Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIGITAL CAMCORDER FOR SCUBA DIVING USE?

Apr 25, 2006 9:34PM PDT

I am interested in recommendations in connection with my future purchase of a digital camcorder for use almost exclusively underwater for scuba diving. Currently, I only do underwater still photography, and have no experience with underwater video or its equipment. I am a novice photographer and would be looking more into a camcorder that at least offers "point and shoot" technology. Also interested in purchasing strobes for such a camera, but have likewise limited knowledge on such equipment. Can anyone help with recommendations? Please reply directly to me at Macy34@aol.com.

Many thanks.

Mark

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
It's a bad idea to post your email address in the clear like
Apr 26, 2006 12:18AM PDT

that. Spamming bots will pick it up very quickly. Also, the point of the forum is for everyone to see the posts. If people email you directly, those posts will not be seen by other people.

I am not aware of any camera that operates underwater. You probably need a waterproof container that the camera fits into. My suggestion is to find the container before you select the camera. The containers are probably not available for very many low priced cameras.

Check B&H Photo and Video for the containers, and for lighting.

- Collapse -
It's a bad idea to post your email address in the clear like
Apr 26, 2006 1:08AM PDT

I agree with your comment re: spamming, but since that email account is not primary, I'm not too concerned about spam.

I must clarify my original post: I am not looking for a videocam that operates underwater, but rather a land camera for which I would purchase an underwater housing. I disagree, however, with your advice that I find the ''container'' for the camera first. I would want to make the best possible and reasonable choice for the cam as a prerequisite to purchasing a housing for it. There are housings available for just about every model of cam currently made, so it's important that I find the right cam, then find the manufacturer who makes the housing for it. And that's where I need the assitance -- with recommendations for a good, easy to use and quality digital camcorder, with the caveat that it will primarily be used underwater on dives.

Thanks again for your comments.

Mark

- Collapse -
My 2 cents
Apr 27, 2006 11:46PM PDT

Well, the Canon GL1 is very durable, and it has "point and shoot" (also know as "Auto Mode") capibilities. Since its an older version, it will be priced considerably less the its more modern (and delicate) caounterpart the GL2.
Now, for underwater housing, I'd google "underwater camcorder housing" and see what comes up.

Hope that helpped,
Chris