sammie

Hey folks, Just got commissioned to shoot my first underwater vid- it's for a band, and it will be used for advertising via A.R., they'd like it shot at 1080p at 24fps or more. I've got a GoPro HD and they shoot 1080p and 30fps, however I'm not technologically versed enough to know whether or not the quality will be good enough for the viewing platform of smartphones, like the iPhone, Blackberry, etc... Also, while I'm asking for advise... I'm trying to think of a good location to shoot in. They need it by mid-July, and I'll be in Europe from June 6th till July 21st, so I have to shoot there, probably in the Mediterranean. They band would like some sea life, and for it to be as clear as possible. I've never been diving in Europe, I've been trying to search the forums for tips, and YouTube- both haven't proved to be too successful. So if you can think of any great place for me to check out, please let me know! I had originally planed to shoot off Sardinia, but now there will be a documenting crew following me, and they'd prefer it off the mainland... Thanks, Sammie

Hi Drew! Not sure if I'll be making anything for broadcast yet! But it is nice to keep in mind The camera I'm looking to buy at this time, would to be honest, be used above water much much more than below water, given my experience in the water and living in Toronto year round doesn't help. The broadcast level video cameras are unfortunately out of my price range if purchased new- not sure about used, the EX cams don't come up too often in my area. I'm thinking I may go for a DSLR, probably the 7D (haven't heard too much about the T3i and it's manual capabilities although I do like it's $1000 less '), still a bit nervous about the DSLRs ability to shoot continuously for some time though. Thanks for sharing the pro-tip, it's already helped me in being more realistic about the types of cameras I can afford and really need, ideally we'd all be shooting with the best of the best! However, I think for me it's key I start with an entry level so when I do decide to make a larger purchase I know exactly what type of shots I'm drawn to, and the type of work I'm getting (another question in it's self! How DID you all get to working in underwater video?!). Many thanks!

hi folks! Thanks for all your replies! To answer a few questions, the type of work I'd like to produce is mainly documentary style, somewhat in the experimental realm. I do enjoy taking photographs, however mainly I'd like to be recording. 7D users, what's the length of time you're getting on continuous shooting underwater? The guy at my local camera shop is saying I'll get 7 minutes, which I suppose is a fairly long time, but for my style shooting a like to have really extended shots for pure observation. All the DSLR clips you all have directed me to have been great, it's really really making me lean towards team DSLR, especially for traveling around reasons. Oh yeah, as far as my budget goes (RealDrew), it's not for a production (I wish!!), it's for the camera I'll be using for idea's I want to further myself. I'd really like to spend as little as possible, but I know that I'd going to have to stretch it to get quality (that's why I'm even considering something like the EX1)... a few months ago I was sure I would just get the T3i and be set, then when I went to go purchase it the local cam shop guy brought up those points I mentioned in the OP and got me obsessing over which choice to make. Seok you make a great point in de-valuing especially since this is the first "real" camera purchase I'm making, I may want to change it up as early as next year! Drew, I tried to find more info on the Canon FX10x but I guess my internet skills aren't the best cause I couldn't find much! Any more info you've got on it would be great (I understand you're probably busy though!). Thanks again everyone for your input! And Capt. Caveman, that real life example was perfect- it puts a lot of things into perspective as far as confidence with equipment, and how especially with documentary I want to be able to capture the unexpected quickly with quality! One more question! When I brought up that I knew there were lots of videographers using DSLRs underwater to the local camera shop guy, he said that the only way they were doing that was by having multiple cameras and camera-persons... How often is this the case? thank you thank you thank you for the advice!

Hi all! I've been poking about the forum for a few days, trying to search videos and opinions on DLSR for underwater videography vs. a video camera. I'm sure there's a wealth of knowledge out there, I'm just having difficulties accessing it! Any advice I can get is greatly appreciated! Here's what I'm working with! I recently graduated film school, so I know my way around video cameras, not so much dlsr but I've been on a few sets and tried out the 7D. I've recently been introduced to scuba and feel at home beneath the waves. My dilemma is that I've been planning on buying a camera to mainly work on documentaries on, something easy to travel with is key. I went to my local camera shop ready to purchase the T3i or maybe even get talked into the 7D, when the man working told me it was all wrong as soon as I mentioned my interest in shooting underwater. He told me horror stories of DSLR sensors heating up and everything being out of focus... then he led me to the video camera section- very pricey.. not sure if this was a sales move or he genuinely wanted me to have the best experience above and below the water! ANYWAY, now I've stretched my budget and am considering these two video cameras JVC GY-HM100U, or a used EX1. OR do you (the people who have experience in shooting underwater, the sales man didn't) think I can use the T3i, or since I am interesting in spending my life savings anyway! the 7D. Thanks so much for any input. I understand all these cameras have their pros and cons, and may come down to personal preference.

Hi all, New to scuba, but have been studying film for too long. Looking forward to learning from this site!