I purchased a Panasonic Lumix DMC-fx35 with an underwater case about 6 months ago. The camera and case were each about $200. I have had a great time making fishing/spearfishing/diving videos with the setup. I purchased this setup because it was relatively inexpensive and could do HD. However, now I am starting to want higher quality video. I am a little overwhelmed with where to start and would appreciate your opinions/recommendations. What do you think should be my next step to get higher quality footage without breaking the bank?
To get an idea of what I want to use the new setup for please check out some of the videos I have made with my existing Panasonic setup:
Welcome to WP. In order to help you, you will have to be more specific with your budget, type of use (broadcast, web etc) etc etc. It's one of the most common questions we get from people but one of the most difficult to answer. Often people know what they don't want more than what they want. So list what you don't need. Also use the search function to find out the many cameras and housings available. I'm afraid there's no easy answer for this question. too many variables and not enough information from you.
Bill
Welcome to WP. In order to help you, you will have to be more specific with your budget, type of use (broadcast, web etc) etc etc. It's one of the most common questions we get from people but one of the most difficult to answer. Often people know what they don't want more than what they want. So list what you don't need. Also use the search function to find out the many cameras and housings available. I'm afraid there's no easy answer for this question. too many variables and not enough information from you.
Thanks for the response Drew. I am mostly interested in viewing my videos on the web (vimeo) or on DVD's that I make. I am doing all the editing/creating on a macbook using iMovie and iDVD. The question I have is given that I am using this particular compact Panasonic camera now, what type/style/class of camera should I be investigating in order to notice a significant improvement in video quality (esp underwater)? I wish that a lot of the footage I have taken was crisper and cleaner than what it is.
Is there a progression of camera types that get better and better for video capture? For example, I was watching some pretty impressive footage from a Canon HV20. Is this a logical upgrade/progression from the Panasonic fx35? I read an article recently on digital SLR's that record video - is that worth considering? This is just a hobby of mine and I don't have thousands to spend. But I am ready to start learning more about what it takes to go to the next step in video quality.
A couple more details: I don't need to go deeper than 10 meters. I don't think I will ever want to mount lights on it. I don't need it to take still shots - only video is fine.
