Hi, I will buy a Sony XR500V in a few days more, so I am in the process of choosing a housing to start my "career" as an UW videographer. I have been a UW amateur photographer with not so bad results ;-) for many years and now want to explore UW video.
I have checked descriptions and some reviews of many housings and have come to two choices that barely fit my budget: The LMI Stingray+ and the new Aquatica HD Wave. One is electronic and fits many Sony models, the other is mechanic and fits only the XR5x0V. But, the HD Wave gives almost full manual controls including MWB which I believe pays for the price of the single camera model... and it seems very compact and lightweight which is important for me as travel diver.
So, I am almost convinced about the HD Wave over the Stingray+, but I am concerned by the lack of information from users in internet forums. I know it is a rather new model, but perhaps somebody out there has at least some first impressions. One aspect that I am curious about is the fact that all controls are on the left hand, even Start/Stop and Zoom. I understand that variable zoom speed in the XR500V is only available using the main zoom lever on top of the camera and not on the buttons located on the LCD panel, which are the ones accesible on the HD Wave. So, how is the feeling doing all with your left hand? (I am not left handed as you may have guessed)
I have read the thread http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29583 where the anouncement of the HD Wave housing was made, but there was no update about real testing. I really need to buy it soon for a dive trip so any help is welcome!
Thank you!
