DSLR modifications for video

Hey just posted this article on my blog thought i would share this helped me out a lot

Interesting accessory, Darren. You use that primarily for freediving right? What about scuba? I'm guessing your technique depends on your body being very neutral. Would you shoot upright on the usual 45° with fin kicking to stabilize and move?

My eyesight is also beginning to suffer from Presbyopia but my technique for big stuff or SWA is to use a SWA lens like a 16-18mm or fisheye, prefocus at 2-3m (depends on viz) UNDERWATER, set to f5.6 or higher at 1/50 (24/25p), but I usually use 29.97 at 1/60 and conform to 23.976 if it's fast action stuff and ISO320. Then I just worry about framing when shooting. I've balanced the housing to be 100-200g negative with the dome port level.

thanks for the article. Where abouts in Tonga are you?

This magnifier is designed by UN in Japan with water contact optics and works well:

Mounting is the issue, though. Inon adapter it with their own bracket. UN supply a couple of pieces of braided nylon string, which are snug the magnifier against the back of the housing. It works, but a better snap on solution cooperatively designed with a housing manufacturer would be more effective.

Cool Ryan. Thanks for that.

It's an interesting way to get a bigger VF and certainly much cheaper than an external monitor. I'd be interested to see how this would work in shooting ergonomics. One of the biggest weaknesses of DSLR housings has been reflection/glare due to the LCD window. A rubber boot would be nice to help with reflections. Shooting with the rig at eye level on land with your legs as a base is best. I wonder how that would translate to underwater camera work.

Very interesting, thanks for posting!

Cheers, Simon

I have a Digi finder pro from Jag35 on my 5D. It uses a small plastic frame that adheres to the LCD, to which you then clip the finder securely.

Something along those lines might be what's needed.