Sony SPK-HCE Camcorder Sports Pack Waterhousing for Various Camcorders

2010-05-29T20:00:00

I used this case while snowboarding in Big Bear and wrecked with it. It still worked. I used it 6 months later for snorkeling at Catalina Island. The first time I took it out in to the water the lens on the case started to fog up because I didn't use the anti-fogging solution. I got out of the water and put the anti-fogging solution on the lens and it was clear. I was in the water with the camera for over an hour. The camera was taken to a depth of about 10 feet and still no leaks. The view finder worked fine, I could see everything on the mirror. As for buoyancy, I really didn't need to stay under water for long periods during snorkeling so it wasn't an issue. It's also nice to know that if I do drop it in the water during activities like Kayaking, I know it will still be there for me to pick it up.

Dokvii

Originally posted at

2009-11-21T19:00:00

So overall I like this housing. It has worked great for me in Hawaii and Socal. No leaking (as of yet). the buttons are setup nicely, feels sturdy, even records in audio (although as you can imagine there isn't much to hear underwater). The only complaints are that it is difficult to dive with, so you will need to add some weight to it for diving purposes. Also, the way the viewfinder is setup doesn't allow you to see anything you are recording unless you press your face right up to it. The main result is that you can't tell if you are capturing your subject or not. Another related issue is that you cannot tell if the camera is recording or not unless you push your face up against the viewfinder. It would be great if they could fix these few issues. That being said, it is only a couple hundred $$, which is well worth it. If I want pro features, I should be willing to pay the big $$.

skory

Originally posted at

2009-11-18T19:00:00

Mirror viewfinder very difficult to see, under water or above. I took my new $1000 HD camera on one snorkling trip, except for view finder being virtually useless and bouyancy problem, it seemed to work OK. On one dive at end of trip, about 1/4 cup of water leaked in. I surfaced immediately, maybe 5 seconds after going under. The camera did not seem wet, but 1 of the extra batteries I was using for ballast was, and later proved to be fried. I let the camera sit unused for 2 days. It seemed OK. 6 months later, it stopped working altogether. Sony Service Center said it was corroded inside, a non-warranty problem, and could not be fixed. I would not recommend this for U/W unless you want to risk losing your camera.

ProVideoGuy

Originally posted at

2009-11-02T19:00:00

the sony sport pack is great for the boat.we use ours for off shore tuna trips,there is salt water, fog, and blood we also put the sport pack on a mono pod and shoot under water as fish get close to the boat.i cant think of on bad thing to say about this product.

harbormaster p.

2009-09-01T21:00:00

I had a previous model housing for an old VHS-C Sony video camera that worked well after even 15 years of use and still fit the newer cameras. However, it was big and bulky and you couldn't use the lcd screen - hard to get the picture framed right underwater. This new case does it all. I have a Sony HDR-SR7 and it fits pefectly. You can even use the LCd screen fully. Also, this case comes with several bases to fit just about every model video camera that Sony puts out to get it set just right for viewing inside the case. Best of all is the price. I spent about $1,600.00 on my video camera and this case gives it fantastic protection [$] A VERY wise investment and cheap peace of mind. Grab one of these if you own a Sony video camera.

Christopher E.

2009-06-28T20:00:00

I purchased this unit for a Sony HDR-HC3 camcorder in February 2008. I have used it extensively in Tahiti, Hawaii and a water park in Orlando. It works well underwater. I did go well below 17 feet while Aquabiking, but it didn't cause in problems. I only had two problems: buoyancy and viewing the screen in the mirror. The buoyancy problem is solved with the use of weights. The mirror is marginally useful in pools and water parks, not in the ocean or lagoons. I gave up trying to see the images on the screen and looked through the viewfinder, which isn't easy while wearing snorkeling gear. That being said, I highly recommend this product. Great value for the money.

MauiNate

Originally posted at