Phenom questions

I am looking around to possibly change my setup (Sea&Sea with A1) and I am evaluating the Phenom amongst other options (gates, LM).

I have some specific questions:

I have seen on amphibico web site that currently the Pro model ship with the 94° lens while I remember that previously it was a narrower FOV (80° ?); how this new lens compare to the previous model ? is distortion as good as the 80° lens ? is there any vignetting on the 94° ? (I don't accept any vignetting even at full wide and in overscan mode on a PC screen).

Does the phenom allow a true Manual White Balance (pushing the White Balance / assign button) or only an electronic white balance ? I have read somewhere here that EWB is not as good as MWB.

Does the housing work both with FX1 and Z1. What are the real advantage of the Z1 vs. the FX1 considering Underwater Use only ?

Finally I am doubtful to change my setup know; my current setup is only 1 year old.

? Does anyone know if Sony has plans to launch a new 3CCD HDV camera in the prosumer area with an improved low light performance (it is really what I am seraching for in the change), something in the area of 1-2 (real) lux ? I have read about the new V1 but I am not going to change to get a 4 lux plus I am not completely confident about CMOS.

Thanks for your help.

Ciao

Alberto

Hello Alberto

Lots of questions there and you will find some answers if you do a search on this forum in the video section.

GO HERE to read some reviews on Housings.

Ciao Alberto

Finally had it with the A1 and UWA lens eh?

Well, I think you should consider the V1U (not the V1E which has problems with 25P) or Canon XHA1 (which has better lowlight). The FX/Z1 is 1st gen HDV 3 sensor and left out some important features that are very useful to underwater use. Knee and black control in the V1 make for some better shots without lights in the shallows. The XH series has super customizable image controls and the resolution is better than the V1 at 60i, but just slightly so.

In general the "pro" series usually have a lot of features that the consumer model doesn't have. Z1 has 50/60i recording and more customizable settings as well as the audio XLR inputs. However, is it worth the price diffence? For many, it's no... but then for many it's yes too. That's for you to decide.

As for rumors of the new camera... wait for NAB

Hi Drew

the S&S UWA lens is currently flying to Japan; they have seen my sample video and they said they want to check the lens. I am skeptical, I think this trip to Japan will be useless... I believe this lens was designed for SD use and that's the problem.

Concerning the Canon XHA1 I am seriously considering it as one of the potential candidate but I have some concerns:

- low light performance: I have read some very different opinions about low light and noise; thh spec are not clear; I know very well how the z1 perform and how a PD170 does but at the moment I am not sure how the Canon will compare to them;

- manual settings: I like canon manual settings but I have read that without an accurate manual correction colors will appear flat. That's not a problem for on land use but UW it becomes an issue, plus I would like to minimize any post production work on the hdv flow.

Finally do you know any manufacturers plan conecerning canon a1 housing.

I have heard gates is working on it. Problem with gates is the Italian distributor: I have heard too many complaints about her.

Ciao

Alberto

Drew I have an additional question:

what is the diference and pros/cons between 24P and 24F ?

thanks

alberto