Dive Gear with Full Warranties & Fast Free Shipping

Underwater Video System

The Sony HDR-HC7 is the latest generation of High Definition (HD) camcorders, capturing the highest quality HD video possible on MiniDV cassette. The revolutionary Seatool SHV-HC7 underwater housing conforms closely to the HC7 camcorder body, and thus is one of the smallest and lightest underwater video housings ever produced, and the smallest HD housing on the market. HD video continues to gain popularity in the consumer market, and the compact, affordable HC7 is Sony's most recent prosumer camcorder. It features high resolution and breathtaking imagery for both the hobbyist and serious amateur videographer. Paired with it, the new Seatool HC7 housing brings underwater HD video to divers in an equally compact and affordable package.

Highlights of the Sony HDR-HC7 Camcorder

3.2 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor
1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides 1080 lines of horizontal resolution in High Definition (HD) Mode or 530 lines in Standard Definition (SD) Mode, recorded on a standard MiniDV cassette. CMOS sensors require less power than traditional CCD, providing better battery performance. Still images are captured in JPEG format at 6.1 Megapixels, 2848x2136 resolution, onto Memory Stick Duo™. Dual recording capability allows capturing a 4.6 Megapixel image while recording in HD mode.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens
Sony's outstanding expertise in electronics and sensor technology, combined with the best lenses from Carl Zeiss, guarantee the best-possible picture and video quality. The Carl Zeiss lens has an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast, resulting in vivid images and true-to-life color saturation.

2.7" Wide 16:9 Touch Panel Clear Photo™ LCD Plus Display
The 2.7" Wide 16:9 LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles while providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.

Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization System
An advanced form of Sony's SteadyShot Image Stabilization system controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, achieving a superior level of smoothness without degradation of video.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System
Sony's rechargeable NP-FH series Lithium Ion batteries do not experience a life shortening "Memory Effect", and thus can be charged at any time. Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Using the included NP-FH70 battery, the HDR-HC7 can continuously record for approximately 2.5 hours on a single full charge. Using the optional NP-FH100 battery, the HDR-HC7 can continuously record for over 5 hours. Good news for travelers: All the Sony NP-FH series camcorder batteries contain less than 2 grams of equivalent lithium content (ELC) and are not restricted by TSA.

Want To See the Details Up Close?

Highlights of the Seatool SHV-HC7 housing

Ultra Compact, Lightweight Body
The Seatool HC7 underwater housing is machined from pure, solid blocks of corrosion resistant aluminum and polycarbonate, making it one of the smallest, lightest underwater video housings ever produced. Underwater it achieves nearly neutral buoyancy (0.62 lb, 0.285 kg negative).

Underwater Attachment Lens Ready
The popular 67mm lenses from Inon, Epoque, and Ikelite can be mounted to and removed from the housing while underwater for even more versatility. We stock optional Inon 100-degree wide angle lens and 130-degree conversion Dome Unit.

Ball Joint Mirror Monitor
To monitor the recorded image the mirror may be angled left to right and up and down. This affords maximum viewing depending on your position relative to the camera and subject. The LCD monitor inversion function flips the image to correct for the mirror image reversal.

Flip-type Internal Color Filter
The Seatool HC7 is fitted with an internal color correcting orange (blue water) filter. The filter is installed inside the housing, in front of the camera lens where it cannot be scratched. Flip a single lever to move the filter over or away from lens. Additionally, the multi-coated optical glass port controls flare and resists scratching.

3-Position Adjustable Remote Control Grip
The grip can be adjusted to three different positions. The horizontal position is suitable for clipping off during entries and exits, and also for packing. Two additional positions provide flexibility depending on diving style or shooting situation. The remote panel features durable brushed aluminum buttons, offering easily accessible control for:

• Power On/Off
• AF/MF switch
• Mode change (video, still camera, playback)
• Flash On/Off
• Photo shutter
• Record/standby
• Tele/Wide zoom
• VTR playback functions (play, fast forward, rewind, stop)

The recording indicator and leak sensor lamps are also on the remote panel, making them easily visible, and thus providing immediate warning of unintentional recording and water leakage. Other manually controlled functions include: Backlight button, White balance shift, Exposure shift, Iris, Shutter speed, Manual focus. While adjustment to the white balance shift can be made underwater, the one push white balance must be set prior to diving.

Dual Latch Sealing System
The HC7 housing features a new dual latch sealing system. The hinged cap has two locking latches to provide extra security, and the new larger diameter o-ring ensures better protection against leaks.

Operational Depth
Seatool has officially rated this housing as operational to a depth of 262 fsw (80 meters). However, our extensive diving experience demonstrates the housing controls are operational to 330 fsw (100 meters). Dive Rite Express will correct any housing controls that fail to operate at depths up to 330 fsw (100 meters).

Want To See the Details Up Close?

Accessories for the Underwater Video System

Inon UWL-100 Wide Conversion Lens
Adding the Inon conversion lens both widens the camcorder angle of view (very effective when shooting wrecks) and allows closer focusing thereby decreasing the amount of water between camcorder and subject. The Inon UWL-100 achromat wide angle conversion lens is wet mountable and increases the view angle on the Seatool housing from approximately 40 degrees to 80 degrees. The lens is constructed of high quality optical glass with multi-layer anti-reflective coating on both sides. Five lens elements are arranged in four groups designed to correct for chromatic and spherical aberration for superior lens performance.

Inon Dome Unit for UWL-100 Lens
The dome unit is a converter which is attached to a UWL-100 lens. A dome port significantly improves the refraction, distortion and chromatic aberrations inherent a flat port. The combined UWL-100 lens and dome unit further increases the lens view angle to 107 degrees. The dome unit is also made of high quality optical glass with multi-coated anti-reflection. The shade/protector minimizes flare and ghosting when positioned correctly at the top and bottom of the lens.

Seatool HC7 Housing Grip and Tray
Using an adjustable t-slide plate, a left hand grip can be attached to the SVR-HC7 housing. Both are constructed of machined aluminum for light weight and durability. The grip can be used to attach a light, strobe, or (with an attached lens caddy) a conversion lens.

Seatool Lens Caddy
The Seatool lens caddy mounts to the housing grip and holds the 67mm lens when not in use.

Q: Where's the Underwater Video System?

Raw High Definition Video

Video is © Copyright Fill Express, LLC

Click on the image above to pop-up a new window containing the Quicktime video. The video has not been processed for internet viewing; the raw file is 40 MB and may take a minute or two to download before the video actually displays. It's also a very large window, so depending upon your screen size you may have to use the browser scroll bars and the player controls to resize for viewing.