L&M Bluefin -v- Amphibico Evo

[Wolverinediver 0]

I recently decided on the Sony HDR-XR550V as my camera of choice for underwater video. I arguably could still be convinced to go with a Canon camcorder, but the decision on one had to be made and I opted for a Sony.

 

In looking for a housing for the Sony I have narrowed my choices down to either the L&M Bluefin or the Amphibico Evo HD Elite.

 

I have searched the forum and have read many older posts on both of these housings, but I am still unsure what advantages one housing has over the other. With the exception of the obvious features (larger LCD on Amphibico, sealed electronics on the L&M housing/LCD door, access to advanced functions on the dual L&M handles), and the big difference in price (approx. $900), I was wondering if anyone could share some information that might make my selection a little easier to make? Or maybe point me in the direction of a post or review I missed in my search?

 

I know that a good lens is key to getting the most out of a camera's performance, so would one housing be better than another for the quality of the lenses available? I don't want to get into the benefits that good lighting has at this time, although I probably should take that into consideration also as the cost and ease of adding those on later will eventually come up.

 

I realize that personal preference and budget probably plays a big role in the decision, so please excuse my broad inquiry. I am hoping to hear more opinions so that I can make a better informed decision for myself.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Robert

[BC-SeaDragon 0]

Robert,

 

I have the L&M Stingray G2+ and really wish I spent the extra cash a purchased the Bluefin for the manual focus/exposure and also the flip macro diopter. I do not know if the Amphibico housing offers both the flip CC filter an the flip macro diopter but something to consider there. As far as the housings themselves they offer most of the same controls and a similar shape and size.

 

As far as the left hand control for L&M I honestly don't use it very often, the only time I have used it is from changing from MWB shooting wide angle with the CC filter to outdoor WB shooting macro with lights and no filter. Also changing my light settings but that is strictly a convenience thing and not a must. The left handle does offer you most of your camera functions but again for myself I have not found it that useful. I do believe the L&M lens choices are better being matched up with Fathom ports. I believe Amphibico makes their own ports? L&M also have/had the opportunity to upgrade the camera in the future which is a very nice thing. In Saying that I have the XR-500 and the fathom 90 port both, I have been very happy with but if I wanted to upgrade to the 550 camera I would have to buy a new fathom 90 as they are not compatible.

 

At the end of the day I may be a bit one sided because I do not have experience with Amphibico products but I have been very pleased with my L&M setup.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers,

 

Kelly

[uwxplorer 4]

I have the L&M Stingray G2+ and really wish I spent the extra cash a purchased the Bluefin for the manual focus/exposure and also the flip macro diopter.

Kelly,

When I purchased the G2+ about 6 months ago, I was told that it had a magnetic flippable filter holder that you could replace by a macro diopter. When I received the housing, it did not, but after inquiring with L&M, I obtained a replacement kit and a new filter in a magnetic holder. I now have a magnetic flippable filter, which I can replace by a magnetic flippable macro diopter (which I obtained too, free of charge). You may want to check with L&M. The macro-diopter is only compatible with the flat port though. I haven't had a chance to try it since I am always diving with the Fathom WA90.

 

As a note, the current Bluefin is exactly identical to the former Stingray G2+. The current Bluefin Pro is exactly identical to the former Bluefin.

My 2 cts.

[Wolverinediver 0]

Kelly,

 

The internal filter and macro diopter is something to consider also in my comparison and I hadn't thought about that. Thanks for sharing that information with me.

 

It does seem that anyone who has owned an L&M housing has been pretty happy with them, so that says a lot.

[sjspeck 3]

IDK how much it matters but the Bluefin doesn't have a micro/hydrophone. The Pro and the Evo do.

 

Also the HDR-XR550V with the standard .55 Evo port will vignette slightly. A couple references to it here:

 

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwate...-need-help.html

Edited February 17, 2011 by sjspeck

[Steve Douglas 16]

It's important to think of support and service by the different manufacturers as well.

Steve

[BC-SeaDragon 0]

Kelly,

When I purchased the G2+ about 6 months ago, I was told that it had a magnetic flippable filter holder that you could replace by a macro diopter. When I received the housing, it did not, but after inquiring with L&M, I obtained a replacement kit and a new filter in a magnetic holder. I now have a magnetic flippable filter, which I can replace by a magnetic flippable macro diopter (which I obtained too, free of charge). You may want to check with L&M. The macro-diopter is only compatible with the flat port though. I haven't had a chance to try it since I am always diving with the Fathom WA90.

 

 

As a note, the current Bluefin is exactly identical to the former Stingray G2+. The current Bluefin Pro is exactly identical to the former Bluefin.

My 2 cts.

 

True so at the end of the day your either shooting WA or macro ( like most rigs) so I could always purchase a macro lens in addition because I do not have the flat port. Have you had any vignetting issues with the WA90? I had read posts about people having issues and that "steady shot" must be turned off. I did a dry test with mine and then tested it in the water and have had no problem with "steady shot" on.

 

 

It's important to think of support and service by the different manufacturers as well.

Steve

 

Absolutely! When I first received my Stingray I opened everything up, greased the O rings and went for a pressure test dive without the camera. Opened everything and checked for leaks and all seemed ok. Then did a few dives with the camera and again everything seemed great. One dive I noticed my left hand controls were not working, I dont use them very often so I could not peg exactly when something may have happened but sure enough when I got out of the water and opened it up there was obvious corrosion.

 

Of course contacting L&M straight away and describing what had happened I shipped the handle off the next day and had it returned a week and a half later. So needless to say I have been happy with the support and service thus far.

[uwxplorer 4]

True so at the end of the day your either shooting WA or macro ( like most rigs) so I could always purchase a macro lens in addition because I do not have the flat port. Have you had any vignetting issues with the WA90? I had read posts about people having issues and that "steady shot" must be turned off. I did a dry test with mine and then tested it in the water and have had no problem with "steady shot" on.

 

I m surprised you don't have the flatport... Did you purchase the G2+ without it and with the WA90 directly? I had no idea that was possible.

Anyhow, initially, I made sure that I turned off all stabilization in the camcorder, but once I forgot to do so after a week-end of surface shots and I never switched back! First my shots are more stable (you bet!) and there is no vignetting at all...

[BC-SeaDragon 0]

I m surprised you don't have the flatport... Did you purchase the G2+ without it and with the WA90 directly? I had no idea that was possible.

Anyhow, initially, I made sure that I turned off all stabilization in the camcorder, but once I forgot to do so after a week-end of surface shots and I never switched back! First my shots are more stable (you bet!) and there is no vignetting at all...

 

When I purchased it the G2+ came with the standard 65 degree port, prob a waste now that I have the WA90 but its there for back up if needed. I didn't contact L&M with the question about the vignetting but maybe after all the complaints they came up with a solution.

 

Either way I am very happy about it due to the small size of this housing as stability can be an issue.

[uwxplorer 4]

Either way I am very happy about it due to the small size of this housing as stability can be an issue.

 

I have some heavy lights mounted on the housing, no stability problem. But it's true that bare, the housing is slightly positively buoyant. It's easy to attach or strap some weight pouches, if this is really an issue.

I am actually not sure how or even whether the stabilization works underwater. In any case, it does not seem to be a problem.

[Beckytv 0]

Have you looked at the new housing that Amphibico came out with a few days ago called the Turtle. It looks very much like the EVO but doesn't come with the left handle or the flip filter but they can both be added.

The price is what caught my eye at 1195.00. I also have the Sony 550 and have found some housings don't work well with it's wide angle but the Turtle looks like it has the same wide flat port that the EVO Dive Buddy has. Since the Turtle came out, I haven't been able to find the EVO for the 550 on Amphibico's site, so they have discontinued it.

[Wolverinediver 0]

Service and support are always important in my mind for any product, particularly when dealing with sensitive electronic equipment like this. So it's always good to hear about positive/negative experiences for all products compared.

 

I agree that the price on the newTurtle is very attractive and I have given some thought to that as well. It certainly would leave quite a bit of money leftover to put into a great lighting package. My only concern is that it doesn't appear you can add on a better lens later if you choose. Unless I missed something, the housing is limited to flat port only.

 

One of my goals with the camera is to start capturing video of some of the great wrecks we have here around the great lakes region. Because of the size of the ships, detail, and openings that are not necessarily penetrable, a wide angle lens with zoom through seems like the way to go.

 

Leaking is a concern that I am (as most everyone is) concerned about. There are two other divers in the area here who each use other housing brands for their cameras and they have a lot of trouble with leaks and fogging. A few of the problems were due to poor quality control in the manufacturing process. They were ultimately resolved after several attempts to correct with the manufacturer, but I'd prefer to limit my experience with those things as much as possible. That is how I came to narrow down my choices to these two housings.

[sjspeck 3]

I also have the Sony 550 and have found some housings don't work well with it's wide angle but the Turtle looks like it has the same wide flat port that the EVO Dive Buddy has. Since the Turtle came out, I haven't been able to find the EVO for the 550 on Amphibico's site, so they have discontinued it.

Reef is still selling them for $1495: http://reefphoto.com/index.php?main_page=p...roducts_id=5102

 

Edited February 18, 2011 by sjspeck

[Steve Douglas 16]

What do people have to say about Amphibico's service and support? I have never used an Amphibico but am interested in their rep on that point. I have always believed that it was a high quality product however. I know that Gates has an excellent reputation for their service and support dept and that there have been some reports of the lack of support regarding Equinox and some other brands.

Steve

[walter 0]

hi,

 

i own a amphibico housing (prowler > sony dcr pc330) since 2004. until now i had two problems, scratches on my wide angle lens and a problem (under pressure) with my right grip, it happend after a crash

 

in both cases the service amphibico provided was perfect.

after a short e-mail i got the spare parts within 5 days (per fedex) to austria.

 

so my experiences with the housing and the service are very good, but i am not a pro.

 

amphibico offers the CrystaLens95° Wide Angle Lens.

does anybody know whether this lens allows 100% zoom through (in focus without cropping the edges) in combination with the sony cx550?

 

walter

[Wolverinediver 0]

amphibico offers the CrystaLens95° Wide Angle Lens.

does anybody know whether this lens allows 100% zoom through (in focus without cropping the edges) in combination with the sony cx550?

 

I also am interested in the 95 degree lens and was thinking to bring it up in another discussion, but since you bring it up, does anyone have any experience with this lens from Amphibico? Is there an opinion as to whether there is enough of a difference between the L&M Fathom 90 lens and the Amphibico to make you lean toward one housing over the other? I realize there has been some discussion as to vignetting on the Fathom, but that seems to be addressed not, or so I think???

[Ryan 48]

I have not used the CrystaLens, but know it vignettes on CX550 and requires zooming in 15%. I'm not sure it is over 80 deg at that point.

 

The vignetting issues mentioned w/ Fathom lenses for Light & Motion were for previous versions, and do not apply to what is shipping now. The current Fathom 90 for the 550 cameras is full zoom through with no vignetting.

[crubie 1]

I have used a sony HDR-HC7 (still prefer tapes for underwater filming, just a matter of convenience, especially when on a liveaboard...) with an Amphibico Dive Buddy Evo.

Love the setup, and have received excellent service from the team at Amphibico.

Used this rig quite intensively on a week long trip on the Shearwater and never had a single issue. Very well built in my opinion.

PM me if you would like links to videos shot with this setup or have any questions.

[BC-SeaDragon 0]

Well Robert I almost could of had a great deal for you for a sony 550 and amphibico dive buddy 2! I found the exact rig brand new at about 70 feet today in Cozumel hahaha. Unfortunately it was the dive operators son's rig that they had been searching for the last 4 days, I suppose some free diving is better than nothing but I would have much rather kept it!

 

Have you made a decision yet?

 

After seeing it up close and personal it is fairly similar to a L&M housing but it is a bit bigger and did feel a few pounds heavier. I dont know if you do a lot of travel with your equipment but size and weight is also something to consider.

 

Happy shopping

 

Ciao

 

Kelly

[seok 2]

Hi all,

 

Finally found a video sample of CX550 using the new Turtle housing with fixed front glass here:

(maybe it's the dive ops son's video?)

 

Looks like the optic is pretty good. The only concern is how much it'll cost to replace the fixed front glass if it scratched in the future. And it looks kinda ugly without the port.

 

I have used Amphibico housings heavily with the TRV950 and A1 in the past, and so I'm quite used to the controls and buttons.. which is why I would still much prefer them over L&M housings as their buttons feel quite sticky to me on land (haven't used it underwater).

 

Here's what I think of both housings:

Amphibico Dive Buddy EVO / Turtle

Pros - Easy control, reliable, CHEAP (below USD1600 even after adding left dummy grip, hydrophone, and internal flip filter)

Cons - Fixed glass, no macro filter/port options. I haven't tried this camera underwater but from testing on land, it seems like you have to get really close to the subject to do macro shots. Not sure how it goes with this fixed glass.

 

L&M Blue fin

Pros - Fathom 90 port (with no vignetting), macro filter (anyone tried using the macro filter with this port?)

Cons - More expensive, battery operated grips (can be pros to some for eliminating the risk of leaking from the handles, but if being used heavily on daily basis can be a pain, especially now that they all use LCD viewfinder so that's 3 battery types to take care of!)

 

I don't understand why they phase out the optical viewfinder. Still prefer it over the LCD ones.

 

Hope Amphibico will come up with new nice non-vignetting port for the Evo housings soon which will give Amphibico a much upper hand in my opinion!

Edited February 26, 2011 by seok

[Wolverinediver 0]

Well Robert I almost could of had a great deal for you for a sony 550 and amphibico dive buddy 2! I found the exact rig brand new at about 70 feet today in Cozumel hahaha. Unfortunately it was the dive operators son's rig that they had been searching for the last 4 days, I suppose some free diving is better than nothing but I would have much rather kept it!

 

Have you made a decision yet?

 

After seeing it up close and personal it is fairly similar to a L&M housing but it is a bit bigger and did feel a few pounds heavier. I dont know if you do a lot of travel with your equipment but size and weight is also something to consider.

 

Happy shopping

 

Ciao

 

Kelly

 

Kelly, thank you for the "potential" offer of a complete video rig! Although it would have been nice to benefit from your find, I'm much happier knowing that you were able to help the owner recover their loss. These things are too expensive to just lose to the deep waters.

 

I haven't made any decisions yet. I have been out in Southern California diving this past week and haven't had much time to think about the housings. I wish I had everything together for my diving this past week though.

 

I have thought about the size and weight issues too. Since I do plan on traveling with the video rig it will be important to cut down on the size and weight as much as possible. Just taking the dive gear alone can be a bit much sometimes with the these baggage fees airlines are pushing these days.

[Wolverinediver 0]

I have seen the debate on mechanical -v- electronic, however, having decided on either of these two housings (both have electronic controls) how reliable are these electronics? Has anyone had any experiences with the electronics on these housings that they might like to share? Ease/difficulty for a novice of navigating the options, serviceability for any issues, or cost or repair/replacement if required?

 

At this point I don't see much of a need for all the functions that are available, but that might change with more experience and use.

[uwxplorer 4]

I have seen the debate on mechanical -v- electronic

 

For what it's worth, here is my decision process: I went to the Long Beach dive show after having read a lot online and handled the Aquatica, Gates and Equinox housings. I had some reservation on all three after that, although I appreciated that practice probably would make me an expert of any of them. I asked a lot of questions to Aquatica by email, as that was the one I had liked most. They were very helpful but I still had nagging doubts... Then a friend lent me his L&M Bluefin (an old version with an HC3 in it) and despite the fact that the external display color was awful (*), I so loved the way you control the camera without changing anything to your holding position, that all my questions disappeared: L&M it would be. I sent a lot of questions to L&M as well and got very patient and thorough answers. My Gates dealer turned out to now be an outcast from Orange County (no names will be cited), but handling the housing some more in the store convinced me that my first impression at the show was confirmed.

And you're right, I almost never use the left handle functions. But so far, I have never regretted my decision and am having a blast. And the electronic controls are doing good so far. It's obviously important to take care of our equipment to prevent corrosion (rinse profusely with fresh water, check and maintain O-rings, etc).

Good luck with the decision!

 

(*) having watched some of my friend's first videos, I now know that that was due to incorrect WB by the camera, not the display per se.

Edited March 2, 2011 by uwxplorer

[sjspeck 3]

I have thought about the size and weight issues too. Since I do plan on traveling with the video rig it will be important to cut down on the size and weight as much as possible. Just taking the dive gear alone can be a bit much sometimes with the these baggage fees airlines are pushing these days.

I have a TravelPro roller bag that I believe is the largest allowed as U.S. checked luggage - 9 x 15 x 22 IIRC. My EVO fits crossways with about an inch on each side - I usually pad the port with socks/shirts etc. I also put the camera in a soft lens bag and store it inside the housing for travel. I don't think the TSA scanner can see through it as I've only not been stopped once in 6 years of traveling with it.

 

Has anyone had any experiences with the electronics on these housings that they might like to share? Ease/difficulty for a novice of navigating the options, serviceability for any issues, or cost or repair/replacement if required?

 

At this point I don't see much of a need for all the functions that are available, but that might change with more experience and use.

I've had an EVO since early 2005 - one of the first production run. Since then it's been bulletproof. All I've ever done is change the o-rings. I don't even dunk it in the rinse tank particularly long anymore - often just the time it takes me to clean up between dives. Edited March 2, 2011 by sjspeck