Video Camera recommendations

[CFScheer]

Does anyone have any recommendations on a good video camera to use in the boat . I'd like for it to be HD and be a be able to handle a little bit of abuse. If I could get away with spending less than $1000 that would be great as well.

Does anyone know what camera the videos at riptide charters were shot on? They appear to be of a pretty good quality.

thanks - Cassidy

www.sierpedelpacifico.com

[Sea Draggin]

Cassidy,
Tough to go wrong with a sony.

[jig42na]

Let me know how you make out, I'm researching them as well. I am currently using the Sanyo Xacti. It is a cheaper camera but it is water safe and seems to be holding up ok.

[MarioDou]

i had been doing my research on the olympus tough. not as good as any sony hd camera but for me might do pretty well...
http://digital-photography-school.co...gh-8000-review

[terr]

The problem with a waterproof camera is that the quality of the video is usually inferior to a normal camera, especially in low light. Unless you are going to be taking the thing in the water you don't really need a waterproof camera, especially in Costa Rica. I take a zip loc bag, cut a small hole for the lens, put the camera in the bag, push the lens through the hole then tape it tight. You will get some crinkling noise from the mic being in the bag. It makes the camera spray and rain proof and you can't beat the price.

You need to think about recording media first off. Tapes offer the highest quality and you don't have to worry about a hard drive crashing. Problem is there are very few HD cameras on the market, below professional grade, that use DV or miniDV tapes. You want optical image stabilization, not digital. The biggest image sensor, either CMOS or 3ccd, most likely CMOS. Be wary of AVCHD as 1) it is not true HD and 2) it is not compatible with some editing programs.

Try www.bhphotovideo.com, they have the best prices, a great web site and the staff is generally very knowledgeable. Sorry I can't offer any specific suggestions, my SD camera is still kickin.