New Video Interest

Interested in getting started with underwater video. Have done some preliminary research. Looking for other resources on houseings and camera selections.

Thanks

Hi there,

Well it all depends on what you want to do. Initially it is better to get a camera that you are happy with and then shop around for the appropriate housing.

Housing manufacturers: Ikelite, Amphibico, Light & Motion, Gates, Sealux, Top Dawg etc all have internet sites and can be located by a quick search engine related search.

Other things to think about. What is the end goal, Hobby, Fun or possible future work? What will you edit on and how. Linear editing with a bank of VCR's etc or Non Linear Editing or computer based. Whichever route you will need the appropriate software and hardware packages to produce your underwater movies.

Seeing as this is basicaly a starting out project I would suggest that you shop around, Ebay etc, for used underwater filming packages. Saving money before you realise that maybe this is not the hobby for you will of course save some anxieties.

Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy the world of underwater imaging.

Regards,

Mark.

Kepetty

What Mark said plus:

You can't just go out and pick a camera and then hope there's a good housing for it. There were awesome 3CCD DV cameras from Panasonic but the housings were limited in the beginning.

You should have the following decided before looking for housing/camera combos:

1. your budget

2. What kind of shooting? Macro or wide priority or a versatile performer. The optics will be important depending on what you prefer. 3CCD vs 1CCD

3. Format: miniDV, DVD, HDV

4. Electronic or Mechanical.

5. possible future model upgrade (important if you don't want to buy a new housing every year or upgrade)

The Sony line has the most housings available, due to lanc and early market dominance. Canon and Panasonic are catching up.