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Photo : Sony SPK-HCD Waterproof Sports Pack for underwater use with DCR-SR220, 45, 55, 65 CamcordersIn association with Amazon.comRating:  - Sony SPK-HCD Waterproof Sports Pack Cool, affortable item. You can record and protect your camera in very difficult environment. I was using it for a week in the ocean and the beach. It did its job. Only 2 problems: It's hard to see the picture on a camera's display during sunny days, The case is not too well design to see the picture through front viewer, witch your camcorder may not even have. I strongly recommend it! Rating:  - Keeps it dry but problems!I used the Sony SPK-HCD Waterproof Sports Pack with my older camcorder Sony DCR-TRV33, which is not listed as compatible. I was still able to use it except that I had to start the camera with its remote control pointing to the LCD monitor before going into the water. I was not able to use the controls on the Sports Pack, but that was not a problem for me since I had to do a beach shoot that was not deeper than 4 - 5'. The good and the bad: The Sony SPK-HCD certainly keeps the camera dry, bone dry; however, it is almost impossible to see what you're filming in the bright sun of South Florida. I couldn't see what I was filming underwater either, perhaps because at 4' deep, the reflection of the sun still filtered through. Other problems with the glass: The glass area is so big in comparison to the lens of a camcorder that even if you point the camera to your subject, you might get a portion of it, especially if you are close. The glass is also very prone to get smudged or have huge drops suspend themselves on it, making that part of the footage useless. Luckily, I would check the footage often and would re-shoot certain scenes over. This, of course, took up much more of my time and that of my talent. It was very frustrating. The images and sound are very good, though. Recommendations: I would recommend not using the Sports Pack outside of the water in bright sunlight in order to see what you are shooting and have more control of its outcome. Perhaps it is possible to see what you are shooting if you are diving much deeper, as in scuba diving. Rating: - High Quality But Missing One Important IngredientThis is a product that meets most expectations. Quality components, advanced controls, etc. It was highly protective of my video camera both in and out of the water. Controls were easy to use. The electronic interface was easier to use than the manual controls on advanced still and video camera underwater housings. The recommended depth is somewhat shallow, and I will admit to taking it a bit deeper than advised without problems. One minor complaint: The supports for the mirror apparatus were difficult to keep in place while filming. One major complaint: The unit is not weighted to be neutrally buoyant. I required 6-8 additional pounds of weight to take the camera in this housing to depth. Rating:  - Sony SPK-HCD The only one Camcorder Water HousingWell, SPK-HCD is the replacement for all The Waterproof Sports Pack for underwater, is the ONLY ONE SONY have available to purchase, so do not search for any of all the other "Camcorder Water Housing", if you do, this message is what you will find in THE SONY STORE: "This product is no longer available for purchase". The good new is the price, the bad one its only Depth up to 17 feet. Rating: - I love this thing!The Sony SPK-HCD makes time at the beach and or pool more fun. The ability to take underwater pics while snorkling has been awesome, also the piece of mind it gives you becuase the case so well protects my camcorder from the elements. The only reason I dont give it a full 5 star rating is because of Sony's effert to make it universal for so many camcorders it is a little big. I have the DCR-SR300 and there is enough room inside to store another point and shoot and your wallet. Which I guess can be a plus too. Also I wish it were rated for a deeper depth than 17 feet. |
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