Jules (Helioxfilm) 1 Posted February 24, 2008 I spent yesterday several hours in the Sealux factory, discussing the new housing for the EX1. They make a huge-huge effort to build a great housing for it - and I was lucky to get the following question: "Which controls would you like to have on the housing? Just tell me, we will check whether it is possible or not..." Well, I was not shy and dictateted a long list, however, on my backway to Geneve (which is 500 kms, so I had time to think), I was thinking what is really needed for a wannabee professional like me. Is it zebra so important? Or, taking into consideration Drew's very pertinent comment on the external monitors and the signs/markers which are sendable to them, it is just waste of time and money in engineering this button? The Shutter switch is very badly placed for housings... (IMHO this camcorder is a true nightmare for housing manufacturers who would like to give the most comprehensive controls to it...) What do you think? If you would get the question, what would you answer: what do you want to control underwater on the EX1? Please check the pics aout the camcorder, it has a lots of buttons, dials, switches... Jules Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted February 25, 2008 I would also suggest people read the manual for the PMW-EX1 to understand what controls can be assigned to the 4 ASSIGN buttons and Picture Profiles. This allows the removal of redundant controls and allow viable suggestions to be made. I personally want basic controls for exposure, shutter, zoom and REC and make the housing well balanced for handling. The rest can be done in post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick Hope 151 Posted February 25, 2008 Without being familiar with the EX1, here's my list for this level of camera and housing: MUST HAVE power on/off record/pause zoom shutter speed auto/manual shutter speed iris auto/manual iris focus auto/manual focus (big mechanical knob) white balance auto/manual/mode white balance set flip colour correction filter gain auto/manual gain ND filters NICE TO HAVE creeping zoom - i.e. good control over slow zoom speeds momentary auto focus - this is the one control I like electronic so it can be operated wobble-free in the middle of a shot flip diopter (achromatic if possible) peaking zebra AE override (typically to stop down a little from auto exposure) picture profiles menu control of lights if they are intergrated NOT BOTHERED PERSONALLY flip expodisc VCR mode & controls Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jules (Helioxfilm) 1 Posted February 25, 2008 (edited) To backup Drew's suggestion: Assignable buttons and possible functions... (first short name, under long name, explanation) Marker All marker indications (safety-zone marker, center marker, aspect marker, guide frames) on/off LastClipDEL Lastclipdelete ATW ATW function on/off Rec Review Rec Review start/stop Rec Recording start/stop Freeze Mix Freeze Mix start/stop Expanded Focus Expanded Focus function on/off Spotlight TLCS Spotlight mode on/off Backlight TLCS Backlight mode on/off IR Remote IR Remote Commander enable/disable ShotMarkl Shot mark l insert ShotMark2 Shot mark 2 insert Fader Fader on/off EVF Mode EVF screen mode (color/monochrome) switching BRT Disp Brightness level indication on/off Histogram Histogram indication on/off Lens Info Depth-of-Field indication on/off Edited February 25, 2008 by Jules (Helioxfilm) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PCDiver 0 Posted February 25, 2008 Nick, I like VCR controls. Especially during those long deco stops. Watching the footage just shot kills the time. But that only works with a decent monitor. Peter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick Hope 151 Posted February 25, 2008 Yes, Peter, if I was still tech diving I would agree with you. But personally I never use the VCR mode on my Bluefin. I suppose expanded focus on an assign button would somewhat make up for lack of a peaking control. Peaking is a really nice feature though. I use it a lot topside (coloured red and at the maximum setting). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted February 25, 2008 Peter, get a video media player and hang it on the deco line for when you get there. Köszönöm Gyula Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jules (Helioxfilm) 1 Posted February 25, 2008 Well, with my previous Phenom housing I also enjoyed the VRC mode during decos... Fortunately the record review button is avalaible on the grip, so you can review the last seconds, or even the last clip you recorded. Expanded focus is also there, right next to the review button. Drew - I was not aware of that, thanks for your mail... Jules Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick Hope 151 Posted February 25, 2008 Inverted council recycling bins work well. Keep your laptop in it and get on with capturing while your body's off gassing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted February 25, 2008 Here is the solution to the Shutter control issue: http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23160 Inverted council recycling bins work well. Keep your laptop in it and get on with capturing while your body's off gassing. Huh? Are you saying to transfer while underwater? And keep your laptop inside one of those bins? What you been smoking Nick? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick Hope 151 Posted February 26, 2008 Sarcasm Drew. It's a British thing (and also the lowest form of wit). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SimonSpear 65 Posted February 28, 2008 Sarcasm Drew. It's a British thing (and also the lowest form of wit). Don't give him anymore ammo Nick Dive safe Dean(under Simons cloak)B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeanB 19 Posted July 31, 2008 Heres a link ( i hope) to the sealux housing for the Sony EX1 http://www.sealux.de/s1e.htm Looks cool.. I havent had the chanced to look through it all.. But looks like they are bringing out a dome port to accompany the Sony wide angle lens so you get 120 degree wide full zoom... Also ive heard from a very good looking source that theres a 140 degree in the making.. WOW !!!! Its around £4000 with the flat port making it About a £1000 cheaper than the Gates... with the flat port.. Dive safe DeanB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted July 31, 2008 Dean, the VCL-EX0877 gives about 80° FOV, not 120°. I think they have a WA lens port that support 120°. Your "very good looking source" may be hot but the info don't jibe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeanB 19 Posted August 1, 2008 Dean, the VCL-EX0877 gives about 80° FOV, not 120°. I think they have a WA lens port that support 120°. Your "very good looking source" may be hot but the info don't jibe. Thanks for putting it on the end of Jules Thread...I didnt look.. And as i said I didnt read it through so i apologise for that little mistake... And my good looking friend told me its a 140 in the pipeline.. I have no reason to doubt said info...at the moment.. Dive safe DeanB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scuba_SI 39 Posted January 23, 2009 make the housing well balanced for handling What a good idea! Does anyone know if Jules is still around? Would like to ask him some questions, seeing as i am getting nothing back from Sealux. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
