Help wanted with old Hi 8

[Northern Monkey]

I have an old Sony VX1E, top of the range in 1995. But a turkey of a buy 3 years ago!!!!

I want to edit the footage and burn DVDs from the Hi8 tape collection. So I have splashed out on Video Studio8 software and an EZMaker connector to take the S video signal and convert it to USB 2.0.

My laptop is latest spec - Tosh P20-521

My problem is the video capture quality is very poor, losing resolution.

Any suggestions of ways to improve the quality.

Also I want to upgrade.

Which camera and housing should I buy for depth plus 100 metres with 3 chip quality. Light and Motion, Gates or Amphibico? Not VX2100 or VX200 too big to mount on a scooter.

Thanks

Mark

[Tank Girl]

Hi Mark

I'm not familiar with Studio 8, but some simple things to check:

You're software is in the same format as the camera i.e. PAL/PAL, that the resolution of the edit is the same as the TV, i.e. PAL = 720 x 576, and that the frame rate is correct PAL = 25 fps. Check all import / export / conversion settings. If this isn't enough, try www.simplydv.co.uk, for a video forum that's as good as YD. They know video like we know diving!

For the upgrade I'd suggest the Gates housings for three reasons:

~ rated 137 mtrs
~ awesome 'Fathom' wide angle lens options - the absolute dogs danglies and orders of magnitudes superior to any of their competitor's. Consider that it the lens which permits the camera to do its stuff. Good lens = good image quality, camera permitting
~ manual controls, rather than electronic, which can become unoperable under pressure at extreme depth, rely on batteries that can go flat and can flood ( no controls = no filming)

Camerawise you are a bit limited for small size in the 3 chip models. Perhaps a Sony TRV950 if you can find one, the PDX10 (both older models but stunning quality) or the new Sony HVR-Z1E, although this is similar to the VX2100 in size. The bonus is it is switchable PAL/NTSC and HD. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

Panasonic have released the new NV-GS120 and NV-GS200 3 chip models which are small and perfectly formed, however you would need to check housing availability before purchase (as for any camera).

TG
xx

[Harry Remmington]

There is an Amphibico TRV-950 - CVX-10 currently on e-bay.
The CVX-10 is not discontinued and still available.

[lf.]

i use a 3ccd panasonic in a 8'' seapro housing. replaced the glands with ikelite though, more realiable. they'll test them to 130m. the optiolite port is great, all you need is two controls, power and record. get the external filters so you can remove them near the surface.

dead simple, works a treat. very good price.

www.seapro.fsnet.co.uk

lf