High Definition Video Is Better With ?

Well after weeks of research I am down to a few choices. I wanted to see what the video guru's thought about my choices. I threw in the FX-7 because, I was also waiting to see the reviews for the new Canon HF-S10 and the Sony HDR-XR500V. But if they are both going to be $1299.00 then for $600.00 more I can get the FX7. Hence the thread title, " better camera cheaper housing or cheaper camera better housing?". I was hoping to keep the cost below $4,000.00, since this is a first time HD rig for me, and since I still have a lot of learning to do. Yes the FX7 with an Ikelite case is double the lowest rig I listed, but I am getting at least twice the camera.

So what do you think? If you have an idea thats not listed in the poll, please feel free to enlighten me?

Thanks for your input!

Ed

Edit: And the prices in the poll are housing and camera! Thanks!

Ed,

the sheer amount of choices shows that have not put enough thought into your future setup!

Before you start thinking about manufactures you should put down a laudry list of the features you want.

Like...

- do I want manual whitebalance?

- internal flip filter?

- monitor or see through window/mirror

- individual housing for one model or flexible housing for many cameras

- optical lens choice on the housing?

- physical control or electronic control

..and so on.

Same with the camera models!

Those descisions will narrow down your list a lot.

BTW I think you overlooked Light/Motion in your list.

Also forgot Seatool on the list. They have housings for the Sony cams on your list (except FX7)

Also forgot Seatool on the list. They have housings for the Sony cams on your list (except FX7)

Mike,

I will say I like the SeaTool SR-12 housing. With the monitor back and the fact that you can access all the menu features through the touch pad inserts on the side of the housing. With that housing you can pretty much do everything, you would normally be able to do top side. This housing seems to offer the most for that camera. But then again it comes at a serious price.

Mike,

 

I will say I like the SeaTool SR-12 housing. With the monitor back and the fact that you can access all the menu features through the touch pad inserts on the side of the housing. With that housing you can pretty much do everything, you would normally be able to do top side. This housing seems to offer the most for that camera. But then again it comes at a serious price.

Are you able to access manual white balance? From the specs on a couple of sites it seems that you can't, but if it is possible with the touch pad inserts, that is very cool to know about.

Are you able to access manual white balance? From the specs on a couple of sites it seems that you can't, but if it is possible with the touch pad inserts, that is very cool to know about.

Drew,

It appears you have some type of access to white balance.

SeaTool - "Basic Functions:

• All touch panel functions including 'One Touch' white balance
  
• Power
  
• Mode change
  
• Record/standby
  
• Zoom (variable speed)
  
• Photo
  
• AF/MF switch
  
• Strobe ON/OFF switch
  

I am not to familiar with this unit, so I am not sure about "One Touch" white balance.

SeaTool USA

I have to admit, the SR12 Seatool housing is a sweet housing. At only 3 lbs., a monitor back, access to touch panel functions, small, and electronic controls. This is probably the perfect package for the serious traveler. Would be easy to take as carry on, so less worries of any damage or missing equipment. But it does come at a cost, and for the size of this housing and having plastic, it's a hefty price.

Thought I would have gotten more action then 5 votes. Given you all a chance to spend someone else's money

I stand corrected 6 votes.

I havent got a clue about any of the above combos, Although the Gates and Amphibico housings are the better quality (my opinion) but i know what ever you choose your be happy... Maybe...

Dive safe

DeanB

Drew,

 

It appears you have some type of access to white balance.

 

SeaTool - "Basic Functions:

[*]All touch panel functions including 'One Touch' white balance

 

 

I have to admit, the SR12 Seatool housing is a sweet housing. At only 3 lbs., a monitor back, access to touch panel functions, small, and electronic controls. This is probably the perfect package for the serious traveler. Would be easy to take as carry on, so less worries of any damage or missing equipment. But it does come at a cost, and for the size of this housing and having plastic, it's a hefty price.

Yup that is Manual. Was strange because one site said no manual functions.. They are great due to the size/weight. I use a Gates which is a bit larger and heavier (6 pounds or so) with my small Sony and love the housing, solid as a rock and the people/service are great. It is mechanical and not electronics (which opens up a another slew of discussions). When I was shooting a non-dSLR rig I was able to get the Gates, Port and non d-SLR in a Pelican 1510. I have another case I can get the Gates and dSLR housing in, including camera Macro Port, and carry bodies, Gates Port, lenses and computer in a LowePro BackPack, though some things can checked (dSLR Dome Port, extra Strobes etc.).

But the SeaTool housings are very tempting due to their sizes.

I would go for the HC9 and Gates combo. It's not three chip but isn't a huge unit, it will also give you the ability to buy a decent WA port at a later date if you want one. They are bullet proof, access to all controls the only drawback is that they aren't cheap... But I reckon they are worth it.

Jon

Hi

We have the Sony HDSR12 with Light and Motion housing and the 90 degree zoom through wide angle and are extremely happy with both. The manual white balance is of great importance and I agree with you need to make sure you can access this easily.

Light and Motion was not on your list of housings for some reason, we have used them for 10 years and have always been very happy.

So what do you think? If you have an idea thats not listed in the poll, please feel free to enlighten me?

 

Thanks for your input!

 

Ed

Ed, some major considerations that I put top of my list after having had several camera/housing combinations is: 1. Manual white balance capability. 2. Low light specs. 3. MPEG2 rather than AVCHD compression (this is more just my personal preference, as AVCHD is a variety of MPEG4, which is much more compressed than MPEG2).

After that, it's more a matter of controlling the camera and keeping it dry. Balance and ballast is important, too.

Ed,

Like most I voted for the Gates housing (I have an ancient Diego that cradles an archaic 3-chip TRV-900).

I'm still learning, two years later. Glad I bought a heavy old Gates and a couple (in their day) decent cameras.

Just started editing, here's what I've learned:

1. It's all about the shot(s). Framing, stability (heavy housings are good), and other stuff I haven't figured out yet are key.

2. Use the best tapes you can find. Trial and error. I know more now than I did when I started.

3. Know how to MWB your camera. For some reason, I can only MWB mine at about 20-30 feet max depth. Still makes all the difference in the world. For the life of me, getting MWB with a WA lens is almost impossible. Obviously, I still don't know how to MWB my camera...

4. Editing ties it all together. I just started and don't know crap.

5. Pay attention to the folks in these forums. They've been there, so utilize them.

Good luck and MOST OF ALL: have fun!

Rick

AVCHD is a variety of MPEG4, which is much more compressed than MPEG2).

First time poster so go easy on me, not trying to start a flame war! I've spent the last couple of years educating my colleagues and customers to the benefits of MPG4 over some of the older standards. AVCHD is not more compressed than MPG2. It just uses better algorithms so you can use much lower bitrates (ie smaller file sizes) than MPG2 for the same quality. MPG2 is a 15 year old technology. MPG4 = Blu-Ray which blows DVD's out of the water for quality and not just because its HD.