Help! What is the best UW system available today <$3K?

[GHarvey 0]

I have been shooting stills for years and want to switch to UW Video. I'm thinking that going HD makes the most sense if starting out today. I have a trip planned in about 3 weeks and want to have it by then, so I would be interested in this forum's opinion on the best setup available today.

 

I have been thinking about the Canon HF100 with Ikelite housing but have not found anyone using it. Recording to media card seems to make a ton of sense as it take less battery than powering a tape, is smaller and instant read on the PC, yet it's portable and quickly changed out on the boat unlike a hard drive based camera.

 

Thoughts????

Edited January 9, 2009 by GHarvey

[Drew 0]

Hi and welcome to WP. Do a search in this forum on the Canon. You'll find some users leaving feedback and sample videos.

Good luck with your choice.

[GHarvey 0]

Thanks Drew. I did search the forum before posting and there is very little info on the HF100. What I'm really looking for is what this community would recomend in this price range.

[Mike L 0]

Welcome to Wetpixel. If you 3k is your budget, I would highly suggest taking a look at the Light and Motion Stingray HD housing, which is machined aluminum and universal! it comes standard with a 3.5" monitor back as well. If you go with a Sony HC9 camcorder, you can be right at your budget...if you are willing to budge an extra $200 or so, you can pick up the Sony SR12, and that would definitely be my suggestion.

[Drew 0]

Gharvey

Here is a thread with feedback on the Canon HF100 housing and camera with sample video:

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=25567

That's usually as good as it gets in terms of information. If you have an specific questions, ask in that thread.