photography Forums (Powered by Invision Power Board), as the reviews of different gear and such is in-depth and complete.

Dive Safe