ChickenCityDiver 0 Posted April 26, 2005 Does anyone have an insight into the Sony DCR-PC1000.? I'm looking at it but would like to hear from someone who's used it before. Pros & Cons. I was also looking at a housing by Light & Motion called the Mako, anyone used info.? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike L 0 Posted April 27, 2005 Well I have used the PC350 (predecessor) and sold a number of them as well. I did check out the new PC1000, its a nice unit. I will be buying one this week for my rentals. As for the quality I cannot comment yet. HOwever, my rep has told me the quality is even better than that of the PC350, which I have been really pleased with. As far as the Mako, that is a top notch housing!. Nice and compact, all features are accessbile, same great quality as every other L&M product. I have been quite pleased with all of their housings, and the Mako is my best seller. The compact size (smallest of all the housings for that camera) is excellent, no drag in the water, easy to travel with. Do yourself a favor though and add the monitor back...that is more of a necessity than an option in my opinion. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM. Best of luck on your quest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kjnmermaid 0 Posted April 28, 2005 I have a Mako housing for the PC120 (version before the 330) and have been extremely happy with it. It is a wonderful housing, and Light and Motion is a great company. In addition to the monitor back, you might want the wide angle port as well, and the lighting system they have is great as well. I've been shooting with mine for about two years. Everything I've read about the PC1000 indicates that it's a great camera. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peterbkk 110 Posted May 26, 2005 I can comment on the Mako housing although I am a relatively new user. The engineering of the Mako is great. The design clearly shows their experience. The buttons are positive and convenient. As far as water-tightness goes, it is probably the safest housing I have ever taken underwater. The seals are all double O-ring, the O-rings and sealing surfaces are all visible and they slide into place with a nice positive sealing action. Invest some more money and get the Monitor back - gives you a lot more control and visibility over what you are taping (also you need the Monitor back to be able to use the Momentary Auto-Focus button). L&M are not cheap but the quality is worth it. I use the PC330 (2 models before the 1000) in my Mako. Happy with results so far. The DCR-PC1000 appears to have 3 shortcomings for UW use: 1. no socket for external microphone (maybe not a big deal for UW video but I like to keep some of the UW background noises on my soundtrack) 2. grainy images in low light (I have not seen this tested UW) 3. internal battery so no option of a larger, longer batttery (could be a problem when using the L&M monitor back because the back draws its power from the camcorder's battery.) I personally chose to stick with the 330 for a while longer and see what happens as 3CCD, CMOS and HD all advance over the next 12 months. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that Sony will deliver a new DCR-PCxxxx model that overcomes the shortfalls of the 1000 and maybe will fit into my Mako with nothing more than investment in a new tray... Regards Peter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motionsync 0 Posted July 4, 2005 Any new about Sony DCR-PC1000? Have somebody tested underwater? Is it a better UW Camcorder that the PC350? BTW I think that the new Sony HDR-HC1 will be great for UW Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anthp 0 Posted July 5, 2005 Lambis, the new Sony HC1 looks good for UW in a number of aspects - except that you have to control the WB with the LCD screen. I don't know if there are LANC solutions to this with some housings tho... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmyates 3 Posted July 5, 2005 I had a PC100, and then upgraded to the PC330, which I still use. Both great camcorders. The Mako is a great housing, and I agree that if you're going to get it, you should get the monitor back. However (as much as I like the Mako), I suggest that you check out other housings, too (e.g., Ikelite, Gates). The Mako is extremely expensive, and not upward compatible if, for example, you later decide to upgrade to a HD model of camera. L&M did a conversion of my Mako from the PC100 to PC330, but charged me $1,500 to do so. For that, I could have almost bought a new housing in several other lines. Some of the other brands allow you to use the camcorders own monitor (swung out to the side), making the housings a fraction of the cost of the Mako with monitor back. Don't get me wrong...if money is no object, I don't think you can get a BETTER housing than the Mako, and it's a great, compact rig. But another brand will save you thousands of $$, and allow you the option of spending that money on your next camcorder and housing, which I'd guess you'll want to do within a year or two when HD rigs come down in size and cost... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motionsync 0 Posted July 5, 2005 Thanks I think I will wait untill the HC1 is out and tested on the field. HD is the way to go and the HC 1 will be, I hope, a great uw camcorder. Maco is a great housing but i thing to expensvie for a camcorder like PC350 For the HC1 maybe it will be a better choice. BTW Ocean Images make to some realy great and inexpesive housings Imaging a small housing for the HC 1 with all controls and 4" monitor back for 1500-2000 USD? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
