perfect camcorder for diy underwater case

[mitsuguy]

got some junk mag the other day, and in browsing through it, found a JVC mini DV camcorder, but this one is a little different from the rest - instead of having a flip out viewfinder, it has a rear mounted LCD...

Fingerhut - Product

just saw it and figured it would be perfect for those that want some sort of viewfinder.... with this, you could literally seal a tube on both ends with clear acrylic and have a basic DIY housing...

[Theepdinker]

Google is your friend. Less than $200 if you click a few links.
JVC GRDA30 - Google Product Search
Everyprice : Price Comparison Network » JVC GR-DA30 Camcorder»
Camcorders » Camcorders » Cameras & Photography
Quest4Cameras.com - JVC*GR-DA30 Mini DV Camcorder

Theep

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by Theepdinker

Google is your friend. Less than $200 if you click a few links.
JVC GRDA30 - Google Product Search
Everyprice : Price Comparison Network » JVC GR-DA30 Camcorder»
Camcorders » Camcorders » Cameras & Photography
Quest4Cameras.com - JVC*GR-DA30 Mini DV Camcorder

Theep

wow, that is a great price.... so good I might have to buy one anyways...

I hadn't even looked into price

[diversteve]

There was another, better JVC model with the rear viewfinder also. I think it might've been one of the first Everio's. Might be discontinued now. Shame they changed to side mount on their new models. There's a lot of inexpensive tube housings this camera would work great in.

[aeropl]

I have no experience in underwater filming (just an interest in doing it in the future). Do you really need a LCD viewfinder or can't you just aim it using your enclosure? If you are using a PVC pipe with clear ends its almost like aiming a gun cannon by looking down the barrel.

[mitsuguy]

underwater or not, it is next to impossible to guarantee a good shot composition without seeing the viewfinder...

just try taking some still photos sometime and see what percentage come out decently composed...

its not that it wouldn't be "acceptable" it just probably won't be good...

[SteveC]

I've been eyeing this model also. I think it will be my next project.

[diversteve]

Originally Posted by aeropl

I have no experience in underwater filming (just an interest in doing it in the future). Do you really need a LCD viewfinder or can't you just aim it using your enclosure? If you are using a PVC pipe with clear ends its almost like aiming a gun cannon by looking down the barrel.

If you just want to shoot general wide-angle scenes it will work. But for any closeup/macro work it's better to see the LCD or have an external monitor. Or if you want to frame your shots.

Depends on your application, if you're shooting a vacation video, it will probably work fine, if you're shooting to highlight a subject, probably not so much.

I used to have a tube housing with a clear back. My buddy said he didn't want to bother with looking at the screen. He chased a pair of French Angels around a piling one day. As a result, I've got 5 mins. of the top 2/3rds. of one of them on tape. And several minutes of the rocks that were right above where the turtles were sleeping...

[Flatliner]

I am planning on using a little monitor and making my case a bit longer. I already have the digital camcorder so that seams to make the most sense to me.

However, if I was starting fresh, this seems like a great option.

[adv_diver1]

Does'nt Sony have a nice underwater case for several cameras that is in the $300 range?? as anyone tried one?