If you’re a fan of water sports or if you’ve ever damaged a camcorder by getting it wet, you’ll be happy to know that DXG is offering a handful of camcorders that are just as happy to work 10 feet underwater as they are on dry land. Best of all, they’re all high definition and they all cost less than $125.
The DXG-5B2V Sportster is a budget-friendly HD camcorder with a 1/3.2" CMOS sensor. It can record 1280 x
720p video at 30 frames per second in the H.264 format and can also capture 12-megapixel digital still images. It can record video or stills underwater to a depth of 10 feet, for up to one hour.
The DXG-5B2V contains 128MB of built-in memory, and an SD/SDHC slot lets you use memory cards up to 16GB in size. You can compose and review video or still images on the DXG-5B2V’s large 3-inch LCD screen. A 3x digital zoom lets you close in on the action, and an LED video light helps you capture clear video in low-light settings. An HDMI output lets you watch your captured footage on an HDTV set and a switchable NTSC/PAL output allows connection to an analog TV set. Video and stills are transferred to a computer via a USB 2.0 port.
The DXG-5B2V is very compact, measuring roughly 4.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches and weighing only 9.17 ounces. Priced at $99.95, the camcorder’s cost is as small as its size.
If you’re looking for a submersible camcorder that can record 1080p video, consider the DXG-5B1V Sportster. Otherwise identical to the DXG-5B2V except for cosmetics, the DXG-5B1V records 1920 x 1080p video at 30 frames per second in the H.264 format and it has a 4x digital zoom. The watertight DXG-5B1V costs $124.95.
Many people, especially those that lead an active lifestyle, prefer a pistol-grip camcorder over the more conventional handheld style. When you’re recording the action and taking part in it at the same time, a pistol-grip camcorder is easier to hold and less likely to drop. That’s especially true when you’re shooting underwater. DXG therefore has its bases covered with the DXG-5B7V.
Aside from its pistol-grip design, the DXG-5B7V Sportster has the same specifications as the DXG-5B1V. It’s waterproof to 10 feet, shoots 1920 x 1080p HD video and 12-megapixel stills. It has an SD/SDHC expansion slot, a 3-inch LCD screen, 4x digital zoom and an LED video light. Also, just like the DXG-5B1V, the DXG-5B7V costs a watertight $124.95. The DXG-5B7V is a bit smaller and lighter than the DXG-5B1V. The DXG-5B7V measures 1.3 x 5 x 3.5 inches and weighs 5.64 ounces.
Regardless of the model you choose, any of these DXG camcorders will let you shoot in or near water with no fear of water damage. How can you go wrong?