Few questions for a beginner looking to buy

Hello everyone

I need a budget video camera for underwater footage, mainly will be used for taking spearfishing videos. I used to own a sony TRV355E, nice camera till it got stolen I never used it in an underwater situation - but I found this "cheap" camera gave great quality footage, do you guys think this type of camera will work OK under water? I have been looking at the sony TRV285 & the samsung VP-D352I (are these OK to use?) What type of housing should I get for these cameras, upto 20 metres depth would be nice, how much $$$ & where to buy? I live in Australia.

Thanks for the help, I am open to suggestions, I don't really want to spend too much money but am willing to spend a little more if the quality will be a lot better.

Thanks again for any help

You would be well advised to stick with Sony as this brand is well supported by all the housing manufacturer's.

Most housings access the camera's control's via the LANC port ( sometimes known as the remote port ) - make sure that your camera is fitted with this feature.

Sony have started to remove this feature from some of the lower end video camera's.

On where to buy - support your local ( same country ) dealer, that way they will be able to afford to support you with service , local warranty , spares and advise.

Check this link for a wide selection of housings. www.scubapix.com I know that they have supplied lot's of housings for exactly the purpose you describe.

Happy Hunting

Peter

Thanks LF! Can you or someone else tell me what I would be looking at (approx) price for a housing for a "sony trv" camera? I was looking at the "Light and Motion StingRay II" on the site you mentioned LF but I can't find any prices. Would that be a good housing? I only really need about 40 feet but it has 330 feet, bit of an overkil for me but yeah your input is very much appreciated.

Thanks

Thanks LF! Can you or someone else tell me what I would be looking at (approx) price for a housing for a "sony trv" camera? I was looking at the "Light and Motion StingRay II" on the site you mentioned LF but I can't find any prices. Would that be a good housing? I only really need about 40 feet but it has 330 feet, bit of an overkil for me but yeah your input is very much appreciated.

 

Thanks

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If you want Electronic controls affordably your only option is a Sony camcorder. For affordable housing options there's Top Dawg or Ocean Images housings. (www.oceanimagesinc.com) O/I housings start at around $850US, many models are around $1100US. Fully electronic controls with either company.

Also look at BHPhotovideo.com - they sell Ikelite, Gates, Equinox, Amphibico and Sea/Sea - but not L&M. They're closed for 2 wks. but their website is current. B&H is a huge photo/video retailer in New York, I've bought from them more than once.

Specify PAL if you add an external monitor for any of these companies. Might also mention where you live, although I believe the controls themselves are universal, it might make a difference for any supplied chargers for lights, extended batteries etc.

I recently helped a friend overseas source a housing so I know all these companies ship internationally.

Steve