62 replies to this topic

[Scuba_SI]

DOS? What's that? I didn't see it in either XP or Vista...j/k. What about MAC users?
And if you did do that, how would you change the button labeling? If you reassign them and then forget what you reassigned them to, it could be interesting u/w...

It's only MAC users who would forget what they've changed them to.....

[sjspeck]

I'd like to see the manufacturers keep their websites more current. When new camera models are released it sometimes takes months for them to be listed as compatible or not on mfrs. websites. I realize that in some cases they just don't know until they are able to obtain a sample for testing but don't most mfr's have a new product liaison for this sort of thing. In several cases, new camera models share an existing shell so at least some mention of a housing in progress would be nice. Most consumers don't attend the video industry trade shows where these items are sometimes displayed pre-production.

Not to bag on Amphibico, but I've read several posts and seen a pre-production picture of their new HD Monitor on a scuba forum. Yet nothing on their website as of a few days ago. And it's something I'm sure many HD videographers would be really interested in.

And one more thing, how about standardizing the connectors used on external monitors so it's not such a hassle to use other manufacturers...

And in a similar vein, I've found out about several different accessories for my housing that aren't listed anywhere on the housing mfr's site. If you sell it, please list it so we can buy it...

Edited by sjspeck, 11 March 2007 - 04:17 PM.

[wagsy]

Not to bag on Amphibico, but I've read several posts and seen a pre-production picture of their new HD Monitor on a scuba forum. Yet nothing on their website as of a few days ago. And it's something I'm sure many HD videographers would be really interested in.

And in a similar vein, I've found out about several different accessories for my housing that aren't listed anywhere on the housing mfr's site. If you sell it, please list it so we can buy it...

I aggree as well.
Quite often we have gone to another site and brought online a product (Non Diving) just because they had more info about it with pics and stuff. People need info about sutff for sure and will go and read reviews on products that they want before they buy and it's more and more on the internet and less in mags....

Like I wonder how many folks went and tried EDIUS because of my postings and stuff .

[Drew]

In several cases, new camera models share an existing shell so at least some mention of a housing in progress would be nice. Most consumers don't attend the video industry trade shows where these items are sometimes displayed pre-production.

In defence of all manufacturers, the big electronics companies tend to have a big long line for their demos. They first go for their big market of production houses etc. U/W is still a minor market. So the housing manufacturers are pretty low on the list.
Recently, I even had to give my contact to one of the manufacturers because their Canon rep was slow in getting a loaner camera to them. I've had to climb mountains to get a Sony V1U tester, and I asked in Aug 06! I had to use my industry buddy's camera in Dec because Sony's response was so glacial.
There are are a lot of mitigating circumstances. For instance, housing manufacturers have to gauge the sales of cameras in order to support them (esp camera specific housings like the Sony FX/Z1 etc). I'd been told by a major manufacturer since last Nov they'd build a housing for the HDR-FX7/V1 but they never announced it and still haven't, because they are waiting on the sales figures and also interest level.
As you say, it's easier to deal with the little consumer cameras since they tend to be of similar size. But even those throw in a big surprise once in a while, like the HC1/A1 telemacro mode and the older lanc boards problem.
So it is understandable that manufacturers fence sit until they are sure the product is going to launch. It's pretty embarassing if they had to backtrack on an announcement.
However, I have to agree that the websites in general could be improved on ease of navigation and search.

[ronrosa]

...I'd been told by a major manufacturer since last Nov they'd build a housing for the HDR-FX7/V1 but they never announced it and still haven't, because they are waiting on the sales figures and also interest level.
...

UT OH

I think I'm in trouble

[Drew]

Ron, you're fine... at least 2 of the major housing manufacturers are covering the Sony FX7. You should be a happy camper by June... poorer... but happy.

[DeanB]

By then we will be using the A2 with 2lux capability...

Or the Z2 with 1lux

Or the V2 with 1lux

Or the

Or the

Dive safe

Dean(you may say I'm a dreamer..But I'm not the only one)B

[ronrosa]

Ron, you're fine... at least 2 of the major housing manufacturers are covering the Sony FX7. You should be a happy camper by June... poorer... but happy.

That's a relief to know. What is taking the housing mfr.'s so long ?

Just got back from Curacao video-less. Naturally, I saw some really cool stuff like box crabs, eels feeding, etc..

[Nick Hope]

The timescales indicate they're having to tool bodies/lenses from scratch. Seems like they couldn't just stick the new cams in those old VX2X00/PD1X0 bodies as we thought they might.

Machining from a solid lump (e.g. Gates) can be implemented quickly on CNC machinery, but making new die-casting tools (e.g. Amphibico) takes months.

[Drew]

Another wish is to support Assign Buttons on cameras that have them. Often these buttons are invaluable to switching camera settings on the fly.

[Nick Hope]

Better cable management for umbilical lights, so the cables from the batteries to the light heads are properly integrated into the light arms (but still easy to replace if necessary). I know some lights have this already but not all.

[DeanB]

The Gates housing for the V1/FX7 will have assign button access.

Dive safe

DeanB

[videodan]

My wish list is for the upcoming Sony XDCAM eX camera housings.

1. Design housing with one premium wide angle lens (Full Zoom Thru, zero distortion) to complement the Fujinon 14X lens. Housing to be perfectly balanced for that lens.

2. Three flip arms for: CC Filter, Macro Lens arm with assorted changeable dioptors, and Expodisc or similar White Balance Filter.

3. Full electronic/mechanical controls for all key functions, including Assign Buttons.

4. Gain adjustment must be easily accessible.

5. Gyro Stabilizer for steadier shots.

Most important of all: Start designing now, so we don't have to wait over a year after the camera starts shipping to get our housings. Shoot for no more than a two month wait. Yes, it can be done.

I'm sure I missed a few things, so feel free to add to this list.

Dan

Edited by videodan, 21 April 2007 - 06:12 AM.

[Roger Eve]

The Gates housing for the V1/FX7 will have assign button access.

Hi Dean,

That is very good to know. Where did you glean that bit of information?

Roger

[ronrosa]

Hi Dean,

That is very good to know. Where did you glean that bit of information?

Roger

Marinevisions has a great page on the Gates FX7 housing. Plenty of pictures and information.

Marinevisions FX7 Page

Joe was kind enough to send me an enlarged picture showing the controls and the assign button.

Edited by ronrosa, 21 April 2007 - 08:31 PM.

[Roger Eve]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for that. I have seen the marine visions pages, but I couldn't read the name on that button on their screen shots. Your photo is higher res. and all is now clear. That could be a very useful feature.

Roll on May. I suspect you are probably in the US ( no need to say), so you may well get access to the housing before those of us on these little islands to the west of Europe. I will be most interested in getting info from you on the housing - specifically the space available for w/a converter etc.

Cheers

Roger

[DeanB]

Can I only see one 'Assign' button on this housing...

I was all fired up for the V1 but now I'm going XDCAM EX mental...

If this baby has a decent Lux level I am going to buy two

V'dan is right though.. the manufacturers should be working on housings asap because theres going to be a stampede for these units...where do I put my deposit ?

YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAA XDCAM... sorry i'm losing it again

Dive safe

Dean(xdcam ex)B

[ronrosa]

You are tough to please Dean.

The way I look at it, one assign button is better than none. Same goes for the flip diopter. Most of the other manufacturers don't have these features.

If all goes according to plan, I'll see a prototype on May 17th at a NY club meeting, place my order, experiment with weighting and controls locally and take it on a my August dive trip to Cocoview.

Edited by ronrosa, 22 April 2007 - 02:50 PM.

[DeanB]

Your correct Ron...But you've been waiting this long..Lets have perfection.

Be good to hear your thoughts when you get one...

Dive safe

DeanB

[Nick Hope]

My wish list is for the upcoming Sony XDCAM eX camera housings.

1. Design housing with one premium wide angle lens (Full Zoom Thru, zero distortion) to complement the Fujinon 14X lens. Housing to be perfectly balanced for that lens.

2. Three flip arms for: CC Filter, Macro Lens arm with assorted changeable dioptors, and Expodisc or similar White Balance Filter.

3. Full electronic/mechanical controls for all key functions, including Assign Buttons.

4. Gain adjustment must be easily accessible.

5. Gyro Stabilizer for steadier shots.

Most important of all: Start designing now, so we don't have to wait over a year after the camera starts shipping to get our housings. Shoot for no more than a two month wait. Yes, it can be done.

I'm sure I missed a few things, so feel free to add to this list.

Dan

6. Achieve neutral buoyancy when lights/monitor are in place without adding external floatation (i.e. make it positively buoyant when lights/monitor are not fitted and then add weights to make it neutral when there are no lights/monitor fitted).