which hd camera

i am in the market for a new hd video camera and housing, i am not sure what to buy, price is not a problem. I just want the best for the money.

Larry

It is extraordinarily difficult to answer your question. If money is no object I would look into buying an IMAX camera. Of course, 10K for each 3 minute film cartridge might prove to be a pain in the ass because you will have to change out the cartridge so many times.

However, if IMAX is not for you, then you might want to consider one of the excellent Sony HDV camcorders, the Sony A1U, FX-1 or Z1U. The Z1-U is now king of the hill offering features you may not find in the others, the footage is excellent. However, you might not need to pay for all the bells and whistles and not want to lug around the size of the housing which will accomadate this excellent cam. Then, there is the FX-1 and I doubt many will be able to differentiate the resolution between it and the Z1-U. Then again, it is just as big as the Z1-U and the housing is made for Hercules himself. Another consideration is that the airlines have also lowered many of their baggage allowances. My bud just paid $400. extra to transport his system as extra baggage.

Finally, there are 2 CMOS chipped cams the HC-1 and the A1-U. The most important difference to me here is that the A1-U has an assignable button which you can set for white balance control. There are several other differences between the two cams, to me, worth the price difference. The A1-U is considerably smaller and topside not as easy to hold steady, but in its housing, that is a non issue as the housing will add considerable bulk and stability. Its resolution will nicely stand up to its 3 regular CCD counterparts.

There are two types of basic housings, electronic and mechanical. They are often more expensive than the camcorders themselves. You will find passionate advocates of both types. I am a mechanical housing advocate since I am not the most fix it type of person and if anything goes wrong with an electronic housing out to sea, you are plain out of luck. With a mechanical housing I never worry. Never had a single problem that I couldn't take care of. Personally, I love the Gates housings as they are as tough and durable as they come. With the smallest amount of maintanence, they will outlive you and your camcorder both. No electronic housing can really make that claim.

And that is it in a nutshell.

Steve B)

Hey Steve, what is Gates charging for MWB, telemacro and expanded focus ? I noticed they list these as optional on their website.

In addition to Sony, there is also JVC, Canon and Panasonic offerings for HD in camcorder format.

JVC has the GRHD1 and the HD100(with interchangeable lenses but almost impossible to house). GRHD1 is the 1st gen HDV camera. Ikelite and gates have housings for it.

Canon has the XL-HD1(which shoots very beautiful HDV and has interchangeable lenses) and Gates will have a housing for it.

Panasonic has the HVX200 (with 2-60fps, 1080P and P2 system(non tape)) which only records HD on P2 memory cards or via firewire. The P2 and 1080P are the biggest draws for this camera. Gates will have a housing for it.

Sony camcorders have the most housings made for it. The Sony FX/Z 1 Steve was mentioning have the same imaging CCDs, but the Z1 has more custom controls and a few modes like black ire settings, black stretch and a few more customizable operations and of course NTSC/PAL system options. This 3 CCD HDV camcorder is the most accessible of the 3 CCD HDV camcorders where the Canon, JVC and Panasonic which have better picture quality lack in underwater housing options.

Has anybody tried a Canon underwater..Either the XL1/2 or the HD1.

As a wildlife enthusiast I've been looking at these babies for my topside filming because of their changeable lenses, but as of yet never considered the underwater aspect...UNTIL NOW. Idea's on the true lux ratings.???

Dive safe

DeanB

Hi Dean,

I own the Canon XL1s and use it quite often. Shooting weddings, etc. I just got the EF adapter and had it mated to the 100-400L IS and 70-200L 2.8 IS and it's sweet. All manual focus but it's alright.

I'm building a plexiglass housing right now for it. To make a cheap housing that's almost close to toss away when upgrading cameras. Estimate cost is about $300 in materials. It will be a while before I can get it in the water.

I have been shooting with the Canon GL1 in a Quest housing (crappy housing) and got pretty decent quality. You do need lights for serious work.

I was just playing around with the Canon XL-H1. This is the HDV camera to get! I had to return it to the studio but I've heard it can be mated to EF lens as well. Super Telephoto lens

The Sony's are quite good as well. Cheap HDV for around $1200USD. the XL-H1 is still around $9000USD.

Curtis

Cheers Curtis,

I'm already using the A1 for underwater projects at the moment. Despite the limited low light capability its doing well.

Dive safe

DeanB

Ron,

Sorry I have not answered, been away from the computer. Gates charges about 85.00 for extra controls. Of course, most controls come standard with the housing but every shooter seems to have different needs and wants or doesn't want various controls. For instance, the control for the A1-U's assignable button is a custom button. The photo control button, I don't believe, is standard but that was one button I had them leave off the housing. I have a manual control knob installed but my friend doesn't. It is a great way to decide what you want or don't and thus pay only for what you will use.

Steve B)