Underwater Camcorder Sports Pack SPK-HCD

Hello everyone - I'm new to the site and I own a Sony HDR-SR12.

In June, I'm getting married in Curacao and I would love to do some underwater videoing. I will only be snorkling or swimming in the pool with my niece and nephews. My question is this: is this an appropriate product for my needs? Underwater Camcorder Sports Pack SPK-HCD

As well, because I will just be snorkling, do I need to purchase any underwater lights? I can't imagine I'll go deeper than 10ft.

Any input would be much appreciated - I don't know anything about underwater photography or the products - or Curacao for that matter.

Thank you!

I can see that several people have read my inquiry but no one has responded. Hopefully, I haven't offended anyone - my question/inquiry is meant to be legitimate.

If you have any knowledge of the equipment or of Curacao, and taking pictures while snorkeling, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.

Thank you.

Hiya Rookie

I've used a Sony Underwater Sports Pack housing within the last 6 months for filming at the surface. It's not as good as a dedicated housing obviously and I wouldn't want to use it for anything other than filming at the surface. It can be a bit hard to see the image in the mirror especially in bright conditions, but it should be more than adequate for your needs.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Simon

P.S. You certainly don't need lights at that depth, but the images you record will probably be very blue. This can easily be corrected with a cheap editing package as all you need to do is bump up the reds.

Simon,

Thank you very much for your response. I checked out your links as well! That is some amazing footage!!

Is it possible to color correct with a filter?

At 53 years young, I have been diving for 5 years and am looking forward to taking my own video's. I have looked into GATES and the price is somewhat overwhelming. I work as a plumber and even my hourly rate is well below the price of a GATES...lol. I am looking for an all in one package deal, not an all in one video camera. I would like to know what systems are good and a good beginner system.....I normally dive in Cozumel and love the sea life there. I would appreciate any recommendations Thanks in Advance

Hi, I've used an sportpack housing for a few times and from what I've experienced I can tell you that this housings are very limited in using for scuba or snorkeling. the first limitation is buoyancy, you'll not be able to take it to ten feet unless you'll have to attach some wights to make the housing neutral buoyant or better slightly positive buoyant, second is the front port that is plastic that will give you some loss in picture quality.

Now enough with negative, here comes the positive part of using this housing, do not need lights what so ever, do to the shallow waters that you'll be using the housing you'll have plenty of light. As a remark, as most of the divers on this forum having lights for underwater video is solely for bringing the red colour that is lost due to the depth and secon you'll be recording some of the most exciting and memorble moments of your life. The most important thing for me would be what camcorder I'll be using an how compatible will be with the housing of your choise.

I remember that on this site somebody posted that his $5 to 6000 housing was vignetting so I would look in this direction when selecting the housing and the camcorder. I hope this will help

Paul

At 53 years young, I have been diving for 5 years and am looking forward to taking my own video's. I have looked into GATES and the price is somewhat overwhelming. I work as a plumber and even my hourly rate is well below the price of a GATES...lol. I am looking for an all in one package deal, not an all in one video camera. I would like to know what systems are good and a good beginner system.....I normally dive in Cozumel and love the sea life there. I would appreciate any recommendations Thanks in Advance

I'm completely new to underwater video-a-graphy. So, I can't be of any help. I bought my SR12 for landbased video and I love it. I have no idea how well it will do underwater. My advice is to chase after some of the experienced divers in the forum. They have great suggestions based on experience.

Hi, I've used an sportpack housing for a few times and from what I've experienced I can tell you that this housings are very limited in using for scuba or snorkeling. the first limitation is buoyancy, you'll not be able to take it to ten feet unless you'll have to attach some wights to make the housing neutral buoyant or better slightly positive buoyant, second is the front port that is plastic that will give you some loss in picture quality.

Now enough with negative, here comes the positive part of using this housing, do not need lights what so ever, do to the shallow waters that you'll be using the housing you'll have plenty of light. As a remark, as most of the divers on this forum having lights for underwater video is solely for bringing the red colour that is lost due to the depth and secon you'll be recording some of the most exciting and memorble moments of your life. The most important thing for me would be what camcorder I'll be using an how compatible will be with the housing of your choise.

I remember that on this site somebody posted that his $5 to 6000 housing was vignetting so I would look in this direction when selecting the housing and the camcorder. I hope this will help

Paul

It sounds like you'd recommend a housing that has a glass front? (instead of plastic). Is this correct? and if so, what product do your recommend?Thanks for your response Paul!