Sony HVR-A1U and Amphibico KTHC001P: A good deal? at DVinfo.net

Mike Wham · April 27th, 2006, 11:04 AM

I am going to be shooting a documentary on whale shark conservation this summer, and I need to get a relatively inexpensive HD camera and housing. Does this sound like a good buy?

HVR-A1U at B&H (actually $1999 after rebates/discounts.)
Amphibico Dive Buddy EVO PRO HD Arc 10 Discovery Package ($4495.00)

Or would I be better off with something else at around the same price?
Thanks,
Mike

Steve Roark · April 27th, 2006, 02:04 PM

I have a strange-sounding alternative. Since the HC3 is supposed to be more light sensitive than the A1u/HC1, maybe this would be better suited for underwater shots. You'd be giving up built-in xlr audio inputs, but between the lower price of the hc3 and its housing:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation
you'd save enough for a decent DAR and boom mic which probably would outperform anything the A1u could record.

Just a thought....

Mike Wham · April 28th, 2006, 08:25 PM

That's an interesting idea. I will certainly take that into consideration.
Thank you.

J. Stephen McDonald · April 29th, 2006, 10:16 PM

I have a hunch that the HC3 may find some popularity among all levels of underwater HD productions. Due to the hazards and frequent equipment disasters of such activities, the low cost, tiny size, good auto-functions and low-light performance of this model, might result in big production companies packing them along by the dozen, as throwaways. What better camcorder to strap to the back of an Orca, for a wild video ride into its secret world? Who'd know the difference between HDV and HD-CAM, in that environment?

Fabrizio Sciarra · April 30th, 2006, 10:07 AM

Hi Mike, i suggest you to go with the Sony A1, but consider to buy a Gates Housing, much more reliable and defenetely no comparison with the quality of Fathom lenses.Amphibico is NOT affordable (i had three so i know what i'm talking about) Keep in mind that Gates rent as well, so you can save a hell of money if you need it only for a production. Then, if you want to film Whale sharks, you must have a super wide angle. Again no choice, Fathom lens on a Gates housing. Hope it will help
Fabrizio Sciarra
DoP
www.hdunderwaterfilming.com

April 27th, 2006, 11:04 AM	#1
Mike Wham Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston metro,TX Posts: 33	Sony HVR-A1U and Amphibico KTHC001P: A good deal? I am going to be shooting a documentary on whale shark conservation this summer, and I need to get a relatively inexpensive HD camera and housing. Does this sound like a good buy? HVR-A1U at B&H (actually $1999 after rebates/discounts.) Amphibico Dive Buddy EVO PRO HD Arc 10 Discovery Package ($4495.00) Or would I be better off with something else at around the same price? Thanks, Mike

April 29th, 2006, 10:16 PM	#4
J. Stephen McDonald Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 909	I have a hunch that the HC3 may find some popularity among all levels of underwater HD productions. Due to the hazards and frequent equipment disasters of such activities, the low cost, tiny size, good auto-functions and low-light performance of this model, might result in big production companies packing them along by the dozen, as throwaways. What better camcorder to strap to the back of an Orca, for a wild video ride into its secret world? Who'd know the difference between HDV and HD-CAM, in that environment? __________________ Steve McDonald https://onedrive.com/?cid=229807ce52dd4fe0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/22121562@N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos Last edited by J. Stephen McDonald; April 30th, 2006 at 09:41 PM.

April 27th, 2006, 02:04 PM	#2
Steve Roark Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vilseck, Germany Posts: 89	I have a strange-sounding alternative. Since the HC3 is supposed to be more light sensitive than the A1u/HC1, maybe this would be better suited for underwater shots. You'd be giving up built-in xlr audio inputs, but between the lower price of the hc3 and its housing: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation you'd save enough for a decent DAR and boom mic which probably would outperform anything the A1u could record. Just a thought....

April 28th, 2006, 08:25 PM	#3
Mike Wham Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston metro,TX Posts: 33	That's an interesting idea. I will certainly take that into consideration. Thank you.

April 30th, 2006, 10:07 AM	#5
Fabrizio Sciarra New Boot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 21	Hi Mike, i suggest you to go with the Sony A1, but consider to buy a Gates Housing, much more reliable and defenetely no comparison with the quality of Fathom lenses.Amphibico is NOT affordable (i had three so i know what i'm talking about) Keep in mind that Gates rent as well, so you can save a hell of money if you need it only for a production. Then, if you want to film Whale sharks, you must have a super wide angle. Again no choice, Fathom lens on a Gates housing. Hope it will help Fabrizio Sciarra DoP www.hdunderwaterfilming.com