Failing memory means a video is desired.

[Finless]

Doubtless this has been asked before but ...... well ....... I can take the abuse or bored silence.

I have long desired to have video footage of my dives. Ideally I would like HD, lights and a depth rating of a min of 50 mtrs.

Any recomendations on what to get. Second hand any good? Sadly money is a big issue. Any new technologies coming out soon that make it worth hanging on for a while?

[Okeanos]

Hi

I use second hand equipment, bought an underwater housing from ebay for £255 rated to 100m and a new video camera from Dixons for £219 (extended warranty incase housing leaks). I the bought an adaptor to fit my light cannon to the top of it. It works well close up, obviously the torch has limitations. In the shallows without the torch it is good, better with a coloured filter that will suit the colour of the water (magenta for green, amber for blue).

I also bought another unit off YD, housing rated to 75m but with a screen on the back so you can see what you are pointing at. I attach my GF HID 100 torch to that and it is better.

Both housings use a Sony mini DV camera, not broadcast quality but very good. Proper Lighting will cost a fortune (£1000+), a HDV camera is another £1k, a houisng to suit a HDV camera is probably the same.

My suggestion would be get a cheap setup like I did to start, and see how you get on. If you enjoy it and can get some good results from the cheap one then upgrade, if not just sell it for what you paid for it.

Mark

I should add, that the connection inside the housing to the camera is called a LANC, very common on Sony cameras. I can put either camera in the second housing as it is large, but only the first camera fits in the first housing.

[Finless]

Mark,

Tks for the info. I do possess a decent video camera (now old) which was in the £800 region when it was new (last century) ............ maybe I could get a housing for it? I know size matters but maybe bigger housings are cheaper now because nobody wants them anymore?

Bryan

[edit]I am now a DIGIGREEN'er.

[triplefin]

Originally Posted by Finless

I am now a DIGIGREEN'er.

oh dear what have I done!

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Finless

I have long desired to have video footage of my dives.

Sorry mate I don't have any video footage of you.

Originally Posted by Finless

Second hand any good? Sadly money is a big issue.

I wouldn't have thought that any video of you commands much in the secondhand marketplace - try e-bay.



Ok coat on, exiting quickly,

LOL, Paul

[Finless]

I had a quick Google for 2nd u/w camera/video housings and:-

Cameras Underwater: Secondhand, ex-demo and clearance stock.

Of course, I have no idea whattsoever if the prices are any good.

[dreading]

have a look on ebay:

eBay.co.uk - video housing, underwater housing, underwater video housing, underwater video items at low prices

the two light & motion ones are mine. the top dawg might be suitable for your old video camera?

[Finless]

Originally Posted by dreading

have a look on ebay:

eBay.co.uk - video housing, underwater housing, underwater video housing, underwater video items at low prices

the two light & motion ones are mine. the top dawg might be suitable for your old video camera?

I already did but did not notice anything ............... the yellow one I liked the look, and price, of was only good to 3 mtrs!!!

I shall go back and have a look at the Top Dawg.

Tks

[Des Murray]

Hi Finless,
I don't know if you are still in the market, but I may have a complete rig including lights available.
Drop me a line if you are still looking

Cheers
Des

[Johnny Boy]

The requirement for a HD system and lights automatically puts you into 1000's of pounds (certainly if bought new). I would start out on standard definition, get your technique right, then upgrade in a few years time. By that time, more people will have HD DVD players and High Definition as a medium will be more widely available