WANTED - Complete underwater video system

I'm looking for a complete system. Perhaps somebody has something they want to get rid. My top choice would be a Sony 3 chip camcorder in a Light and Motion housing with lights, preferably the the Sunray Pro system, but if you have something else I'll consider it. I intend on shooting both wide angle blue water as well as close up. If the price is right I'll buy it.

And if you're not selling a camera but have advice on good SD camcorders, I'd like to hear that too.

Thanks!

Greg

Hey Greg,

I just posted my equipment under member: aquamotion

Take a look, it is very similar to what you are looking for.

thx

stefanie

Hi stefanie,

I'm hoping to find a complete system including a camera. More specifically I'm looking for a newer SD camera, but I'm my primary consideration is image quality etc. Thanks for the info.

Greg

I have a Sony 950 and USVH Housing system I hardly use now and could be tempted to part with. Maybe a little older style for you but the 950 is still considered to be a great DV cam. I'm based in Singapore, where are you located Greg?

I'm looking for a complete system. Perhaps somebody has something they want to get rid. My top choice would be a Sony 3 chip camcorder in a Light and Motion housing with lights, preferably the the Sunray Pro system, but if you have something else I'll consider it. I intend on shooting both wide angle blue water as well as close up. If the price is right I'll buy it.

 

And if you're not selling a camera but have advice on good SD camcorders, I'd like to hear that too.

 

Thanks!

Greg

PM sent

Cheers

Des

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to narrow things down since spending this much money means I need to be happy with what I buy.

Light & Motion or Gates for 3 chip SD or HD camera, with lights and any other necessities.

Cameras: DV, 3 chip by Sony, VX2000, PD 170 or 150, PD100A etc, preferably newer models, or Canon

I need something which will give me usable footage for a stock agency, but I'm looking for the highest possible quality. I wouldn't mind hearing from people who have experience with any specific camera and housing and use it semi/professionaly.

Greg

Been selling SD and HDV footage for quite a while. If you are looking at SD camcorders, the Sony 950 has excellent resolution and I doubt you could tell the difference between the 950 and the Sony 2000 or 2100. I do not have much experience with the Canons and have always shot with Sony cams, never the less, the XL and GL cams produce good resolution but are a bit bulky and the housings for them must be larger and heavier. Between Gates and L & M housings, the L & M is considered by many to be more convienent as the controls are all electronic and they have greatly improved their circuit boards. The L & M HID lights are wonderful. The Gates housings are about as rugged as you can get but are very heavy in the water. However, I did not find the Gates housing for the Sony 2000 to be detrimentally heavy. This heaviness can be a positive in terms of housing stability and they do sell optional, extra cost, floats that make them more comfortable to use. Gates sells the Green Flash lights which are exceptionable but very costly.

On the other hand, you can purchase an HDV camcorder and have the option of shooting in both HDV and SD. If you did this, I would shoot in HDV and then do the SD conversion in post.

Steve B)

And to add to Steve's comment, the SD you encode from an HDV capture will be much better res/quality than the SD you encode from DV. One of the main reasons to upgrade to HDV is the great quality SD DVDs you can burn. Ironic but true!

I have a complete Sony DCR-VX1000 Camera (PAL) unit with dedicated Sealux housing and lighting for sale, as well as a complete HDV Rig (just posted). The SD unit has all chargers, wide angle lenses, two dome ports, flat port and all chargers for lights and batteries plus three batteries.

The CAMERA NEEDS ATTENTION - NO PLAYBACK DUE TO A FRACTURED RELAY STRIP - Maybe still be able to find a service center etc.

The whole lot $2500

Buyer pays shipping and handling.

Cheers,

Mark

Hi

I have sony VX2100E (PAL) Camera has still warranty until November.

Bluefin VX2100 100-degree lens

If you still interested let me know 847 877 3728

nurek@onet.pllubojemski@yahoo.com

I'm looking for a complete system. Perhaps somebody has something they want to get rid. My top choice would be a Sony 3 chip camcorder in a Light and Motion housing with lights, preferably the the Sunray Pro system, but if you have something else I'll consider it. I intend on shooting both wide angle blue water as well as close up. If the price is right I'll buy it.

 

And if you're not selling a camera but have advice on good SD camcorders, I'd like to hear that too.

 

Thanks!

Greg

I have a Canon XL1 / Gates system that I might think about parting with.

Package:

-Canon XL1

-16x electronic zoom lens

-Gates housing

-External moniter

-16x and 3x ports

-Nightrider 6000K lights and battery

Thanks everybody for the info and the offers. I'm going to go with an L&M housing either for the PD150 or VX2100. Two questions: what is the difference between the two? Is a PAL camera more desirable for versatility and smoother converting of frame rates?

The decision between SD and HD is tough. HD from what I understand will give great if not superior quality when encoded in SD, although housing systems are way more expensive and the cameras don't have the low light performance like the PD150 for example.

I'm worried though that SD is on its way out. Now I don't expect things to change soon but sooner or later everybody will require HD. What are your opinions on this? Is investing in an SD video system right now a good idea or will it be defunct in a few years?

BTW I'm not buying broken cameras or incomplete set ups. I've narrowed things down to sony PD150/170 or VX2000/2100 in an L&M housing preferably with lights and wide angle port.

Of course if you're selling an HD system I will consider.

I have an old Ford escort GT '1994' with no wing mirrors and three wheels, no MOT no tax, it has vegetation growing out of the heat-vents and my cats wee'd on the seats..

Needs agood home £1000 ono...

DeanB

edit:

Sorry, wrong forum..

Dive safe

DeanB

I have an old Ford escort GT '1994' with no wing mirrors and three wheels, no MOT no tax, it has vegetation growing out of the heat-vents and my cats wee'd on the seats..

 

Needs agood home £1000 ono...

 

DeanB

edit:

 

Sorry, wrong forum..

 

Dive safe

 

DeanB

250 Quid, how do I make the Pound sign on a Mac?, and I'll promise to send some snaps to prove I'm taking care of 'her'.

Mark, President of the 'Nine Four' Ford Escort GT Owners and Appreciation Society, Thorpe.

aka Krusher Collins