New Technology?

So for all you professionals and others who really follow the latest and greatest technology, I have a question.

Is there anything on the horizon that is really going to make a big difference in the consumer line of camcorders in the next couple of years?

The reason I ask is this. I currently have a very basic uw video rig. (Top Dawg housing and Sony DCR-HC42 camcorder). I would like to step into the HD realm and upgrade my housing to have at least a flip color correction filter and maybe MWB but I could live without that. (It seems on the comsumer level camcorders, MWB may not be all that's its cracked up to be and I say this because of the reviews I read about camcorders like the HC7/HC9 and all the difficulties folks have with MWB) I'll add that I dive pretty much the warm clear waters of the caribbean. So I start looking around and see what's out there and could easily spend thousands on all new stuff. Or I could buy something used for a much smaller amount and see what comes out next. What I don't want to do is spend a lot only to have a real break through technology come out in another year or so and wish I had waited.

Of course I fully realize that if you keep waiting for the latest and greatest technology to come out, you'll always be waiting and never buy! But I just thought it would be a good idea to ask a question like this to you folks out there who really know this business.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or insights you may have. It's appreciated.

BDSC

I wouldn't spend a lot right now.

Judging from the video from DSLR's like the Canon MKII, I'd venture to say something new and very worthwhile will be coming out for dedicated consumer video. However, the problem is the lag on the UW housings and UW lens options. I'm guessing 2 yrs or more for things to shake out for really big differences UW at the consumer level. The camcorders/cameras will be there, but housings and lenses will take time.

While you wait, you could get a Ikelite housing, plus a HDV or AVCHD cam. Under $2k for the system.

I could be very wrong. This is just my opinion.

Thanks Ron.

I was reading the other day about something called "Scarlet" I think it was. Seems like whatever that is, it's gonna be the next great thing. Some of that stuff gets a little to technical for me so I'm not sure what it was really all about.

But I do remember reading on some forum that with some new technology coming out, MWB will be a thing of the past. Don't remember what that was though.

I was reading the other day about something called "Scarlet" I think it was. Seems like whatever that is, it's gonna be the next great thing. Some of that stuff gets a little to technical for me so I'm not sure what it was really all about.

Scarlet is the sibling of RED. Eventually it will be released (hopefully finally this fall).

http://www.red.com/epic_scarlet/

It shoots a RAW Codec...

Scarlet is the sibling of RED. Eventually it will be released (hopefully finally this fall).

 

http://www.red.com/epic_scarlet/

 

It shoots a RAW Codec...

Lord help me! I still can't even figure out why a tv works the way it does. Can't wait to see what this is going to be all about in a few years. I think it may have to be a used system for me for now...................Maybe.

I was thinking of something from the mainstream manufacturers, Sony, Canon, Panasonic, etc..

Canon with the MKII, Panasonic GH1, and I believe a few other DSLR cameras are creating a big stir with the video quality, low light capabilities and shallow depth of field. All these wonderful things from a dedicated camera, with video secondary.

I'm guessing they will use that technology towards dedicated video for prosumer and consumer levels. That COULD be the next big thing for us.....

That's what I'm hoping for.

This stuff seems to change every couple of years. I start to wonder just how much better can they make it? At what point does it finally max out!

This stuff seems to change every couple of years. I start to wonder just how much better can they make it? At what point does it finally max out!

Right after the credit card maxes out This stuff can drive you crazy and you can keep on waiting for the latest and greatest. Though the Scarlet will be something when it is released, I had been waiting for it for over a year. I actually just got a Canon 5D Mark II in part of the video capability, but for other factors that I found appealing. I also have a video rig.

What you need to do is take a look at what is out there now and see if anything appeals to you. People around here are always changing things and you will find something that will be a step up from where you are. You just have to be comfortable with the fact that whatever you get will be obsolete before the credit card bill comes in (just about.) You can track many things and rumors forever and always hold off.

There may be times to wait to see what comes out, such as around CES, or if you do not have a pressing need to upgrade right away (meaning a dive trip coming right up.)

As some have pointed out, those purchasing the 5D Mark II maybe should have held off longer for the Scarlet. And if you do not have a need for a camera right now, and will pony up for the Scarlet and the housings when they come on market, it looks like it will be special. As to the consumer cams, the recent rounds of Sonys and Canons look to be pretty good from reports around here.

Everything you buy will have good points and bad points. Everything you buy will have people loving it or hating it. There were things I owned that I really liked using and did not realize they sucked until I read too much about it and too many opinions.

If I kept on waiting for the next thing, I would have no video and no photos, but really good conceptual equipment.

Figure out what you need, in terms of timing, and a budget. Try to stick to the budget (and be willing to tweak up a bit) and get something you can afford and will enjoy. Sometimes overextending on equipment will take some of the fun out of it and you may keep on looking it as an albatross as opposed to something that gives you really what you want/need.

All good advice.

I have a trip coming up at the end of August to Turneffe Island Resort off the coast of Belize. Actually the system I have now has served me well but would like to dabble a little in HD for a few years. I was possibly looking at a Stingray system by L&M. I know it doesn't have MWB but it does have the flip cc filter which is something I really want. So that's the way I am leaning for now. I sometimes see the used ones going for a really good deal and would consider a new older model if some dealer wanted to unload at a nicely discounted price!

I think all change in the last few years, both video and still, have been incremental not revolutionary. (That's why Mike Veitch and John Bantin can still take better photos with a D70 than I can with a D700.) I think this will continue to be the case, with cameras adding features and / or integrating video and stills etc until there is a major change in output devices, particularly our monitors. If and when High Dynamic Range monitors become mainstream, then you will see a true jump in image recording that is clearly beyond what film or present commercial digital devices are capable of. Until then, no matter what your camera can capture, if there is no way of displaying it, the capability is wasted.

I think all change in the last few years, both video and still, have been incremental not revolutionary......

In general I think you are right.

What I find exciting and kind of revolutionary is the shallow depth of field on the videos shot with the Canon MKII. Haven't seen that from a consumer video camcorder unless you used an 35mm adapter like the Letus, plus lens, plus support platform, plus tripod.

There is always new technology on the horizon but one can't wait for the next new thing all the time. If they do they miss out on all the shooting and editing opportunities that passed by while they were waiting. Sure I wish that HD was available when I was shooting in Hi 8 in the 80's. All those trips back then produced great footage....for hi 8....but can't really be used now. As soon as the Scarlet hits the streets there will be something else new on the horizon, no doubt about it. The same goes with computers and software. And then, as it was pointed out, the lag time to get a housing for things puts you back even more. No point in getting buyer's remorse because something new comes out 2 months after your purchase. Get the best that you can afford NOW and don't worry about the evolutionary process.

Steve

There is always new technology on the horizon but one can't wait for the next new thing all the time. If they do they miss out on all the shooting and editing opportunities that passed by while they were waiting. Sure I wish that HD was available when I was shooting in Hi 8 in the 80's. All those trips back then produced great footage....for hi 8....but can't really be used now. As soon as the Scarlet hits the streets there will be something else new on the horizon, no doubt about it. The same goes with computers and software. And then, as it was pointed out, the lag time to get a housing for things puts you back even more. No point in getting buyer's remorse because something new comes out 2 months after your purchase. Get the best that you can afford NOW and don't worry about the evolutionary process.

Steve

I have come to that conclusion Big Steve! Thanks.

But I am waiting for the price of the new Samsung LED tv's to drop a bit in price! Those really give a great picture! My Sony LCD TV is great but the LED tv is even better. I will soon replace my 46" with a 55". Maybe even in time for the start of the NFL!

Really difficult to decide when to jump in but Nikon will be announcing a new line of DSLRs soon and there are rumours that some of the them will have professional quality video in response to the 5D. Also, Canon are expected to release a new model soon. These may arrive at the same time as the Scarlet but will probably be alot cheaper for a full working system.

Andy

Really difficult to decide when to jump in but Nikon will be announcing a new line of DSLRs soon and there are rumours that some of the them will have professional quality video in response to the 5D. Also, Canon are expected to release a new model soon. These may arrive at the same time as the Scarlet but will probably be alot cheaper for a full working system.

 

Andy

I have a buddy who is getting into uw photography and he was going to buy a top of the line system but he opted for something much smaller for now because of the advances of which you speak! It seems change is always changing.