Posts tagged helmet

Description

Water-resistant housing lets you capture beautiful underwater scenery to a depth of 17 feet. Includes camera mounting shoe, built-in microphone and external controls for power, zoom, record, and photo capture.

Features

• Usable Depth: Up to 17ft(5m)
• Records audio via built-in stereo microphone
• Compatible with nearly all 06-09 Handycam Camcorders
• Button Functions: Power On/Off, Record Start/Stop, Zoom Tele/Wide, Mode Video/Photo and Photo Capture

Reviews

Good for the price

by Eric Austin from VENICE, FL, US on 2010-04-07
This thing is a much larger then I thought it would be. The viewfinder is not really useable in bright sunlight or underwater. That said when it was strapped to my kayak the video was great and the controls easy to use even the underwater video looked great!! It does need some lead in it to make it less boyant. Great overall product for the low price!!

It Is BIG

by C. Young from SOBX, NC USA on 2010-01-12
This thing was way bigger than I expected. I just opened it, looked at it. Double checked online to see that it was for my model Sony HandyCam, then closed it back up and returned it. Never read the manual to see how my cam was suppose to mount inside it. I think I could have stuffed at least two probably three of my HandyCam CX500s inside the case. I had a Canon, camera was larger, but its underwater case was less than half the size of the Sony.

Why I Love My Sony Underwater Use Sport Pack for Camcorders

by David Saddler from Wilmington, DE on 2009-11-07
I bought the Sony Underwater Sport Pack to use with my Sony HDR-XR500 because I wanted to bring the camera to the beach. The HDR-XR500 is a very sensitive camera and you do not want to expose this camera to the fine sand at the beach. The fine sand will get into the inner workings of the camera and it will cause problems. So, by putting the camera in a water-proof enclosure before I go to the beach, I bypass this problem. But the Underwater Sport Pack enclosure is not the easiest thing to use. Because it utilizes a mirror to reflect the viewfinder’s image, it is difficult to use in bright sunlight. But if you wear polarizing sunglasses, it makes it a little easier to see the viewfinder in the mirror. I wish there was a way for Sony to have incorporated a water-proof remote control for the underwater package. The controls on the exterior of the enclosure are OK, but it is hard to operate the zoom as smoothly as I could with the remote control I have on the tripod.

waterproof camcorder casing

by R. Biron from Connecticut USA on 2009-06-11
Product arrived quickly packaged nicely. It will do the job and I’ll be able to use my sony camcorder snorkling, diving and at the beach. It seems a little pricey, but protecting the camcorder and all the memories is important! Thanks!

Sale Price: $75.44

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Description

Dirt, Snow, Rain, or Shine, capture all the action with the ultimate, all-terrain digital video camera! It’s even WATERPROOF up to 3 meters with NO additional casing! With a new expanded 48 degree Field of Vies, the hands free digital video and audio captures all the thrill of your adventure in 640X480 VGA resolution (up to 30 frames per second) with the 32 MB internal memory (expandable to 2GB with built-in SD drive, 2G card not included). It’s 3 button operation mode makes the ATC2K incredibly user friendly. This product comes standard with a carrying case, and mounting accessories, making it easy to connect the camera to helmets, bikes, and a wide array of other equipment. It also comes with both USB and RCA cables for quick, direct playback on either your PC or TV (NTSC). PC requirements: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, OSX10.4 and below.

Features

• Operates with 2 AA batteries, not included
• Full-function, hands-free, digital recording
• Waterproof up to 3 meters and shock-resistant for extreme conditions
• Mounts easily on helmets, handlebars, and other sports equipment
• 640 x 480 VGA resolution at 30 frames per second
• USB and RCA cables included for easy playback on PC or TV (NTSC)

Reviews

Its not perfect but it works.

by jmc29 from on 2010-08-30
Batteries Runs down fast. Mounted on handle bars of my motorcycle. Good picture quality. Little shaky on acceleration. Mic is worthless(wind) for the price i like it. Looked at similar items on ebay and some were going for 400-500.

Great Value- I was impressed

by Jake from on 2010-08-18
I purchased this camera right before going on a mountain biking trip. It comes with several accessories to attach the camera to whatever you have. I tried the handlebar mount the first trail and the video was horrible b/c the trail was so rough. the camera was rattling around so much that it made you dizzy just watching the video. Next I rigged it to my helmet. That seemed to do the trick. Make sure you have your helmet on tight to keep the camera from bouncing around and you might need to improvise a little to get all the wiggle out.

Overall I was very impressed with the quality of the camera for this price point. The controls are simple enough and easy to turn on one-handed on your helmet while still riding your bike. I can’t wait for winter to come around to take it out snowboarding.

AWSOME ACTION

by STEVE from on 2010-08-11
I mounted this on my x7 phenom barrel, and it works perfect for its use…can take a shot to the system and keep rollin…its tough…i got it for 50 bucks plus shipping here on amazon…
yeas there are cons like low res and fps (but still good out doors not in) its not an imax film tho…and if you have a lot of recoil it can shake digitally. my gun almost has no recoil..also not good indoors with low light…outdoor is perfect even under clouds…..so yes its excellent in my opinion….replay thoes kills & adjust your game play…oh yea and the sound is crap ‘Unless’ you modify it by taking out the waterproof gasket whitch makes it only non-submersable but still paint and rain proof…then the sound will magically be good…[...]

simple sport camera fun, but low digital video quality & sound

by fishlady from on 2010-08-10
Camera is easy to mount and use, but quality of video is poor and the sound is bad. Ok to use on home movies for the family. Built tough for the road with mount for motor cycle. Water proof with silicon to use with o rings. Over all its fine for me. Happy and having fun with it.

Solid Casing; Short on Sharpness

by Victor L. Fernandez-Roman from on 2010-07-29
The Action Cam was delivered in 4 days. It has a very solid cassing. The video sharpness is basic analog standard. However, it’s light weight and the price is right!

Wolfpack

Description

The POV MAC-10 from Back Door Sports is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a wearable camcorder to record all the action. Whether you are skiing down the slopes, riding an ATV, white water rafting or exploring underwater, the POV MAC-10 is the perfect choice to capture the thrills. Weighing less than an ounce and measuring just ¾ of an inch in diameter by 2 1/2 inches long, the MAC-10 is one of the smallest cameras on the market and is submersible down to 30 feet (10meters). With the touch of a button, this waterproof action camera records video at 30 frames per second in the AVI format with a resolution of 736 x 480 and a view angle of 63 degrees. The MAC-10 also records audio with its built in microphone. The 4GB of onboard memory will record approximately 2 to 3 hours of the action. With its rechargeable battery, the MAC-10 will operated 2-3 hours on a charge. To view the action, simply plug the unit into a computer with the USB cable included, or upload to You Tube, no additional drivers needed. The MAC-10 includes Comprehensive Velcro Mounting Kit (mount to any surface or object) and charger. The MAC-10 will Work with Win98, WinME, WinXP, Win2000, Vista, Win 7, and MAC.

Features

• Waterproof and Submersible up to 30 feet (10 Meters)
• Built in 4GB Memory (2.5 – 3 hrs)
• 30 Frames Per Second Recording Speed with 736 X 480 Resolution in the AVI video format
• Weighing less than an ounce and measuring just ¾ of an inch in diameter by 2 1/2 inches long,
• Works with Win98, WinME, WinXP, Win2000, Vista, Win7, MAC

Sale Price: $299.99

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Description

ContourHD1080p is the World’s First Full HD Wearable Camcorder to shoot and share 1080p video. Perfect for an outdoor enthusiast looking for the ultimate video quality you can configure. It features four HD settings (1080p, 960p, and two at 720p) with two frame rates (30fps and 60fps) and four configurable settings (metering, contrast, exposure, and microphone sensitivity). But, most important the ContourHD software will share your adventures in “Lifelike” 1080p video to VholdR.com. With its single button operation and dual lasers for alignment, ContourHD1080p brings the biggest HD video online with the popular and easy to use ContourHD camcorder line.

ContourHD is the World’s First and Smallest wearable video camera. Its light (4 ounces) but armored aluminum body means you can capture video in any weather conditions.

To be operated with a pair of gloves on, ContourHD uses a single button to capture up to 8 hours of HD video to an internal MicroSD memory card (compatible up to a 16GB card). With no wires or tapes, the ContourHD helmet cam makes it easy to capture Full HD video from within the action.

What’s In the Box?

* ContourHD Camera

* MicroSD Card (2GB)

* Goggle Mount – Wear your ContourHD Helmet Camera on your goggles

* Flat Surface Mount – Ideal for non-vented helmets and flat surfaces, this mount uses an all-weatherproof removable adhesive pad to adhere to almost any surface.

* Extra Adhesive

* Rechargeable Battery (3hrs)

* USB Cable

Features

• Full HD Recording (1080p) – 1920×1080 pixels – 30fps
• 5 Megapixel Sensor Internal Microphone Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body
• Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
• In The Box: ContourHD 1080p Camera, Micro SD 2GB Card, Flat Surface Mount, Goggle Mount, Rechargeable Battery, USB Cable
• DB ROTH INCLUDES : SD 8GB Micro Memory Card + DB ROTH Micro Fiber Cloth

Description

iVIEW 100CM has an ultra sporty and portable camera that can be used under many settings. This is the world’s smallest and most portable digital video camera with high resolution recording. With included bracket mount, this versatile and weather-proof camera is ideal for all the outdoor sports activity. Perfect for biking, skate boarding, snowboarding, hiking.Package content: video recorder, multi use clip and bracket, USB cable, AC adapter, Protective Sleeve, Strap and Velco, Helmet Holder, Clip, Chain/Helmet Belt, User manual.Features & Spec:Quick & Easy Installation;Video Evidence Collection;Thumb Size housing;Manually and sound activiated recording;Web camera for online video chat;Supports AVI and JPEG;Low illumination, high resolution image of 2000K pixel;High speed recording and quick light response 30 frames per second for 640*480 video output;Supports 8GB Micro SD (max);Supports USB 2.0;Flexible installation with clip & bracket;Built-in rechargeable battery;Easy operation with LED indicator;Operating systems: Windows 98SE & up

Features

• The world’s smallest and most portable digital video camera with high resolution recording.
• Ideal for outdoor activities and sports.
• High resolution 2M pixel image, 30 frames per second, 640×480 video
• Supports up to 8GB Micro SD
• Flexible installation with clip and bracket

Reviews

OK little camera

by Bryan Spiegel from Pittsburgh, PA United States on 2010-08-20
I bought it thinking it would be worth a shot, since there was a “used” one from an Amazon partner. To my suprise, it came new in the box.

First impression, its small. Nicely small. Its not waterproof, not in the least. As a “sports: camera, consider it mostly out. Came with a nice assortment of accessories, a standard mount, a bycycle helmet mount, usb mini cable, charger and driver CD. Oh, and a silicone body sleve, and wrist strap. plastic feels cheap. Mounts feel like they will break by looking at them too hard. Main clip fits snugly and well. Buttons are small and well labeled.

Lets take a look at a few of the manufacturer’s specs:

Thumb size alloy housing (thumb sized, but not alloy, unless by alloy you mean plastic)
Low illumination, high resolution image with 2000K pixels (hot high res, and low light is just as you think it would be)
High speed recording and quick light response (washout from going from shadows to sunlight, not quick at all)
Support up to 8G Micro SD card (not included) (bad slot, ended up having to open it up to get my card out because it was aligned poorly)
Built-in 2600mAh rechargeable battery, lasting up to 2 hours (which appears to be bulging… bad battery!? Fire hazard?))
Charge time: 2 hours
Easy operation with LED indicator (2 leds, various flashes, kindof easy once you rememeber what it all means)
Flexible installation with clip and bracket (bracket might hold on for a light stroll, but anything more, I wouldnt trust it)

This is not WEATHERPROOF, although I guess you could say that warm sunny clear days count as weather. The motion quality of this is pretty bad, once everything stops it will get kindof clear, but move again and its all over. Washout from light changes is pretty bad. It takes a second or 2 to adjust.

Manufacture’s website has little or no info, and it is hidden under netbooks. Engrish language instructions dont help a ton, but I have seen worse.

Glad I paid less than $30 for this, and feel sorry for anyone who shelled out $80. Bought it to record motorcycle rides, but that wont be happening. Think this is getting a return trip.

Sale Price: $199.00

Description

Starnex proudly presents Camball, the world’s smallest camcorder. The size and shape of a golf ball, this tiny digital video recorder’s many unique features stand out among camcorders. You can shoot live videos hands-free (with the sports band or other optional accessories), listen to music on the MP3 player and use it’s motion detection function for surveillance. Camball is perfect for outdoors and extreme sports enthusiasts with 2 hours of continuous recording to catch all the action. From skateboarders and cyclists to skydivers, skiers, scuba-divers and surfers, there is accessory for all to make filming fun and simple. Playing back your videos is a breeze on your PC or TV. In addition, Camball can also be used as a driving recorder. It’s easily mounted on to the dash of your car,* to record memories of that great road trip or serve as proof of evidence in the event of an automobile accident. Battery time is no issue when you have the USB Car Adapter and Adapter Cable to supply continuous power from your car battery. The motion detection function makes Camball (SG31 model) a great nanny/baby cam or nature cam in addition to other surveillance uses in your home, retail store or office. Such versatility allows you to use Camball however you wish, whatever your needs.

Features

• motion detection function for surveillance recording
• shoot live videos hands-free with the sports band or other optional accessories
• easily mounted on to the dash of your car to record memories of that great road trip or serve as proof of evidence in the event of an automobile accident
• listen music with built-in MP3 player function wherever and whenever
• waterproof case that resists the pressure of 130ft deep water

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Description

A water-resistant camera for all seasons, its light (4.3 ounces/123 grams) anodized aluminum body withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. It is also shock, vibration and impact resistant.

Features

• Full HD Recording (1080p) – 1920×1080 pixels – 30fps
• 5 Megapixel Sensor
• Internal Microphone
• Removable Lithium-Ion Battery; records up to 4 hours
• Aluminum and Fiberglass Water Resistant Body

Reviews

Splendid Camera for the Price

by M. Perez from Los Angeles, CA USA on 2010-08-08
I bought my camera in May of 2009 and used it for over a year attached to a motorcycle. For the price, the video quality was excellent in bright daylight, in shade during bright daylight, and at dusk. I did not try it at night. This camera was used under very punishing conditions, high heat (mounted near the engine of a high performance motorcycle with over 1000 cc displacement), high speed jolting, and high direct speed (up to 130 MPH). It always performed flawlessly. It’s ease of use–the easy-to-access on/off switch–was particularly important as I had to turn it on and off while I was wearing leather gloves and managing the motorcycle at speed.

Although the software for download is not really the best, once you figure out which format you want to use, it’s simple to use. Whether in HD or regular speed, the image quality is excellent. Battery life was never an issue for me and I believe I kept it going for at least 2 hours at a time without failure.

I dropped it several times but it had no effect on performance afterwards. I did cause a problem otherwise with the machine myself, but I was able to get help from the VholdR tech people via e-mail. They were incredibly responsive, polite, fast, and helpful. I contacted them on several questions and issues and every time they were fantastic. They absolutely get an “A” for quality customer service. My most recent contact was in August 2010 and they were fast and thorough.

I cannot speak to the failures others say they experienced. All I can say is that with over a year of hard duty on mine, it never failed and always produced quality videos. My only complaint is that wind does affect the microphone. Once you exceed 30 MPH, the wind noise predominates the audio. However if wind noise is not an issue for you, the audio quality is actually quite good. It will easily pick up someone talking in a normal tone at 30 feet away.

I thought so highly of this camera that I just bought a second one (August 2010) because my son often wants to use it. So far, that one is just as good as the one I got in 2009. Given the prices and the configurations of the nearest competitors, I think VholdR is the best for the price, and the best even for a higher price given its robust durability and ease of use.

Serious disappointment

by Karen Cottrell from Jordan Valley, Or. on 2010-08-06
I bought the camera to record some of my flights in my plane. Something was wrong with it right out of the box. The computers that I have were not able to recognize it. The video’s while nice were not able to be viewed without Quick time, Since the camera could not be seen by the computer there was no way to edit without buying Quick Time Pro which was a pain all by itself. I could get the video edited, but could not get Quick Time to upload any music, from anything, CD’s Files, nothing. All in all a royal pain in the butt. I declined to return it for repair, and just returned it. Amazon was nice enough to allow me to return it.

Initial Failure and Over Priced

by Eric Ausen from Washington DC on 2010-08-04
Keeping the two topics separate..(performance and initial failure of my camera)

BLUF: Camera is equal to Go Pro, sexier than GoPro but has poor mounting options. Think carefully about mounting before selecting between the two. If you want mounting versatility at no additional/ hidden cost the Go Pro is a better choice by giving you lots of mounts for the same dollars as the Vhold’s single mount.

More detail:

Aside from my initial product failure.. the overall performance and quality seems good, I would ding the design of both cameras for

1) not providing a standard camera screw mount on the bottom
2) not providing an LED visible from the back of the camera to indicate that the camera is off/on/filming this could be done with a simple 3 mode LED

The Vhold unit worked for a week but now only records about 3 minutes and shuts off.. I have 2 batteries and the unit fails to operate with either battery

I bought the Vhold and my brother bought the GoPRo

The VHOLD has only one mount and does not have a standard camera thread. For the same price the Go Pro has equal picture performance and has a variety of mounts that are very versatile including a weatherproof system and a suction cup.

I have spent 50 dollars extra on a mount and shipping now.

The picture quality is equal.
The Vhold has a sexier form factor

But Vhold is I think about 75 dollars over priced.

I would recommend Vhold include mounts and some extra memory or drop the price by 75 dollars to be competive

BTW the customer service to handling the repair has been excellent. Very responsive and cooperative… here is hoping you do not need that part!

I look forward to having a good performing (over priced) camera in a month!

here is a link to a video using the Vhold
[...]

and one with my brother’s Go Pro for comparison

[...]

Good luck!

Eric

lens quality is mediocre

by Andrey from on 2010-07-23
Overall camera design is good, especially big sliding button is very convenient to deal with, when using gloves.
However, the most annoying fact for me was blur on the left and right screen edges.
I’ve bought both ContourHD 720 and ContourHD 1080 models, and both went to trash can for the same reason.
Seems that lens quality is mediocre even for that cheap camera. That’s the main “no-no”.
And I’m not the single upset person with similar complaints on lens quality, if you go to vholdr support site, you will see plenty of other poor sods with similar issues.
Blur is either at the center of the screen or at the screen edges easily see at at any videomode.
Bought GoPro HD, which is less convenient and more fragile at handling, but at least has non-flawed image quality.

Not happy, lots of distortion

by Mike Clark from on 2010-07-15
I purchased the 1080P contour for an event at Laguna Seca. Everything arrived ontime and was all set for the event. After the event I setup the software for playback and every video I took had horizontal lines distorting the picture! Needless to say I was pretty upset. I called Amazon and explain the problem and it was very easy to get a replacement 1080P and memory card. I received the replacement units the very next day! Excellent service by Amazon.

I charged the replacement unit and tested it by taking a video of my son. It had the same exact distortion as the original unit! There is no distortion when it is perfectly still but as soon as you move it around with your hand it would have these horizontal lines that made the picture completely unwatchable.

I returned this unit as well and have not purchased another camera since. Very disappointed with it.

Description

Capture amazing underwater scenery up to 17 feet (5m) with the SPK-CXA Sports Pack and your compatible Handycam® camcorder. Constructed from rugged ABS plastic and glass, this sports pack also shields your camcorder from rain, snow and other moisture. Easily access external controls for power, record and photo capture while keeping your camcorder protected. Also includes camera mounting shoe and built-in microphone.

Features

• Stylish Protection: Hard-plastic housing shields camcorder from sand, rain, snow and other moisture
• Convenient: Convenient shoulder strap
• Listen: Records audio via built-in stereo microphone
• Usable depth: Offers waterproof protection up to 17 feet deep.

Description

Loaded with Kodak Max 800 Film.Easy to grip and take pictures, even when wet.Water proof to 35 ft.27 exposures.One-time use camera, loaded with 35mm Kodak Max 800 film.Rugged, shock resistant design.Sharp/Best Lens: Specially designed Ektanar lens, scratch and sunscreen stain resistant.Sharpest pictures: Ektanar lens together with Kodak Max Versatility Plus Film provides the sharpest pictures*.Kodak recycles: 100% of this camera by weight will be reused or recycled when your photofinisher returns it to Kodak.Limited warranty: This product is guaranteed against defects in materials, workmanship, labeling and packaging until the stated expiration date. Kodak’s sole obligation in the event of such defects, or if the film contained inside is lost or damaged by us or an affiliate, is to replace this product with a comparable product containing unexposed film. Except for such replacement, the sale, processing or other handling of this product is without warranty, condition or other liability even though the defect or loss is caused by negligence or other fault.Some camera parts may have been recycled under our environmental action program.Kodak worldwide sponsor of the Olympics.*Of any underwater one-time use camera.Made in USA.

Features

• Single-use camera
• Waterproof up to 50 feet
• Shock-proof rubber shell
• Scratch-resistant lens
• Stocked with Kodak MAX Versatility Plus 800 Film

Reviews

Not a good buy

by vbalasub from on 2010-09-08
I recently bought 4 of these cameras for a snorkeling trip my friends & I were taking. We were able to take some pictures on the boat to the snorkeling destination as well as underwater. However, out of all the photographs taken on all 4 cameras (some 108 photographs) only 1 image was developed and that too was extremely grainy & terrible (this was an image taken on the boat out of the water). The person who developed the film indicated that some water might have leaked into the cameras. The cameras have been a complete waste for me and I do not think I will buy this one ever again.

Convenient but lacking in quality

by K. Johnson from on 2010-08-10
The camera is rugged and definitely waterproof! Because it doesn’t have a flash like other underwater cameras I’ve used in the past, the picture quality isn’t all that great. The pictures I took out of water and with the sun out came out perfect!!! But under cloudy conditions the pictures come out grainy. But it served it’s purpose and my digital camera is still in tact, so I’m happy.

Great water & beach camera

by Duece from Charleston, IL on 2010-08-05
I purchased 2 of these cameras to take with me on vacation to the Philippines. I have used this camera before going to beaches in Florida and the pictures came out very good. I used the first camera on a diving expedition. We got at least 50 feet below the surface and the pictures came out as good as a digital camera on a sunny day. It was very sunny that day and did not rain the day before which may have attributed to the clear pictures. I was very happy to see that the camera did not break or any pictures become exposed from the deep water pressure. I used the second camera when I went to another beach in the Philippines in which it did rain the night before, but the pictures came out quite clear and allowed for me to be able to keep great memories. I would strongly suggest this product to anyone looking to have a cheap and reliable alternative to an expensive camera for diving or beach fun.

Awful Pictures

by Long Beach from on 2010-08-03
Not sure it was old cameras or what happened but only about 20% of our pictures turned out decent for an underwater camera. Most pictures were taken out of the water and still were blurry and looked like the camera was being shaken by an earthquake, even pictures that we know should have turned out perfectly. Very disappointing. Maybe a bad batch or old cameras. Not sure, but cross your fingers you have better luck.

Underwater Cam Good w/ plenty of light

by Elle Gee from on 2010-04-06
This underwater camera works great if you have a lot of light. However, if there isn’t a bright sun or a bright light around, then your pictures won’t come out.

Description

Water-resistant housing lets you capture beautiful underwater scenery to a depth of 17 feet. Includes built-in microphone and external controls for power, zoom, record, and photo capture.

Features

• Usable Depth: Up to 17ft(5m)
• Records audio via built-in stereo microphone
• Compatible with nearly all 06-08 Handycam Camcorders

Reviews

Works good

by juka from on 2010-07-16
i bought this for my wife for our trip to Aruba. We took it on multiple snokeling trips and it worked very well. It also worked well to pack the camera in.

glare in the mirror

by Ronald Clark from South Padre Island TX on 2009-08-25
the controls work with the SR12. I use it outdoors for keeping camcorder dry and protecting it from the salt air and water.
It is hard to frame the subject because the glare is coming through the lucent case and the mirror from behind. It is hard to see the LCD which is turned inside out to visualize through the mirror assembly
What is the fix
Thanks
Ron

Good waterproof case for Sony camcorders

by R. Barclay from Edmond, OK United States on 2009-08-15
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R12DYAM3E5Q4TI I purchased the Sony SportsPak to use on a family vacation to the Bahamas and was very pleased. This is video I took while snorkeling off Grand Bahama using the Pak with a Sony DCR-SR82 HDD Camcorder.

I highly recommend the SportsPak if you are looking for a good waterproof camcorder case for the ameteur videographer at shallow depths. I kept it at no deeper than 12-15 feet.

To open the case there are two buttons that you have to simultaneously slide that will reduce the chances of accidentally opening the unit underwater. The Pak comes with a long strap that you can place around your shoulder to drag the Pak through the water behind you as you swim/snorkel while not filming.

The Pak comes with a multitude of adapters to fit many Sony camcorders; however it is not large enough for my older DCR-TRV320 Digital 8 format camcorder. The Pak is about 9″ long, 7″ wide and 5 1/2″ tall. In the water, the Pak is extremely buoyant — which is good and bad. Loaded with a camcorder, the unit will rise to the water’s surface like a cork so you won’t lose your camera into the abyss, but the buouancy makes it hard to dive with while snorkeling. I suppose you could add some ballast to the Pak to make it neutrally buoyant, but I did not try it.

A wire on the interior of the unit plugs into your camera’s AV output slot that activates the exterior buttons on the Pak. These buttons allow you to power on and off your camcorder, start and stop filming, and use the camcorder’s zoom functions. It also lets you toggle to the Photo Mode of your camcorder, and toggle to Play mode — however, for some reason you can not play your recorded video using the external controls — only the thumbnails of the scenes are visible on the screen.

The supports that hold the flip-out mirror for the viewfinder in place detach rather easily and definitely could have been better engineered. And if you do not use the provided anti-fog drops, the unit WILL fog up. However, if you (1) follow the included instructions that tell you to load the camera into the unit while indoors (in the air conditioning and out of the humidity), (2) use the anti-fog solution, and (3) DO NOT OPEN THE PAK outdoors or in the sand, it stays clear with no fog.

The camcorder screen’s reflected image on the viewfinder can be difficult to see in certain light; however, I also put the anti-fog solution on the Pak’s viewfinder’s mirror and that helped me to better see the image I was recording. (Of course, often it is difficult to see a camcorder screen’s image just using it by itself in bright sunlight!) After use, you must remove the camcorder and wash the Pak thoroughly and lubricate the O-ring with provided lubricant to maintain the O-ring’s longevity.

When using above the water, you will want to carry a towel to dry water droplets from the housing in front of the camcorder lens — otherwise, you will have water droplets in your shots.

I can also envision using the SportsPak while filming kids’ sporting events in the rain or using it on the boat at the lake just to protect the camera from an accidental drop into the water. All in all, we had a lot of fun filming with our new Sony SportsPak.

Weird looking, But a great product

by MinnieWinnie from Ill. USA on 2009-06-08
Great Camcorder Housing case. I have tried it right out of Box, without camcorder because I did not believe it would work. I submerged into water, open case, dry and no leaks. Can’t wait to try at the beach with Grandkids. Here is another satisfied customer at item and delivery.

Awesome feature

by Big Rig from AZ USA on 2009-04-29
I found this underwater box to be excellent, although the volume when using the box seems magnified loader than using the camera alone. I took this on Splash Mountain at Disneyland and got a great video of my daughters getting splashed…