PD170 Housing

I have a Sony DSR-PD170 and I just bought a Sony DSC-p150 with its housing but I am more intrested in UW Video than UW photography. but cosidering that I am only 14 and I dont have much money. So I was going for the IKELITE housing for it but you cant use the boom microphon in that housing for PD170. I was wondering if you could use an other microphone for it?? BTW do I really need Video lights to start with??? I dont have that much money so can I start with out them and at the end is the Ikelite Camera good for me????

Thanks,

Mohammad

Sorry for being a bitter old salt but is your post for real? I smell a troll

Don't have much money? At 14? You have a $3500 video camera! When i was 14 i had a paper route and could maybe buy a happy meal at mcdonalds....i'm 33 now and still don't have a $3500 video camera!

Anyhoo, no you don't need lights, nor do you need the microphone for underwater work unless you like listening to your bubbles....

Get a pro level housing like Amphibico or Gates or Sea and Sea which give manual WB control and the lights can be added later, manual WB gives great colours in tropical conditions, lights only needed for night diving and shaded areas. PD170 is a fantastic low light level camera.

Besides, if you are only 14 you have plenty of time to earn back the money that the diff of a cost between Ike housing and Gates or whatever will set you back and you will be much happier with your purchase, perhaps add it to your Gold Card?

ps if your post is a real one sorry to sound disbelieving but guess thats just the way it is

Right, i got a couple of personal messages from Mohammed and i take back what i said. He is legit and i give him huge kudos for taking such an interest in the realm of underwater video at such a young age.

Keep us posted about your purchase and let us know if you need any shooting advice.

Best of luck

Mike

Mohammad

Do not get the Ikelite housing. It's crap for the VX/PD series. The lens port leaks light and the controls are not very easy to use. I have mine in the garage as a fish tank.

Big, bulky and unwieldy. The only reason I bought it was because it was the first out and I was on order for the amphibico.

If you do get lights, get the widest beam you can find. With the PD170, shooting macro at depth, having lights just makes everything look more beautiful.

That said, PD170 is great for lowlight.

Sorry Mike! You can set WB manually with Ikelite too, and sorry scubadru if your housing is leaking.

For the record: ALL housings for proDV are big, bulky an unvieldy and ALL housings come with the risk of a flood (mainly bcs of improper use and O-rings). Having problems with your housing doesn't relate much to manufacturer, so money can't buy reliability (just read thorough shit happens stories of the other UW videographers)

Manual controls are generally more difficult to use versus Lanc controls are generally more unreliable.

Bottom line: Whatever you use has it's advantages and disadvantages, cost's and prof's. When purchasing a housing decide wich are the most important values for YOU to look for. Then make your own decision.