Purpose: To video swimmers underwater for instruction.
I have purchased a Panasonic DMC tS2 and think who ever designed the logic of the buttons must be of another species. The video jerks when there zooming when watching. (might be a frames per second thing) and makes a mechanical noise. I'd like to have a camera that: 1) I can put a polarizer filter on to cut surface glare. 2) Easy to use. 3) waterproof 4) Can drop on deck.
I'd like to hear what you are using and what you think. thanks!
Former Member
I have two underwater cameras, and I don't think it matters which camera you buy these days. It needs to be easy to use as far as buttons go and easy to get the video off the camera for you to later review.
The quality of video a camera shoots is kinda meaningless in a pool unless you have pristine water and great lighting. Visibility underwater is surprisingly limited when it comes to analysis. I would say 10M max in the pool that I regularly film at for the person being filmed to be clear enough for analysis. Above water, it is probably more like 100M.
I would also go for cheap since the camera is going to be sitting poolside, the odds of it being lost, stolen or broken are much higher than a normal camera.
My cameras, which I think have about 5 versions released since I bought them, are the Pentax W30 and the Sanyo Xacti VPC-E2. I have posted a few videos of my swims on the forums taken with the Sanyo both above and below water.
Purpose: To video swimmers underwater for instruction.
I have purchased a Panasonic DMC tS2
That's a Lumix model, right? I have two friends that like their Lumix TS1's, but if you don't like the button layout, I'm guessing you'd want a different brand.
Resurrecting this thread because I see Panasonic has announced the successor to the TS2: panasonic.net/.../index.html
I was considering buying a Kodak Playsport video camera, but decided a still camera would probably be a better choice since it can do both images and video. Also the Playsport is waterproof to only 3 meters whereas cameras such as the TS2 are waterproof down to 10 meters.
Resurrecting this thread because I see Panasonic has announced the successor to the TS2: panasonic.net/.../index.html
I was considering buying a Kodak Playsport video camera, but decided a still camera would probably be a better choice since it can do both images and video. Also the Playsport is waterproof to only 3 meters whereas cameras such as the TS2 are waterproof down to 10 meters.
I have the TS2 and absolutely hate the user interface. Want to buy a used one cheap? I just want to turn it on and zoom in and out with non of all those other buttons. What are you doing with the video after you shoot? How about some good ideas on how to take the best video. I am struggling. Do I need a swim scope to attach this too? Best practices anyone?
I have the TS2 and absolutely hate the user interface. Want to buy a used one cheap? I just want to turn it on and zoom in and out with non of all those other buttons.
I think something like the Kodak Playsport might be better for you. For my purposes I'll probably take photos much more than I'll shoot video and I have lots of experience with the interface on Panasonic cameras.
Not sure on buying your used TS2. I have a feeling I'll be able to get a brand new TS2 for pretty cheap once the TS3 goes on sale!
Along with a good camera, you need someone that knows what to shoot & how to manage light. Too long of a film & you lose track of who you are looking at. Shoot one swimmers at a time then pause or use name cards to identify each swimmer.
