The Sony DCR-HC94 and DCR-HC96 Mini DV Camcorders are two of Sony’s compact video cameras that offer plenty of features but remain easy to operate. Both have a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD Imager providing highly detailed and clear images. They both also have 10X optical zoom and 120x digital zoom allowing you to capture close up photos even from a distance. Glare and flare are reduced by the Carl-Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens’ multi-layer coating. This also results in realistic color saturation and vibrant images.
These fine camcorders, however, are confined to taking images on dry land. They cannot record you frolicking in the pool with your kids, braving churning whitewater rivers on an inflatable raft, snorkeling at sea, or diving 200 feet into the deep. To do all these, they have to be housed in an Ikelite 6038-25 Underwater Housing.
The housing is made of seamless clear polycarbonate with an optical glass port that is impervious to rust or corrosion. Because it is clear, you can actually see the camera at all times and check its settings, which you can adjust with the knobs and levers on the housing. These strategically positioned mechanical controls provide access to the camera’s own controls. These include the power on/off button, recording start/stop, zoom control, photo button, and back light.
Apart from the video camera, the sealing surfaces are also totally visible. This allows you to check if the Quad ring seal glands are properly installed before immersing the Ikelite 6038-25 in water.
Installing the camera into the housing is easy as there are guides inside. Once installed, the combined weight of the camcorder and housing results in a near neutral buoyancy which makes handling underwater not only manageable but also convenient.