ScubaSight® Video System faq

Video System Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. Background
1. What is a ScubaSight® Video System?
2. Who do I contact for more information?

2. General Questions

3. Sizing questions

4. Construction & Materials Questions

5. Maintenance Questions
1. How do I clean and care for the the System ?

Answers

1. Background
1. What is ScubaSight® Video System?
  The system a fixture that your video camera is attached to and gives you the ability to capture video of the interaction between yourself and the action as it happens in front of you.
2. Who do I contact for more information?
  Contact us with any questions at: info@scubasight.com or for sales at: sales@scubasight.com
3. Where can I purchase the ScubaSight® Video System?
  You can order the Video System here.

2. General Questions
1. How does the system work?
  The system locates a mirror in an exact position in front of your video camera. The camera records the images in the mirror which are located behind the camera while also shooting the action in front. The result is a split screen video in which part of the screen shows the action that is happening behind the camera.
2. What will the video made with the system look like on the screen?
  Normally the screen will be split into left and right sections with the left section showing the action behind the camera. The system is designed to be used with your camera set on the widest setting which will result in the left side using approximately 42% of the screen.
  Here is an example
  It would also be possible to tilt the system 90 degrees and make an adjustment at editing that would result in the screen being split top and bottom.
3. Can the Underwater Video System be used above water ?
  Yes, but because of the magnification properties of water a larger mirror is needed for above water to completely fill out the section of the video that shows behind the camera. A larger mirror is available. Contact sales to order
4. Is the mirror scratch resistant ?
  The acrylic mirror is about as scratch resistant as the face of a dive computer.It will get a few scratches with normal use but they are hardly noticeable underwater. The back of the mirror has a coating that makes it a mirror and a special waterproof coating is sprayed over that to seal it.The coating and finish could be scratched off but that would not make the mirror ineffective.

3. Sizing Questions
1. How do I attach the hands free mount using the bungee straps ?
  The system comes with two extra long bungee strap and one of the knots is tied loosely. You simply move the knot around until you have a comfortable fit. Fully tighten the knot once you are finished and not before.
2. How tight should the bungee strap be ?
  The strap will stretch to almost twice its length but if it is stretched tightly on a bare skin or a thin wetsuit it could be uncomfortable.The bungee strap should be set up so that one strap goes around your wrist and the other strap around your hand. You can snug the knots loosely until you have the desired tightness. When you are sure of the fit you can tighten the knots. The excess strap may be trimmed if desired. The bungee will not fray past the knot but you can carefully melt the frayed ends of the bungee for a neater job.
3. Why is bungee cord used for the mirror strap ? Why not have a belt type strap like wrist computers ?
  The advantage of the bungee strap is that you can take the mount on and off without having to fasten a belt type strap with one hand. While underwater it is easy to quickly move the system to your opposite hand for a different type of shot. The bungee strap also allows you to gear up faster for your dive.

4. Construction & Materials Questions
1. How waterproof is the ScubaSight® Video System?
  The Video System is made for scuba diving and guaranteed to be completely waterproof.
2. Is the ScubaSight® Video System suitable for saltwater use?
  Yes, the system is made of all corrosion resistant materials including fasteners that are made of the more expensive 316 type of stainless steel.
3. What is acrylic mirror ?
  A lightweight plastic shatterproof mirror that has a reflectivity that is very close to silvered glass. The reflectivity of acrylic mirror is 85% to 90% compared to silvered glass which is 93%. The difference is not noticeable.
4. What is bungee cord and is it all the same ?
  Bungee cord is also known as shock cord. It has a core made up of multiple strands of elastic. The core is covered by a sheath or outside layer. All ScubaSight mounts use the highest quality marine grade bungee that is very strong and suitable for use in water and consists of a woven nylon sheath and a 12 strand rubber core.
5. How long will the bungee cord last?
  It will depend on the amount of use and sun exposure but it should last a number of years. You can easily replace it yourself at a low cost.

5. Maintenance Questions
1. How do I clean and care for the system?
  Abrasive cleaners, solvents or mask defog should never be used on any of the components. You may use a mild soap and water mixture with a gentle cleaning cloth to clean the mirror. Store the system where the mirror will not be scratched by other equipment. Like any scuba equipment it is best to rinse it after saltwater use. It is also recommended to limit sunlight exposure as much as possible.