The Waterproof Camcorder

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Diving, Snorkeling and More with a Waterproof Camcorder

Electronics in general are pretty sensitive in regards to exposure to water. However, for those who want to capture video when in or near the water there are solutions. Whether you're into snorkeling, diving, or just capturing video of the kids in the pool, a waterproof camcorder can be a fun and functional device.

We'll introduce you to some of the current and upcoming waterproof camcorder models and present you with a few other options that may suit your needs. In fact if you're new to underwater filming, stick around, at the bottom of the page we offer some resources to help you get on your feet.

Contents at a Glance

The Options for Underwater Filming with a Camcorder
Things to Consider Before Buying a Waterproof Camcorder
Shop for a Waterproof Camcorder

Waterproof Camcorder Reviews
Waterproof Housings
Make Your Own Waterproof Camcorder Housing

more...

The Options for Underwater Filming with a Camcorder

If you're wanting to capture video underwater there are a few options.

Purchase a waterproof camcorder. This can often be a good option if you'll be doing quite a bit of filming underwater. The primary drawback is that the number of choices is somewhat limited. You can see some of the top choices below.

Purchase a camcorder with a waterproof housing. This option can get a bit expensive if you purchase a high quality housing designed specifically for your camcorder. The better housings can cost several hundred dollars but it can be a good choice for those who do a great deal of underwater filming and have a camcorder that has all of the features they want. We have a few housings listed below.

Purchase a waterproof still camera, or camera with waterproof housing, which can also record video. Increasingly still cameras have video capabilities. If your filming needs are pretty basic then you might want to consider one of the waterproof camera models.

Make your own waterproof camera/camcorder housing. This obviously takes some time and effort, and requires a bit of skill, but can be quite affordable. We have an instructional video below.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Waterproof Camcorder

Choosing a camcorder to use underwater isn't too difficult but there are of course a few things to think about first:

Just as with any camcorder purchase, consider image quality/resolution as well as sound quality. Sound isn't always your first priority when filming underwater, but if the device will be used above or away from the water as well, sound quality becomes much more critical.

Determine what features you want. How much zoom is desired? How about image stabilization (which can eliminate some of the unwanted movement)? Remember, the optical version is superior to the digital version.

Length of recording. Think about how long you want to be able to record before needing to download.

Think about your filming needs and the depth at which you will be filming. The various waterproof camcorder models can be used at different depths of water. Some are good only in shallow water such as encountered when snorkeling. Others will go deeper and can accomodate diving.

Still images. If you're interested in being able to also capture still pictures make sure that the camcorder has the ability to do this, and perhaps do it while filming.

Simple, easy to access controls. Operating a camcorder while underwater can take some practice and having controls that are easy to operate is important.

Shop for a Waterproof Camcorder

The Sanyo Xacti

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 Digital Camcorder and 8 MP Digital Camera (Blue)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: $224.88 (as of 12/25/2009)

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 Digital Camcorder and 8 MP Digital Camera (White)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 6MP Waterproof MPEG4 Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (Blue)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 6MP Waterproof MPEG4 Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (White)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 6MP Waterproof MPEG4 Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (Yellow)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

The Sanyo VPC WH1

Sanyo VPC-WH1 HD Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 30x Optical Zoom (Yellow)

Waterproof to 10 feet.

Amazon Price: $313.85 (as of 12/25/2009)

Panasonic

Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Red)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: $295.00 (as of 12/25/2009)

Panasonic SDR-SW21 Shock & Waterproof Camcorder (Green)

Waterproof to 6 feet.

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/25/2009)

Panasonic Waterproof/Shock Proof Compact SD Camcorder - Silver (SDR-SW20S)

Waterproof to 5 feet.

Amazon Price: $305.95 (as of 12/25/2009)

Bonica

Bonica Replacement Underwater Housing for the Snapper Dive DV Camera, Waterproof to 180'.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Bonica Snapper Suit for Sony W-50 and Sony W-70

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Bonica Underwater Snapper XP & Neon XP Strobe & Maclens XP Lens Assembly, with Carrying Case

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/25/2009)

Oregon Scientific Waterproof Camcorders

Oregon Scientific ATC 5K Waterproof Action Cam Flash Memory Video Recorder with 1.5-Inch Color LCD Screen, Still Image and Web Cam Capabilities (Blue)

Amazon Price: $219.99 (as of 12/25/2009)

Oregon Scientific ATC 3K Waterproof Action Cam Flash Memory Video Recorder with Web Cam Capabilities (Black)

Amazon Price: $139.99 (as of 12/25/2009)

Waterproof Camcorder Reviews

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2 Demo - JR.com

Runtime: 169
4302 views
7 Comments:

CES 2008: Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Camera

4.340909

Runtime: 151
41498 views
56 Comments:

[No-Edit CES 2009] Panasonic to announce its Camcoder 'SW21'

Runtime: 90
1224 views
3 Comments:

SHINY PREVIEW: Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 waterproof camcorder

4.4444447

Runtime: 85
14377 views
33 Comments:

ATC3K Action Camera Review

4.3023257

Runtime: 127
51704 views
28 Comments:

Travel: Life is a Beach (Filmed with Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1)

Runtime: 562
6954 views
47 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Waterproof Housings

Sony SPK-HCD Waterproof Sports Pack for underwater use with DCR-SR220, 45, 55, 65 Camcorders

Amazon Price: $139.95 (as of 12/25/2009)

Flip Video Underwater Case for 1st Generation Flip Ultra Camcorders

Amazon Price: $34.15 (as of 12/25/2009)

Sony MPK-DVF7 Handycam Marine Pack for DCR-HC 21, 32, 42 & DCR-DVD 92, 203, 403

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Sony SPK-HCB Sports Pack for DVR-DVD105, 203, 205, 305, 403, 405, 505, 92, DCR-HC21, 26, 32, 36, 42, 46, 90, 96 & HDR-HC3 Camcorders

Amazon Price: (as of 12/25/2009)

Canon WP V1 - Marine case for camcorder

This housing will fit the Canon Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 camcorders and will provide the lightweight protection needed to dive in water up to depths of 130 feet while filming.

Amazon Price: $408.99 (as of 12/25/2009)

Make Your Own Waterproof Camcorder Housing

A couple of instructional videos

How To Make Low Cost Underwater Camera Housings & Bags

4.367347

Runtime: 323
22937 views
18 Comments:

Underwater Camcorder Mod! $10!

Runtime: 109
243565 views
1180 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Underwater Filming Tips

Underwater Video for Beginners: Video tutorial available for those who sign up.
So You Want to Get Your Feet Wet?: Tips from a pro.
Tradewind: From how to enter the water to lighting and exposure.
Family Videos: Some basics of shooting underwater.

Let Us Know You Stopped By!

submit

Reply

spirituality spirituality Jul 30, 2009 @ 10:38 am

Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)

Reply

elad elad Jun 12, 2009 @ 12:56 pm

great hints and tips and also some great videos definatly 5******.
Have just completed my lens and could do with some constructive feedback
"get snappy with a great waterproof camera"

thanks in advance.....

Reply

Eduardo Eduardo Apr 21, 2009 @ 4:59 pm

Does anybody know where I can get an cable leading from the camcorder to a remote lens that I can affix to my kayak helmet?
Thanks

Reply

poddys poddys Feb 25, 2009 @ 2:26 pm

This is what I would love, if I had more time to go snorkelling and diving. I love both, just don't get enough time. 5*****

Reply

kiwisoutback kiwisoutback Feb 25, 2009 @ 12:55 pm

Nice work! I'd use one underwater if I went diving, but the one time I tried I nearly blew out an eardrum from the water pressure. Looks like these can take some great shots! Found you on StumbleUpon by the way.

Reply

pmolinero pmolinero Feb 25, 2009 @ 12:47 pm

Great tips and very well presented. In fact I am planning to buy a new camcorder this year and I think I will consider a waterproof one. This will add a lot to the fun I will have with my daughter at and in the sea.

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Photo Credits

Introduction: jurvetson.
The Options: Rob Inh00d. (no derivative work allowed)
Things to Consider: Jose Manuel Segovia. (no derivative work allowed)

This lens is listed at Lensmasterworld.com and Isle of Squid.

mulberry

by mulberry

A waterproof camcorder can be a great tool if you spend time snorkeling, diving or at the beach and want to capture those images. Learn about the vari... (more)

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