Video Cameras

[Guest]

We want to buy a video camera for onboard use on the Wells Lifeboat (Mersey Class). We want something which is easy to use and which can take the knocks and spray. Any recommendations?

DLA Wells Lifeboat

 

[Trevethan]

I believe Sony produces a range of sports housings for its camcorders... usually bright yellow. The cashing protects against knock and is splash resistant... not waterproof!

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Nick

 

[HaraldS]

I'm using a sony sports case, which is about 1/10th in price compared to the real diving case. Still they allow it to 2m underwater and I had it underwater without any trouble. You can control on, off, record, and zoom all on the handle of the case. From the rear you can look into the regular viewfinder, though not too convenent.
Better: If the camera has one of these sing-out LCD screens, there is a way to turn it inside out and flip it back to the camera. Most Sony cameras switch to mirror view if you do that and you have a mirrored image on the left side of the camera.
The sport case mirror and box outside (flooded) in which you can then see what you are doing very nicely.
With a larger battery you can compensate the power usage of the LCD and still get way over an hour of power on time, without opening the case and changing the battery.
It also has a waterproof microphone in the case, but the sound you get from that is quite bad.

 

[Guest]

I recently bought a Sony DCR-PC120 which is a digital video camera not much bigger that the average mans hand. The reason I chose it was to record some of my sailing/boating trips. I intend to purchase the Sony own brand 'sports case' (waterproof) and the cheapest that I have found it is £189. Until I see it up close I'm not too sure what controls on the camera are catered for, obviously not all the possible controls will be accessable through the case.
There is a company that specialises in diving camera cases, ewa-marine, 08700 660384 or www.camerasunderwater.co.uk. Looking at their web site I got the impression of a well stocked range but at very high prices, I guess their cases are really for proffessional use. You pays your money...etc.

An Ron Beag<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by RON on Tue May 14 12:30:45 2002 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Guest]

If you're thinking about the Sony, I can confirm that they're very easy to use. I wouldn't risk any of them without some sort of case. The sports case is very good value as most of the underwater cases are several hundred pounds.

I have the Sony PC1, which is pretty small, and got it as a prize. Only been used a couple of times as I never really have much use for it so would probably be interested in selling it.

Bill