UW Camera recording options to a DVR, or to video cameras, ect?

[Ed Carlson]

Curious on Under Water Video recorder options people have in use other than the Nature Vision DVR system.

What have you used, and with what success?

Thanks,

[aanderud]

I haven't used anything personally, but here are a couple options that will work with any underwater camera that has a composite video via RCA-style plug (I think this is most of them).

First is the older mini-DV style camcorders. A lot of these have a video-in that will take analog video sources and record it to the mini-dv in realtime/live. You hook the camcorder to your computer later via a standard firewire/1394 adapter, and just import and edit the video no differently than if you had taken it with the camera's lens rather than the video input. The reason I mention this type of device is that with all the new cameras recording to flash, these older mini-DV recorders can be had for as little as $50 used on various classified websites or garage sales, etc.

A second option that's really not much different is to find any of the newer "flip" style camcorders that just record to flash memory. Very few of these newer camcorders actually have composite video input. One model that does is the Aiptek A-HD. I can't attest to the quality of this video recorder, but reviews are at least reasonable. This style camcorder might be a better option to go with than the mini-DV, just because it's probably smaller, no tapes required, etc. And the software it comes with probably makes things easier to just upload straight to youtube, etc. Prolly gonna spend more $$ going this route though.

[Brad B]

Hey Brian,

what does Darren use to do his underwater videos. Maybe he will answer this him self.

[Brad B]

I did a search for that brand camera and I see a person can order it on line right from the manufacturer but it is also on other sites. it is not to bad of price either. I may have to order one.

[My_Key]

I used a video capture device and recorded right to my laptop.

[aanderud]

Good point. I was going to mention the laptop but then figured "nah, nobody brings their laptop to the lake". I was thinking about my portable though, and forgot that there's actually some REALLY NICE permanent shacks around. People all over probably bring laptops to the lake any more. Who knows.

[Whopper Stopper]

I have had excellent luck with my older Sony camcorder which uses the mini DVD tapes. I hook this into my Marcum and am able to film everything in real time. I had wanted to post on You T but being I have music in it there was some concern about copy rights. That and it was a little long and would need to be redone. The only problem with the tapes is the need to change them every hour. Surprising how fast the time flies by.

WS

[My_Key]

Good point. I was going to mention the laptop but then figured "nah, nobody brings their laptop to the lake". I was thinking about my portable though, and forgot that there's actually some REALLY NICE permanent shacks around. People all over probably bring laptops to the lake any more. Who knows.

I bring my laptop to the lake in my portable. Especially if my son comes with, it's a multimedia frenzy to keep him occupied. Music plyer, DVD's, Etc...........When he's not with, which means the laptop isn't on his lap 75% of the time, I have a small fold up camping table I set it on.

[DTro]

The Aiptek that Aanderud mentioned is by far the best option. You can also MacGyver the Aqua Vu DVR to work with any camera.

The simplest option is to record the screen image with a video camera, but most likely will end up with black lines across the recording due to refresh rates.

[Ed Carlson]

Great feedback, I have looked at many of these options and a few more new ones in the compact DVR field.

Some new compact DVR units host 30 to 40 gigs of internal memory and also power off 12V and/or operate from the internal lithium Ion rechargeable battery from a 12 V charger, this I find a handy set of features. 30 gigs is plenty of space for many hours of video collection.

A few new compact DVR's also have the motion detection modes so you can conserve on space when not in any need of actually recoding. Compact, portable, internal memory/expandable memory, field durable, and with a remote is my ideal goal. A few of the new compact DVR's do come this way with a fair price.

In a field recorder with a host camera the Aiptek A-HD looks to me to be a very good option. Flexibility of use is a big seller there, price is good too.

The laptop option is very handy for many reasons but is not as field use friendly in the environment I would likely be using it in. Unless it was a Rugged Use laptop like a Fully rugged Tough Book, that would be ideal, but that is way outside my budget right now.

I appreciate all suggestions and options here guys/gals.

Thanks,

[walleye44]

The Aiptek that Aanderud mentioned is by far the best option. You can also MacGyver the Aqua Vu DVR to work with any camera.

The simplest option is to record the screen image with a video camera, but most likely will end up with black lines across the recording due to refresh rates.

Aqua vu DVR's work on any camera with a standard RCA video out. Is the Macgyver commend for an old style system or something?

[DTro]

I was under the impression that the Aqua Vu DVR had a proprietary plug end.

[Shack]

As the camcorder becomes more advanced and with the storage capabilities going the way they are (500gb is very close and needed with HD formats and extended videoing) inputs should be on the list. I know HDMI input on a recording device with out control seems to be a no no in fear of recording copywrited material, but advancement will allow this soon. Even having just usb in would be cool to capture via the outputs of the under water cam. You could then feasibly (depending on the model and available internet access) capture underwater footage via the Marcum with sending it the camcorder and then viewing and editing the footage in the camcorder, rendering it in HD and uploading to the web for hosting. I know with my Sony Handycam their have been some pioneers who reworked the firmware to allow the above to happen, but I figure I have enough on my plate just getting raw footage with the thing.

[Ed Carlson]

Was this the Macgyver DVR thingy your thinking about DTRO?

[DTro]

Yes that was the one Ed,

I also see there is a new Mini DVR from Aqua Vu that has a motion sensor but also $139. Not sure about the connections on that one though..

[Shack]

LOL.

Just sad though that many have either a flash or hard-drive camera with fishing (DVR) that has USB, HDMI & several other ports ready to go, screen viewer & just need the capture card ($20-$60 & may not even be needed anymore with some under water cams) then hit record. I have a 100g with my Sony and even built in editing software. Maybe I will dig into this in a day or two. Why spend even a $150.00 when you have the capability sitting right next you already purchased??? Buying a capture card can be used for many other things also. VHS to DVD, gaming capture and more...

[Ed Carlson]

I was hoping for that easy on-hand option too, but my Nikon will not take video in...just record it internally and send it out..bummer. I called the Nikon tech line, and after I spend about 20 min explaining WHY anyone wants to record fish..he apparently couldn't get over that was my reason for the inquiry....he finally told me.."Most sorry sir it will not record your fish".

What a waist of a half hour that was. Apparently there are very few UW cameras in Mumbai?

[My_Key]

One of the first things I did after purchasing my HDD video camera was try to figure out how to record from an UW cam. Unfortunately, the model I have does not have the ability, yet, but two other models from JVC can right from the factory. Models GZ-MG255 and 155 are capable of recording from DVD/VHS players via a standard RCA type jack.

Wish I would have known that prior to purchasing mine.

[FYGR8]

Durable,easy to use,expensive?.....not compared to all my other gadgets. I have hours.....take that back.......days of video footage all done with the Aqua-Vu DVR. Footage is clear, crisp and easy to edit. If you want to see some footage, just let me know.

[Shack]

SABRENT 4 Channel USB 2.0 DVR Security Surveillance CCTV Digital Video Camera Recorder ADVR-4CMU USB 2.0 Interface

This is cheap ($39.00) and has one poor review saying it does not work, but most cases this review is done by someone who (when review was written) had no clue when it came to hooking it up.

It seems the security surveillance area has some great & cheap options. Also the baby sitter monitoring realm has some affordable digi recording options to rep[lace VHS.

[Ed Carlson]

I ran into that one too...I think one would still need to Macgyver that too in the end, as it still needs power in from the USB some how. So for that reason I'm not feeling it. Very close, but not what I see as optimal.

I found several really very nice Sony Cams in some Pawn Shops, and upon more tech research with Sony....they all would not burn in from an outside video source.....so those deals didn't pan out as I wished. Bummer again.

I found as couple very good 12 V portable options but they are hard to find in the USA, all available stock I found was over seas.

This little project is becoming a real challenge.

[DTro]

Seriously, the Aiptek is great option. I know of a certain outdoors show that uses it specifically for all their underwater footage.

[Ed Carlson]

OK bud, hint taken....I'll look a bit harder at it.

Are you using the 720 P or the 1080 P version?

I appreciate the tip too guys.

[DTro]

Couldn't tell ya, I've never used one. I just know that a Sat morning outdoor program that goes "In-Depth" uses the Aiptek cameras. LOL

[Brad B]

well I am taking a chance and ordered a Aiptek A-HD+ 1080 along with a spare battery and a charger for it. I was able to get the whole package (with 2nd day air delivery) for $138.18 from a place online that is out of new york. hope it works. I will try to post a review of how it works once I get it and try it out.

I do have one other question thou. does the new marcum 625 still have the rca plug or did they go with a different style port for the video out. I may be upgrading to this model next season so I am just wondering if the aiptek would work with it.