Now doesn't this look the bees knees
http://www.predatorworld.co.uk/

Geoff

no HD recording... hmmmm
max is 640X480 at 30fps.
Not as handy as the Predator but my compact still camera (Olympus SW1030) records at the same quality level (stats analisys only).
The new Panasonic TS1 offers HD at 1280X720 and by the results I have seen so far it's mighty good.
At £550 the Predator is substantially more exy than the Panasonic too (or most other still cameras with similar features).
I like the compact "eye" (cam) but a waterproof camera can be mounted easily, let's say on a kayak helmet.
There are also the Oregon Scientific offerigs with same quality video.
While Youtube does not give credit to the quality of the video an example of mine at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wil-Rpuu ... annel_page

Ahoy,

Has anybody had any experience with the Sanyo Xacti VPCWH1 dual HDV/Still camera? If so, what are your impressions of th unit. I would like to use the camera mainly as diagnostic tool for instructing in a broad range of sea kayaking environments.

Thanks, Old Salty

Old Salty,
I'm using the Sanyo VPC-CA9. I'm not overly impressed with the electronics as I have had a number of software bugs. This is after returning my first camera for the same reasons. I've learnt to live with the bugs now.
I looked at the WH1 but decided against it due to the small still resolution and the size of the camera made it difficult to use easily whilst paddling. Mounting the VPC-CA9 with a gorillapod to the deck is easy with such a small camera. A final recommendation - if you buy the WH1, I would suggest also getting an extended warranty. Read the review at http://www.robertjohnthompson.com/page1/page1.html.

Bunyip,
Thanks for the info and link to review which identified some negatives with the camera. I think you made the right choice between the two models. I'll keep researching.
Old Salty

OldSalty

I too have the Sony VPC-CA9 and it has served me well for 8 months. I also use a Gorilla grip on deck to mount it on the boat. I have not had any issues with the camera but do soak it in fresh for 10 minutes after every outing and hand dry it. The only thing that it doesnt have compared to other videos Ive owned is the ability to shoot in very low light or darkness. Previously Ive owned Sony video cameras with infrared and have captured some great moments on trips in the dark. But for around $300 the VPC-CA9 does everything I need on the water is extremely portable and if it lasts 3 years I'll be happy.

Seabear

Seabear,
Thanks for your info. I'll probably go with the VPC-CA9.
Old Salty

The HD video on my Linux is amazingly good. I can plug it into my tV and watch it on a widescreen format, and the vision doesn't lose much in comparison to some of the kayak DVD stuff I've seen around (quality of the footage, not the idiot doing the shooting...)
It's ultra compact, mountable, water and shockproof, I can't imagine wanting much more without going to a really good quality cam in a housing or one of those fancy lipstick cameras.

Hi Mark, I assume you mean your Lumix. I have moved across from Pentax W60 to the Panasonic Lumix and been very impressed to date. The HD video is great but I tend to take too much footage and then don't have time or computer skills to edit and pretty it up. The times it has not been successful were when I fiddled with the settings to promote light or quality when the default video settings are usually fine. I usually have it caribinered to my lifejacket or mounted on the deck - yet to try a helmet mount for it.

An iMac for the family is on order (could have been another kayak I know!), so video production should surely improve!

Cheers
Graham

Yep, I know what you mean about the editing, I got some software called Roxio Toast which converts the HD Lumix format to MPEG4, then I use iMovie to edit, which is so easy it's ridiculous. I'd like one on my boat mount with a remote, so I don't have to leave the video running until I land or a paddling partner turns it off. I know that is what Justine has set up for all of her on water stuff, plus a few other whizz bang tricks. The hard part about video is making it look like what it looks like, and holding the camera in your hand or mounting to a helmet seems to flatten everything out on the screen. I've been playing with mine mounted to the bow, pointing back at me, and that seems to give a reasonably realistic representation. It's just a pity I can't edit out my own melon. Makes you appreciate how good the pro's are.

The latest version of imovie allows you to download straight from the Lumix and edit immediately, a seriously punter friendly drag and drop bit of software

Here's the first decent HD video I've managed to edit up from the Lumix HD camera.
http://vimeo.com/10219373

I'll have my Flip HD video with waterproof housing at the NSW SKC RnR at Bateman's Bay this weekend. A nice & compact, affordable unit. Hope to get some trial videos up afterwards.

Rob