Hurricane (Waterproof) HD Video Camera

[Stuart Robinson]

For this years hurricane season, I am looking to run a rather cheap waterproof HD camera from Sanyo
http://us.sanyo.com/SANYO-Store/VPC-WH1YL-Waterproof-HD-Video-and-2MP-Photos
$400
The camera runs HD 720P (30 FPS) which is more than enough for my needs (Web with some TV work) Also is solid stage (no moisture issue with tapes) Water proof down to 3 meters
OK I know that it will NEVER stand up to the quality of a professional camera from Sony etc but believe me I have had some big repair bills over the years.
Any one tried one - are they any good ??

 

[Jason Foster]

For this years hurricane season, I am looking to run a rather cheap waterproof HD camera from Sanyo
http://us.sanyo.com/SANYO-Store/VPC-WH1YL-Waterproof-HD-Video-and-2MP-Photos
$400
The camera runs HD 720P (30 FPS) which is more than enough for my needs (Web with some TV work) Also is solid stage (no moisture issue with tapes) Water proof down to 3 meters
OK I know that it will NEVER stand up to the quality of a professional camera from Sony etc but believe me I have had some big repair bills over the years.
Any one tried one - are they any good ??

Stuart....if you are crafty enough, making your own enclosure is certainly an option. I've got a case ready to be modified based on whatever pro level camera I get....I know many of the guys I've chased with have done their own and haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

if you are crafty enough, making your own enclosure is certainly an option. I've got a case ready to be modified based on whatever pro level camera I get....I know many of the guys I've chased with have done their own and haven't had a problem yet.

Seems a lot easier to just fork over $100 for one specifically designed for your camera...This one made for my Sony is $99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=600363&is=REG

 

[Jim Saueressig]

Better read up on it and I would say its a very risky purchase. Seems most say it leaks or just dies and sanyo blames all failures on the customer.

According to Sanyo, any water damage is "Customer Neglect".
"all the o-rings are not user-replaceable and the manual specifically tells you that they are only good for one year."
"I received a call today from the repair center and the unit passed all of their tests for waterproof and still had water inside. Their statement was that someone must have submerged the camera without closing it properly (absolutely untrue)."

For this years hurricane season, I am looking to run a rather cheap waterproof HD camera from Sanyo
http://us.sanyo.com/SANYO-Store/VPC-WH1YL-Waterproof-HD-Video-and-2MP-Photos
$400
The camera runs HD 720P (30 FPS) which is more than enough for my needs (Web with some TV work) Also is solid stage (no moisture issue with tapes) Water proof down to 3 meters
OK I know that it will NEVER stand up to the quality of a professional camera from Sony etc but believe me I have had some big repair bills over the years.
Any one tried one - are they any good ??

 

[chadvia]

The Kodak Play Sport is only around $150 and seems to be of similar video quality. I've used it in the pool, heavy rain, and water rides with no problems. Like you said, the video isn't as good as a true HD video camera, but not bad for the price and still shoots up to 1080 and can take 5mp pictures.