semi professional setup

Hi guys and girls. I am getting into commercial diving in 12 months and would like a semi professional video and still camera around the 1-$2000 each mark. Any ideas? As far as the video camera goes am I better off with a hard drive camera, a memory stick one, a tape one, a new high def one? I want good photos and video footage but without the $5000 pricetag.

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps.

Seven

I want good photos and video footage but without the $5000 pricetag.

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps.

Seven

Steve

With that kind of price limitation, your best chance for something decent is probably to check the used gear markets.

Fred

Hi guys and girls. I am getting into commercial diving in 12 months and would like a semi professional video and still camera around the 1-$2000 each mark. Any ideas? As far as the video camera goes am I better off with a hard drive camera, a memory stick one, a tape one, a new high def one? I want good photos and video footage but without the $5000 pricetag.

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps.

Seven

Don't know about video, I'll leave that to someone else.

If you mean camera only, have a look at the Nikon D300 and the Canon 40D, they are the newest 'prosumer' cameras which both are excellent for most UW work. They are in the 1200-1700 USD range. But you will have to add UW-housing, lenses, ports, strobes, cables... And the total for a complete rig will be more than 5000 USD.

If you want a complete rig for maxiumum 2000 USD, better look at a used Canon 20D or Nikon D100/D70s with an Ikelite housing. Even if there has been a lot of development, those cameras still can capture some awesome images. However, it might be tough finding something complete for under 2000, even if you look at models that are 3-4 years old. You will probably be able to pick up the camera body with an UW-housing and perhaps a port, but you still need to buy some lenses and strobes, as most of the guys and gals parting with their system are upgrading to the models I mentioned initially and can use some of their 'old' stuff with the new.

good luck

Christian