Water proof camera...Tachyon XC....

I was browsing an ATV forum that I frequent, and some folks were comparing the Oregon Scientific ATC2K Waterproof Action Cam, and the Tachyon XC Waterproof Action Cam.  Both have reduced sound quality compared to standard recording devices, as the mic's are internal to keep it waterproof.  Doubt sound is necessary as most people voice over with music anyways.   

Folks were saying that the video/camera picture quality in low light was much better with the Tachyon over the ATC2K.   And the Tachyon was a lot more user friendly.  I was reading through the manual on the Tachyon, and it has a little remote control fob for starting and stopping video recording.  (Although the remote itself is not waterproof, a ziplock bag, or balloon will make quick work of that.)  I figure it could be hung on a lanyard around the neck, wrist, or even attach it to the rod handle somehow for quick control of the camera.  The manual has a camera (still shot) feature, and if I read this correctly, you can use the remote to shoot the pics with as well.  If this is true, I would imagine that it would be easy enough to mount the camera out over the water, in front, rear, or side of the yak, and be able to shoot oneself by remote control.   


In comparison, the ATC2K is only waterproof to 10 ft, and the Tachyon is waterproof to 28 ft. 
Now imagine dunking the camera under the kayak and shoot underwater video of the "Fish on"!   Of course water clarity will dictate the quality of that video/picture.

http://tachyoninc.com/main.html
http://tachyoninc.com/manual/XC_Manual_October_14_2008.pdf




http://www.atc2k.com/
http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/browse.asp?cid=8&scid=107&src=52

Seems I remember somebody had one of the Oregon Scientific cams at the Pacific City Classic but I can't remember who.  Looked like a slick little set-up.

that might have been me.

That's right it was you.  So how do you like it now after some more use?

eh, I'll live.

actually since everything it does is converted to a FAT 16 format, I've had some issues when downloading to my desktop, which is running Win2KPro and FAT 32 NTFS. I'm thinking , tho that my biggest problem is i may not have enough ram onboard to make things work smoothly. trying to fix that this month, so i can start off loading the mini SD cards.

 it takes so so video, you don't want things to be really fast action or too far away or it pixellates badly. i think CBY is probably the master of the AtC2k, cause I've not been able to get the great quality he did with the ones he has ( had? Roy?) the controls are a bit klunky to operate at 1st, and i need a set of binos to read the tiny charset that shows up on-screen. one thing i do give them tho. they give you a lot of accessories to enable you to mount the thing just about anyplace you want. caveat there, don't expect the wimpy glue they use on some of the pre-glued straps and velcro parts to hold well. go get some Gorilla Glue at Waldo's  or ace hardware and use that as a supplement/replacement.

panning this thing like i have , i do have to give credit where due. if you want an inexpensive [ i paid $90.00 in Costco for mine, and have seen them retailing on the shelves of Joe's for about the same) 1st time water proof camera to learn on, it might be your best bet. you probably have all the gear at home in the form of older puters and stuff that would make learning how to edit and compile video really cheap and easy.

also, was just thinking we did a group review or discussion on this camera back in the spring of the year. just havent taken the time to look for it.

Richard, does yours have the ability to take single snap shots?  I didn't read the manual for that ATC2K to see if it does or not.

Richard, no need to answer, I found my answer in this side by side comparison of the two. (Actually comparing the newer model of the ATC)



Polepole modified YouTube link.

I've used a few of those waterproof helmet cam video jobs...none of them are that great. Really the only way to go if you want high quality video is a regular HD video camera, put inside a hd high quality waterproof housing.

In total, this will cost you $800-1200, but you get proffessional quality HD video.

We just got a Cannon Vixia HV30 HD hand held video camera that was about $800. We're looking at the waterproof housing for this guy, and have priced it at $280.

It takes stills also. check it out. it's cool.

-Jason

Anybody here ever try this unit?  I'd be interested in what you think if you've used this camera.  Thanks

Alan

Its an old thread, but i have used several digital cameras with underwater housings for work.  The most recent one I purchased was from Adorama. Its a 12.2 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P5100.  It shoots great video and still pictures.  You can get a kit, the "Fantasea FP-5000 Underwater Camera Housing Kit with Nikon Coolpix P5100 Digital Camera" for $442.  There are less expensive kits available as well.


It can be bulky with the housing, but it is fully functional.  There are also great accessories you can get.  I had a Sony before, but the hinges are (or should i say were) plastic, and broke.  This one has stainless steel connectors.

Craig