Underwater housings... « Videomaker Community Forums

BryantProductions
Member

I don't really have the money to dump on a $1,100 + underwater housing for my VX2100, and I know I won't be using it too often, anyway. I was planning on an urban rafting trip (there is a large stream that flows under most of the city I live in) and I wanted to document the whole thing without risking my equipment. Is there some trick with a plastic bag or something that I might be able to use? If not, I just won't bring the camera.
Thanks in advance!

-Chris

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

As someone who loves Class II canoe/camping trips, I've struggled with this same dilema (but haven't yet had the guts to take the cameras).

What's the point of owning the cameras if we don't use them for great stuff like this, eh?

I don't think I'd trust plastic bags though. For still cameras, I've used ammo boxes that I purchased from Army Surplus, then tested to ensure they were water tight. I packed a towel around the inside, so that the camera would fit without banging around, then tied the ammo box to the cargo netting of the canoe.

Well, needless to say, when a great shot arose, it was usually gone before I could retrieve the camera.

I recently saw a water housing gizmo that the VX2100 would fit and it was priced under $300, but dang if I can remember where I saw it. Perhaps in a DV Magazine ad.

Let us know what you decide to do and how the trip turns out!

Posted 5 years ago #
On a Roll
Member

Well....

Ziploc baggies go a wonder for my loose meat sandwich leftovers, but I really wouldn't suggest them for anything like this, even i they'll preserve your camera's flavor. :-D

But seriously, I would be VERY nervous about trusting any bag or tupperware to protect my cameras in something like this.

I would say that you should try to find someone locally who may already have a waterproof kit, and affer to rent it from them.

If you had to build something, you could go to a home improvement store and pick up some plexiglass, foam, and silicone caulk, and build an enclosure. I can't imagine a flawproof way to seal the lid on said box, let alone holding it or controlling the camera at all, but at least it has the potential to keep the camera dry.

However, this is a thought, and in no way intended to be an actual suggestion. If you build such a contraption and ruin your camera, I'm not responsible.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

A rain cover will handle the spray, etc. but not a dunking. I've got two different brands of rain covers and both are fine. You'll want to at least use a rain cover while shooting, but you'll need something sturdy and waterproof for general on-board carrying.

Posted 5 years ago #
BryantProductions
Member

Yeah... I was just going to get a rain cover for it, but if my luck kicks in and the camera makes it into the water at some point, I'm out a couple bucks. I've got a cheaper TRV740 that I would feel better about just wrapping in plastic, but I'd rather have my better camera...
Hank, I'll look aound for that $300 housing... I may not use it too often, but that price can't be beat with a stick. I'll let you know if I find it (...and if I ever go on this little adventure, I'll be sure to cut it together into something cool for you guys to see).
-Chris

Posted 5 years ago #
BryantProductions
Member

So far it looks like the least expensive one goes for about $470 at:
http://www.weatherornotphoto.com/ewvviho1.html

Posted 5 years ago #
holsum
Member

If anyone is still looking for an affordable Camera housing I would recommend Epic Camera Housings (http://www.EpicCam.com) They are lightweight easy to use and work with a wide range of video cameras.

Full disclosure I work over at Epic.

-Holsum

Posted 3 years ago #
sketcht
Member

A good way of testing waterproof housings is toilet paper. Fill the thing with toilet paper first. The slightest bit of moisture just destroys it and is very obvious to see.

Posted 3 years ago #
birdcat
Moderator

Do you really want to lug the VX2100 on a rafting trip?Â I gave my wife an Olympus digital camera (also does some video) that is waterproof to 30 feet (actually works underwater with sound) and drop proof from 5 feet - You can see what it does here - http://birdcat.com/video/pool0608.html

I find it works fine for family stuff (not professional level as it only captures 640 X 480) so I guess it would depend on what you're trying to film.

Bruce Paul
7Squared Productions
http://www.7squared.com

Posted 3 years ago #