Help! What is the best UW system available today <$3K?

I have been shooting stills for years and want to switch to UW Video. I'm thinking that going HD makes the most sense if starting out today. I have a trip planned in about 3 weeks and want to have it by then, so I would be interested in this forum's opinion on the best setup available today.

I have been thinking about the Canon HF100 with Ikelite housing but have not found anyone using it. Recording to media card seems to make a ton of sense as it take less battery than powering a tape, is smaller and instant read on the PC, yet it's portable and quickly changed out on the boat unlike a hard drive based camera.

Thoughts????

Hi and welcome to WP. Do a search in this forum on the Canon. You'll find some users leaving feedback and sample videos.

Good luck with your choice.

Thanks Drew. I did search the forum before posting and there is very little info on the HF100. What I'm really looking for is what this community would recomend in this price range.

Welcome to Wetpixel. If you 3k is your budget, I would highly suggest taking a look at the Light and Motion Stingray HD housing, which is machined aluminum and universal! it comes standard with a 3.5" monitor back as well. If you go with a Sony HC9 camcorder, you can be right at your budget...if you are willing to budge an extra $200 or so, you can pick up the Sony SR12, and that would definitely be my suggestion.

Gharvey

Here is a thread with feedback on the Canon HF100 housing and camera with sample video:

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=25567

That's usually as good as it gets in terms of information. If you have an specific questions, ask in that thread.