Hammacher Schlemmer
The Shirtpocket Underwater Camcorder is for an affordable waterproof video camera that doesn't require a separate housing to go underwater. You can use Hammacher Schlemmer's underwater camcorder to 10 feet deep. The camera shoots in MPEG-4 digital video and stores it on an SD memory card; it can also take still shots up to 8 megapixels resolution. At around $200 (in 2010), this model is the most affordable option for a handheld waterproof video camera.
Sanyo
The Sanyo Xacti WH1 is another waterproof video camera with no housing required. It is the most advanced in the Sanyo Xacti line and Consumer Search called it the best of waterproof cameras. Also good to 10 feet deep for a maximum of one hour at a time, Sanyo's camera takes MPEG-4 digital video and 2 megapixel still shots and stores image files on an SD card. The 30x optical zoom is good for catching far-off objects even with the limited depth allowance. At around $300 (in 2010), this underwater camcorder remains fairly affordable for recreational users.
Sony
Sony offers several models of video cameras that places such as Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo recommend as the best underwater camcorders for recreational videographers, including the SR5 and DVD610 as entry-level cameras under $300 and the HC9, SR12 and CX7 as ultra-compact models. The Sony models cannot be taken underwater without a protective housing, but many housings available for select Sony cameras make them a convenient choice for consumers. Underwater camcorder housings for Sony models are available from Amphibico, Bluefin, Stingray and Top Dawg in both recreational and professional grades.
Panasonic
The Panasonic HVX200 is one of the top underwater video cameras for professional broadcast use, according to Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo. Like Sony cameras, the Panasonic requires a separate housing to be used underwater. Gates housings are made to fit the Panasonic HVX200 and offer underwater features to adjust for lighting and motion, as well as protect the camera itself.
Red One
Red One cameras were introduced into the cinema field as cutting-edge high-definition video at reduced cost; Red One cameras shoot uncompressed video at twice the resolution referred to as HD. The Red One 4K with Gates housing and the AquaVideo RED1 offer the top option among underwater video cameras for cinema use. With a price just over $17,000 (2010), Red One cameras are a deal compared to the original price tag of cinema-quality underwater cameras of over $100,000.
Splash Cam
For underwater video cameras on a cable that film deep sea marine video without a diver, the Splash Cam Delta Vision Industrial provides options for either color or black and white film. Splash Cam's model uses a 3.8 mm lens and internal lighting to film deep sea video while you watch streaming content using a portable monitor on a boat.
