The Best??

Aside from a RED system, what is the best HD cam going now for around USD$7,000-$8000 and who makes a housing for it? I've heard Canon makes some nice ones now. Any other suggestions? Oh, and do any takle Nikon lenes or have Nokin adapters a la RED?

Best,

Timbo

There are a couple cameras in that price range that you might look at. These are in the order that I would look at them in.

Around $6000.00

Sony PMW-EX1 - I have been shooting this one and I love it. I was previously using the Canon XH A1, which is a great little camera but doesn't compare to the EX1, IMHO

Panasonic HVX200 or HVX200A

Between $2000.00 and $4000.00

Canon XH A1/G1

Sony HVR-V1U

Sony HDR-FX7

All of the above cameras are supported by Gates and a few of them are supported by other manufacturers also.

There aren't any that I am aware of that will accept Nikon lenses or adapters. All of the cameras listed are fixed lens.

Hi Joe,

Thank you. That's quite helpful. I have a personal preference for SONY anyway.

Will keep you posted on what I manage to decide on.

Best,

Tim

Oh yea, while we're getting recommendations, any preferences for a GOOD lighting set-up for one of these? Something with enough power to give the reefs some color in daylight.

Best,

T

Tim,

I shoot the Light and Motion Sunray 2000 LED lights. I have been quite happy with them. They are very bright and have 3 output levels. The beams could be wider but they are pretty good.

Shawn

Aside from a RED system, what is the best HD cam going now for around USD$7,000-$8000 and who makes a housing for it? I've heard Canon makes some nice ones now. Any other suggestions? Oh, and do any takle Nikon lenes or have Nokin adapters a la RED?

 

Best,

 

Timbo

Timbo if you want interchangeable lenses then you have only:

Canon XLH1s

Sony Z7

Now with the Sony you can get an adapter to use Nikon lenses. Obviously you know that using 35mm lenses on a Z7 is a 7x crop so it's limited to telephoto only. It's not useful in the underwater world except for supermacro.

The Canon XLH1s has a housing by gates. Amphibico has announced the Z7 Phenom.

If you are really adventurous, I'd look at alternatives like the Panasonic HPX170 or HMC150. Awesome quality, superlight, SS media only cameras. For broadcast B camera work, they both fit. And no CMOS rolling shutter effect. No housings but it's not hard to custom a housing for those cameras. I'm sure at least one housing manufacturer will happily build one.

Now if you are willing to switch to Canon SLR (HERESY suggestion here! ), the 5Dmk2 has 1080/30p that is slight better than HDV in quality. Cons are no manual control, H264 is pretty contrasty and requires extra handling steps to edit. but you get super lowlight video with access to 180° FE and fast super wide lenses like the 24mm 1.4 or even the Sigma 20mm 1.8.

For lights, it's a little more contentious. LED vs HID vs HMI vs old skool halogen. Read the primer then look at lights

Now if you are willing to switch to Canon SLR (HERESY suggestion here! ), the 5Dmk2 has 1080/30p that is slight better than HDV in quality. Cons are no manual control, H264 is pretty contrasty and requires extra handling steps to edit. but you get super lowlight video with access to 180° FE and fast super wide lenses like the 24mm 1.4 or even the Sigma 20mm 1.8.

And here's how the 5dmkii sees fishy subjects in video mode. Can't wait for that housing.

Hi Darren,

I know this isn't what I started asking about but I did buy a D90 myself last week really just to play with the video. I am also trying to figure out how to house the thing and jump in the water for the 5 minutes it can record HD.

Maybe Underwater World is here the answer. You son's first attempt at GB is great. That's what I use too.

I think with RED's many options and chip and DSLRs featuring HD, there will be a lot of new options for video in the coming years.

Drew, thanks for the various suggestions. I'll look into this. Yes, I am aware of the video adaptations. I was ogling the RED Nikon mount option.

Shawn, great intro on your site. I suspect the cameras nowadays are so good on the whole that daytime lights on the reef aren't that necessary most of the time. Your Misool stuff was pretty colorful.

I'll keep reading and hunting.

Best,

Tim of the Deep