Home : Video course : Module 1: Camcorders : Underwater Video Cameras

There is no such thing as an underwater video camera! The only way to shoot video underwater is to put a camcorder into a housing. But, there are so many camcorders on the market. Which is the one to choose?

If you already have a camcorder then it may be tempting to find a housing for it but this is not always the best route. You should always judge the merits of the system - not just on the camcorder or housing alone. There are good camcorders with bad housings (and visa versa).

The market for underwater photography is limited and does not support a wide range of choice. Most housing manufacturers have concentrated on the Sony and Canon ranges of camcorders. Indeed, you will be hard pushed to find a housing for any other make. This can be frustrating if you have a Panasonic, or JVC model. Although these are all good camcorders sometimes the only way to house them is to have a custom housing made. check housing availability 

Technology moves forward so quickly and the manufacturers bring new camcorder models out on a six monthly cycle, often making what was 'hot stuff' yesterday obsolete today! This doesn't exactly inspire consumer confidence, especially when you consider that you will not be able to replace your existing model when it breaks (or is stolen) in a couple of years time and, with most video housings, this means the housing is obsolete too!

The other problem is that, if you buy the latest model, there may not be a housing for it! It takes six months or so for the housing manufacturers to catch up and adapt housings for the latest model.

However, you have to jump in some time and probably the good advice is to select a model that is about to be superseded if you want a good deal - the new generation model is unlikely to be appreciably better (but a lot more expensive).