Home : Video course : Module 2: Video Housings : Video Housings

Regardless of the materials from which they are made housings fall into two basic categories; camcorder specific and universal. Camcorder specific housings only take one model whilst universal housings take many.

Camcorder specific housings usually only take the one camcorder because they rely on mechanical transmission of control functions (via levers and shafts drilled through the housing). Other models are precluded because their controls are in physically different places. The 'upgrade-ability' factor is an important feature to look for in a housing and mechanical housings do not score well on this point, although some can be adapted (at expense by the manufacturer) for other models of camcorder.

In their favor mechanical control housings are usually cheaper and sometimes the only option for obscure makes of camcorder. However, mechanical transmission of functions not only increases the potential for leaks, has moving parts that wear out (and therefore need to be serviced), but also you are physically limited as to how many functions you can access.

Universal housings usually have electronic controls. This system requires no holes in the housing as external controls transmit signals by electromagnetism through the body of the housing. The control buttons have magnets inside which come into proximity with a switch (called a reed relay) inside the housing when pressed. The switch then 'makes' and operates the appropriate control via electronic connection to the camcorder. Such systems need electronics inside in order to interface with the camcorder (and a flying lead with a mini jackplug, which plugs into the LANC - remote control - socket). This system has been around some time with video housings and is proven technology.

Electronic housings can usually take several models, which means that you have more choice and greater likelihood of getting the camcorder features that you want underwater.

To install the camcorder in the electronic housing you usually attach the camcorder to a universal tray via the tripod bush and then slot the tray into a guide rail. With electronic housings you just plug in the jackplug and you are ready to go! There are no fiddley connections that could be easily damaged.

A universal housing is an excellent investment because it is upgradeable to new models. You probably won't have to throw away this housing when you upgrade to a new camcorder. There can be no guarantees with universal (electronic) housings of course but, provided future models don't get bigger (unlikely) and as long as they have a remote plug (all modern camcorders have one for interface with editing equipment) then there is a good chance later models will fit. A good example is the  Top Dawg  housing.

Whether mechanical or electronic, controls should be positive and fall to hand. Strictly speaking, the only vital control functions to look for on a housing are Record and Stop. In most situations you can rely on the technology to focus automatically. However, you will want to zoom in and out to crop your shots for interest. Most housings have these controls as a minimum. Ideally you should be able to focus manually. This is particularly useful in low vis as autofocus systems may start hunting (searching) if there is a lot of particles in the water and so you will want to over-ride it.

Some top of the range housings allow you access to other functions. White balance control is useful to adjust for different lighting conditions, although most camcorders do this automatically anyway. Exposure control can be useful in contrasty conditions.

The housing should be contoured to fit like a glove, which means that it is more neutrally buoyant underwater than other designs. If it is not neutrally buoyant, the housing should be slightly positive.

Housings with wasted space in them should be avoided because the airspace will make them far too positively buoyant and therefore need ballast, which is not what you want to carry in your bags on your foreign diving holiday!