Assuming I still go for a Z1 (and don't get an HVX200 or A1U or wait for a Z2), the Sea & Sea VX-FX1 has come into my reckoning against the Gates (my most likely choice) and the Amphibico Phenom. This is mainly because I can get a good price on Sea & Sea stuff here in Phuket.
Does anyone have real life experience with this housing? How does it perform? Is there any vignetting? Does the electronic white balance actually work properly (unlike Amphibico's)?
Nick
Actually I played with it when they were testing the housing. There is no EWB, just the basic sony grip of record,photo and W/T. The rest is mechanical.
Balance is ok, slight tilt to the right and negative, but again once you add the monitor (which is really small at 2.5") then it dips in the front.
Don't remember the vignetting bit but at 70° I doubt it does. It's a nice housing but a big overpriced in features compared to the other big boys.
Nick, there is one feature that i find invaluable in my shoots...the flip monitor on the FX1/Z1 camcorder. This is a high res, color accurate monitor. It is especially useful for shooting up, reef pans and macro. I would highly recomend choosing a housing that offers a view to this monitor. The small 2.5" external monitors are good for framing but not nearly as good for confirming good focus (big deal in hd) and setting WB. The external monitors are mostly useful for framing the shot. if you are like me and don't like to have your eye glued to the rear view finder the entire dive, the native cam monitor is invaluable. As far as I know, only Amphibico and Light & Motion provide access to this monitor.
I know and it's a pain that Gates don't have it. But I'm not happy with the Amphibico's vignetting and I wouldn't touch L&M with a barge pole.
I'm really thinking of modifying the top of the Gates with a window and an Amphibico (or Amphibico-like) prism.
Nick
Good point..gotta make choices with each housing. By the way, checked out your site. I have dived a number the locations. We have an office in Singapore and when I am in town, try to dive on weekends. Phi Phi is one of my favorites for convenience, fun and some pretty darn good diving.
