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Looking for Recommendations on Waterproof Camcorders
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Looking for Recommendations on Waterproof Camcorders
Not too familiar with camcorders or digital cameras so looking for suggestions on a waterproof digital camcorder- heard the HD models are good; looking to use mostly on the boat and beach- any advice on manufacturers, models, etc is appreciated - Thanks!
Start cheap. There are some flip/fold video cameras available in waterproof cases that have reduced resolution, appropriate for internet movies, for less than $100. Learn the issues with camera shake, panning too fast or too slow, changing light conditions as you zoom, etc. on something that will teach you what features are important to you, then go buy something better. You will probably keep the little flip/fold becaus it can hide in your pocket.
This is a viewpoint Solutions 5.0 megapixel 8x digital zoom pocket camcorder (about the size of a pack of Virginia slims) that I bought on Woot.com for about $80.
__________________ If it ain't broke, I haven't played with it.
Start cheap. There are some flip/fold video cameras available in waterproof cases that have reduced resolution, appropriate for internet movies, for less than $100. Learn the issues with camera shake, panning too fast or too slow, changing light conditions as you zoom, etc. on something that will teach you what features are important to you, then go buy something better. You will probably keep the little flip/fold becaus it can hide in your pocket.
This is a viewpoint Solutions 5.0 megapixel 8x digital zoom pocket camcorder (about the size of a pack of Virginia slims) that I bought on Woot.com for about $80.
I think that the above is not HD quality---which makes a big difference in the picture quality. With the housing, using the features becomes difficult at times when pushing the housing buttons--especially when reviewing the video you shot. Also, in and out of the housing can be a PIA. There are Video cameras that come waterproof to a number of feet, that are HD quality and pretty inexpensive. Google it and there are many options and even some reviews for them. I got mine as a gift in a fishing tournament (Catch Documentation) --- it is a non-brand name HD video camera. When it gets wet and/or breaks it will go in the trash.
Get a regular video camera and get a Epic housing for it. For the money they work great. I have a Canon hv20 in a epic housing....Mark http://www.epiccam.com/
HD's Key Features Compared to Typical Megapixel
The key features of HD for video surveillance is: Maximum HD resolution is 2.1MP, maximum megapixel resolution is 16MP and up to 5MP cameras are common from numerous vendors
HD video format is 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080 (megapixel cameras can offer many more formats)
HD aspect ratio is 16:9 (compared to 5:4 or 4:3 in other surveillance cameras)
HD frame rate is 30/25 (where megapixel cameras are often 3 - 15 frames)
HDTV has quality compliance standards (where megapixel simply specifies the number of pixels)
Which is Better?
This is not a clear cut case - it will depend on applications. Some applications really need more than 2.1MP (the maximum for HDTV today) and do not need high frame rates (those should choose non-HD megapixel cameras). Other applications will care more about high frame rate and maximum image quality (where HD cameras will be best).
However, since Axis has put its marketing efforts behind HDTV, expect HD's importance to increase significantly. Indeed, I see this as a cunning competitive move on Axis' part to generate perceived differentiation over incumbent megapixel providers such as Arecont Vision, IQinVision and Mobotix. It also leverages the consumer interest on HDTVs. This aspect may not improve security but it sure does increased perceived quality.
__________________ If it ain't broke, I haven't played with it.
Check out the Sanyo VPC - it runs off a sd card for memory and it is waterproof/submersible to 10 feet. It looks like any other compact video camera and also takes still photos. I just purchased one for $300.00 and then scored a 32 gig SD card for $30.00 - which will give me 8 hours of HD video (over 24 hours of lesser quality) or 23,000+ pictures - yikes. Best part is when your not using it for fishing you can tape the kids hockey game, school play, whatever.
Thanks Chicken. That is a very interesting camera. The Amazon reviews are quite favorable, and the objections there seem acceptable to me. For shallow water still pictures, I like my Pentax Optio W60 anyway.
__________________ If it ain't broke, I haven't played with it.
Check out the Sanyo VPC - it runs off a sd card for memory and it is waterproof/submersible to 10 feet. It looks like any other compact video camera and also takes still photos. I just purchased one for $300.00 and then scored a 32 gig SD card for $30.00 - which will give me 8 hours of HD video (over 24 hours of lesser quality) or 23,000+ pictures - yikes. Best part is when your not using it for fishing you can tape the kids hockey game, school play, whatever.
I bought one of those a few months ago, but I haven't taken it out of the box yet, so no user report yet. I did research before buying, and it looks to be a good v-cam.
Will be using it on, and under the boat this summer.
__________________ Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
I also have a suction cup camera base and had a 4 foot gimbal based camera mount made so I am looking forward to trying out the new camera. Should be able to cover the entire pit with the new set up. Plan on getting lots of high quality footage of inshore and offshore stuff this year.
Looking for Recommendations on Waterproof Camcorders 
