Press Release

SILVERFISH underwater housing for camcorders

Universal and fit for the future

SILVERFISH is a new underwater housing with remarkable flexibility in application for camcorders having LANC-control. The housing manufactured by RWE Mechatronics will be delivered by AVD Videoproduktion GmbH.

This underwater housing intends to put an end to compatibility problems with regard to camcorder models and underwater housings. It can take many different types of camcorders—now and in future.

For the user, nearly all potentialities are left open: He will not have to stick to a certain manufacturer, e.g. when choosing a successor model for his camcorder. And the SILVERFISH can be used jointly, e.g. in clubs or diving schools.

Because of its versatility, uncomplicated operation and robustness the “SILVERFISH” housing is also suitable for commercial rental, e.g. in diving bases.

The possibility of renting a suitable underwater housing for the own camera at the vacation resort simplifies a lot. Costs, transport volume and weight are saved. All that is possible, provided that the own camcorder is equipped with a LANC-jack, its length does not exceed 220 mm and its diameter does not exceed 115 mm. And that holds true for many standard commercial camcorders.

SILVERFISH is not only brilliant due to its receptiveness of different camcorder sizes of various manufacturers, the line work of the housing makes also clear that this is the introduction of a potential prizewinner in design. The housing and all metal parts located at the outside are made of special-purpose steel (high-grade steel 1.4571), which is sea water resistant due to its high share of chromium and nickel. The process technology is pure high-tech. Hydro-forming, a process opening completely new possibilities for the design engineers. Water under high pressure distends a steel tube and presses its surface against the insides of a mould, so that its geometry is precisely depicted. Pressure from the inside and counter-pressure from the outside bend the metal—without interfering its structure. So, objects made of metal take shape, which up to now could only be made of plastic. When commissioning the SF at the latest, the user will realize, that the design has not only been based on optical, but also on ergonomic demands. The camcorder is simply fastened on the punched bar, being also suitable for the fastening of trimming weights, by means of a tripod screw. The camcorder and the control module are forming a unified whole, so that, when opening the housing, the total contents (camcorder, plug-type connections) can be pulled out without any dismantling and is then freely accessible.

With its solid double-handgrip the housing is easily maneuverable under water. Easy to operate, even when wearing gloves, are the solenoid push-button elements on both sides of the housing rear which communicate with the camcorder inside by a standardized LANC-interface. This is a prerequisite: The camcorder must be equipped with a LANC-interface.

The SF has been designed for unrestricted underwater video fun for demanding amateurs. But construction method, equipment and performance data make this device also interesting for professional use. The housing tube and the 12 mm thick, thermally hardened and colour-neutral front glass are dimensioned in such a manner, that a wide-angle converter, installed on the camcorder lens, can be used. At the housing rear, a built-in 2,5 inch TFT LCD display (480 width x 234 height) is working. Not a matter of course for housings in this price range.

It is fed by the four mignon batteries included in the scope of delivery (AA, LR6, AM-3) or corresponding NiCd/NiMH-storage batteries. The batteries allow for an operating period of approx. six hours. The display is protected against incidence of light by an anti-glare made of rubber.
The built-in underwater microphone is described to be well-balanced and efficient. The support bar between the two handgrips offers fastening possibilities for underwater lamps.

At the lowest point of the housing, in usual operating position, a leakage sensor has been installed, which will signalize even the slightest water entry by the yellow LED.

The SILVERFISH is suitable for a maximum diving depth of up to 160 m, which underlines its semiprofessional (and also professional) possibilities of application.

For a price of EUR 1,799.00 both the demanding amateur and the pro will receive an underwater housing, which they will enjoy even after several alternations in generations of camcorders.

Editor:
AVD Videoproduktion GmbH
Burgstrasse 17
53842 Troisdorf-Spich

Phone ++49 (0) 22 41 39 79-0
Fax ++49 (0) 22 41 39 79-499
E-Mail: team@silverfish.info
Internet: www.silverfish.info

Media contacts:

AVD Videoproduktion GmbH
Hans Knaust or Joachim Knaust
Phone ++49 (0) 22 41 39 79-0
Fax ++49 (0) 22 41 39 79-199