Recommendations for U/W Digital Cameras with best "Video" mode

[sytech]

I am a novice photographer but am very interested in being able to shoot underwater video footage.

I had been thinking of getting the Bonica Snapper HDDV model but just saw some footage taken in the video mode of the SeaLife DC800 and the video looks fine for my purposes. Go to:

SeaLife Underwater Cameras

My questions include:

I suppose the amount of time for video on this or similar camera would depend on the memory capacity and the battery life?

Has anyone had experience with this particular brand of camera and how durable is it? Would also like any reommendations for other digital cameras (am partial to "dedicated" cameras) with video mode or camcorders themselves.

Thanks,


Sy

[N2-UK]

Somewhere around is an earlier thread I started when I discovered what a battery muncher my DC600 is.
It's a good camera, takes great stills & video, and the built in 'underwater' or sea settings are really useful.
And they bounce! Trust me on this - you don't have to try it yourself.
The only issue has been with the battery life.
I've now got a Haenel charger & some batteries other than the original & the situation has improved but I've recently been emailing Sealife for advice.
The last reply said this:-

"Thanks for your letter. I have to say that the DC800 made a real improvement in this regard. I have been getting lots of compliments on how it can last for 3 each 70 minute dives and still have battery power left. Typically the DC600 is getting 2 each 30 minute dives."

(2 each 30 minute dives? where's he diving?)

If this staement is correct it makes it a damn good camera compared to most equivalent 'land' cameras in housings.

pm me if you want any more info.

Nigel

[ChristianG]

Without, in any way, wishing to defend either choice you are talking very basic camera systems, built down to a price. You pays your money and you takes your chances.

Having said that I know nothing at all of video anyway, yet they are both essentially still cameras with a video option. Enough said I suppose, other than that compromises almost inevitably don't work or, to put it another way, fish is not flesh and vice versa.

[Eddie Clamp]

:eek: Without, in any way, wishing to defend either choice you are talking very basic camera systems, built down to a price. You pays your money and you takes your chances.

Having said that I know nothing at all of video anyway, yet they are both essentially still cameras with a video option. Enough said I suppose, other than that compromises almost inevitably don't work or, to put it another way, fish is not flesh and vice versa.

Funnily enough I got into a little video thingy using my very basic Canon Poweshot A620 with associated u/w housing during a recent trip to the Red Sea. The results are pretty poor as video goes but I was rather chuffed with my amateur efforts. :p

I embedded the short video clips as links only in my trip report which can be read at: http://www.bsac.com/diverreports.asp?itemid=5366&itemTitle=Wrecks+and+Reefs+on+MY+Juliet+%2D+August +2008&section=1242&sectionTitle=Middle+East&cat=&new=. Clicking on the link will take you to the video clip. :eek:

[nigelhoath]

Lionfish defending her eggs against a hungry grouper!

Eddie that was a better drama than East Enders, better acted, better written and better filmed including that lovely sound. You deserve an Oscar

:D

[Eddie Clamp]

Lionfish defending her eggs against a hungry grouper!

Eddie that was a better drama than East Enders, better acted, better written and better filmed including that lovely sound. You deserve an Oscar

:D

:D Thanks. Of all my short videos there on YouTube that seems to be the one most visited. Can't really understand why though! :confused: