HD Dive Video System
HD Dive Video System
Choose Your Depth, Choose Your Camera!
Emerald Diving is the sole authorized distributor in North America offering the combined H2OV/ContourHD underwater video system. If you are interested in purchasing a system or becoming a retailer, please contact sales@emeralddiving.com or call 206.321.9923.
H2OV EXAMPLE VIDEOS
Port Hardy, BC
Green water diving. Artifical lighting source used at deeper depths. (Firefox not supported)
Green water diving. Artifical lighting source used at deeper depths. (Firefox not supported)
Roatan, Honduras
Tropical blue water diving. No artificial lighting source used. (YouTube)
Tropical blue water diving. No artificial lighting source used. (YouTube)
H2OV MAGAZINE REVIEW
ScubaDiver info
Independent review of the H2OV system by on-line scuba magazine www.scubadiverinfo.com.
Independent review of the H2OV system by on-line scuba magazine www.scubadiverinfo.com.
.jpg)
Above images courtesy of ScubaDiver info.
San Clemente, CA
Wreck diving to 270'. Artificial spot light used. (YouTube)
Wreck diving to 270'. Artificial spot light used. (YouTube)
St. Kitts and Saba
Tropical blue water. Vis was not great on this dive. Artifical light used sparingly (YouTube)
Tropical blue water. Vis was not great on this dive. Artifical light used sparingly (YouTube)
Key Largo, FL
Diving the Northern Lights at 180' with Halcyon's Casey McKinney (YouTube)
Diving the Northern Lights at 180' with Halcyon's Casey McKinney (YouTube)
Emerald Diving offers compact video solutions for scuba divers featuring the high performance Contour sports HD camcorders. The recreational diver will appreciate the very affordable Contour HD Scuba Video System featuring the new 196' (60m) Contour waterproof case for the Contour GPS and ROAM camcorders. Technical divers wanting to venture deeper can do so with the proven GMS Concepts H2Ov enclosure that has been used at depths as deep as 636' (194m). Whether you are cruising the sunlit reefs of Palau or exploring deep cave systems in Mexico, Contour can capture your diving adventures in brilliant HD video.
Unlike conventional underwater scuba video systems, the Contour scuba systems do not have a viewfinder. The system is simply intended to be pointed in the direction of the subject so the wide angle lens of the camera can capture all the action in front of the diver. And of course, the Contour camera can be used to capture "point of view" and other unique perspectives in many other recreational activities, including snow sports, cycling, power sports, and other water sports.
High-end results with a lightweight, easy to travel with, easy to dive with, and easy to use system - starting at under $240. This is what Contour scuba systems are all about.
Contour currently offers three different models of camcorders. The new Contour ROAM serves as the base model that delivers high quality 1080p video and is packed with features. The Contour GPS adds GPS data integration into the video file and BlueTooth connectivity which enables certain Apple iOS and Android devices to serve as a limited view finder for the camera and change the camera's configuration settings in the field (ConnectView card required for iOS). The Contour+ is Contour's flagship camera featuring HDMI steaming and playback, an external mic jack, and other high end options. Below is a complete feature comparison between Contour's three camera models. Choose the camera that meets your needs!
Unlike conventional underwater scuba video systems, the Contour scuba systems do not have a viewfinder. The system is simply intended to be pointed in the direction of the subject so the wide angle lens of the camera can capture all the action in front of the diver. And of course, the Contour camera can be used to capture "point of view" and other unique perspectives in many other recreational activities, including snow sports, cycling, power sports, and other water sports.
High-end results with a lightweight, easy to travel with, easy to dive with, and easy to use system - starting at under $240. This is what Contour scuba systems are all about.
Contour currently offers three different models of camcorders. The new Contour ROAM serves as the base model that delivers high quality 1080p video and is packed with features. The Contour GPS adds GPS data integration into the video file and BlueTooth connectivity which enables certain Apple iOS and Android devices to serve as a limited view finder for the camera and change the camera's configuration settings in the field (ConnectView card required for iOS). The Contour+ is Contour's flagship camera featuring HDMI steaming and playback, an external mic jack, and other high end options. Below is a complete feature comparison between Contour's three camera models. Choose the camera that meets your needs!
Contour Camcorder Comparison Chart
Contour ROAM Contour GPS Contour+
PRICE $199.99 $299.99 $499.99
VIDEO/AUDIO SPECS
Video - 30 frames/sec 1080p, 960p, 720p 1080p, 960p, 720p 1080p, 960p, 720p
Video - 60 frames/sec N/A 720p 720p
Lens angle (720p, 960p) 170° 135° 170°
Lens angle (1080p) 125° 110° 125°
Focal length 0.5m to infinity 0.5m to infinity 0.5m to infinity
Microphone Internal only Internal only Internal and extermal
PAL and NTSC YES YES YES
Video file format .MOV .MOV .MOV
White Balance Auto Auto Adjustable
FEATURES
Lens rotations 270° 180° 270°
Waterproof Yes - IPX/7 No No
Outer shell Aluminum & fiberglass Aluminum & fiberglass Aluminum & fiberglass
One-touch recording YES NO NO
GPS Data Integration NO YES YES
BlueTooth config and viewfinder NONE iOS and Android iOS and Android
HDMI live streaming NO NO YES
HDMI playback NO NO YES
5 MP continuous photo mode Yes Yes Yes
Integrated Mounts T-Rail and universal T-Rail T-Rail
Controls One-touch recording Power button & record slider Power button & record slider
Lasers Leveling laser Dual alighment laser Dual alighment laser
POWER
Battery Integrated Removable Removable
Battery Type Rechargable Li-ion Rechargable Li-ion Rechargable Li-ion
Record Time ( 70 degreees) 3-4 hours 1.5-3 hours 1.5-3 hours
MEMORY
Media type microSD microSD microSD
SD card included NONE 2GB 2GB
1080p memeory usage 7 to 15 minutes/GB 7 to 15 minutes/GB 7 to 15 minutes/GB
PRICE $199.99 $299.99 $499.99
VIDEO/AUDIO SPECS
Video - 30 frames/sec 1080p, 960p, 720p 1080p, 960p, 720p 1080p, 960p, 720p
Video - 60 frames/sec N/A 720p 720p
Lens angle (720p, 960p) 170° 135° 170°
Lens angle (1080p) 125° 110° 125°
Focal length 0.5m to infinity 0.5m to infinity 0.5m to infinity
Microphone Internal only Internal only Internal and extermal
PAL and NTSC YES YES YES
Video file format .MOV .MOV .MOV
White Balance Auto Auto Adjustable
FEATURES
Lens rotations 270° 180° 270°
Waterproof Yes - IPX/7 No No
Outer shell Aluminum & fiberglass Aluminum & fiberglass Aluminum & fiberglass
One-touch recording YES NO NO
GPS Data Integration NO YES YES
BlueTooth config and viewfinder NONE iOS and Android iOS and Android
HDMI live streaming NO NO YES
HDMI playback NO NO YES
5 MP continuous photo mode Yes Yes Yes
Integrated Mounts T-Rail and universal T-Rail T-Rail
Controls One-touch recording Power button & record slider Power button & record slider
Lasers Leveling laser Dual alighment laser Dual alighment laser
POWER
Battery Integrated Removable Removable
Battery Type Rechargable Li-ion Rechargable Li-ion Rechargable Li-ion
Record Time ( 70 degreees) 3-4 hours 1.5-3 hours 1.5-3 hours
MEMORY
Media type microSD microSD microSD
SD card included NONE 2GB 2GB
1080p memeory usage 7 to 15 minutes/GB 7 to 15 minutes/GB 7 to 15 minutes/GB
Depth Rating 400 feet (121m) at factory
636 feet (195m) field tested
Material: Acrylic and stainless steel
Controls: Power on/off (push-button)
Record on/off (magnetic)
Front Lens : Scratch resistent coating
Optical grade acrylic
Custom front lens guard
Mounting: 1/4" 20 adhesive block
Optional hand-strap
Optional stay-base
Specifications: 16.0 ounces (340g)
121mm X 80mm X 54mm
Buoyancy: Slightly negative in salt water
Warranty: One year (parts and labor)
Included : Spare o-ring, adhesive
mounting block, housing
636 feet (195m) field tested
Material: Acrylic and stainless steel
Controls: Power on/off (push-button)
Record on/off (magnetic)
Front Lens : Scratch resistent coating
Optical grade acrylic
Custom front lens guard
Mounting: 1/4" 20 adhesive block
Optional hand-strap
Optional stay-base
Specifications: 16.0 ounces (340g)
121mm X 80mm X 54mm
Buoyancy: Slightly negative in salt water
Warranty: One year (parts and labor)
Included : Spare o-ring, adhesive
mounting block, housing
H2Ov Housing Specifications
Authorized Emerald Diving Retail Partners:
Washington
Hi-Def Scuba - Seattle
iScubaZ - West Seattle
Northwest Sports Divers - Lynnwood
GMS Concepts - Maple Valley
Oklahoma
Bluewater Divers, OKC - Oklahoma City
South Carolina
Lake Jocassee Dive Shop, Salem
New York
Leisure Pro, New York
Florida
Silent World Diving Center, Key Largo
Tennessee, Johnson City
Sub-Surface Adventures
Georgia
Diver-Supply.com, Macon
Washington
Hi-Def Scuba - Seattle
iScubaZ - West Seattle
Northwest Sports Divers - Lynnwood
GMS Concepts - Maple Valley
Oklahoma
Bluewater Divers, OKC - Oklahoma City
South Carolina
Lake Jocassee Dive Shop, Salem
New York
Leisure Pro, New York
Florida
Silent World Diving Center, Key Largo
Tennessee, Johnson City
Sub-Surface Adventures
Georgia
Diver-Supply.com, Macon
Artificial light is the key to consistently achieve rich color in your underwater videos - no matter what camera you use. Good video results can certainly be achieved at shallower depth when visibility is good and plenty of ambient light is present. As depth increases, the upper end of the light spectrum quickly refracts in water and leaves everything tinted blue or green. The only way to recover natural color deep underwater is to bring a small part of the sun on your dive. However traditional video lights are typically very bulky and expensive (+$1000s) - both characteristics that contradict what the Contour scuba systems are all about.
Video Lighting
After an extensive research with Sartek Industries, Emerald Diving is proud to present a new lighting systems which complements the H2Ov. This system is small, compact, high performance, and relatively inexpensive. Each Sartek rechargdeable Li-ion powered LED light emits 500 lumens in an even 120 degree flood beam which is perfect for video. The light temperature is about 6000K, very close to that of natural sunlight. Used in tandem, these lights are a very effective light source for the H2Ov in lower light situations, even given the wide angle lens of the camera. The lights will emit full output for approximately 1.5 hours and continue to emit usable light for another 4-6 hours. Each video light system includes, a flexible video light arm, LED video light, video light holders, extra battery, and charger. The video lights are activated by simply twisting the light head. This system also make an outstanding modeling lights for digital still cameras.
The total output of the H2Ov lighting system output is approximately 1000 lumens (2X 500 lumen LED lights at full output). In bright waters, 1000 lumens is typically not enough light to overcome the effects of bright filtered sunlight through the water. In fact, 3000 lumens is often not enough to make an noticeable impact. Professional systems costing many thousands of dollars often exceed 10,000 lumens output and still must be used in close proximity to the subject in bright water. The H2Ov lighting system is particularly effective in providing vibrant illumination in lower light situations where the subject is within 3-5 feet.
The total output of the H2Ov lighting system output is approximately 1000 lumens (2X 500 lumen LED lights at full output). In bright waters, 1000 lumens is typically not enough light to overcome the effects of bright filtered sunlight through the water. In fact, 3000 lumens is often not enough to make an noticeable impact. Professional systems costing many thousands of dollars often exceed 10,000 lumens output and still must be used in close proximity to the subject in bright water. The H2Ov lighting system is particularly effective in providing vibrant illumination in lower light situations where the subject is within 3-5 feet.
Gulf Islands, BC
Diving around Thetis Island in BC. Video highlights the new Sartek mini LED lighting system used with the H2Ov. Come see the light! (Firefox not supported)
Diving around Thetis Island in BC. Video highlights the new Sartek mini LED lighting system used with the H2Ov. Come see the light! (Firefox not supported)
Output: 500 lumens
Beam: 120 degree flood
Light Temp: 6000K
Burn Time: 1.5 hours at full output
4-6 hours of usable light
Battery Cell: Single 3.4V Li-ion w/protection circuit
Dimensions: 1" diameter x 4.5" length
Weight: 0.25 lbs.
Depth rating: 1000'
Switch: Twist to activate/deactivate
Body Material: Delrin
Seal: Double o-ring
Included w/kit: Charger, battery, mounting arm
Manufacturer: Sartek Industries
Warranty: Limited Lifetime (excluding battery)
Beam: 120 degree flood
Light Temp: 6000K
Burn Time: 1.5 hours at full output
4-6 hours of usable light
Battery Cell: Single 3.4V Li-ion w/protection circuit
Dimensions: 1" diameter x 4.5" length
Weight: 0.25 lbs.
Depth rating: 1000'
Switch: Twist to activate/deactivate
Body Material: Delrin
Seal: Double o-ring
Included w/kit: Charger, battery, mounting arm
Manufacturer: Sartek Industries
Warranty: Limited Lifetime (excluding battery)
H2Ov Lighting System Specifications
Mounting Options
The uniquely compact Contour scuba systems are designed to be mounted in a number of configurations. Both the H2Ov enclosure and Contour GPS waterproof case include mounts which accept a 1/4" 20 screw. Emerald Diving offer two custom mounts for both the H2Ov and Contour GPS waterproof case:
Emerald Diving Delrin Stay-base: The stay-base is undeniable the best way for most divers to obtain quality video while diving. Two hand operation provides superior steadiness. This custom 10" wide Delrin stay-base is the ideal video platform.
Each base offers two "no-spin" Delrin handles with contoured rubber grips for steady video operation. The Emerald Diving video lighting system easily mounts to the top of each handle. The entire video system (camera, housing, base, and lights) weights a under 3 pounds (1.5kg). Easy to travel with, easy to setup, and easy to shoot HD video.
The Emerald Diving Delrin stay-base also offsets the positive buoyancy of the Contour GPS waterproof case. Ideally, video equipment should be slightly negatively buoyant in case it is inadvertently dropped or released.
Emerald Diving Hand-strap: Both the H20v and Contour GPS waterproof case are small enough to be carried on the back of a hand using the hand-strap. This allows the fingers of the hand available for other tasks, such as adjusting gear. Video can also be taken using the hand-strap, however it requires a steady hand. The 1.5" nylon webbing strap is user adjustable and works well with or without dive gloves. Shooting steady video with the hand-strap does take some patience and practice.
GMS DPV Mount: Built for the H2Ov only, this solid Delrin mount includes a cam-strap to secure the camera and mount to any cylindrical DPV. The camera orientation can be changed and locked at any angle while mount is attached to the DPV.
Each base offers two "no-spin" Delrin handles with contoured rubber grips for steady video operation. The Emerald Diving video lighting system easily mounts to the top of each handle. The entire video system (camera, housing, base, and lights) weights a under 3 pounds (1.5kg). Easy to travel with, easy to setup, and easy to shoot HD video.
The Emerald Diving Delrin stay-base also offsets the positive buoyancy of the Contour GPS waterproof case. Ideally, video equipment should be slightly negatively buoyant in case it is inadvertently dropped or released.
Emerald Diving Hand-strap: Both the H20v and Contour GPS waterproof case are small enough to be carried on the back of a hand using the hand-strap. This allows the fingers of the hand available for other tasks, such as adjusting gear. Video can also be taken using the hand-strap, however it requires a steady hand. The 1.5" nylon webbing strap is user adjustable and works well with or without dive gloves. Shooting steady video with the hand-strap does take some patience and practice.
GMS DPV Mount: Built for the H2Ov only, this solid Delrin mount includes a cam-strap to secure the camera and mount to any cylindrical DPV. The camera orientation can be changed and locked at any angle while mount is attached to the DPV.
The H2Ov mounted to the custom Delrin two-handle stay-base, shown with the option H2Ov LED lighting system.
Both the H2Ov and Contour waterproof cases can easily be carried and used while mounted to the optional hand-strap.
ContourHD1080p in the H2Ov housing
Contour Waterproof Case Specs
Depth Rating 196 feet (60m)
Material: Polycarbonate, plastic,
stainless steel
Controls: Power on/off (push-button)
Record on/off (magnetic)
Front Lens : Scratch resistent coating
Mounting: 1/4" 20 on base
Optional hand-strap
Optional stay-base
Buoyancy: Positive in salt water
Negative with stay-base
Warranty: 180 days (parts and labor)
Included : Spare o-ring, housing
Material: Polycarbonate, plastic,
stainless steel
Controls: Power on/off (push-button)
Record on/off (magnetic)
Front Lens : Scratch resistent coating
Mounting: 1/4" 20 on base
Optional hand-strap
Optional stay-base
Buoyancy: Positive in salt water
Negative with stay-base
Warranty: 180 days (parts and labor)
Included : Spare o-ring, housing
Contour Scuba System
Contour ROAM, GPS or Contour+ Camcorder
Depth Rating: 196' (60m)
Polycarbonate Construction
Controls: Power Button and Record Switch
Price (Camera and Case): Starting at $239.99
Click for Data Sheet
Contour ROAM, GPS or Contour+ Camcorder
Depth Rating: 196' (60m)
Polycarbonate Construction
Controls: Power Button and Record Switch
Price (Camera and Case): Starting at $239.99
Click for Data Sheet
H2Ov Scuba System
Contour GPS or Contour+ Camcorder
Depth Rating: over 400' (120m)
3/8" Acrylic and Stainless Steel
Controls: Power Button and Record Switch
Price (Camera and Case): Starting at $599.99
Click for Data Sheet
Contour GPS or Contour+ Camcorder
Depth Rating: over 400' (120m)
3/8" Acrylic and Stainless Steel
Controls: Power Button and Record Switch
Price (Camera and Case): Starting at $599.99
Click for Data Sheet
1080p HD Scuba Video System for UNDER $240!!
Contour ROAM in the Contour waterproof case
The stay-base typically produces the best video results as it provides a more stable two-hand operation.
Reaching new DEPTHS
From expedition leader Richard Harris on a National Geographic cave diving shoot at the Pearse Resurgence in New Zealand ...
"Just back this morning from NZ and I have only got great things to say about the H2Ov housings! We dived the housings extensively during the 2 week trip from depths of 20 to 194 meters, (636 feet) (2 of the housings did the deepest dive) and no hint of a problem. I think you can safely increase your housing depth rating!"
From expedition leader Richard Harris on a National Geographic cave diving shoot at the Pearse Resurgence in New Zealand ...
"Just back this morning from NZ and I have only got great things to say about the H2Ov housings! We dived the housings extensively during the 2 week trip from depths of 20 to 194 meters, (636 feet) (2 of the housings did the deepest dive) and no hint of a problem. I think you can safely increase your housing depth rating!"
Accessories
Contour Scuba
H2Ov
Documentation
Ready To Buy?
Check out the current specials offered by our authorized retailers:
Hi-Def Scuba Video
Complete packages from $700
Base packages from $275
Free waterproof case with camera purchase
Hi-Def Scuba Video
Complete packages from $700
Base packages from $275
Free waterproof case with camera purchase
GMS Goodman Handle: Solid Delrin and stainless steel goodman-style handle for the H2Ov only.
