Which
Camcorders are Compatible with the AquaCam EX Video
Housings?
Most
camcorders are compatible because the AquaCam EX has
universal camcorder acceptance. The only restriction
is the physical size of the camcorder - it must be no
larger than approximately 4.6+ inches (117mm) high,
4.8 inches (122mm) wide, and 9 inches (229mm) long to
fit inside the AquaCam EX (see Camcorder Fit Check
below). Note that many of the smaller, narrow
camcorders can be elevated on a mounting adapter and
positioned to allow the LCD monitor to open
sufficiently for viewing (typically 50-70 percent
open). For smaller camcorders, shorter shell lengths
are provided according to total camcorder length and
the selected control option. For larger camcorders or
custom sizing, we can manufacture
a
Custom
AquaCam EX Housing.
We
generally recommend Sony or Canon camcorders because
of their features, great video quality, and
reputation, but many other camcorder brands work well
and are compatible with our Basic and Mechanical
AquaCam EX video housings. Many
Sonys
(and
some Canons)
feature
a LANC
or REMOTE interface
(A/V-Remote connector on many newer Sony models) which
is necessary for our Electronic AquaCam EX video
housing. Also, many Sonys have the ability to power-up
the camcorder from the record button (after power
time-out has occurred), which essentially adds
power-on capability to the Mechanical AquaCam EX video
housing. If you desire to have full electronic
camcorder controls, your camcorder must have a
LANC
or REMOTE
interface.
Camcorder
Fit Check: If your camcorder's height and/or width
is close to, or exceeds the dimensional limits noted
above, you can draw a front view sketch of the AquaCam
EX to see if your camcorder will actually fit. Simply
draw a circle (with compass) 5 11/16 inches (144mm) in
diameter. Then, draw a horizontal line 5 inches
(127mm) down from the top of the
circle (see figure). This line represents the top of
the camera tray. Cut out the area along the line and
around the top of the circle. See if your camcorder
will fit through the cut-out area, with the bottom of
your camcorder on the camera tray line. Note that many
of the smaller, narrow camcorders can be elevated
(about 1 inch/25mm) on a mounting adapter and
positioned to allow the LCD monitor to open
sufficiently for viewing (typically 50-70 percent
open). If your camcorder is too large for the standard
AquaCam EX, we can manufacture
a
Custom
AquaCam EX Housing
for
your camcorder!