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Home: Inactive Forums: Underwater Video:
Housing and camera options or...in other words...

 
 


X-km5er
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Jul 30, 1999, 12:21 PM

Post #1 of 7 (2260 views)
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Housing and camera options or...in other words... Can't Post
Should I risk it. I have a PC1 and am considering the purchase of a underwater housing. Problem is a good housing for the PC1 runs about $1500. For less than a $1000 I can get an Ikelite housing with a VHS-C camera. If the PC-1 housing were to flood I would be out a $1400 camera. If the Ikelite housing were to flood I would be out a few hundred (quick replacement). I already have the PC-1 so would it be foolish to go with the lesser arrangment as stated above. Is digital when used underwater really that much better than VHS-C? Any comments/flames would be appreciated.
Also..from those in the know...is Ikelite considered junk??
Thanks


X-Pete
Imported Account

Jul 30, 1999, 3:41 PM

Post #2 of 7 (2260 views)
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Re: Housing and camera options or...in other words... Can't Post
I don't know what your decision is, but in 25 years of u/w photography I have never seen any housing leak enough to flood any camera unless it was caused by human error...not keeping the controls, o-rings clean or plain old abuse. I have seen slight leaks that are very easy to detect. I'm sure there are others that might have a different opinion.
Ikelite is not junk, but it is definitely on the low end of the consumer use scale and there are better housings available.
"You get what you pay for" still is a great guideline in u/w housings. We sell Gates, Amphibico, Light & Motion and can also get Ikelite.
Enjoy your photography.


X-Gordon_Cancio
Imported Account

Jul 31, 1999, 5:36 AM

Post #3 of 7 (2259 views)
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I think you should think about the housing's versatility... [In reply to] Can't Post
I think the issue should be what kind of capabilility the uw housing affords the user. For example, ability to access most of housed camera controls.
I used to be concerned with leaks. I am more concerned now with a particular housings ability to get the best picures possible (i.e. interchangeable * high quality * ports and lights).
Underwater video, like scuba, is an equipment intensive activity.
You get what you pay for. The other factor to success in U/W video is to be disciplined in maintaining your equipment.
Before every shoot. After setting up my scuba gear (which I can do with my eyes closed). My average set up time with my VX1k housing and video lights takes a minimum of 40 (forty) minutes.
I treat the equipment like a bomb disposal expert on a booby trap. I know I'd be out $3,200 in equipment if my gear implodes on me.
I never rush the process. So far, thank God, I haven't experienced a leak yet.

Gordon


X-SDA
Imported Account

Aug 9, 1999, 12:10 AM

Post #4 of 7 (2259 views)
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Simple: Insurance [In reply to] Can't Post
DEPP sells dive gear insurance, and you can get additional coverage for a camera including flood insurance. I have this and now my attitude is if it floods, I get a brand-new camera!
I've seen two floods and both were diver error; in both cases a strap got in the way of the o-ring seal, breaking the seal and letting water in. The housing I have is clear plastic all the way around the back panel, letting you see the o-ring once the housing is sealed. I've never seen a housing fail in any other way, if this makes you feel any better.


X-Bruce_Carlson
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Aug 9, 1999, 1:14 PM

Post #5 of 7 (2260 views)
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Re: Simple: Insurance [In reply to] Can't Post
Great but who/what is DEPP and what's their address?
: DEPP sells dive gear insurance, and you can get additional coverage for a camera including flood insurance. I have this and now my attitude is if it floods, I get a brand-new camera!
: I've seen two floods and both were diver error; in both cases a strap got in the way of the o-ring seal, breaking the seal and letting water in. The housing I have is clear plastic all the way around the back panel, letting you see the o-ring once the housing is sealed. I've never seen a housing fail in any other way, if this makes you feel any better.


X-SDA
Imported Account

Aug 14, 1999, 11:24 AM

Post #6 of 7 (2259 views)
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Re: Simple: Insurance [In reply to] Can't Post
: Great but who/what is DEPP and what's their address?
It's the Divers Equipment Protection Program, 760-360-9781 or 888-678-4096.


X-km5er
Imported Account

Aug 16, 1999, 7:29 PM

Post #7 of 7 (2259 views)
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Re: Simple: Insurance [In reply to] Can't Post
I bought the DEPP insurance just before my trip to Florida this weekend. Provided the peace of mind that I needed. Video from the PC-1 and Gates housing was excellent. It is surprising how much a difference the red filter makes. Now I have to learn to edit!!!