Best underwater hi definition video systems
Now that high definition underwater video can be yours for the same price as an SLR camera, things have finally got interesting for scuba divers who want to film movies underwater.
First of all, if you are thinking of buying a digital movie camera, do get a high definition (HD) camera. This is the high quality format that is twice as good as current television. The cost of HD video is dropping very quickly and an investment is this format will reward you for many years to come.
Underwater Housings
Next make sure their is an underwater housing actually available for the digital camera you want to buy.
The
easiest way to do this is to stick to well known brands. Sony are the current
market leaders in high definition digital video cameras and so the companies
who make underwater housings all seem to cover this brand.
For instance, the standard Bazooka HD housing can be used with Sony HDW-F900, HDW-700A, HDW-750 and HDW-730 cameras.
The rather ugly but efficient Amphibico Dive Buddy EVO HD Underwater Video Housing is great for for Sony HC5 and Sony HC7 High Definition Camcorders.
All of these allow access to all the camera functionality you will need without letting any water near the camera body.
Weight of HD cameras and housings
HD cameras are quite bulky and so to ensure you can still dive while using them you don't want one that messes with your boyancy.
When fully loaded with camera battery and lens, you should expect your setup to give you about (but no more than) 1 lb of negative buoyancy.
Care of Underwater Video Cameras
- Clean and re-grease all seals (o-rings) before you start on your drive trip
- Never take your camera out of its housing while on the deck of a dive boat. Either wait till you are back on dry land or go below to a dry cabin.
- Never be tempted to take your comera out of the housing until the housing is bone dry.
- Never leave sealing rings exposed to sunlight for longer than necessary.
